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World Skating FederationQ&A with Ron PfenningMay 2, 2003
I would like to thank Mr. Ron Pfenning for taking the time for this interview while the organization is still in its infancy stages. All questions pertaining to the WSF were answered and are grouped in the index below the excerpt. You have the option of clicking on the subjects below or simply reading the interview from the beginning. Page 1 2
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6 Excerpt: What Was the Inspiration Behind WSF? Lisa: I am so glad this organization was formed, what was the inspiration behind it? I am a skater myself, is there any way I can get involved in the federation? Rachel L.: What's you're main reason for wanting to take over as the governing skating body? I hope it's not for position or money, but that you really have the skaters in mind. Ron: Being an ISU Office Holder since 1994, I have observed first-hand the corruption in our sport, the lack of willingness by the ISU Council to take a strong stand against cheating by judges, the breaches of authority by the President and Council, the disregard for its own Constitution and Regulations, the control of the ISU in the hands of speed skating, and the lack of respect for its athletes in its governance. Our sport lost confidence and respect from the fans and sponsors when the judging system became suspect and the judging system today is a totally secret process; there is no longer accountability of the judges, no one (other than someone in the ISU office, who is not a figure skater) knows who exactly gave what marks and placements. The ISU Regulations clearly state who is responsible for the evaluation of judges and these rules are no longer being followed. What is it the ISU is trying to hide? When the corruption was discovered at the Olympic Winter Games in SLC, the solution from the ISU was to throw a veil of secrecy over Figure Skating when they should have been opening up the sport to a complete review and analysis. A primary factor behind the inspiration for the WSF was to give the athletes and coaches a voice in the governance of the sport. And also to recognize that for so many years, the revenue needed to operate the ISU has been generated through Figure Skating events, and Figure Skating has not received its proportionate share; the revenue is shared with ISU administration and speed skating. In answer to your last question, the WSF very much needs volunteers and financial support; you can find on our web site, www.worldskating.org, how you can participate in the WSF. Index of Topics |
Ron
Pfenning (USA), Acting President of the World Skating Federation, is an
ISU Championship and Olympic Referee for figure skating and ice dance.
He has served on the ISU Figure Skating Technical Committee since 1994.
Within the USFSA, he is a national referee for figure skating, ice dance,
and synchronized skating. He has chaired the Nominating, Rules, Judges,
and Competition committees; served as Sectional Vice Chairman of the Competition
and Judges committees; served as Eastern Vice President; and served on
the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee. Together
with Jon Jackson, he initiated the formation of the World Skating Federation.
The Constitution is available at http://www.worldskating.org and the General
Rules and Technical Rules, currently under development, will be posted
there when complete.