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World Skating Federation

Q&A with Ron Pfenning

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Internal Affairs

Peter M.: Will the WSF call for emphasis in skating to be more on artistry than jumping?

Ron: I don't believe we will have more emphasis on artistry than technical elements (jumping) or visa versa. Our unique sport combines both athleticism and artistry and that balance should be maintained.

John S.: Will the WSF try to develop and support a skating Age-Group program like the one in gymnastics? I'm not referring to "lessons". I mean a well structured training and competition program broken down by age-groups and class levels... from which qualified elite skaters can be chosen based on their proven ability and performance.

Ron: The WSF is currently addressing international competitions at the Junior and Senior levels. The qualifications to enter these competitions will be established by each member federation. The type of defined and developed program your question addresses could be endorsed by the WSF but the program would need to be implemented by individual member federations.

Dr. B.: One of the weaknesses of the ISU, in my opinion, is that it is an association of national federations, not of people. This guarantees that the powerful federations and their political allies will rule the roost. I notice that you have been careful to list individuals among your founding membership, not federations. Yet your constitution says that, in common with the ISU, the "members" of the WSF will be the same old (corrupt?) national federations. What will be the role of the national federations within the WSF? If a national federation, say Japan's, throws its support to the WSF, does that mean that all the athletes from that country will automatically be competing in WSF events, and not in those sponsored by the ISU? If the Russian Federation said nix to the WSF, would it still be possible for individual skaters (Alexei Yagudin, for instance) to jump ship? Will you encourage individuals in other countries to form rebel national federations in competition with the established ones?

Ron: The Olympic Charter requires International Federations to represent National Governing Bodies that oversee the sport in different countries. Therefore the WSF Constitution reflects the requirement: that it be composed of member federations. The governmental structure of the WSF is unique in that the 17-member Council has a representative from each of 6 zones, and those representatives are elected by only members from that zone. Currently in the ISU all members (speed and figure) vote for all Council members; thus, as you say, it is possible for powerful federations and their political allies to rule the roost. That will not be the case in the WSF.

Toni R.: If the WSF does become recognized as a/the governing body what will happen to skaters whose country(ies) won't recognize the change?

Ron: There will be provisions in the WSF Rules to permit an athlete, from a country that does not belong to the WSF, to compete in a WSF event should they so desire.

Dr. B.: Do you have any events scheduled yet? Any irons in the fire?

Greg R.: What time frame would you anticipate it would take to have the WSF host a World Championship type event?

Ron: We do not have any events scheduled yet. Yes, we do have some irons in the fire; until confirmed, I would rather not say more. I cannot provide you with an anticipated date to host a World Championship-type event.

Alicelouise: What will be the competition format of the World Championships sponsored by the WSF? Will there be a limit on skaters per country? Can a skater enter the competition as an independent; if their country doesn't send them? Will the WSF classify skaters as "eligible" or "ineligible"? Will "eligible" and "ineligible" skaters be able to skate in the WSF World Championships (for example Brian Boitano and Evgeni Plushenko)?

Phebe S.: Could the formation of the WSF mean more skating competitions for professional figure skaters?

Ron: The competition format of the WSF World Championships will be similar to the current worlds. Every member federation will be entitled to at least one entry. A skater could enter as an independent if their member federation does not belong to the WSF. The WSF will not distinguish between eligible and ineligible as is currently done. In the WSF one can lose their eligibility either by being found guilty of drug/substance abuse violations, or for violations of the WSF Code of Conduct or Code of Ethics. It is the vision of the WSF to have all skating under its umbrella and provide competitions for all athletes. It would be possible to have a World Championship for the Olympic-bound athletes and a separate World Championship for those athletes no longer competing in the Olympic track. Looking to the future, we cannot overlook the adult skaters around the world who are an important part of the Figure Skating family and deserve a Championship. Without question under the WSF umbrella there could be more competitions for the 'professional' figure skater.

Karen H.: What is the percentage breakdown of the WSF council envisaged by the current sponsors - what percentage will be made up of athletes (past and current) vs. judges vs. other administrators?

Ron: The WSF Council is composed of 17 individuals - President (6%), Vice President (6%), 6 geographical zone representatives (35%), 3 Technical Committee chairs (18%), 1 coach (6%) and 5 athletes (29%). It should be noted that the WSF Constitution does not prohibit an athlete from being elected to any of the Council positions. The Athletes are guaranteed 29% of the Council membership and could have 100% if they were to be elected to all Council positions.

Anonymous: When will the WSF have a code of ethics and technical rules?

Ron: Article 20 of the WSF Constitution charges the Ethics Committee to draft the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct and submit them to the WSF Council for approval. This cannot happen until members of the Ethics Committee have been elected at the first Congress of the WSF. The General and Technical rules are currently being drafted and will be submitted for adoption at the 1st WSF Congress. That date is yet to be determined.

Anonymous: What opportunities could WSF offer to federations with large talent pools who need to provide multiple international junior- and senior-level international assignments next season to dozens of skaters who would otherwise expect to have earned such assignments for the 2003-04 season on the basis of their domestic results in 2003?

Ron: The WSF would expect the current international competitions would continue. Members will sanction their athletes to participate. The WSF plans to hold four Championships events annually, Worlds, Junior Worlds, Europeans and Pacific Rim (this name might change). In addition, it is envisioned there would be three senior competitions, each on a different continent (Asia, Europe and N. America). And six junior competitions are planned, one in each of the geographical zones. Obviously, it may take a few seasons to have all these competitions in place.

Rachel L.: How much of an improvement will you make for the ice skaters?

Ron: More than anyone can imagine when the athletes are assured of a fair and honest evaluation by the Judges. The focus will be returned to the athletes and away from the Judges. In addition, the athletes will realize for the first time they are full participants in the governance of their sport.

Anonymous: Will the WSF end this ridiculous trend of skaters being allowed to represent countries that neither of them is from?

Ron: These Rules have yet to be finalized. My personal feeling is that an athlete should represent the country of their legal residence where they hold citizenship, together with a valid passport of that country. In the case of pair skaters and ice dance couples, one of the two individuals must fulfill the same requirement as for a singles skater. Many athletes live and train in countries other than their legal residence, but that should not prohibit them from representing their home country.

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