In regards to USFS, could it be as simple as a "noncompete" that you see in many business situations? The USFS's business is winning medals and keeping high numbers of qualifying spots. If they have someone who they consider a top skater and therefore a threat as a competitor for another country, they probably are going to use everything within their means to make a release difficult. In Matthews case, when she skated with Zavozin, they were two-time medalists at Junior Worlds, gold medalists in JGP's and the final, plus gold medalists at Four Continents, so definitely a threat to US medals if she skated for another country. Up until recently, I believe the ISU also had much stricter rules when it came to changing country representation. I don't remember the specifics for the Matthews/Gislason partnership, but I think she would have been released by the USFS at the end of 2009, although I don't know where they stood on the process of acquiring Canadian citizenship. Based on recent skating headlines, an Azerbaijan citizenship is easier to obtain and then a USFS release isn't even necessary.
I'm not really sure where I stand on the subject, but as someone else pointed out, I also don't know all the specifics behind each situation. If I look at USFS simply as a business entity, then I can understand how they would consider a noncompete for a certain amount of time. That could be 1 - 2 years, again maybe depending on funding or the overall competitive threat that this particular athlete poses. I would think the rule is covered in the bylaws somewhere?? No one but the parties directly involved know what was discussed though and whether they approached USFS officials beforehand to find out what they may be looking at in terms of limitations.
Originally Posted by Tammi
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