ISU Where Will Worlds BE (formerly) JAPAN QUAKE FOR WORLDS

[Violet Bliss]

^^^^^

 

[ImaginaryPogue]

I don't think I've ever heard Paul speak before. Very articulate.

 

[Violet Bliss]

Philip Hersh:
Russian skate boss: we need 1 1/2 months to prepare for worlds

BRUCE HEIDMAN:
Duhamel waits for word on worlds

P J Kwong:
Ice-Dance.com Article - Couldn't Have Said it Better Myself!

 

[colleen o'neill]

I just checked in on the petition 1380 signatures and climbing..not bad for 2days.
is she planning to draw the ISU's attention on Monday ? In case they're not paying attention...

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

There was no set plan to hold a replacement Worlds in case of a catastrophe. Were there any before Speedy?

 

[blue_idealist]

Skatefiguring..Funny, how that works... ( buzz harshing , I mean )

I know this..We may know more Monday , or Tuesday , (or not )..and we may just get another interview with Speedy.

Every time Speedy comes out with some logically bizarre or pompous pontification, I see him as he was the time the cameras panned to him in the stands and caught him picking his nose ( was it Torino ?). Sadly it's never made it onto YouTube ,or it would be a perfect time to share it.... but it's seared into my memory for refererence.

I didn't know he ACTUALLY picked his nose on camera at an event. I thought someone was just calling him a nose-picker because they didn't like him! hahaha

 

[Tonichelle]

honestly I do feel for Cinquanta and teh rest of the big wigs at the ISU. No matter what decision they come to, it will be considered the wrong one by some group or another. If they move it to another venue and go on in a month or two some will find them completely without feeling for the people of Japan, if they move it to October they screw up next season and more fans will be upset with that one.

What bugs me is people are wanting a quick decision - yeah in this day and age we love instant gratification - but really with no easy answer logistically, financially, emotionally... I'd rather they take time and look at all avenues before making the ultimate decision. I think it actually shows that they ARE taking everyone into consideration.

 

[SkateSkates]

There was no set plan to hold a replacement Worlds in case of a catastrophe. Were there any before Speedy?

I don't know what the current procedure is, but at the meetings in May, they should discuss this and add some clause for a "back up" plan.

 

[Olympia]

honestly I do feel for Cinquanta and teh rest of the big wigs at the ISU. No matter what decision they come to, it will be considered the wrong one by some group or another. If they move it to another venue and go on in a month or two some will find them completely without feeling for the people of Japan, if they move it to October they screw up next season and more fans will be upset with that one.

What bugs me is people are wanting a quick decision - yeah in this day and age we love instant gratification - but really with no easy answer logistically, financially, emotionally... I'd rather they take time and look at all avenues before making the ultimate decision. I think it actually shows that they ARE taking everyone into consideration.

Agreed, Tonichelle. In a situation like this, you can't get it right. Even a combination of Mother Teresa and Albert Einstein couldn't make the perfect decision or the perfect plan in circumstances like these. I tend to agree that it would be nice for them to be able to take a bit of time to evaluate their path...not until October, of course, but at least more than a few days. While it's fun to put our oar in and make suggestions and requests, most of us will learn to live with whatever happens in terms of the Worlds. Any plan will be a struggle, especially for the skaters, but we'll figure out a way to support them.

 

[colleen o'neill]

I agree there will be complaints whatever they do. But honestly, anyone who holds up respect or feelings for the people of Japan as a prime factor in coming to a decision is just not thinking rationally. The agony we must all feel for those who have suffered , who are suffering now, the many who may still be suffering in October , and the need to keep the sport as close to it's usual schedule as possible for the well being of the skaters and the sport itself ; these are two separate issues , neither one cancels the other out.

If any or all of the Japanese team had been lost, as in the '61 disaster, cancellation out of grief and respect would be in order. If Japan said they could not possibly send their team elsewhere before a specific date , given the cataclysmic circumstances, and their prominent position in the sport , it might be respectful and proper to wait until such time. But Japan has not said that, and their athletes are caught in limbo along with the rest.

On the business end of things , I'm sure there are many contractual nightmares to be sorted out , and perhaps behind the scenes, there have been those within the ISU actively seeking an alternate location and how to scale back the event ,from the moment the disaster took place. If so , that's what they should have been saying, instead of the many remarks Speedy has made in the interim that have been extremely insensitive to the plight of the skaters..the foundation on which the whole organization rests.

And frankly, I don't think it would be a help if everyone just sat back and waited for them to sort it out to their satisfaction. Burocracies need prodding or they get caught up in their own processes , they're not good at seeing the need to cut through red tape , or what can be dispensed with, themselves . And they hardly ever do it out of choice.

 

[Violet Bliss]

honestly I do feel for Cinquanta and teh rest of the big wigs at the ISU. No matter what decision they come to, it will be considered the wrong one by some group or another.

This applies to any and everybody and is no excuse for indecision and inaction. I don't mean we all have to always make quick decisions and constantly take action. But avoiding any criticism, which is impossible, is one of the worst bases for decision making. One should go with what's right, however it's arrived at, especially if it has popular support, inevitable disagreements and criticism notwithstanding. Or, with total conviction and courage, go against the hoi polloi if necessary.

If they move it to another venue and go on in a month or two some will find them completely without feeling for the people of Japan,

There will always be people with negative view of any decision so that cannot be the sole or most important consideration.

if they move it to October they screw up next season and more fans will be upset with that one.

The main thing is to not screw up. Take the best action against such possibility and most people will understand and acceopt imperfection as well as unexpected and unavoidabel happennings.

What bugs me is people are wanting a quick decision - yeah in this day and age we love instant gratification -

I don't think people are wanting a quick decision. We are more upset at indications of wrong approaches in making a decision. Instead of gratification, we are just hoping to salvage this important event for the skaters amidist the disasters, tragedies and uncertainties.

but really with no easy answer logistically, financially, emotionally... I'd rather they take time and look at all avenues before making the ultimate decision.

So far they are not showing serious interest in solutions to these issues or seriously looking at help and solutions offered. People are upset because the Big Wigs show very different and fixated priorities and considerations. Fans all over the world are overwhelmingly concerned about the skaters while the BW focus on holding Worlds in Japan despite all indications of infeasibility of such taking place in the time span involved.

I think it actually shows that they ARE taking everyone into consideration.

How so? It seems they keep postponing a decision or even considering alternatives just to extend the chance for the same idea - holding Worlds in Japan.

The most important factor in decision making is the goal. Then the best ways to achieve that goal are sought and considered. So often people's goals are wrong ly set or they get off course, with or without their own awareness. The Big Wigs so far appear not to have the same main goal and concerns as the skating community as a whole. (If they do then they need to address this PR problem.) They need to put aside those other considerations, such as some unaviodable financial losses, and work on the main goal. The issues arising from cancelation in Japan should and can be addressed and resolved separately or in conjunction with a new venue, but not in a way that arrest the top priority, the main goal at hand. They definitely should not paralyse decision making.

No, I don't endorse Wishy Washy leadership. Big Wigs should not be Wishy Washy.

 

[Tonichelle]

I don't think people are wanting a quick decision. We are more upset at indications of wrong approaches in making a decision. Instead of gratification, we are just hoping to salvage this important event for the skaters amidist the disasters, tragedies and uncertainties.

Really? Skaters and fans alike want to know the decision NOW. and are villifying their favorite villian to the nth degree... How many have already said "it's been two weeks, that is long enough."? Like let's just snap our finger, click send, and we'll know!

but wait, we don't like this option, even though it seems plausable... and we don't like this one either. All we want is to force our pick. They're not going to do that. I don't see anyone being wishy washy. Yeah they're saying they're taking the wants.

Personally I say cancel the whole thing, but there'd be a huge uproar if Speedy did that. I too signed the petition for April, but at this point I just say screw it and see you next year.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

What bugs me is people are wanting a quick decision - yeah in this day and age we love instant gratification - but really with no easy answer logistically, financially, emotionally... I'd rather they take time and look at all avenues before making the ultimate decision. I think it actually shows that they ARE taking everyone into consideration.

That's about it, Toni. Without a preplan of action, much has to be considered before making a decision. The rush to make a favorite the new King of Figure Skating may collapse, and you will hear from the rush fans that it was Cinquanta's fault for using a particular new venue. Cinquanta is definitely in a no win position. If and when there is an announcement, I guarantee, half the TV viewers will complain anyway.

I don't know what the current procedure is, but at the meetings in May, they should discuss this and add some clause for a "back up" plan.

I should think this catastraphic happending will give the meeting something to work on and not just the nitpicking CoP.

 

[janetfan]

So far they are not showing serious interest in solutions to these issues or seriously looking at help and solutions offered.

.

Are you sure about that :think:
I am curious how you know that ISU officials are not seriously considering various solutions.

Can you verify ISU is not seriously considering proposals and offers of help?

If you have inside information please share with us.

 

[Violet Bliss]

Really? Skaters and fans alike want to know the decision NOW. and are villifying their favorite villian to the nth degree... How many have already said "it's been two weeks, that is long enough."? Like let's just snap our finger, click send, and we'll know!

Really? Show me.

I see people wanting an indication of how and to what end the decision is being made. Having it in Japan in October is what people are opposing with good reasons and what the decison makers seem fixated on with bad reasons. Until that option is crossed out, no other alternatives are given a chance until it's too late, meanwhile putting skaters and everybody else in limbo. Yes, one quick decision is needed - cancel Worlds in Japan for 2011. That's the slow decision which should not have been and which impedes a slow consideration on other options and real solutions to the logistic, financial and emotional problems.

I believe it's more important to do the right thing than to do things right. Doing things right is important but you can't do things right before the choice on the right thing to do. In this case, doing things right is not easy, facing the logistical and financial problems, etc. But choosing the right thing to do is actually more obvious and not a difficult decision. ISU can't seem to do that and is causing all the angst. Patience is lost on them not choosing to do the right thing, with all the understanding for the difficulties of doing things right.

 

[Tonichelle]

Really? Show me.

Ryan Bradley and others have expressed over the days how the not knowing is frustrating, they're in limbo. John Coughlin is tweeting that he's in Long Program purgatory until a decision is made. I sympathise with them, but it's only been two weeks. One of which was a week in which they would have been preparing anyway!

I believe it's more important to do the right thing than to do things right.

but again, what is the "right thing". You certainly think your solution is the "right thing" but is it really? How is there a way to know in this situation? I'd rather they be slow to action than make a rash decision that we all come to regret. I agree October is the least right (aka wrong) solution. But it's an option that I think the media's played up (and in turn the fans) more so than anyone else. It's something speedy was considering a week ago in a press conference. He's had a week to hear everyone's side. The JSF may be pushing him to think of April and somewhere else. But he still has to find a fair way to do that option. The easiest "right" way may be to do away with it entirely for a season. But then there area ton of skaters who may be put off by the fact that they kept working their butt off the last two weeks only to be told it's done. I've seen many on this thread and others say skaters feelings aren't being considered - and if they choose October then maybe we're right - but they could also be in limbo over the other two "right" options.

 

[bekalc]

Tonichelle. The more time the ISU takes making the decision, the less likely things are going to be. Over at FSU someone said that Skate Canada told the ISU as soon as this tragedy happened, that they could host worlds by March 28th. The ISU didn't even give them a freaking response.

What exactly needs to be decided on? Can the Japanese host worlds any time soon?- NO. Then move it.

 

[Tonichelle]

What exactly needs to be decided on? Can the Japanese host worlds any time soon?- NO. Then move it.

or cancell it. It's not like Japan and the JSF screwed this one up. A natural disaster and crappy nuclear plant did. If the ISU had a back up plan and budget for it, maybe they could snap their fingers, but they didn't. Who decided that? probably not this current crop, and they've never truly needed one in the past. I say cancel it, you say move it. Which one is right? Depends on perspective. THAT'S what needs to be decided/voted upon. Everyone needs a voice. And I don't trust any federation anymore than I do the ISU in their story weaving.

 

[Mathman]

As for how the ISU is approaching this decision, we can only go by Cinquanta's own words. (March 18, Phil Hersh interview).

]For reasons involving sponsors, broadcasters and respect, the ISU wants to give the original host, Japan, every chance to have an event...

Due to the similar time for (broadcasting) the event, we could have been inclined [to reschedule Worlds in China or Korea, but] At the moment, we do not have any indication (from other Asian countries) regarding this possibility.

We do not want to fight with Japan.

I don't say they should have returned the championships to us but at least to respond to our message [seeking guarantees about being able to host Worlds in October].

Cinquanta's stance could not be more clear. Sponsors and broadcasters in Japan are his number one priority. Even to the extent of wanting to hold the event in a time zone that is convenient to them.

He is waiting for the Japanese Federation to "return the championship" to the ISU, but so far they have not done so. The Japanese Federation, its sponsors and broadcasters, own Worlds until further notice.

 

[Violet Bliss]

Ryan Bradley and others have expressed over the days how the not knowing is frustrating, they're in limbo. John Coughlin is tweeting that he's in Long Program purgatory until a decision is made. I sympathise with them, but it's only been two weeks. One of which was a week in which they would have been preparing anyway!

They are only being truthful and just about all competing skaters are feeling that way. It does not necessarily mean they demand a decision NOW though they all wish so. The skaters all say they will accept ISU's decision but the wish is for sooner than later. They have trained, prepared, and lived for all season to peak at this time and nobody, including coaches, has any experience or plan B how to deal with this uncertainty. Yes, two weeks is a long time for them in this kind of predicament.

but again, what is the "right thing". You certainly think your solution is the "right thing" but is it really?

I have not offered a solution as I am not in a position to do so. But most fans and myself do think considerations for the skaters should be the one of, if not the most important factor in such decision making. The impressions given by ISU in their words and actions do not show such priority at all. That's what I mean by not choosing to do the right thing.

How is there a way to know in this situation? I'd rather they be slow to action than make a rash decision that we all come to regret. I agree October is the least right (aka wrong) solution. But it's an option that I think the media's played up (and in turn the fans) more so than anyone else. It's something speedy was considering a week ago in a press conference. He's had a week to hear everyone's side.

The infeasibility of having Worlds 2011 in Tokyo was clear when troubles at the nuclear plants became known. With a real or perceived radiation danger, even October was out of the question for this event in Tokyo. But that is exactly what ISU, after some hemming and hawing, came up with. Yes, JSF was given another week to respond, which they are taking fully. That is what I mean by not choosing the right thing to do.

Meanwhile, skaters and everyone else involved in Worlds are put in limbo. So are alternative solutions. The indecision on choosing to do the right thing takes away the opportunities of doing things right for the solutions which might then be scrapped as well.

As the challenge of my inside information on the Big Wigs not seriously considering offers of help and venues, I don't have such inside info. But I do observe and deduce from the fact that the offerers are making their offers known publicly as well as the fact that these offers are not taken up yet. The offerers wouldn't do this if they were in closed door discussions with ISU.