I think that although it should ultimately be the skater's choice whether or not to compete in the GP, the ISU has a right to be worried about their revenue.
I believe that when a skater agrees to be in a GP event, that agreement becomes like an "unwritten contract" (i.e. sponsors, attendees, etc. count on the skaters being there) in which the only legit way to get out of it would be to have an injury that either hinders or prevents them from skating. Now here's the thing: it's OK to pull out of an event if you are hurt, BUT you shouldn't be skating in other events either! That, to me, just proves you don't want to go, which is not OK IMO. Why sign up for it in the first place then? I think the ISU has a good point here.
The problem here is skaters pulling out of the GP and skating in other events, which to me is wrong. The only time skaters should pull out IMO is when they are a) hurt enough not to skate or b) have an emergency (ie. IS pulling out to care for her mom). Otherwise, don't sign up for it if you don't want to do it.
How can the ISU fix this problem? I'm not so sure threats are the answer here. I like the idea of putting the skaters on an actual contract if they are willing to participate. That would make them bound to appear in the event unless they have a valid reason of pulling out, and if they skip or pull out at their will, the ISU would be free to enact whatever punishment necessary for breach of contract. If they feel the GPs are that important, they could make participation necessary to compete at Worlds or Olympics. Also, to solve the jet lag/travel issue- I like the idea of NA skaters being restricted to Skate America or Skate Canada, Europeans to COR and TEB, and Asians to NHK and COC. The only time travelling should be necessary is for the GP Final, wherever that would be. I also think tying in the Four Continents and European championships in this somehow would work too (although I'm not sure how). If a skater can no longer handle this type of schedule, then IMO it's time to retire.
Just my thoughts here.
I believe that when a skater agrees to be in a GP event, that agreement becomes like an "unwritten contract" (i.e. sponsors, attendees, etc. count on the skaters being there) in which the only legit way to get out of it would be to have an injury that either hinders or prevents them from skating. Now here's the thing: it's OK to pull out of an event if you are hurt, BUT you shouldn't be skating in other events either! That, to me, just proves you don't want to go, which is not OK IMO. Why sign up for it in the first place then? I think the ISU has a good point here.
The problem here is skaters pulling out of the GP and skating in other events, which to me is wrong. The only time skaters should pull out IMO is when they are a) hurt enough not to skate or b) have an emergency (ie. IS pulling out to care for her mom). Otherwise, don't sign up for it if you don't want to do it.
How can the ISU fix this problem? I'm not so sure threats are the answer here. I like the idea of putting the skaters on an actual contract if they are willing to participate. That would make them bound to appear in the event unless they have a valid reason of pulling out, and if they skip or pull out at their will, the ISU would be free to enact whatever punishment necessary for breach of contract. If they feel the GPs are that important, they could make participation necessary to compete at Worlds or Olympics. Also, to solve the jet lag/travel issue- I like the idea of NA skaters being restricted to Skate America or Skate Canada, Europeans to COR and TEB, and Asians to NHK and COC. The only time travelling should be necessary is for the GP Final, wherever that would be. I also think tying in the Four Continents and European championships in this somehow would work too (although I'm not sure how). If a skater can no longer handle this type of schedule, then IMO it's time to retire.
Just my thoughts here.