- Joined
- Jun 21, 2003
Precedent and tradition do not equal what is in the rules and bylaws.
I am a little confused here. This sentence seems to be saying that the USFSA should follow its rules and bylaws. All the rest of your post says, no, they don't have to.
Here are the rules and bylaws:
Selection to the U.S. Four Continents Team will be based upon the results of the two most recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the most recent World Championship, the most recent Four Continents Championship and all other international events; however, the International Committee may consider extenuating circumstances.
How does Alissa's record stack up against the USFSA rules and bylaws?
Two most recent U.S. championships: 1st and 2nd.
Most recent World Championship: 5th
Most recent Four Continents Championship: 5th
Other intentional events: last years GP final, 1st. This years GP final, 5th (n.b., but she made the final)
2011 Grand Prix: Skate America, 1st; Eric Bompard, 3rd.
How does this compare with the international results of Caroline Zhang over the last two years?
Now, you can say (with hindsight) that sending Caroline was a stroke of genius on the part of the USFSA. You can also say many things about the rights of a private organization to run things in whatever fashion they wish.
But the one thing that you can't say is that the USFSA followed its own rules and bylaws.