USFSA encourages GP participation?

[loveskating]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20041018-1631-fig-usskatingbonuses.html

Interesting article in light of recent news. They are giving prizes, from $1,000 to $35,000 for winning at varios events, including GP.

[dr.frog]

These bonuses used to be included in the individual contracts the USFSA had with several of their top competitors. I hear that this year they have discontinued the athlete contracts and have restructured the bonus money program, same as they have replaced the cheesefest appearance fees for skaters formerly under contract with prize money. You can bet that the total amount of money they are paying skaters has gone down, though.