Isk8NYC
05-11-2009, 08:03 AM
I found this communication on the Singapore Ice Skating Association (SISA) website very disturbing.
http://www.sisa.org.sg/Documents/Communications/SISA%20Communication%20No%20007.pdf
Singapore Ice Skating Association SPO Website: www.sisa.org.sg (http://www.sisa.org.sg) Communication No: 007
ISI Recreational Competitions
All members of SISA, affiliated clubs and coaches are advised that eligible officials and skaters may not take part in ISI based or similar recreational skating competitions. If they do participate then they will thereby lose their eligibility (Rule 102, paragraphs 1 b), 2 (ii), (iii) and 7 a)). In particular it is important to note that Rule 103, paragraph 3 states that no reinstatement is allowed for such cases.
The consequences of a skater losing their eligibility is that they will no longer be able to participate in ISU sanctioned skating competitions organised by SISA or any other ISU member federation.
As ISU sanctioned competitions are conducted under ISU Regulations and by ISU recognised officials.
An eligible skater may participate in these recreational events as long as they only perform an exhibition, without judging or results. If an exhibition is performed then ISU Rules 436, 594 and 794 concerning Exhibitions, in particular paragraphs 5, 6 and 11 of each rule, must be observed.
This ruling in relation to Recreational Competitions was released by the ISU in Circular Letter, no 582 to all member federations in 2002, and is still current.
SISA Executive has recently received a request from a group of members requesting permission to compete in an upcoming ISI competition. After much investigation and communication with top officials within the ISU and USFSA, SISA cannot in good conscience grant permission for these skaters to compete in these recreational competitions.
The information received from the USFSA, is that the USFSA do not sanction ISI competitions, that the USFSA has a ‘joint statement of cooperation’, they recognise the right of individuals to choose to participate (based on certain criteria).
However they do not recognise, advertise or endorse the ISI competitions, participants or medallists.
USFSA have explicitly stated that they do not sanction ISI events.
All skaters, parents and coaches are reminded that they must seek permission from SISA if they want to compete in competitions that are conducted outside of Singapore. This process is required, as SISA is responsible to ensure its members only compete in sanctioned competitions conducted under the ISU regulations.
SISA cannot stop a skater from participating in these competitions, but if they do so, then the skater, parents and coach must realise the consequences of their actions, as stated in this communication.
Lisa Jelinek, Director Technical and Officials, Singapore Ice Skating Association, 18th March 2009
Originally, SISA was part of ISIAsia, an ISI-based skating program that was growing. I guess they've decided to pursue ISU membership, hence this action to force the existing skaters out of the ISI in the hopes of building up the numbers in their new program.
I wonder if they're just confused. Of course the USFSA doesn't sanction ISI events - they're independent organizations - but the USFSA also doesn't deny USFSA competition eligibility for an ISI competitor! Many of our champions started out in ISI!
How does the ISU figure into this? Could they really have told the SISA that they'd deny them ISU membership if they kept the ISI connection? That's just absurd!
I can understand limited resources and the desire to focus on the ISU "track." But to punish skaters for wanting to skate at the ISI Asia Worlds is just ridiculous. There are so few opportunities for recreational skating in that part of the world; why restrict access?
http://www.sisa.org.sg/Documents/Communications/SISA%20Communication%20No%20007.pdf
Singapore Ice Skating Association SPO Website: www.sisa.org.sg (http://www.sisa.org.sg) Communication No: 007
ISI Recreational Competitions
All members of SISA, affiliated clubs and coaches are advised that eligible officials and skaters may not take part in ISI based or similar recreational skating competitions. If they do participate then they will thereby lose their eligibility (Rule 102, paragraphs 1 b), 2 (ii), (iii) and 7 a)). In particular it is important to note that Rule 103, paragraph 3 states that no reinstatement is allowed for such cases.
The consequences of a skater losing their eligibility is that they will no longer be able to participate in ISU sanctioned skating competitions organised by SISA or any other ISU member federation.
As ISU sanctioned competitions are conducted under ISU Regulations and by ISU recognised officials.
An eligible skater may participate in these recreational events as long as they only perform an exhibition, without judging or results. If an exhibition is performed then ISU Rules 436, 594 and 794 concerning Exhibitions, in particular paragraphs 5, 6 and 11 of each rule, must be observed.
This ruling in relation to Recreational Competitions was released by the ISU in Circular Letter, no 582 to all member federations in 2002, and is still current.
SISA Executive has recently received a request from a group of members requesting permission to compete in an upcoming ISI competition. After much investigation and communication with top officials within the ISU and USFSA, SISA cannot in good conscience grant permission for these skaters to compete in these recreational competitions.
The information received from the USFSA, is that the USFSA do not sanction ISI competitions, that the USFSA has a ‘joint statement of cooperation’, they recognise the right of individuals to choose to participate (based on certain criteria).
However they do not recognise, advertise or endorse the ISI competitions, participants or medallists.
USFSA have explicitly stated that they do not sanction ISI events.
All skaters, parents and coaches are reminded that they must seek permission from SISA if they want to compete in competitions that are conducted outside of Singapore. This process is required, as SISA is responsible to ensure its members only compete in sanctioned competitions conducted under the ISU regulations.
SISA cannot stop a skater from participating in these competitions, but if they do so, then the skater, parents and coach must realise the consequences of their actions, as stated in this communication.
Lisa Jelinek, Director Technical and Officials, Singapore Ice Skating Association, 18th March 2009
Originally, SISA was part of ISIAsia, an ISI-based skating program that was growing. I guess they've decided to pursue ISU membership, hence this action to force the existing skaters out of the ISI in the hopes of building up the numbers in their new program.
I wonder if they're just confused. Of course the USFSA doesn't sanction ISI events - they're independent organizations - but the USFSA also doesn't deny USFSA competition eligibility for an ISI competitor! Many of our champions started out in ISI!
How does the ISU figure into this? Could they really have told the SISA that they'd deny them ISU membership if they kept the ISI connection? That's just absurd!
I can understand limited resources and the desire to focus on the ISU "track." But to punish skaters for wanting to skate at the ISI Asia Worlds is just ridiculous. There are so few opportunities for recreational skating in that part of the world; why restrict access?