Do the skaters need a union?

[trlskater]

I would like to know what you posters think of the skaters getting a union. I feel the skaters do not have any say or decision making in their own sport.

I don't care if its the ISU or WSF who controls figure skating.

I think that's why Baseball, Football and all the other Major league players have a union.

I think its time for the skaters to have some say. With out the skaters there is no ISU or WSF.

Is it possible?

[Poohsk8s2]

I think a union is a very intriguing idea!
It appears to me that results are too much about the coach's relationship with judges and federations. The manipulation of results is costly to the deserved athletes. The skaters are so far removed from the political involvement and lash out when impuned by "the machine." Unfortunately, their voice is often followed by retaliation. Union representation would be a valuable way to advocate for the skater.

[jcspkbfan]

Sounds like a lot of the skaters feel the same way:

http://www.frogsonice.com/skateweb/articles/athletes.shtml

[Rae]

I think the skaters need their views heard. Unlike the other sports mentioned here, the athletes are, by and large, very young and inexperienced. This makes it difficult for the powers that be to take their views as seriously as they should.
Paul Wylie talked about skater representation way back in the early 90's and obviously his views haven't altered and nor should they.

The wherewithal and organisational logistics make an athletes union hard to manage, but I hope it can be done.
Should the WSF get on its feet and make its way, then all these eligible and ineligible barriers can be swept aside and skaters and coaches can have voting rights and have a say.
Personally I think it's ludicrous that coaches and professioanl skaters have no voting rights at the international governing body level.

[Aussie Willy]

I think it is a good idea, but with most skaters being young they may not have the experience or skills to be involved with this. The lead would probably have to come from the ice dancers which generally are an older group and probably more political because it is there event that has been affected most by judging problems in the past. I would suggets Albena Denkova as the first president.

[jcspkbfan]

Here's an article about the new International Athlete's Commission formed by the skaters:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2003/03/30/sports1346EST0102.DTL