World Skating Federation
 | |
| Sport | Skating |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | WSF |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Closure date | 2005 |
The World Skating Federation (WSF) was an effort in 2003 to replace the International Skating Union as the governing body for ice skating.[1]
History[edit]
The WSF was founded in the aftermath of the 2002 Winter Olympics figure skating scandal.[1] Plans for the organization were announced in March 2003,[2] and involved former ISU officials Sally-Anne Stapleford, Sonia Bianchetti, Ron Pfenning, and Britta Lindgren.[3]
The group promised to judge in an unbiased manner by utilizing the 6.0 system, as well as by ensuring that ice skating judging panels are geographically balanced and held accountable.[2]
Most of the group's members were noted to be from the United States, or work there.[2] At the time plans for WSF were announced, the group had a planned budget of $1 million, but had only raised about $200,000.[2] The money was mostly raised from individuals making small donations.[2]
Reception[edit]
At the time of the group's founding, it had received no support from any national skating federations, despite claims that the United States Figure Skating Association would support the WSF.[2] The USFSA's executive committee later voted to endorse the WSF's principles, but not the group itself.[4]
In addition, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge declined to meet with the group or consider its platforms, saying the IOC only recognizes one federation per sport.[5]
ISU officials condemned efforts at creating the WSF and criticized its members, saying they did nothing to produce judging reforms during their time with the ISU.[4]
Criticisms of WSF members, similar to those voiced by the ISU, were echoed by those outside of the ISU,[3] but the group did receive positive comments from at least one commentator, who said its members were echoing sentiments that are well known for some time.[6]
Response by ISU[edit]
ISU officials threatened to punish federations or individuals who supported the breakaway group.[4] Hungarian judge Judit Furst-Tombor was dropped from the judging panel at a competition, a day after she joined the press conference announcing the WSF's founding.[7] Some national federations, including Skate Canada, threatened to expel members if they supported the WSF.[8]
In response, WSF officials filed a lawsuit against the ISU in December 2003, citing anti-competitive behavior. The lawsuit was dismissed in February 2005.[9] Shortly thereafter, Pfenning, at the time the group's acting president, announced that the group would be dissolved.[10]
Eventually, the ISU decided that Furst-Tombor, along with Stapleford, Pfenning, Lindgren, Jon Jackson and Jan Garden, were excluded from the group.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "ISU excludes six officials for breakaway attempt". ESPN. Associated Press. 24 March 2005. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f Elliott, Helene (26 March 2003). "Skating Rebellion Underway". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
- ^ a b Hersh, Phil (31 March 2003). "Former ISU officials hypocritical". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
- ^ a b c Elliott, Helene (2 April 2003). "Breakaway Group Condemned by ISU". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
- ^ Elliott, Helene (29 March 2003). "Rogge Won't Meet With Skate Group". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
- ^ Vecsey, George (26 March 2003). "Sports of The Times; Old Skating Hands Ripping the System". The New York Times. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
- ^ Elliott, Helene (27 March 2003). "Hungarian Judge Is Dismissed". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
- ^ Smith, Beverley (26 April 2003). "Members warned off new group". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
- ^ Slack, Trevor; Parent, Milena M. (2006). Understanding Sport Organizations: The Application of Organization Theory. Human Kinetics. p. 196. ISBN 0-7360-5639-4. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
- ^ "Statement from Ron Pfenning". World Skating Federation. 15 February 2005. Archived from the original on 19 December 2007. Retrieved 26 February 2018.