On April 16, 2003 SkateFAIR submitted a list of questions regarding ISU reform, the proposed Code of Points system and the role of the USFSA to 5 individuals who had been identified as potential candidates for the USFSA presidency.

The five individuals were:

• Phyllis Howard, Current USFSA President,
• Ted Clarke, First Vice President (Eastern)
• J. Ronald Hershberger, Third Vice President (Pacific Coast)
• Jon Jackson, Chair, USFSA International Committee
• Charles U. Foster, USFSA Hall of Fame member and former USOC Secretary

Jon Jackson responded on April 29, 2003. His answers are below. No response of any kind was received from Phyllis Howard (Current USFSA President) or Ted Clarke (First Vice President, Eastern Section). Chuck Foster and Ron Hershberger contacted SkateFAIR to say they were unable to respond to our questionnaire, as they were bound by a confidentiality agreement that prevented the disclosure of any discussions or decisions of the Nominating Committee. Cheryl Wood, Chair of the Nominating Committee, confirmed this practice and noted that the work of the Nominating Committee would remain confidential until the Governing Council Meeting.

USFSA Nominating Committee:

• Cheryl Wood, Chair
• Ted Clarke
• Anne Gerli
• Janet Allen
• Joyce Herron
• William Smith
• Joseph Driano
• Ron Hershberger
• Larry Kriwanek
• Derrick Delmore
• Danielle Hartsell
• Sarah Kepner
• Nancy Bizzano

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1. What are the most important issues facing figure skating today? How would you address them during your term as President of the United States Figure Skating Association?

Answer: The most important issue facing figure skating is the lack of inclusion of the athletes in the decision process. The rampant corruption, the judging scandals, the fear and intimidation can all be traced to individuals and groups that have lost touch with the perspectives of the athletes and their sport. If I were President of the USFSA, I would work toward getting more athletes, and their representatives, involved at the administrative level, both nationally and internationally, and work toward opening the lines of communication between athletes, officials and volunteers. It would be a goal of mine to far exceed the 20% minimum athlete participation currently required under our by-laws.

2. Is real reform possible at the International Skating Union? What steps are necessary to create it? What should the role of the USFSA be in any proposed reforms?

Anything is possible. I firmly believe that the USFSA has an obligation to pursue every avenue of reform. The first step necessary to create reform is to stand against the fear and intimidation tactics of the ISU. Cinquanta is acting like a dictator and a bully. Someone needs to stand-up to him, and it ought to be the USFSA. We have the potential to be a great influence in the ISU. Unfortunately, the USFSA seems to be reluctant to exercise the power that it has been unwilling to recognize. The second step is to hold the ISU accountable for its actions and to make them follow their own rules. Japan is leading the charge in this area. We should join them and support their efforts.

3. What is your position on Code of Points? Should it be adopted? As President, will you insist that any new system be vetted by outside independent third parties before implementation? What steps would you take if it is not?

Answer: I am opposed to the Code of Points. No, it should not be adopted. I believe any new system should be thoroughly tested before implementation and agree that it should be vetted by independent third parties. More importantly, any new system should be reviewed in a focus group environment. Figure skating is a multi-million dollar enterprise. As a service organization, its only assets are intangibles, the second most important of which is its trademarked perfect 6.0. Before discarding it, I would put focus groups into place. What if the Code of Points turns out to be the very, very best system for the fair evaluation of figure skating, but one of its side effects is that we draw the same size television audience as other Winter Sports such as curling or the modern pentathalon? Where will we get the money needed by our athletes for their training? What kind of competitive opportunities will there be when no funds can be found to run events? These side effects can be determined and minimized by utilizing proven corporate methods, including the use of focus groups. The fans ultimately fund the sport, and we should be listening to them. Throwing away the perfect 6.0 makes no sense whatsoever unless proper independent studies prove otherwise.

4. Accountability and ethics are key issues with regard to the ISU. What role should the USFSA play with regard to these issues? How will you lead the USFSA regarding these issues?

Answer: The USFSA should be leading the charge on this issue. The groundwork has been set to do so, and proper and consistent follow-through can insure adoption of an initial framework. The real test of any ethical procedure or accountability system is its application and enforcement. The USFSA must hold the ISU accountable to its current rules and regulations. If we do not, how can we expect the ISU to follow any code of ethics if and when we are successful in getting them to adopt one?

5. The USFSA has endorsed the World Skating Federation's position on anonymous judging in principle. If this position is rejected by the ISU Congress, you as president would support:

a) The ISU's decision to maintain secrecy in judging (absolutely and unequivocally, NO)

b) Withdrawal from the ISU and joining the WSF. (Joining the WSF is not appropriate until the WSF completes the necessary work to make it a viable alternative. The USFSA must not join the WSF until it is safe to do so without jeopardizing the eligibility of its athletes and its officials. The WSF understands that, and will not ask any member federation to join it until the appropriate time. The USFSA should however send a strong message to the IOC that the WSF is the appropriate organization to make these reforms because of its unique position to take on the ISU independently without putting any member federation or that member federation's athlete's at risk. No single member federation can do that. The WSF can.

c)An appeal to the IOC to compel the ISU to uphold its constitution. (In part, yes. The ISU should be compelled to follow its own rules, regulations, and certainly its constitution. The appropriate forum for the appeal is the Court of Arbitration for Sport. I would keep the IOC apprised of the process and the steps being taken by the USFSA and other member federations to hold the ISU to its rules.)

d) Other. (First, I would appeal to the Court of Arbitration to Sport if the USFSA's attempts to force the ISU to follow its own rules are unsuccessful, including the rule which requires the ISU to release the results of the events to each skater, by judge and by country. Second, I would take every step to make sure that an anonymous judging system is never used in the United States, including Skate America, in which we have a vested financial interest. Instead, I would follow the procedures to use alternate judging systems until such time that anonymous judging can be eliminated. Finally, I would work toward building an international coalition to improve the likelihood that we never again see an anonymous system of judging. )

6. Do you support the International Athletes Commission's position regarding voting representation on the ISU Council and technical and all other committees?

Answer: I embrace it whole-heartedly. More importantly, I would put the ISU on notice that any attempt to sanction or otherwise discipline any athlete that exercises their right to speak-out will be met with a strong opposition. Rather than acting as a voice for the fear and intimidation of the ISU, the USFSA should be standing strong against it!