Protest against the FIS regulations: 188 athletes signed a petition

on Tuesday 30 August 2011
by Federico Casnati
photo by Federico Casnati

experts had guessed long ago, just could not go forward. The FIS Athletes Commission (which is the union of the skiers), led by Kilian Albrecht, has been running a petition that was signed by more than 170 athletes and has been regularly ignored by the top FIS.

This press release just issued:
FIS Athletes Commission: `The review of over 170 athletes were simply ignored!
on 24 August had been fixed a `meeting between the senior federal FIS (International Ski Federation) and SRS (Ski Racing Suppliers - Association` s official supplier of sports equipment for the international skiing competitions) on "bend the rules by sporting (skiing) to protect the safety of the athletes in alpine skiing competition."
to have their say on this delicate subject, the representatives of the Committee of the FIS athletes have sent a letter signed by over 170 athletes (15 nations) in the FIS to express their disappointment about the topics decided unilaterally by the FIS.
class athletes were not considered at all, to the letter (see attachment) is not followed either response or position on the matter. When the athletes commission is in close dialogue with the `SRS to assess what can be the next steps. Athletes want to be involved in the discussion on this delicate subject. It's about finding solutions in step with the times for the ski world and adapted to market requirements and related mainly to match the athletes' safety. The commission

FIS athletes As you know

July 20, 2011 new regulations were published on the equipment which will be valid from the beginning of ski season 2012/2013. The new regulations were established unilaterally by the FIS without any involvement of athletes and the Committee recognized the same FIS athletes. The ski industry and most of the athletes reacted perplexed, hardly any advances were given to understand, and if, then in clear contrast with the current worldwide trend of carving skis. Athletes fear further aversion to the ski racing at all levels, from the World Cup to youthful levels.
On 24 August, followed a meeting between the FIS and clarifying the SRS, where he found a first compromise. The solution, however, is still far from the needs and expectations of the athletes. The voice of the athletes as was so often, was simply ignored!
The list of athletes has gradually lengthened, until you get to 188 athletes, about 80% of athletes who have made at least one point from their last three World Cup seasons.
Protest skier moves forward with a strategy of communication apt: the official website where you can read the list of signatories, appears on display a series of photographs of victorious athletes last year with the "mouth shut".
do not want to enter into the merits of the protest, but there is no doubt that if the FIS plans to overturn the regulations for the safety of athletes, would be least appropriate for tried to listen to their suggestions. Why is not more than impromptu opinions of one or more skiers (Ollson Ligety and all) but the absolute majority of the movement of ski racing.

athletes have done their part, united and compact down for the first time in a long time, now the ball is in the FIS

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