ISAF Executive Committee meets in Southampton

by ISAF on 14 Feb 2013 The Executive Committee (EC) of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) is comprised of a diverse group of sailors from around the globe, including Italy, Greece, Turkey, Great Britain, New Zealand, China, United States, and Uruguay.

The members are united by a common passion for sailing, and dedicated to improving the sport. Over three days many topics were thoroughly discussed. Each committee member has a different sailing background that enhances the discussion.

The Executive Committee (EC) met in the offices of the ISAF Secretariat in Southampton. Members of the ISAF staff gave an overview of the activities and responsibilities of each department.

The EC discussed the priorities of ISAF for the next four year period. The EC is of the opinion that marketing (increasing revenues for the sport) combined with a development of ISAF properties such as the ISAF World Cup should be one of the primary goals. Other focus areas will be development, training, sport promotion, sport presentation, TV, the governance system of ISAF, and continuing the increase of women's participation on ISAF Committees.

An efficient co-operation between the Committees and the EC is essential. A meeting with all committee chairs and the EC is planned for Sunday 12 May in Copenhagen in order to exchange ideas and focus on the tasks ahead. A working party will be established to review and update the Olympic Commission report and recommend a strategy for 2013-2016.

The EC also received progress reports on future ISAF events, the Olympics and Youth Olympic Games. A number of management groups dealing with the preparation and organisation of the ISAF Events were approved. With regard to the ISAF Recognized Training Accreditation it was felt that this programme should be as accessible as possible and therefore it was decided to remove the annual recognition fee.

Decisions were taken on shortening the length of the ISAF Annual Conference and giving the Commissions and Sub-committees more time and opportunity to do their work without the need for meeting only for a short time at the Annual Conference. A study will also take place as whether it would be more cost efficient and desirable for both ISAF and the MNAs to fix the venue of the Annual Conference in the same place every year.

Following reports of Government interference in the elections and affairs of at least four MNAs it was decided to introduce rules to protect the autonomy of an MNA. If an MNA is being, or is, compromised it is proposed that the EC be entitled to take any appropriate actions decisions in order to protect the interests of the sport of Sailing in the Country or that MNA. This could include temporary suspension of membership. Any actions initiated by the EC would be later submitted to the Council for approval or not.

The report on the Review of the Disciplinary Process of ISAF that was discussed at the 2012 November meeting was noted. It was decided to set up a new independent Disciplinary Commission to deal with all disciplinary cases. They would develop standard procedures; carry out investigations and conduct hearings of all disciplinary complaints. With the exception of doping, any appeal from a decision of the Disciplinary Commission will be to the Review Board. The relevant changes to the ISAF Regulations will be put forward for decisions at the ISAF Mid-Year Meetings to be held from 9-12 May in Copenhagen, Denmark. ISAF will offer template procedures on disciplinary cases and publish on the ISAF website for the use of MNAs and as a service to MNAs.

Finally, it was announced that in addition to those who received ISAF Medals in November the following ISAF medals will be awarded. Gold Medal: Jack Caldwell, Charley Cook, Teresa Lara, Alberto Predieri, Ralph Roberts and Eric Tulla. A Silver Medal will be awarded to Jack Lloyd.

The next meeting of the EC will take place on 9 May 2013, in Copenhagen, ISAF website