Over the last year we've had many discussions on the early announcement of coming races of Major status (Worlds, Euros, North American Championships) and we made an early announcement to get 2012 going already back in September. Unfortunately our efforts did not pay off at that time and we are still waiting to assign these race titles for 2012, late as it is.
As you know the ISSA does not organize events, merely coordinates the plans and assigns statuses to races. That means that unless we have an organizer ready to take on the challenge we cannot move ahead and make such a decision. We're now pretty close to sorting it all out for 2012 thanks to skaters and race organizers willing to step in and take on the work of putting on these high profile race. More on 2012 in the 2012 topic here:
viewtopic.php?f=241&t=8054
For
Worlds 2013 here's what we have decided:
o For 2013 we have a clear preference for US, in line with previous announcements.
o But, no automatic, mandatory, switch between US and EU continents. We need to break this rule to allow Brazil, Australia and possible other continents to join in.
o Preliminary applications (declaration of interest) for 2013 welcome now and up until June 30th 2012.
Applications should be handed in to the National Coordinators or the status marshals of the region as early as possible to allow review and discussions well in advance of the June 30th deadline.
o Applications reviewed by the BOD and talks with organizers take place in the period June 30th - August 31st. During time applicants will be requested to finalize their applications, if not yet complete.
o Final decision taken by the ISSA BOD no later than Sept 1st.
For
Worlds 2014 our plans are to:
o Further adapt the process
o Improve longer term planning
o Fully open up to other regions
Jani Söderhäll, ISSA President 2011-2012