Seeing these emotional discussions the last few months it is clear that the WFDF has taken some major decisions that go to the fundamentals of this sport: SOTG vs. Observers and drug testing or not. Both decisions have opened the door potentially larger changes. For example: national championships should have observers and drug testing as well. Then it is leagues games. Don't smirk. The door has been opened.
How can the WFDF takes such major decision without truly listening to the players?
I know there is a problem finding enough volunteers to do the necessary work and in many cases the WFDF is doing a great job. The problem is that there is no good communication/feedback system to make sure a few individuals do not have the power to make major decisions about the future of OUR sport.
We, as players, should be asked for our opinions when such large issues are at stake.
If you look at the meeting notes from the WFDF congress last year (http://www.wfdf.org/2003CongressMinutes.htm) you'll see that there were very little countries represented. There was a discussion about the doping rules, but it was finally agreed upon by less than a dozen people. Did any of those people ask for the opinion of their countrymen?
As far as I know, there was no voting done by other members of the WFDF (but I could be wrong about that) and even if they did vote, how good is the representation for each country? I believe that in extreme cases like these doping rules, and the Observer system, a worldwide referendum should be held. The technology is available! We are out of the dark ages.
We are all part of this amateur sport. Not all of us have the time to be involved in day-to-day decision making. It is great that some people do, and as I said, they do a good job generally. However, if you represent us, for major decisions we should be consulted.
But what can we do about it? The decision is made and the WFDF won't reverse it. The only thing we can do is to request that they now start focusing their efforts on creating a system that allows the community to have say in major decisions.
Irrespective what you personally think about these decisions, don't you think it is important for the Ultimate community worldwide to have say in major decisions that affect us all?
And don't give me that: wake-up-an-smell-the-roses BS. Ultimate is special and it works. Let's keep it that way
Just my 2 euro cents worth.
Keep 'em flying
Patrick van der Valk
P.S. Personally I hope that through more empowerment of the players, we can reverse both decisions. We are probably talking 2007 by then, but that will be just in time :-)
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Florian Spichtig Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 4:11 PM To: EuroDisc Subject: [ED] WFDF anti-doping rules announcement
dear ultimate world,
i'm truely shocked about the fact of having anti-doping rules in our beloved sport. my opinion is that this is another step away from individual responsibility towards a sport dominated by a powerful worldwide federation, which is slowely losing its goal of supporting us, the players, but instead working towards a professional costly organisation, preparing for the worst case: making ultimate a professional business sport.
i did not choose ultimate to make it to the olympics. i did not choose ultimate to earn money with. i did not choose ultimate to win, but to play!
i chose ultimate because of its friendly, spirited, low-budget way of living.
let's keep it this way, and smile while playing! flo (crazy dogs)
ps: what does the rest of the ultimate community think of this???
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