This newsletter contains some heated discussions about the IDBF vs ICF situation...
Here's some further info as released by IDBF Executive Prez Mike Haslam, which includes a report from the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF)...a bedtime read, for anyone interested.
Subject: Recommendation from GAISF
Dear Colleagues,
Please find copied below the report from GAISF Vice-President, Paul Henderson, to the GAISF Council, concerning the IDBF/ ICF situation.
I think that you will agree that the report is a fair and balanced one, that will be acceptable to the IDBF and its Members. It is to be hoped that the ICF will see the sense in what Mr Henderson has concluded and accept that it is not and should not be considered as an International Federation for Dragon Boat Sport but should stick to governing its own paddle sport of Canoeing.
Please feel free to re-circulate the report to other sports bodies within your own Countries/Territories, especially national government sports agencies and Olympic Committees, with whom you have an ongoing dialogue.
It is, I am sure, our combined hope that the GAISF General Assembly in April, will accept the recommendation of the GAISF Council and ratify the IDBF as a GAISF Member. Your support in assisting the IDBF in this endeavour by lobbying other sports federations, would be greatly appreciated in the run up to the GAISF vote.
With best wishes,
Mike Haslam
IDBF Executive President.
Text Follows:-
Report to the GAISF Council on the situation between the IDBF and ICF: (please circulate)
On the request of the President of GAISF I met independently with representatives of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) represented by Mike Haslam UK and Adrian Lee Canada and also with representatives of the International Canoe Federation (ICF) represented by Volker Bernardi Germany and Jose Perurena-Lopez Spain.
Both groups were very forthcoming and constructive although not agreeing on the specifics.
I believe not having them in the same room was productive.
History:
Canoeing: This sport evolved from the craft used by the North American native people centuries ago and was originally called the "Canadian Canoe". The V shape of the hull is still used in this discipline.
There also was a larger model called the "War Canoe" which had many paddlers. This was used primarily by the "Courier du Bois" in the fur trade of the 15 century.
Dragon Boating: Is an Asian sport having evolved over many centuries. It is steeped in the culture and traditions of Asia much like Sumo is with its ceremonial aspects. It is unique with its drummers, sculpted dragon bows and flat bottom shape.
Overview:
Both sports have been adopted by Europe. Canoeing was first adopted in Europe as the exposure to North American sports was easier and therefore there are national clubs and infrastructure already in place in some countries.
Dragon Boating has more recently appeared from Asia and naturally existing clubs adopted it similar to European Tennis Clubs installing Squash Courts as a complimentary but unique sport.
This has also led to some National Sport Associations lumping together both sports in one National Sports Governing Body. This is also not unusual as many countries do group sports together which are separate International Federations. In fact in some countries all water sports are under one secretariat and one has lumped together Rowing and Sailing
The IDBF applied to GAISF in 1999 but there were concerns voiced by the ICF based in Europe. GAISF asked the two groups to meet and in February 2003 a Joint Agreement was signed by both parties.
Joint Agreement:
The agreement was signed jointly by the ICF and IDBF. The major points are as follows:
1) That both sports are to be separate and that the IDBF will be an autonomous body representing Dragon Boating.
2) That until the end of 2004 the IDBF would not be recognized by GAISF.
3) That Dragon Boating would be included in the 2005 IWGA and since Duisburg was the home of the ICF President the organization of that event would be delegated to the ICF till the end of those Games.
Both federations accuse the other of breaking the agreement. Deciding who is at fault is not productive or necessary understanding that we are now into 2005, that the IWGA is proceeding as agreed, and that the GAISF Council has agreed that the IDBF meets all criteria for membership and should be ratified by the 2005 GAISF General Assembly.
Observations:
The ICF problem originates nationally were the European countries, such as Germany, Suisse, France, Spain, have clubs which have adopted Dragon Boating and where the National Sports Associations have coupled these two sports together.
The National Organization structure recognize that when they go into international competitions they must respect and be members of all International Federations and compete under the relevant rules.
International Federations must respect the situation within individual countries, which can be very different depending on the country.
The issue came up about involvement with the Olympic Games.
The IOC recognizes many sports which will never be Olympic and the Joint Agreement states that the ICF will not stand in the way of this recognition of the IDBF. GAISF encompasses all sports whether recognized by the IOC or not.
It will be impossible for Dragon Boating to be in the Olympics under Canoeing as their disciplines are limited to 340 competitors and the IOC is endeavouring to cut all sports back.
Eight Men's and Women's team with drummers would require more slots than all that the ICF has available. I am sure the ICF members will not sacrifice any of their now competitors so as to include Dragon Boats.
Spain is in a dilemma as the ICF has tentatively scheduled a World Championship there for 2005 and the IDBF has also scheduled a World Championship in Berlin for 2005.
In discussion with the President of the Spanish Sports Council he clearly stated that they would not get involved in disputes between sports and therefore asked that this dispute be solved in the best interest of sport.
Conclusion:
For the health of the unique sport of Dragon Boating it is important that GAISF recognizes the IDBF at 2005 Sport Accord, which will also allow the various national clubs and sporting councils to embrace it positively and constructively move forward.
I trust the ICF will accept this proposal and at least abstain from any negative position.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Henderson
GAISF Vice-President
