Controversy among DB organizations. Below is an article from International Dragon Boat site run by Alvin Wang.
The IDBF vs ICF letter war has come to the US. Recently the USA Canoe Kayak sent a letter to try to recruit DB clubs. The USDBF responded.
Letter from USDBF President to USACK
Rachel-
I have received the email below from a competition committee member of USDBF just today.
I am disappointed for a number of reasons: First, that USACK did not bother to dialouge with USDBF through me as the president before you sent this letter out. Second, that USACK did not honor the GAISF finding recognizing IDBF and therefore USDBF as governing bodies for the sport of Dragon Boat racing Internationally and nationally. In addition, I will also remind you that there is in place a Joint agreement between ICF and IDBF whereby both bodies will not interfere with each other's diciplines. Your letter is in violation of both the Joint Agreement and the GAISF ruling.
In the past, both USDBF and the then USCKTas well as USCA and ACA have recognized each other and avoided interference with governing each other's diciplines. In fact, we have gone as far as offering to aid and help you to promote dragon boat racing and have on at least one occassion took the time to teach your members how to put on regattas with the hopes of seeking a good working relationship whereby each of our organizations would benefit.
Your letter today not only tears the idea of collaboration apart, it does a major disservice to competitors by confusing them further with regard to national governance.
USDBF is holding its annual meeting in a couple of weeks, you can be assured that your letter will be studied and discussed at great length in light of our Joint Agreement. It is indeed unfortunate that USACK is just going along with ICF without any regard for USDBF and more importantly the paddlers themselves.
Your letter is clearly the wrong thing to have done when we are all about building, collaboration, unity and fostering growth in the paddling community in the United States.
Gary Carstens, president
United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF)
Letter from USACK to
October 19, 2004
Dear Dragon Boat Clubs and Teams,
As you may be aware, Dragon Boat racing was recently added to the International Canoe Federation's (ICF) list of sanctioned disciplines. Dragon Boat joins Flatwater, Slalom, Wildwater, Marathon, Canoe Polo and Canoe Sailing as recognized ICF sports. As far as possible, the ICF links the canoeing associations of 100 various countries through cooperation, competition and camaraderie. What this means for you is you are now part of a much larger organization that seeks to unite all different types of water craft on all continents with the possibilities of reaching many, many more people.
USA Canoe/Kayak is the official ICF organization in the United States which means we will now begin working with you, your membership, and your events. We are very excited to begin this partnership as we learn more about the sport of Dragon Boat. We look forward to hearing about your individual programs, races, and events and adding you to our family. Within our family you will find sea-kayakers, extreme wild water people, our two Olympic disciplines of flatwater racing and canoe slalom, and the different competition sports of wild water racing, marathon racing, canoe polo, canoe sailing and now dragon boating! With your help and guidance, we look forward to helping you become more successful and better known around the country.
Again, welcome to USA Canoe/Kayak. We welcome both individuals and clubs alike to join our organization as we seek to promote participation and competition for all our disciplines. To learn more about us, our insurance plans, sanctioning and events please visit our website at
http://www.usack.org/. For questions, comments or concerns regarding:
Membership Rachel Gunn
[email protected] 704-348-4330 Ext. 225
Insurance Jenny Hardman
[email protected] 704-348-4330 Ext. 224
Website Luke Dieker
[email protected] 704-348-4330 Ext. 223
If you are receiving this e-mail, you are listed as your club's current contact. If this is incorrect, please alert me to the discrepancy so that I may make the proper correction and post correct information on our website for you. USA Canoe/Kayak looks forward to working with you as we seek to build a strong, lasting relationship.
Best Wishes and Regards,
Rachel M. Gunn
Development Director
230 South Tryon Street, Suite 220
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
(704) 348-4330 Ext. 225
mailto:
[email protected] 
