International Committee Chair
Updated September 2012

The International Committee is a permanent committee pursuant to Article XVI, Section 1 of the USFS by-laws. The chair is appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead the International Committee in the process of selecting the U.S. Figure Skating teams that win the maximum number of international medals and berths possible by strategically providing experience to qualified members of the U.S. Figure Skating Team and by identifying and supporting the best qualified future prospects.
  • Provide leadership in developing relationships between U.S. Figure Skating with national skating associations and affiliated clubs of foreign countries.
  • Determine, with the committee, the criteria proposed and used to select international competitions in singles, pairs and dance.
  • Lead the committee in the selection of international competitions, based on the approved criteria.
  • Propose the criteria used to select and enter member athletes in all international competitions, ISU Championships, the Olympic Winter Games and the World University Games.
  • Oversee the selection and entry of athletes to compete in the ISU Championships and the Olympic Winter Games.
  • Oversee the issuance of sanctions for member athletes to participate in skating activities in foreign countries (excluding Canada) in the U.S and for all foreign athletes (except) in the U.S.
  • Approve and sign for the release of U.S. athletes to other countries except in the cases where they have medaled in specific international competitions (in which case the release must be voted on by the U.S. Figure Skating Board of Directors).
  • Help formulate rules, policies and procedures covering the matters within its jurisdiction, and of keeping said rules, policies and procedures current.
  • Work with Teams Coordinator to assemble the International Committee notebook containing the necessary information for athlete selection meetings which take place at Nationals.
  • Work with Teams Coordinator and Chief Referee to set up logistics for International Committee meetings which take place at Nationals.
  • Attend U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
  • Attend Synchronized Skating Championships (recommended).
  • Attend U.S. Figure Skating Champs Camp (recommended).
  • Lead the International Committee in approving the criteria to name athletes to the Team Envelope (ICMS names the athletes to the Team Envelope based on the approved criteria).
  • Work with Senior Director of Athlete High Performance and Teams Coordinator to determine the budget in the fall for all international competitions and the committee for the following year.
  • Work with Selections Chair and Group Coordinator to determine candidates for Team Leader assignments.
  • Provide input and participate on conference call to determine Team Medical assignments.
  • Coordinate summer monitoring of athletes and alternates assigned to international competitions with ICMS.
  • Draft summer letter to Team Envelope athletes and coaches and others being considered for international assignments outlining competition readiness expectations.
  • Arrange, with Teams Coordinator, all logistics (travel, housing, team apparel, etc.) for each of the U.S. Figure Skating Team's competitions.
  • Provide fall and spring committee reports to the Board of Directors.
  • Provide interim reports as needed to the Group Coordinator.
  • Initiate and hold conference calls and meetings with the International Committee to discuss relevant issues.

Member of:

  • International Management Subcommittee (ICMS)
  • Synchronized Skating Management Subcommittee
  • International Judges and Officials Committee
  • Selections Committee
  • Athlete Development Committee
  • Others as selected

Reports to: Group Coordinator, Athletes

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Minimum of ten years experience in international competition as a skater or official
  • Member of the International Committee for at least two years
  • Excellent knowledge of all disciplines of skating
  • Strong understanding of the current status of Novice, Junior and Senior competitors who could be potential international competitors
  • Good relationships with the skaters, coaches and officials
  • Attendance at U.S. Championships

Recommended:

  • Good communication skills
  • Good computer skills
  • Understanding of the governance structure of U.S. Figure Skating and the ISU
  • International business experience with exposure to Europe and Asia

Expected Time Commitment: Attendance at major non-qualifying competitions (est. 6-8) through summer and fall in order to assess potential international competitors. Attendance at Governing Council (3-4 days) recommended monthly conference calls (4-6 hours); availability to call ad-hoc meetings, particularly prior to and during the international competition season, answers phone calls and e-mails on a very responsive basis (10-20 hours/week leading up to and during the competition season).