CAS entscheided zu Gunsten der ISA

Diese Entscheidung ist aus verschiedenen Gründen zu begrüßen, kommt aber mit auch Erwartungen an die ISA.

Die ISA ist seit 2012  (link zum Artikel) daran SUP Weltmeisterschaften abzuhalten und hat sich plus minus gut um den Sport gekümmert. Auch kulturell gibt es keine Argumente warum SUP nicht einer Surforganisation angehören soll. Wir erinnern uns noch wie die Kajakwelt mit Argwohn auf die SUPs geschaut hat als sich der Sport gerade auszubreiten begann. SUP

Mit dem Entscheid des CAS fällt der ISA nun aber eine grössere Verantwortung zu. Die ISA hat immer wieder Weltmeisterschaften verschoben oder kam in letzter Minute mit einer Ankündigung. Wir erinnern uns an El Salvador. Auch die Zusammenarbeit mit der APP, welche die ISA unterstützt ist nun in der Pflicht.

Beide Organisationen sind nicht ganz frei von Kontroversen und haben das Vertrauen der SUP Welt immer wieder erschüttert. Dies hat sich die ICF zu nutzen gemacht und letztes Jahr gezeigt wie eine richtige SUP Weltmeisterschaft aussehen soll. Auch in Deutschland leistet der Kanuverband eine enorm gute Arbeit, den SUP Sport weiter zu bringen. Wir dürfen hoffen, dass sich der Kanuverband in Deutschland auf Grund dieser Entscheidung nicht aus dem Sport zurückzieht.

Jetzt ist es Zeit zusammen zu stehen und der Welt zu zeigen, dass wir SUP in den nächsten 4 Jahren an die Olympiaden bringen können.

Hier nun die Pressemeldung des CAS im Origninal:

MEDIA RELEASE

GOVERNANCE–STAND-UP PADDLETHE COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT (CAS)DECIDES THAT THE INTERNATIONAL SURFING ASSOCIATION SHALL BE THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION GOVERNING AND ADMINISTRATING THE SPORT OF STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD AT OLYMPIC LEVEL

Lausanne, 6. August 2020 – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision in the arbitration procedure between the International Surfing Association (ISA) and the International Canoe Federation (ICF) regarding the governance of the sport of Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP). The CAS Panel has decided that the ISA shall be the International Federation(IF) governing and administrating the sport of SUP at Olympic level but has dismissed ISA’s request to be recognized as the sole governing body of SUP at the world level.

This decision does not imply any recognition of SUP at Olympic level.Its inclusion in the Olympic programme or any kind of official recognition within the Olympic Movement for which the CAS Panel hadno jurisdiction or power to exercise belongs exclusively to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and, in particular, to the IOC Session. It should also be noted that the ICF remains entitled to conduct all types of SUP activities outside of the Olympic movement.

Both the ISA and ICF considered that the governance and administration of SUP at Olympic level fell within their respective fields of competence. Prior to the initiation of the CAS arbitration in July 2018, the ISA and ICF had attempted to resolve the matter for a number of years through conciliation and mediation procedures which were ultimately unsuccessful. During the CAS proceedings, both IFs put forward detailed arguments, both written and oral, as to why they should be responsible for governing the sport.

The CAS Panel appointed to decide the matter was composed of Mr Patrick Lafranchi (Switzerland), President, and Mr Jeffrey G. Benz (USA) and Mr Nicholas Stewart QC (UK), Co-Arbitrators.

In coming to its decision, the Panel was guided by the IOC Rules“International Sports Federations requesting IOC Recognition Procedure”(the Recognition Rules) which establish qualitative and quantitative criteria in order to recognise an IF as the non-governmental organisation governing one or more sports,in line with the Olympic Charter. Having analysed the parties’ submissions in light of the Recognition Rules, the Panel found that, of the two parties, the ISA should be the IF to govern and administer SUP at the Olympic Level.

The Arbitral Award will be published on the CAS website in due course.

PR Statement von Fernanco Aguerre und Casper Steinfath

ISA President, Fernando Aguerre said:

“At the end of this long and difficult paddle, we are both relieved and gratified by this important decision by CAS.  In confirming the ISA’s governance of SUP at the Olympic level, CAS has validated our years of passion, commitment and leadership – from our world champions, to our officials, organizers and member federations. 

“The global SUP community can now look forward with clarity in continuing the building of an exciting future for SUP and its athletes. This includes our long-term ambition and plan to see the sport included in the Olympic Programme under the leadership and authority of the ISA. 

“For us, there’s never been any question that the governance of SUP at the Olympic level derived rightfully from the history, tradition and culture of surfing.  Today, we feel validation and recognition for all the years of active effort and hard work the committed teams at the ISA and around the world at a national level have invested to ensure SUP’s continued growth. 

“Today’s decision is a team gold medal for the sport and the ISA.  We would like to thank all the athletes, officials, ISA member federation leaders and APP World Tour, as well as our legal team at Baer & Karrer, who supported us and stood by us all along the way.”

ISA Vice President Casper Steinfath said:

“As an active athlete, but also a leader of the ISA, I am truly stoked for this outcome.  At the same time, we are pleased to put this legal process behind us. We are eager to get back to the important priority for all of us in expanding the global opportunities for SUP athletes and the sport.

 As we saw at the Pan Am Games last summer in Lima, SUP can add amazing value to multi-sport competitions like the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, and other Continental Games.  

“The pathway to these events for the athletes – through the ISA governance and its membership – is now clear.” 

“For those of us who love and practice this sport every day, our passion to see SUP thrive globally is completely genuine and comes from our core. Today marks a historic moment for the rightful leadership, promotion and unity of SUP, which will ensure it enjoys an exciting and successful future.”