This week's column:

 

 

How to Join the International Skate World

Dec. 21, 2011

 

 

 

Hi, Bill. I am the secretary of a registered skating association in India. We are affiliated with our state Olympic association and have a network of more than 10,000 skaters. We are keen to associate with a recognized international skating organization. But we are not sure how to do this. Can you tell us? Regards, Arvind Gupta, Association of Roller Skating, Uttarakhand, India.

Hi, Arvind: The International Olympic Committee recognizes one organization as the official governing body for inline and roller skating: the Federation International of Roller Sports (FIRS).

For its part, FIRS recognizes — according to its website — one organization as the governing body for roller sports in your country: the Roller Skating Federation of India.

In order for your skaters to compete in continental and world championships, they must be affiliated with your national organization. That is the rule.

I realize this could be complicated for you in India, where there are several competing skate associations and it is unclear which one is running the show.

But unless FIRS recognizes a different national governing body, you must affiliate with the Roller Skating Federation of India if you want your skaters to be able to participate in national, continental and international competitions.

I hope this is something you can do.

Cheers, Bill

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