This is my report to the Houston Starz FSC Board on my attendance at the U.S. Figure Skating 2007 Governing Council. I would like to thank each of you for letting me represent the club and attend this year's Governing Council Meeting.

USFSA - NBC Partnership

By far, the most important announcement coming out of this year's meeting was that U.S. Figure Skating has signed a contract with NBC. USFS will have rights to the events after the network event, U.S. Nationals will be designated "Championship Weekend," and USFS is working with the firm that created MLB.COM (Major League Baseball) to develop icenetwork.com. You can go to www.icenetwork.com/presentation for more information.

Ultimately, icenetwork.com will work with clubs to promote events such as competitions and fundraisers. NBC has already won the rights to the 2010 Winter Olympics and will use this contract to promote figure skating at all levels leading up to the Olympics. Under the old contract with ABC, ABC owned the rights to the events, and so USFS could not use any of the images from those events without ABC's approval.

MR 5.09: Coach's Registration Fee

Another major item approved through the membership group was MR 5.09. This resolution states that each coaching member shall pay an annual registration fee. Current Professional Skaters Association (PSA) members -- with general liability insurance through the PSA or proof of current general liability insurance with limits of $1 million per occurrence/$5 million aggregate -- shall pay a fee not to exceed $40. Non-PSA coaches shall pay a fee not to exceed $170.

For all coaches, the fee will include a new rule book and a background check. Any coach being credentialed for a U.S. Figure Skating qualifying competition is required to be a member of both U.S. Figure Skating and PSA and must have paid the annual Coach's Registration Fee required under MR 5.09.

Other Items

As of the 2008-09 season, coaches will be required to attend supplemental education on a yearly basis.

The Midwestern Section has a new Vice President. On the third ballot, Patricia St. Peters was elected.

Complete Coverage

In addition to this summary report, you can find more detailed information including photos, exhibits, and attachments at the 2007 Governing Council page.