CAS Rules on Stand-Up Paddleboard

(ATR) The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hands down a split decision in the long-running battle between the International Surfing Association (ISA) and the International Canoe Federation (ICF) over governance of Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP).

The three-person CAS panel ruled that the ISA shall be the International Federation for the sport at Olympic level but dismissed ISA’s request to be recognized as the sole governing body of SUP at the world level.

That means the ICF remains entitled to develop and host SUP activities and competitions outside of the Olympic Movement.

The ISA was pleased with winning the most important part of the ruling,

"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," ISA President Fernando Aguerre said.

"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 Program under the leadership and authority of the ISA.

"Today’s decision is a team gold medal for the sport and the ISA," Aguerre concluded.

The ICF also concentrated on the positives in reacting to the ruling, saying it "was vindicated following the strong rejection by CAS of the International Surfing Association’s (ISA) claim that it had exclusive right to govern stand up paddling".

The ICF questioned the CAS decision to recognize the ISA as the lone governing body for SUP, saying "It is surprising that the CAS panel felt that they could reach such a decision without the involvement of the IOC, as the recognition of an International Federation as the administrator of an Olympic sport is traditionally a matter for the IOC."

ICF President Jose Perurena appears ready to move on from the years-long battle between the two federations.

"The CAS decision presents an opportunity for two Olympic federations, the ICF and the ISA, to work together to promote a sport," Perurena said.

"SUP is one of the fastest growing and most exciting sports on the planet, and it is the responsibility of both our federations to give it the best possible opportunity to reach its full potential."

A good starting point to a joint effort might be deciding on what to call the sport. In its statement, the ISA refers to it as "StandUp Paddle" while the ICF uses the term "stand up paddling". Both agree on "SUP" on second reference.

Maybe the two sides could compromise with "Stand-Up Paddleboard", which is what CAS calls it.

Homepage photo: ATR

Written by Gerard Farek

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