USA-WSWS Statement On Skiers Transferring Federations
by USA Water Ski & Wake Sports
Skiers may be a member of more than one National Federation.
Skiers who have represented one National Federation (country) may compete under another National Federation (country) only if they meet certain requirements under the IWWF rules.
Notwithstanding this rule, several benefits and opportunities, such as representing the United States in certain competitions, participating in select competitions, and enjoying certain other benefits require a skier to be a U.S. Citizen.
Individuals who represent the United States but are not U.S. Citizens may compete in international events independently under the IWWF “white flag” until they become U.S. Citizens and thus eligible to ski under the U.S. flag as members of a U.S National team or U.S. independent athlete. Event organizers shall recognize these athletes as members of the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Federation but representing/skiing under the IWWF flag rules within all event communications.
A transfer to the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Federation is not fully complete until USA-WSWS accepts the athlete with approval from the applicable Sports Discipline board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is an athlete that transfers federations eligible to compete on a U.S. team (e.g., World Team) in an international competition?
Athletes must by U.S. citizens to be considered for selection to a World Team.
Q: Can an athlete that transfers federations but has not yet achieved citizenship in the new country be eligible to compete as an independent in World competitions?
Athletes may compete under USA Water Ski & Wake Sports as an independent if they meet the IWWF requirements and those of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports.
Q: Can an athlete that transfers federations be eligible to represent the U.S. at the Pan American Games?
Unless the athlete is a U.S. citizen, he/she is ineligible to compete for USA Water Ski & Wake Sports at the Pan American Games per PASO and USOPC requirements.
Q: Can an athlete that transfers federations be eligible for USOPC benefits like Elite Athlete Health Insurance (EAHI) and Operation Gold benefits?
Unless the athlete is a U.S. citizen, he/she is ineligible for any USOPC benefits per USOPC requirements.
Q: Can an athlete that transfers federations ski at the U.S. National Championships?
Unless the athlete is a U.S. citizen, he/she is ineligible to compete at the U.S. National Championships per Sports Discipline rules.
Q: Can an athlete that transfers federations appear on the U.S. Rankings list?
Unless the athlete is a U.S. citizen, he/she is ineligible to be recognized on a U.S. rankings list per Sports Discipline rules.
Q: Can any foreign athlete whose country has been sanctioned by the IOC and/or IWWF participate in USA Water Ski & Wake Sports sanctioned events?
Yes, athletes may participate with the approval of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports and Sport Discipline’s board of directors.
Q: How should athletes that transfer federations but do not meet citizenship be recognized by event organizers?
Event organizers shall recognize these athletes as members of the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Federation but representing/skiing under the IWWF flag within all event communications such as running orders, international rankings list, website stories and webcasts.