The very well-attended extraordinary delegates' meeting on 13 January in Olten had a major item on the agenda; the Executive Board proposed splitting the national competition organisation into a Passion League (for children, beginners and hobby dancers, without a licence) and a Premier League (for competitive sport, C class and above). The delegates of 14 clubs clearly rejected this proposal by 266:107 votes after detailed information and lively discussion.
Swiss dance sport should adapt to changes in society, new legal requirements (expanded Sports Promotion Act) and the associated recommendations from Swiss Olympic and make certain transformations and adjustments to its sporting activities - particularly in coach training and competitions. With this in mind, the STSV Board has prepared various projects for discussion in recent months, one of which has now been put to the vote.
The delegates agreed that there is no place in Swiss dance sport for the kind of abuse and excesses that have been uncovered in artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and synchronised swimming in recent years. Several speakers welcomed certain adjustments, but not in this far-reaching form. In particular, it was suggested that coach training should be stepped up and that pedagogical and ethical aspects should be effectively taken into account.
President Walter Vogt and the STSV Board thanked the delegates for their open and clear contributions, which are very important as a guide for the future development of the association. The Executive Board is counting on the Ordinary Delegates' Meeting, which will be held again in Olten on 13 April, to attract the same level of attention.
