Tunku Imran on IF

The key note address given by the President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia ( OCM) Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar at the Sports Asia 2009 forum in Kuala Lumpur recently reminded participants the importance of International Federation.
Tunku Imran made it very clear that International Federation governing the sports should play an important role in ensuring the development and growth of the sports under the respective National Sports Association governing the sports. He further went on to emphasise that it is a two way traffic , in that if the National Sports Association (NSA) benefits from the help it received from the International Federation, this in turn will also benefit the International Federation in promoting its sports. 
What was spoken and said by Tunku is certainly interesting, when we see the problems surrounding Taekwando where Tunku was the Chairman of the Pro Temp Committee taking over the duties of the NSA that is Malaysian Taekwando Association. Perhaps with the change of stand Malaysia Taekwando problem will come to an end and they will be admitted into SUKMA. 
Coming back to Dancesport, the International Federation governing the sport is the Asian Dancesport Federation and the International Dancesport Federation (IDSF). The Malaysian Professional Dancesport Council are admitted as members in both the bodies. 
MPDC did apply to join OCM last year, unfortunately their application was rejected because of the presence of MDSB. 
The question that needs to be asked is, will MPDC be able to join OCM, so that it can play its role as the NSA for Dancesport?    

Asian Dancesport Federation

On the 8th of November 2009, at the Annual General Meeting in Hanoi, the President of Asian Dancesport Federation (ADSF) Mr. Keiji Ukai has moved a motion to admit Malaysian Professional Dancesport Federation as the Provisional member of ADSF. This is indeed pleasant news to hear that we have unanimous support by the other Asian countries.This news is carried at http://www.adsf.org/

With the confidence ADSF have in us, we want to reassure them that we will live up to the ADSF and IDSF principles and ideals in Malaysia. 

We would like to take this opportunity to remind all dancesport athletes. IDSF and ADSF are the international Federation governing dancesport that has been accepted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). 

With this responsibility, we also want you to note that MPDC membership is open to all Malaysian Citizens who are keen to participate in Dancesport following the IDSF ideals. Like in all organisation we have Rules and Regulations to follow and if you breach the rules, sanctions will be imposed against you.  We have gone through a lot of nonsense in our early formative days because we are not yet in ADSF. 

In the Asian Indoor Games recently, I would like to inform you that ALL the athletes are MPDC registered members. I would like to further inform you that MPDC has stamped and sealed the entry forms for the athletes and officials to the Hanoi Asian Indoor Games, without that, the athletes will not be allowed on the floor. 

You may be wondering why the strict compliance of the ADSF and IDSF Rules? Recently the international federation governing football,  F.I.F.A. banned Brunei and Iraq when the government and the national olympic committee interfered into the affairs of national sports association. As a result the country cannot send any teams to any international games. At the time of writing, Brunei Football team is out of the Laos SEA Games. Iraq can also forget about the Asian Games if the matter with FIFA is not resolved by then.      

We do not want this to happen in Malaysia and we will protect and stand by the IDSF ways and will not allow any interference by any bodies to dilute our impartiality in promoting Dancesport in Malaysia.     

             

Results of 3rd Hanoi Asian Indoor Games

You can get the results of the 3rd Hanoi Asian Indoor Games at the ADSF website at . http://www.adsf.org/

The enclosed pictures are supplied by Etienne and Zenny a husband and wife Team.. Etienne used to partner Kathy and they were the top Latin American couple representing Vietnam. They were very active participating in the Asian circuit. The partnership broke up when Etienne married Zenny.

Of the 10 events both in Standard and Latin, Vietnam managed to get into the finals in 9 events. The even mananged to beat traditional power house like China, Japan , Korea and Khazakstan to take Gold in Jive and Rumba. Before you fly off the handle accusing that there may be unfair judging, I want to assure you that the judges selected are all from European countries and there are no Asian judges.

When the Games are held in their country, the home team have the addded advantage of the home support. Further Vietnam Dancesport Association did fly in top coaches to train their Team and they were preparing them even before the official announcement that Vietnam will be hosting the 3rd Asian Indoor Games.

OCM couples did not make it into the finals unfortunately, but whatever Malaysia was represented at the 3rd Asian Indoor Games.

In November 2010 is the Guangzhou Asian Games. This is the first time Dancesport will be featured in the Asian Games and I can assure you that China will be ready to take on Asia. 

Asian Indoor Games Vietnam

With the Asian Indoor Games just around the corner, I was informed that Anthony & Anita our Malaysian Top Standard couple has withdrawn from the Olympic Team.I am not quite sure of the reason, but I believe one of the reason is that they were not at all notified by OCM or the Team Mananger that they were selected until the last minute. Last Asian Indoor Games and SEA Games they went under category A meaning OCM pays everything, but now they are not sure if they go under category A,B,C,D or E. Anyway they were selected from the MPDC list and not from the MDSB list of the Melaka competition or the OCM trail list held in August 2009.

So how are the athletes selected for the OCM team? Ah! that is something you must ask OCM, but whatever it is based on fair play. So OCM have their trails. You may ask whether OCM has selected any from the OCM trials? The answer is NO! Now you see how confusing it is.

From this what can you make out of the OCM selection process? Now you have to understand that OCM follows fair play and Olympism and give opportunity for young dancers to represent OCM. Never mind if they are not properly selected, if OCM say they can go, they go. So in Standard event this WDC AL couple represent OCM. So on what basis are they selected? Again no one seems to know.

On the other hand, how did OCM selected the MPDC Latin couple, to go for the Games? I really do not know, but one thing is certain, all the Latin couples that took part in  the OCM trials were not  considered at all.

I can only guess that OCM have no choice but to select 2 MPDC couple to go for the Games because without MPDC endorsement OCM cannot get the WDC AL couple to go for the Games. A little confusing isn't it. Okay the long and short of the matter is, OCM have no choice but to select the MPDC couple as a gateway to go to the AIG because the technical rules of the AIG are govern by IDSF rules . Now do you get it!

People ask me what happen to those who responded to the OCM trails and came out 1st , 2nd and 3rd at the trails, why were they not selected and how come 2 couples from MPDC who never participated at the trails were selected? I suppose all of them are just misled. Were they told why they were not selected? No.

A word of advice to all who intend to go to the Asian Games , SEA Games and Asian Indoor Games. :-

a. It is true that OCM arrange the athletes for the Games;
b. It is true that they issue the accreditation card for the athletes and officials;
c. It is true that the OCM bosses will go and see you chaps perform and they have the right to comment on your performance;
d. It is NOT true that the Games are run by OCM rules;
e. It is NOT true that the technical rules are govern by OCA or OCM;
f. It is TRUE that the technical Rules follow only IDSF rules;
g. In the event there are conflicts between OCA rules and IDSF rules on technical matters, IDSF Rules applies;
h. It is TRUE that only MPDC can legally hold a National ranking competition, this is in the Sports Development Act;
i. It is TRUE that only MPDC have that right because they are recognised by the International Federation; and that is IDSF;
j. You can take part in any competition and dance your heart out but if that competition is not sanctioned by MPDC that competition cannot be considered as a ranking. They can call it by whatever name they want OCM trials , Ranking for Selection for Asian Indoor Games , nothing will happen if that competition is not sanctioned by MPDC;
k. What I write is all TRUE and all you need is check Section 34 of the Sports Development Act , the title says Use of recognised rules and guidelines for competitions says....

"A sports body shall ensure that all sports competitions and events authorised, conducted or participated in by it as well as those held under its auspices, are in accordance with the recognised rules and guidelines of all international governing and regulatory bodies for its sport in all matter . including the standard and qualifications of all participants and officials as well as the health ............." 

So now you understand OCM can say what they like and I can assure you OCM is not a member of IDSF , they are just like another Sports Body like MPDC. The WDC AL athletes are able to participate because if the MPDC athletes do not go, no one can go and OCM cannot do anything. Yes! it is a trade off for the love of the sport. Yes! we were critised by our actions but at least our athletes can participate.
l. True MPDC is part of IDSF,
m.TRUE MPDC follows the Rules and Regulations of IDSF; and if you say it is a political body, that is what you say and you are entitled to your opinion;
j. It is NOT TRUE that MPDC does not allow anyone to join our ranking. You can join but you have to be our member and abide by our rules. Just like if I were to go to your house I also must abide by your rules;

So if there a competition that say that it is a selection for Olympic Family Games, don't be easily fooled, check with us.

Finally don't feel bad if you are played out, you should have checked with us in the first place.   

Olympian Team to Vietnam Asian Indoor Games

Okay there was a slight mistake, apparently the Team going for the Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam is selected by the Olympic Council of Malaysia. They even have a "stylo milo" namer for this Team. Yeah! The Olympian Team or something like that.

Well whatever, at least Malaysia is represented in the 3rd Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam and for the love of Dancesport we wish all of them a Happy and fruitful outing.

I forgot to tell you that MPDC applied to join OCM but our application was rejected, so that is the end of the story and end of the road. You may want to know the reason why it was rejected? It is beacuse MDSB are still members of OCM, and the constitution say there can be only one member representing a sport. Oh ! but IDSF recognises MPDC but that is not important la in Asian Indoor Games.

Although MDSB membership has been revoked by IDSF, I think they are doing something about it. Seriously we wish them well and I hope all will turn out well. Then you may ask what will happen to MPDC? Aiyaa ! simple la see what IDSF say , if they say we move out of IDSF, we move out la. If they say we are suspended, we remain suspended la. If they say hang on, we hang on la.

Now those who want to dance in the Asian Games 2010 , go to OCM and ask them when are they holding the OCM Trials.

However if you are going to participate in IDSF competition come to us, we still have a function to play but must be member first and pay membership fee. Must also sign good boy or girl letter. Not easy for Freedom to Dance dancers where they subscribe to "macam macam dan apa macam pun bolih dance policy."

As for the 3rd Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam, only OCM have the power to let you go. Unfortunately MPDC have nothing to do with this Games or are associated with it. Sigh!

All the same we wish the Olympian Team good luck.

The picture is a flower with 5 red rings. Good luck ring la!

Dancers and adjudicators

This topic that I intend to write about is not going to make me win a popularity contest. As a matter of fact some of the people will scorn at me and some may feel that I am breaking their rice bowl. I would like to discuss with you about dance teachers and dance athletes. First and foremost does a dance athlete who say represent the country automatically qualifies as a dance teacher? Are the Dance teachers qualified to teach students to dance the correct way? What then makes a qualified dance teacher? Now take note I am talking about Dance Athletes being dance instructors. Now we know for a fact that there are many teachers who does not have a certificate in dance arre excellent teachers and have produced good results. Such teachers willl have problems appling to be IDSF adjudicators.

Here I need to stray a bit to good Ole' England. English are good at lots of things and one of the most outstanding legacy the British left behind is the British style Civil Service. There are also bloody good at arranging things put them in order. Look even in Ballroom dancing, they managed to systematically lay out the medal test and have names for every moves in a Waltz or a Quick step. Most of you may have heard about the Imperial School of Teachers of Dancing that was founded in 1904 .

The Waltz steps that you dance today like the Basic Weave or Reverse Corte is More than a 100years old. Do you know that steps like the Open Telemark and Closed Telemark is named after a place in Norway. For that matter the term Corta Jaca in Samba have its origin to farmers working in the field using their heel to plant seeds. Try it and you know what I mean.

So what is my point. Okay here is my point , I heard an international adjudicator making a remark that some of the Dancers does not seem to know what are syllabus steps. What is even worst is a dancer who makes some fancy moves in a Beginners Competition dancing outside Syllabus steps are not even warned or disqualified. With this happening he strongly suspect that this state of affairs was allowed to perpetuate when the so call adjudicators themselves do not know what they are judging.

Sad is it not ! Now whose fault is it? You figure it out and don't you think something have to be done?

Guangzhou Asian Games

With the Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam in 2009, and the acceptance of Dancesport into the Asian Games in 2010, there may be a likelihood that Dancesport will eventually be dropped from the Asian Indoor Games series. It is the wish of all Dancesport enthusiast and supporters that Dancesport be in as many Olympic Family Games as possible and finally one day we hope it will make it into the Olympics.

At the Annual General Meeting in Macau 2009, that was the aim of IDSF , to make Dancesport part of the Olympic Games. Compare to Golf or Rugby, Dancesport is relatively new, in the sense that it was only recognised as a sport in 1999. The term Dancesport (one word) is a newly coined term to described what was formerly called Ballroom. Not that the term Ballroom dancing has been dropped, in the social context it is still referred to as Ballroom dancing.

Okay a little trivia about the Asian Indoor Games. The Olympic Council of Malaysia will be sending four (4) couples to represent Malaysia in the 3rd Asian Indoor Games in Hanoi, Vietnam. Two couples for Latin American event and two couples for Standard permitted. The latest we were informed that Michael & Janet our 1st Latin ranked couple cannot go for the Games because Janet who is currently in England cannot make it back home for the Games. It would be good if OCM can consider sending the 3nd ranked couple Chua Czen Fong and Evon to replace them. All the same we wish them all the best and may they have a good time in Vietnam. The Asian Indoor Games is not an easy competition. We would be very proud of our athletes if they can make it into the semi finals.

Okay what I would like to tell you a bit is the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010. There will be a total of 10 gold medals in contention. The Games will be in November 2010. What I want to highlight to you is the arrangement of events in the Asian Games. It is a departure from the Asian Indoor Games in Bangkok 2005 and Macau 2007.

The 10 medal are as follows :-

For Latin , the 5 dance event, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive. For Standard the 5 dance event, followed by Waltz, Quickstep, Tango and Fox Trot. Notice if you will they have excluded Rumba and Viennese Waltz as a single medal event . However in the 5 dance event you still have Viennese Waltz and Rumba.

We will be discussing about preparation for Guangzhou 2010 and we need to have a plan if we are seriously going to Guangzhou. Malaysia will have to send the best Team and this call for sacrifice from the athletes. Our goal is very modest , just bring back a medal from the Asian Games. This will be a boost to dancesport for Malaysia.

We need to be noticed by the National Sports Council. In 2011 the next SEA Games will be in Bandung, Indonesia. In Indonesia, Team Dancesport Malaysia must bring back some gold medals. There is no if or buts and failure is not an option.

P.S. We understand that the technical committee of Dancesport is under the International Federation governing the sport , that is IDSF/ADSF. We are informed by ADSF that Malaysia have no representative in their organisation. The Olympic Council of Malaysia is sending a Team under their banner, we do hope OCM will pay for all their expenses or at least subsidise for the athletes.