“A Fresh Approach to Create a Space for the Sport.â€
An Analysis from Henk Rottinghuis – Candidate for the 2010 Presidency of the FEI – at the end of his 100-day Listening Programme
Introduction to My Analysis
When I started my 100-day Listening Programme, I was very open minded about it and did not know what kind of response I would get. I have been surprised and learned more than I had hoped for.
In this Analysis, I want to present to you what I have heard so far. My Analysis is based on the conversations I have had with many people in the sport over recent months, the formal results of my Survey and the meetings I have attended. It will form the basis for my Presidential Agenda.
Of course, there are many people to whom I have not yet managed to speak. That’s why I will continue listening and why I would welcome your comments and feedback on this Analysis.
Your views will help me further refine my Analysis and I will then publish my Agenda, setting out the actions and approach I will take if elected FEI President.
Inevitably, any Analysis tends to be critical in its tone. It has to be if it is going to produce constructive criticism and bring about improvements.
In preparing this document, I have found that there is a high dissatisfaction among riders, organisers and National Federations with the way things are currently handled. And I am aware that people in the field have told me that they are tired of surprises and there are far too many of them, which damages the sport.
It is also clear that big differences in needs of Member Federations have lead to very different and sometimes contradictory requirements and demands on the FEI.
I do not think this is something we need necessarily be worried about in a worldwide community like the FEI, as long as we respect our differences, take the trouble to understand each other and make an effort to bridge the gaps that exist.
We don’t have to pretend to be one happy family when, in reality, we are dealing with the challenges faced by a growing global sport that is maturing in the 21st century. As long as we discuss our aspirations and challenges on that basis, I feel we can overcome internal differences and build upon what has been achieved so far.
What you will read in this Analysis should in no way be seen a direct criticism of those who have worked so hard to make our sport such a growing success. They should be very proud of their contribution. But progress and development can only be achieved by keeping a critical eye on performance and being open to change. In short, by constantly listening to what’s being said and then acting on that, so we keep up the momentum that our fast paced sport demands.
That requires a fresh approach and this is what I hope to present in the Agenda I will publish in late September.
In the meantime I am keen to hear your views on my Analysis. Do you agree or disagree with them? Or are there any issues you think have not been included? If so, please visit my website: www.henkforfei.org and feel free to leave your comments (anonymously), or email me directly at henkforfei@henkrottinghuis.org
Yours sincerely,
Henk Rottinghuis
Next: My Overall Findings
It would seem to me that in an election the candidates would
1. Point out their strong points and
2. Forcibly reject the other candidates and their policies and conduct – so that we recognise the differences in policy clearly and so that we are aware of the character and commitment of the candidate
Why is this absent – so it seems from this election