The International Skating Union (ISU) held today the first-ever Extraordinary Congress in its 133-year history, culminating in an extraordinary outcome: the approval of an extensive Constitutional reform by its Members. Convening both in Lausanne (SUI) and online, 94 voting delegates participated in the Congress, with an overwhelming majority voting in favour of a governance modernization - 119 votes in favour, nine against, and two abstentions - well exceeding the required 86 votes for approval. 

This decision marks another major step forward as part of ISU Vision 2030, the organization’s strategic roadmap to modernize its structure and advance its sports. With this approval, the ISU gains greater operational flexibility, positioning it to navigate the fast-changing global sports environment more effectively, while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the core principles of good governance: accountability, transparency, and integrity.

The newly adopted ISU Constitutional Framework – the result of a year-long review and inclusive Member consultation process launched at the 2024 ISU Ordinary Congress – was approved with overwhelming support. This marks the first complete overhaul of the ISU’s constitutional rules and regulations since the original Constitution was adopted in 1893. 

The new ISU Constitution Framework adopted during the ISU Extraordinary Congress, July 3, 2025. ©ISU

Revolving around four key objectives – Clarity, Simplicity, Consistency and Agility – this revision process was built on three procedural pillars: close collaboration with ISU Members, benchmarking against best practices from other International Federations and expert legal advice from an external Swiss law firm. And the result is striking: the revised Constitution reduces the former 84 pages to just 34, introducing a simplified structure and more cohesive ecosystem of governance bodies and regulations. 

 ISU President Jae Youl Kim speaking at the first-ever ISU Extraordinary Congress that took place on July 3, 2025. ©ISU

“Adopting our new Constitution today means we have passed a crucial milestone along the ISU’s road to modernization,” said ISU President Jae Youl Kim. “ISU Members gave their full support to this reform, which is a cornerstone of ISU Vision 2030. It gives us the agility to act faster in a fast-changing sports world - no more waiting two years for Congresses to address urgent issues. But let me be clear: flexibility doesn’t mean a lack of discipline. This new framework strengthens our commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability, and Member-driven governance. Every step we take is for one purpose: to serve our skaters and safeguard the future of our sports. We are the ISU, transformed. ISU now stands for Inspiring, Supportive, and Unstoppable - a reflection of the DNA we will carry forward into the future.”

The new ISU Brand House with DNA unveiled at the ISU Extraordinary Congress, July 3, 2025 ©ISU

IOC President Kirsty Coventry makes first official appearance at an International Sports Federation’s Congress

This momentous day in ISU history was made even more special by the presence of a very distinguished guest: newly elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. Making her first appearance at an international sports federation event in her new role, President Coventry attended the ISU Extraordinary Congress and addressed ISU Members. In her speech, she commended the ISU for its bold and transformative journey, highlighting the Congress as a significant milestone. Her presence served as a powerful symbol of the strong and enduring partnership between the IOC and the ISU, and of a shared commitment to the values of the Olympic Movement.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim with IOC President Kirsty Coventry at the ISU Extraordinary Congress, July 3, 2025 - the first international sport federation Congress she is attending in her new role.  ©ISU

Kirsty Coventry said: “ISU Vision 2030, the strategic roadmap is very impressive, and all the initiatives that you have already achieved together in a very short space of time. What is very evident is how you are ensuring that the athletes are at the centre of the decisions you are taking.   We can see how they are beaming with excitement for the sport that they love.”

She adds: What also really stands out in the constitutional reforms was the emphasis on the Integrity Unit, and that the ISU is only the second winter International Federation to set this up. That speaks volumes.  Taking this very bold new step forward will inspire people outside of the sport and will bring a lot of goodwill to the sporting family. So again, congratulations and I look forward to working with all of you to uphold our values and creating more opportunities for athletes to realize their dreams.”

Key Highlights of the Reform

1. Enhanced Governance:

As part of this new Framework, a number of new ISU Bodies are created to elevate the ISU to the highest standards of good governance. They ensure integrity, transparency, accountability, and greater Member participation in the ISU governing process.

• Skating Integrity Unit (IU)
  • Role: will oversee the adoption, updating and enforcement of rules around integrity in all areas of sports governance and competition. 
  • Scope: Anti-Doping, corruption, competition manipulation, safeguarding against abuse and harassment, violations of ISU Code of Ethics.
  • Status: authority to investigate and prosecute (no adjudication power) with an independent Board elected by Members. 
• Audit, Risk & Investment Committee 
  • Role: will enhance financial oversight, risk management and investment strategy.
  • Status: elected by Members and reporting to Congress, as an independent entity.
• Elections Committee 
  • Role: will oversee the nominations and electoral process leading up to an electoral Congress.
  • Status: candidates nominated by Members and Council, elected by Members 9-12 months before electoral Congress.
• Remuneration Committee
  • Role: make recommendations to the Council on indemnities paid to all elected or appointed Office Holders and certain ISU Office senior staff.
  • Status: sub-committee of the Council. 

2. Stronger Athlete Representation:

• Athletes' Commission members will now be elected through a more democratic process, with an added position of a Single skating representative, to better reflect the distinct voices within the skating disciplines.

3. Greater Decision-Making Efficiency and Member Engagement

The process of changing competition and sport rules has been overhauled to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. 

• New Procedure for Rule Change 
  • ISU Members remain central to the process and retain the right to appeal Technical Committee decisions to the Council. They also hold the ultimate authority to amend the Constitution and to elect or change who serves on the Council at electoral Congresses.
  • Direct and ongoing dialogue between Members and Technical Committees is expected. 
  • Technical Committees will now consider recommendations from Members and the ISU Council, with the Council responsible for voting on proposed changes to Sports Rules. 
  • The new procedure will also limit frequent rule changes, ensuring they affect athletes' preparation only once per Olympic cycle.

The new ISU Constitution Rule Making Process adopted during the ISU Extraordinary Congress, July 3, 2025 ©ISU

• Collaborative and transparent approach in-between Congress years 
  • Shifting from a biennial decision-making model (limited to Congress years) to a continuous engagement approach, featuring regular dialogue and active Member involvement during non-Congress years.

The new ISU Constitution Elections & Statutes process adopted during the ISU Extraordinary Congress, July 3, 2025 ©ISU

4. Streamlined Congress Format 

• As a result of this new procedure for rule changes, the format of the ISU Congress will be streamlined - shorter in duration and more focused on essential statutory matters, while allowing greater space for strategic discussions for ISU sports. 
• The number of representatives from single-branch Members will be reduced from four to three.
• These adjustments are designed to reduce environmental impact in alignment with the ISU Sustainability policy, lower costs, and save resources and time.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim and ISU Director General Colin Smith at the ISU Extraordinary Congress, July 3, 2025 ©ISU

5. Term Limits and Institutional Balance:

Formalized term limits are now in place for key elected positions, ensuring regular renewal of ideas and leadership, while cumulative limits will begin post-reform to ensure fairness for current Office Holders.

• Term Limits (per position)
  • Maximum three 4-year terms (12 years), whether consecutive or not, for each of the following positions: President, Vice President, Council Member., Technical Committee chairperson,and Technical Committee member. The positions of President, Vice President, Council Member, Technical Committee chairperson and member are separate positions.
  • Maximum two 4-year terms (8 years), whether consecutive or not, for the position of chairperson and members of all other ISU Bodies. The positions of chairperson and member are separate positions.
• Cumulative Term Limits (all positions)
  • A maximum of six cumulative 4-year terms, whether consecutive or not, will be applicable across all positions. 
  • Terms served on the Athletes Committee and as an athlete member of a committee will not count towards the cumulative total of terms served.
• Age Limits
  • 70 years old at beginning of mandate for all Bodies except the Council and the Chairpersons of the Integrity Unit Board and Disciplinary Commission chairperson– bringing Office Holders in line with current rules for Figure Skating Officials.
  • 75 years old at beginning of mandate for Council Members (including President and Vice Presidents), Skating Integrity Unit chairperson and Disciplinary Commission chairperson, considering experience required to fulfil the role and time required to commit to the role.

Effective Reform implementation

The majority of reforms, including the full enforcement of the new Constitutional Framework and the establishment of new governance Bodies, will take effect after the 2026 ISU Congress, scheduled for June 10–12, following the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.  Transitional rules are in place over the next 11 months.

The complete recording of the ISU Extraordinary Congress session is available for replay here.

 ISU Extraordinary Congress, July 3, 2025 ©ISU