National Speedskating Championships

The below is copied from Inlinekaki Forums

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Dear All,

As you know there is changes in RS with new EXCO in place.
So there will be new committees for each discipline soon.
All formalities are done and money allocated to RS by SSC should be released soon (long wait since Feb-March).

Unfortunately budget given is very low due to RS performance in the past financial year.
We are going to try to get additional funds but for now all can be confirmed is 5K in total for speed in the current financial year (allocated for Nat Championship).

EXCO has decided that National Championship 2008 will take place at Sembawang (track location to be confirmed this week) in August.
Proposed dates are 16,17,23 or 24 (one day event). It should be confirmed during this week.
Program will include 300 m individual time trial, 1,000 m heats and 10,000 m points (5,000 for women - to be confirmed).
This will be 4th stage of SIC at the same time.

Initially date was fixed as first weekend of August but due to lack of funds and late budget release we only can do it on the short notice in order to select National Team.
World Championship in Spain will begin on the 4th of Sept. And RS has no choice but follow the way of few established federation (incl NZ until last year) when national athletes have to pay their own expenses to participate in WC. RS only can promise to try to raise some $ and find sponsors for team uniform. But probably we will know outcome at the very last moment.

For team selection following system will be used 6, 4, 3, 2, 1 points system (1st to 5th place)
If equal on points the one who finished ahead of the other the most times gets the decision, if still equal, the one who places highest in the middle event (1,000m). If the same person won overall and distance (sprint) top spots, second placed distance (sprint) skater to be selected.

M - 4 skaters
Top one from 2 shortest distances 300 & 1,000 m.
Top one from 2 longest distances 1,000 & 10,000 m
Highest placed overall
Top placed overall Junior (age Over 13 at 1st January 2008 & under 17 years at the first January 2008).

W - 2 skaters
Highest placed overall
Top placed overall Junior (age Over 13 at 1st January 2008 & under 17 years at the first January 2008).

Take note that only selected skaters will be permitted to represent Singapore at WC. If they are not able to travel to Spain due to lack of funds doesn't mean next person in line will be going instead.

RS EXCO understands difficulties athletes may face preparing for National Championship on a such a short conformation but this is the best we can do.
We ready to provide supporting letter for any athlete ranked top 10 (Men) / top 5 (Women) in SIC standing to their employer, commander, school if it can help them to have more time to prepare for National Championship.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards.
Maxim Glazov
VP RS

Copied from InlineKakis forum

Short update on National Championship/SIC 4th stage date:
23rd of August Sat at Sembawang, Jelutung Court (24th is reserved date in case of rain on Sat).
We are waiting for final conformation from Jelutung CC but shouldn't be any problem.
It was not possible to secure 16-17th of August as place will be covered by tentage from Nat Day celebrations.