What happens when FISA's commissions meet?

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Joint Commissions Meeting began in 1986 when the newly appointed FISA Competitive Rowing Commission Chair, Thor Nilsen invited about 20 commission members from ten nations to a ‘joint meeting’ in Piediluco, Italy. The meeting, under the then FISA President Thomi Keller turned out to be a success and it has been held every year since. 

FISA Executive Director, Matt Smith has been involved in the running of JCM’s for20 years and attended the first one in Piediluco when he was working for Nilsen. Smith commented on the evolution of the meeting; “The JCM has grown over the years from a small gathering where the main topic of discussion was only about the World Championships, to today’s form where there are well over 36 nationalities attending and more than 120 meetings to discuss a wide range of topics from the Olympic Games to how to develop rowing in St. Vincent and Grenadines.”

This year 129 people from 36 nations attended with the scheduled 120 meetings running over three days. There was also the opportunity for the individuals from different areas of rowing to talk together informally during the breaks.

All of the communities of the rowing world are brought together at the JCM; the specialist commissions, the European Rowing Management Board, external event service providers, marketing and environmental representatives, organising committees for events, FISA office staff, the FISA executive committee and FISA council members.

Of the many meetings, the main discussion this year was around reviewing the previous year’s activities and looking ahead to the coming and future years with the aim of applying what has been learned.  New initiatives are developed and implemented as the sport is continually evolving and moving forward to reflect the environment in which rowing operates. World Rowing is constantly facing challenges in the ever-changing sporting landscape and the meeting helps those involved to look at adapting approaches to face the challenges.

The JCM makes sure there is open communication across all stakeholders and a coordinated approach between the different groups.

Those attending comment on the non-stop nature of the JCM. To help with the pressure, four indoor rowing machines were brought in by Concept2 to allow the delegates to stay fit, stay calm and, as Smith described, to ‘externalise any pent up emotions!’

The meeting ultimately reflects on World Rowing’s values of a team working towards a common goal with a commitment and focus to working for the good of the sport.

As Smith concluded; “The feedback received so far from this year’s meeting has been extremely encouraging. The cooperation and collaboration between the commissions is commendable. The positive energy created over the three days was almost tangible. We now need to act on all the resulting recommendations and proposed initiatives.  FISA would like to thank all the participants for their time and contribution in making the JCM a great success.”