Why the USIS was formed and where it’s headed

When Chief Executive Officer of iFLY Virginia Beach Robert Pizzini walked away from the 2017 FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championship in Montreal, Canada he couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. Sure he was able to witness some of the best athletes in the world perform miraculous aerial stunts, but he noticed that the USA team wasn’t among the best teams. While teams such as France and Poland seem unified and professional, the US team looked scattered with all sorts of different uniforms. In the eight events at the 2017 WISC, the US was unable to win gold, taking home just two silvers and a bronze. Pizzini was proud the US was able to take home those medals, but he believed that the US team could do so much more through a formal national governing body similar to other sports that culminate in selection to the US Olympic Team. After close examination of similar organizations such as US Ski and Snowboard, US Figure Skating, USA Track and Field, and USA Hockey Pizzini created US Indoor Skydiving (USIS) which was immediately recognized by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) as the national governing body for the international sport of indoor skydiving.

“After my experience in Canada after the 2017 World Championship of Indoor Skydiving I saw the potential for an international sport,” said Pizzini. I also saw the need for organization within the US team.”

iFLY Va. Beach has hosted the past two US Indoor Skydiving Nationals, and Pizzini couldn’t have been happier to do it. Hosting this national event has allowed him to meet with athletes from all over the country and enjoy the best the US has to offer right in his own facility. The enjoyment Pizzini and his staff found in these events was even more motivation for him to found USIS.

“The social interactions that I’ve had and witnessed at the US Nationals with people from all over the world was the best part,” said Pizzini. “Those experiences were definitely influential in my decision to take on USIS.”

It’s been just about two months since USIS was formed and like any new organization, we are learning as we go.  A bright spot for USIS came in the form of current USIS Director of Operations, Randy Connell. With over 20 years of experience in skydiving competition, judging and event management, Connell is a perfect fit.

“One of the most pleasant surprises would be when Randy Connell called me and asked if the Director of Operations position was still available," Pizzini said. “There’s no better person to fill that position than Randy.”

 

The primary goal of USIS is to provide the US team with the assistance and organization they need to win gold at international events such as the FAI World Championship, and World Cup. Pizzini hopes that USIS is able to create greater unification within the US indoor skydiving community, through programs, competitions, and the national training center in Va. Beach.

 

“I believe there’s a lot of value to having a National Governing Body that’s truly focused on improving the sport and treating it professionally,” said Pizzini.

 
Another Goal that Pizzini has made clear is his desire to expand and enhance youth involvement in indoor skydiving. At the 2018 US Nationals held in Va. Beach there were 19 junior flyers (under 17) who competed, and they were more than capable of keeping up with the adults. Pizzini realizes how important kids are to the future of indoor skydiving and wants to give them every opportunity to participate, improve and enjoy the sport.
 

“We had 19 athletes in the junior category this year,” said Pizzini. “We hope to more than double that in the 2019 US National Championship as children represent the future of this great sport.”

With the 2018 FAI World Cup of Indoor Skydiving approaching fast USIS is busier now more than ever.