Federations Roundup -Rowing Changes; Skiing Injuries; FIBA World Championship Draw

FISA doubled the days of finals to make rowing more television friendly. (Getty Images) Rowing Doubles Length of Olympic Finals, World Championships

The rowing finals program at the Olympics and world championships will last four days instead of two.

After consulting with broadcasters, the International Rowing Federation (FISA) Council decided to spread finals out over more days. The decision follows recommendations made by the IOC and LOCOG.

FISA Executive Director Matt Smith tells Around the Rings the changes create a more attractive, shorter program for broadcasters. The new finals format would cut the broadcast time per day from three hours to about an hour or 90 minutes.

"For broadcasters we think it provides a more compelling program that fits in more with the amount of time that could be attributed to rowing," Smith says.

"After talking to several media advisors, we've figured out that flags going up poles and anthems played are media worthy. We will get more attention from the media over four days rather than concentrating everything over two days."

Smith said FISA is in talks about implementing the changes at the 2010 World Championships in Karapiro, New Zealand. The FISA Council will convene on Jan. 22 to discuss the exact format of championships.

John Kucera, the 2009 World Downhill Champion will not compete in the Vancouver Olympics due to injury. (Getty Images)Ski Federation Worried about Injuries

In the wake of significant injuries on its World Cup circuit, the International Ski Federation is seeking outside advice to find long-term solutions.

"The reasons for the latest accidents appear to be quite varied," FIS President Gian Franco-Kasper said in a statement. "We have now called a meeting with all the coaches, athletes and other involved parties to identify commonalities and to seek practical solutions to this problem that has made us very worried."

Injuries are keeping some of the best skier from competing in Vancouver. The reigning World Downhill Champion John Kucera and World Cup Slalom Champion Jean-Baptiste Grange will miss the Olympics after suffering season-ending leg injuries.

In 2006, the federation established the FIS Injury Surveillance System (FIS ISS) to collect data on injuries and find solutions.Kobe Bryant and Team USA took gold at the Beijing Olympics. Team USA will attempt to repeat its success at the 2010 FIBA World Championships in Turkey. (Getty Images)

2010 FIBA World Championship Draw

Team USA basketball will face Iran, and Greece will play Turkey in the FIBA 2010 World Championships.

The International Basketball Federation held the draw for the 2010 championships at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel in Istanbul, on Tuesday. The tournament, which includes NBA players, will be played in Turkey between Aug. 28 and Sept. 12. Ankara, Kayseri, Istanbul and Izmir will host games. The champion receives a spot in the London 2012 Olympics.

Argentina, Greece, Spain and USA are the top seeds. Spain won the last championships in 2006 in Japan and USA took gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Argentina leads the FIBA rankings followed by USA, Spain and Greece in order.

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Written by Sam Steinberg.