Question for the pros

[Scott Markowitz]

As I was trying to explain to some folks who came over to watch WSM the other night the difference between IFSA and WSM, and how people get to the WSM contest, they asked me a question I don't know the answer to. So, for those who've been through this...

When one goes pro via NAS, how do you choose which fed? Do you call them or do they call you? How does it work for those who don't go through NAS? (Does anybody do that anymore?) Is there a NAS equivalent for other countries?

Without getting into dirty details, what are the benefits of one fed over the other - is it money per contest? Number of contests? Location of contests? Other perks?

Relatedly, do they pay for just the athlete to come, or the athlete plus one more, or what?

Thanks for the info.

[jon hergert]

not a pro but i will give it a shot.

if you win a pro am at NAS you have the opportunity to become a ASC athlete, which is affiliated with IFSA.

From there, you can compete in any of the IFSA pro shows in the United States, qualify for Nationals, regionals, and then on to worlds i believe.

Also, if you do well enough, you can compete in the Super Series, which is affiliated with WSM. Only through the Super Series can you qualify to compete in WSM.

Once you get high enough up the food chain, an athlete really has to make a decision whether or not to compete in IFSA or WSM. IFSA does have paid contracts for athletes, but they are exclusive, once you have signed, you are prevented from competing under any other fed.

WSM contracts are not exclusive, but i believe if you compete in Super Series, IFSA will generally not let you play with them anymore.