ON THE SIDELINES : World Body to Let Girl, 13, Skate

Thirteen-year-old Natasha Kuchiki will be allowed to compete in next month’s World Figure Skating Championships, the International Skating Union said today.

An ISU rule prohibits skaters younger than 14 from participating in the world championships. Kuchiki and partner Todd Sand finished second at last week’s American championships, which qualified them for a spot on the world team.

Their coach, John Nicks, asked the U.S. Figure Skating Assn. to petition the ISU to overturn the rule. ISU President Olaf Poulsen and First Vice President Josef Dedic said today that the rule will be waived for Kuchiki.