Figure skating in the Winter Olympics was one of the most popular events, receiving prime-time television coverage and propelling CBS to top ratings over the other networks. However, some of the world's best figure skaters, including Brian Boitano, Katarina Witt and Scott Hamilton, could not compete because Olympic skating still isn't open to professionals who receive money from events not sanctioned by the International Skating Union. In contrast, professional players in basketball, tennis and hockey can be involved in their sports in the games.

The Evening Sun would like to know what you think. Should the best figure skaters be allowed to compete in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway? Or, should the Olympics go in the other way and require that competitors in all sports be amateurs?

To register your opinion, call SUNDIAL at 783-1800 (or 268-7736 in Anne Arundel County) today through midnight. After you hear the greeting, you'll be asked to punch in a four-digit code on your touch-tone phone. Punch 4600 and you'll be connected with "It's Your Call," cf,geregi The Evening Sun's phone survey on topical issues.

"It's Your Call" represents a sampling of opinions from certain segments of the community, but it is not balanced demographically, as would be done in a scientific public opinion poll.

Look for the results in tomorrow's Evening Sun.