Chess Scotland Noticeboard

Alex McFarlane · King Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 413

I was for many years one of the countries most active junior organisers and could be found most weekends at events all over the country.

I gave up organising junior events for two (interlinked) reasons - one was that difficulties between myself and people then prominent in the SJC meant that my continued involvement was seen by me as a barrier to advancement of a unified junior chess scene in Scotland. The other was because of the personal abuse that was being given.

I often regret stepping away from junior organisation only because it achieved nothing and possibly (others should judge this) left CS tournaments in a weaker position. However, I am quite happy that the personal abuse has stopped.

This forum is an exceedingly useful place for people to air their views and I would not like to see, as happened in England, the end of an official forum. BUT I hope that people will eventually see sense and end the petty bickering that can take place.

Another thread sees two organisers 'debate' a point. I can see arguements for both sides but it would be inappropriate to say what these are here.

Can I make a request to everyone? I don't want a sterile noticeboard but what I have read recently does no-one any credit and only makes people query why they do it at all. Posters please consider what you are about to say and perhaps those who feel ill done by should mellow what may be a totally justified response and try to remove personalities from the debate.

Chess Scotland cannot afford to lose good organisers and unfortunately personal abuse ultimately means that people will ask themselves "Is this worth it?". And all too often the answer will be no and that person will be lost. A loss that is often very difficult to replace.

Directors and organisers of CS events must be accountable but even when there is disagreement people must respect their motives. No-one in Scottish chess is in it for the money. No organiser receives anything more than expenses as a financial reward. The only true reward is in the satisfaction of knowing that a good event has been organised and that a lot of children (and others) have had an enjoyable time. Let's not sour that enjoyment with petty bickering and worse.

Lets take a step back and consider the positives. Scotland has more than its fair share of willing workers who do a good job under difficult circumstances but these volunteers are getting fewer. Lets not discourage those that we have - there is room for everyone and more.

Wipe the slate clean and have everyone doing what is best for chess.

Alex McFarlane · King Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 413

For clarification it should perhaps be stated that the abuse was not from any SJC official currently holding a Chess Scotland position. Indeed I am delighted that progress has been made in getting people of all persuations to work together for the furtherance of chess.

Trevor Davies · Queen Joined: 15 Feb 2007 Posts: 131

Alex,

I agree wholeheartedly with your comments.

As you know, I was asked recently (with others) to set up a Standards Committee (or at least to formulate a detailed proposal for a Standards Committee) which will provide, amongst other things, a legitimate vehicle for those who wish to air genuine grievances.

In the absence of such a vehicle, various people in recent years have resorted to the online forum - a very poor substitute. These online discussions have usually generated far more heat than light and have generally damaged (in various ways) the cause of chess in Scotland.

Although the work of developing the proposal for the Standards Committee is at an early stage, my own view is that the proper route for
registering serious complaints against individuals (or their actions) is via the Standards Committee (fair comment excepted). Further, in my view, the Standards Committee must have the necessary disciplinary authority to enforce this standard, and all others.

I expect that the proposal will be complete by the end of June/early July.
After that, the group may elect to circulate it for comment before submitting it to the CS AGM.