Chess Scotland Noticeboard

AMcHarg · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:00 pm Post subject: Membership

I have suggested this before but not exclusively on a thread of its own.

Why is membership to CS optional? Anyone who is really interested in playing Chess isn't going to cry over a small yearly fee, even if most players play in a club and tournaments and get charged for those as well. The reality is that to make Chess Scotland better it's going to cost money, and everyone benefits from it so everyone should contribute.

Your thoughts please...

A Very Happy

Angus McDonald · King Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 162

Andrew,

I think this is a possible way to go but I guess that to be able to enforce this then the board would need to be a very representative one. Geographically, regards agegroups, etc. I've heard others make a good case for there being no membership fee. From my point of view I think it's worth having the debate to see how and if we can fund Chess in Scotland better with better meaning more money! Smile

Ultimately I think that the Chess volunteers throughout Scotland are providing a tremendous service to the country in catering for many hundreds to enjoy their hobby regularly. A few years ago Shinty i.e was awarded over £200,000 over 3 years for it's development. I believe that Chess has as big a following in Scotland as Shinty. Certainly Chess is more widespread in Scotland than Shinty is. Providing many worthwhile events which encourages participation of many people should be something worthy of more government support imho. One attraction of chess is it's inclusive nature with 90 year olds able to enjoy competition with 9 year olds and men and women able to compete as equals with no physical dominance from one side.(not saying which one though!)

The best route to go in my opinion is to lobby hard to government at all levels to get the correct recognition for our worldwide pastime/sport/game. Make the game more attractive for potential sponsors. I think progress has been made here over the last few years with those volunteer organisers coming up with better and more attractive venues. Finally all that wish to should make effort to sell the game and CS should find ways to support and enable this to happen. Perhaps publicity materials and regular updates of what is happening to all members irrespective of internet access. Just a few ideas.

regards,

Angus

SteveHilton · King Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: Greenock

Andrew,
There is an old saying that you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.