Chess Scotland Noticeboard

George Murphy · Knight Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 19 Location: Cardross

I'm not sure why the Agenda and Directors Reports are being published ahead of the meeting. I cannot find the CS Constitution on the new website, but my recollection is that CS members are allowed to attend but not to speak. Publication on the Board is tantamount to inviting members to speak.

I hope the Grand Prix Reform proposals do not go through in their present form, whose principle is illogical and discriminatory. It promises to reward the well-attended and punish the poorly attended. Don't base the procedures on numbers but on format. By all means enhance the CS Championships, but why should Edinburgh - already very popular - be privileged above another Congress run on the same format simply because it attracts higher numbers?

In the past, when congress organisers have asked for support, the CS response has usually been that limited resources preclude material aid. The new reforms - if passed - would militate against a new congress such as Prestwick - if it cannot muster the entirely arbitrary total of 50 participants. Or, alternatively, West of Scotland, which it seems to me tries to encourage youngsters to test their spurs against adult players. Should we not be trying to encourage new organisers, not allocating them a disincentive? What is a weekender? Three days with a standard time limit, or a two day event with a hybrid time limit? Why should an Allegro that attracts higher numbers be privileged over a congress operating on the standard rate of play, but is less well attended in terms of numbers?

It's great that sponsors are ready to encourage chess activity, but please let us keep to the spirit of their generosity. A level-playing field is surely in everyone's interest.

David Deary · Queen Joined: 31 May 2010 Posts: 98

George,

I cannot see the Agenda or Directors Reports for this meeting. I can see the calendar entry but cannot find the items you reference.

I have to say that I absolutely agree with you. I still feel cheated regarding the GP points for the West of Scotland which has in escence robbed me of second place in the GP currently. As I commented prior this 50 competitor rule is absolutely farcical especially when there were 49 competitors at the West of Scotland.

As you identified it is a complete disincentive and not a level playing field.

I have no idea what the new rules proposed are as I cannot find the agenda you have mentioned but I will try and find it and will comment on the proposal later.
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DGCongalton · Queen Joined: 07 Nov 2010 Posts: 113

David

Agenda etc can be found by scrolling down home page to recent articles. Docs are contained in a ZIP file.

David Deary · Queen Joined: 31 May 2010 Posts: 98

DGCongalton · Queen Joined: 07 Nov 2010 Posts: 113

George

You can find the CS constitution by via the "browse this site" menu bar at the top left of the home page. Hover cursur over main menu and select news list. Scroll right to the bottom and select Chess Scotland Info which is at the centre of the meny bar at the foot of this page.

Perhaps there is a more direct link to the Chess Scotland Info page but I can't see it.

George Murphy · Knight Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 19 Location: Cardross

David

Thank you. W/o your signposting, I would never have found this.

I was right. See Clause 8.4 - CS members 'who are not Council members may attend meetings as observers'.

George

admin · Site Admin Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 1386

We agreed when Donald was President that we wanted things to be more open.

Would you rather we had closed door meetings and no one saw what was being spoken about, or being given the chance to air their views?

David Deary · Queen Joined: 31 May 2010 Posts: 98

George Murphy · Knight Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 19 Location: Cardross

I'm all in favour of transparency. Too often, poor communication is at the root of misunderstanding.

DMB · King Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 267

The Council meeting minutes should be available shortly. Council has agreed a change of rules for next season such that all weekend Main List events of any size are double points and all Allegros are single points. Events which are restricted to players from a particular area will still be single point. The rules will be amended in time for the new season. http://www.chessscotland.com/csinfo/gpintro.htm

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It seems that despite the rules being on the website for the last 11 years many were unaware that previously there was a distinction that "large" events would score a higher multiplier than "small".

At no time in those 11 years was there any communication from any player that the principle was "discriminatory and illogical".

The use of 50 as the marker for large was not "arbitrary". It was no more abitrary than when peak fares on the train become off-peak or at what year you get your bus pass. An official charged with the task uses their judgement and makes a decision.

David Deary · Queen Joined: 31 May 2010 Posts: 98

DGCongalton · Queen Joined: 07 Nov 2010 Posts: 113

I think the original idea of the rule was to avoid people piling up grand prix points by creating small, local events and preventing others coming in to take part.

David Deary · Queen Joined: 31 May 2010 Posts: 98

DGCongalton · Queen Joined: 07 Nov 2010 Posts: 113

It's unfortunate but the rule, ludicrous or not, was there at the start of the season. The time to complain about it was before the first event of the season took place. As the rule has been in place, to change it before the season ends would be wrong and would set a precedent that although may not be dangerous could be considered unfair to those it negatively impacts.

Addressing the issue for next season is the only sensible option available. Again, it's unfortunate.

David Deary · Queen Joined: 31 May 2010 Posts: 98