08-10-2017, 11:37 PM
Hi all,
Having discussed the planned criteria changes regarding 'activity' with many people now, I have decided that my proposed solution needs to be put on hold.
Although there has been a lot of support for my plans, as some have mentioned the rather abrupt introduction of these changes hasn't taken enough account of the pool of players likely to be involved in the Scottish teams and what they may have already planned for the next 6 months or so, nor have I made my case clear enough as to why I believe these changes are necessary for Scotland's international teams, both at present and going forward.
To me it's very clear - and the debate last year, and the lack of consensus, is what prompted me to make a 'unilateral decision' as International Director - but I'm well aware I'm still only one person and naturally I'd like to have everyone on board, or at least accepting of the changes as being to the benefit of Chess Scotland overall.
So, for the time being the selection criteria will remain the same as before (although I will be advising/reminding our selectors to take the 'activity' factor' very seriously in their deliberations for the likes of the Olympiad next year) and over the next few months I will attempt to persuade all interested parties that the change I had planned to introduce is both necessary and positive.
I look forward to some lively discussions covering a whole range of issues and side-issues on this, so please, if you have a view, add it to the public debate! Keep it friendly though.
Kind regards,
Andy Burnett (CS ID)
Having discussed the planned criteria changes regarding 'activity' with many people now, I have decided that my proposed solution needs to be put on hold.
Although there has been a lot of support for my plans, as some have mentioned the rather abrupt introduction of these changes hasn't taken enough account of the pool of players likely to be involved in the Scottish teams and what they may have already planned for the next 6 months or so, nor have I made my case clear enough as to why I believe these changes are necessary for Scotland's international teams, both at present and going forward.
To me it's very clear - and the debate last year, and the lack of consensus, is what prompted me to make a 'unilateral decision' as International Director - but I'm well aware I'm still only one person and naturally I'd like to have everyone on board, or at least accepting of the changes as being to the benefit of Chess Scotland overall.
So, for the time being the selection criteria will remain the same as before (although I will be advising/reminding our selectors to take the 'activity' factor' very seriously in their deliberations for the likes of the Olympiad next year) and over the next few months I will attempt to persuade all interested parties that the change I had planned to introduce is both necessary and positive.
I look forward to some lively discussions covering a whole range of issues and side-issues on this, so please, if you have a view, add it to the public debate! Keep it friendly though.
Kind regards,
Andy Burnett (CS ID)