Resignation Statement – Alex McFarlane


It is with considerable regret that I confirm that I have stepped down from my position as Director of the Scottish Championships.

This is as a direct result of the Chess Scotland AGM’s decision that the title should be shared between players on different scores.  I cannot accept that such a decision makes any sense whatsoever.  Had the decision been to withdraw the title from Matthew Turner and award it to Colin McNab due to a misinterpretation of the qualification regulations on my part then at least that result would have had some logic attached. 

It probably would not have affected my decision if that had been the motion passed, however, as there is a second matter which has to be taken into account.

I was asked by two players to confirm that Mr Turner was eligible for the title.  I replied that he was.  As the AGM has now ruled that I was in error in this respect I therefore misdirected these players. This erroneously given 'confirmation' may have deprived them of the opportunity of becoming Scottish Champion.  That reason alone is a sufficient cause for my resignation.

This decision was not taken lightly.  It was considered over a period of some weeks and it had been intimated to the President before the meeting took place that if it was passed then so too would be my time running the Scottish Championships.

I am proud and privileged to have run the event and to have been an arbiter at it for the number of years I have.  I wish the Championships and my successors as Director and Chief Arbiter well for the future.

After my morning game at SNCL and my opponent had left I started to play a few moves- I would not have been long but a blue meanie arbiter pounced and said I was breaking FIDE rules. I asked who had complained, what harm (I was quiet)?  Rules are rules!  Maybe it is time to stop voting for FIDE rated tournaments.  I almost lost my jacket because of that arbiter - I was so upset.  If I had disturbed someone else then I would accept that I was wrong but no one was disturbed.  If we are going to be so strict then it should apply to organisers and arbiters as well - Blackpool does not comply with FIDE standard height of tables as I have pointed out to them. Rule 11.3.1 does not ban analysis after play but only during play on another board. Note that rule 12.2 © states that it is the arbiters duty to maintain a good playing environment and this has already been defined by FIDE to inclide table height, space betwwen tables and lighting etc.

Can you please check and let me know of any errors

Div 1  Div 2  Div 3  Div 4  Div 5

It s  probable that there is a bye in Div 5 as there is an odd number of teams.

I've got an idea!!

If you would like to play but don't have a team, come along and we will make up a team of Oddbods (ability to choose on name is acceptable) This team will not be charged and will vary from month to month depending on who turns up. It will not follow the club rules etc and at end of year it cannot be promoted. Ie it can be a mixture of lubs and the individuals will not be banned from playing for their own club teams in a later round. All games will be graded.


Come along and try SNCL, 

Help me out. I want all teams there tomorrow so sorry if you are sitting out in the morning. Be there cos if the above works you will have a game which will count towards promotion

So proud we hit 40, thanks Guys.

GG

Apologies for being later than normal, I have been very busy with Work, Isle of Man, AGM, Scarborough and life in general.  

Division 1  Division 2  Division 3  Division 4  Division 5 

Hi folks, hope you all have your teams primed and ready for battle.

See you all on Sunday

Games start promptly at 10.00am so don't be late. Clocks will be started by arbiters if players are not at the table.

All monies must be paid before the team will be allowed to play. 

If you arrive early please help us to set up the sets, etc so that we can start on time.

Thanks

Glynis

Hi all,
I am trying to track down the Scottish Boys Championship trophy. Does anyone know its present location or even have any idea who may have it. Please let me know so i can arrange its retrieval.

Isle of Man starts today.  Unfortunately no Scottish players playing in the main event but there are a few in the Major / Minor.  Very good field and could be the strongest Swiss event ever

Live games are on Chess.com 

If anyone is trying to get a hold of me, unfortunately I am here in the IOM working as the Fair Play Officer / Arbiter / Live games specialist / gopher, I will get back to you, but I am going to be tied up here

Can anyone point me to last year's AGM minutes? I can't find any reference to them.
Thanks

The Oban Congress is still showing no details on the calendar. It's getting towards time to be making arrangements. Any word?