AGM

[StevieHilton]

Scotland as a member of FIDE has to comply with FIDE rules

which in my opinion demonstrates why so many people have concerns about it being implemented by CS for CHESS Scotland EVENTS. if FIDE events are already covered by these regulations then we shall see quickly what will happen in future events as to whether they will continue or not. ON THE BASIS OF THIS my opinion is that CS should NOT adopt the motion for CS events. I've yet to see any organiser, CS or not approve of these motions. One minute we hear these are just guidelines for the organiser, the next minute we hear they have to be enforced.. I also don't think these guidelines help the organiser... at the moment they try their best to help disabled players, but now I fear they will worry if disabled players want to play in their event.

The way forward for this , and I repeat I do want this to work, is that events and venues should be graded in such a way that disabled facilities are clearly marked so that anybody can see what is available and what is not. I also strongly feel if disabled people require qualified carers, then they should provide them themselves, as only they should know what kind of qualified assistance they require, and i'm sure this point is not lost. I have spoken to a well known senior (non CS )organiser on various points about this thread. He says its a scandal when disabled players are shifted to the kitchen, analysis area or hall way to play (and I agree on this) , but I honestly believe this may become more the norm unless we seriously address this. I fear organisers may be be tempted to do this as a quick fix rather than address the spirit of what we are trying to do. I am also sure the more we integrate and work with disabled organisations, the more suitable disabled accommodation will appear and the more friends we will gain in Chess Scotland.

Ian,
We are not going to agree on this. The very fact that there is nothing in writing vis a vis treatment of disabled players in regards to Chess Scotland events and non CS events eg, leagues and congresses. does give in theory organisers a cop out in saying we do not have to have to cater for disabled players. This does not happen I know but because of a lack of guidelines on this it could. I have experienced discrimination in league play when players have commented about my use of a dictaphone to record my moves, saying it distracts them. playing in a separate room is a proper solution in my view in order to address these concerns about distraction.

I do not accept your point that tournaments will fall because of these guidelines, as the practice already takes place and none have disappeared so far have they? Why should they now this practice is in writing?

It would be hypocritical to talk of integration and working with disabled organisations and block these proposals at the same time

I have also said that these guidelines can be adapted to meet the local situation and I am not opposed to that. In regards to FIDE rated events they must be observed in full and CS as a member of FIDE has to abide by them