AGM

[Ianbrownlee]

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

First time in my life I've been called a hypocrite. Despite what anyone may think I would love to see more disabled people play chess but it has to be in the right environment. I know most organisers and I know their passion and commitment. I implicitly trust each and every one of them to provide the best possible environment for everybody.

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

the point I am repeatedly trying to make is that if CS does implement them in CS events then are you say they must be observed in full.

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?

dead easy because your are restricting the liberty of the organiser to conduct his tournament as he has done in the past. It is a guideline which has to be enforced so the organiser cannot apply in own wisdom and experience. I am surprised you cannot see this. It also allows the guideline to be used as a weapon by a disgruntled entrant against the organiser and the tournament as a whole. I have learned from a non CS organiser that there was an incident where disabled players played in the kitchen which is simply not good enough. This incident and the incident Pat mentioned are the only two incidents I know Pat's incident would not be covered of issues. Again thanks to Pat for bringing that up. However as far as I believe Pat's incident would not be covered by the guidelines.

If Chess Scotland were to adopt the motion, then it would directly affect their tournaments. For example in the macisaac, Spens Cup and Nancy Elder tournaments Chess Scotland would have to provide disabled facilities for the home venue. No way can that be enforced so by these guidelines that events would have to be cancelled or at least no games in that event could be graded. however due to the spirit on how games are played in these tournament and how they are controlled, disabled players in the past have participated and will in the future will continue to do so providing these "guidelines" are not implemented.

I also seem to get the impression that Andy Howie thinks these guidelines are more like recommendations given the three options he mentioned and Stevie thinks there are guidelines that must be followed. Perhaps the AGM will clarify this but hope the members present will know exactly what they are working on. For my part I am now convinced that this motion should not be not adopted by Chess Scotland and will recommend when asked against this motion entirely. I am sure this motion will only be for CS events

Finallly, on the matter of Edinburgh Chess Club since it has been mentioned on this thread As far as I am aware there has never been any issue regards disability. I hope they will continue to thrive regarding their endeavours but I would not be surprised if a test case does appear in the next year. What then for FIDE and CS events in the future