Motion 1 (wording to go to Council)

[Alan Jelfs]

Can I refuse to play someone who is blind on the grounds that I am severely disadvantaged by:
1. The necessity to move their pieces on "our" board
2. The distraction of them shouting out their moves at a random moment of their choosing
3. The fact that they are on completely familiar territory, whereas I am forced to adjust to a brand new set of circumstances
4. All of the above contributing to a huge impact on the level of concentration I am able to give

Yes, I get a few minutes extra time. It is not even remotely close to sufficient compensation.

Controversial? Not really.
Discriminatory? Not at all.

During the 70s my school would play Worcester Blind School once a year. The first time, yes, it was "unfamiliar territory" and I lost. But after that I would win because by watching which areas of their board they are feeling with their fingers, you can "see" what they are thinking about. Swings and roundabouts.

In Matthew's hypothetical case above, then the deaf player should be provided with a hearing assistant.