23-12-2011, 11:03 AM
Angus, can you please start playing the ball rather than the man? It's becoming extremely irritating. Everybody here has a different perspective on junior tournaments. Heaven only knows why you think that those who have recently played in them are unqualified to opine. You can disagree with them. You evidently do. And that's absolutely fine. But can you please respect their right to outline their views, as you are able to outline yours. The fact that Clement and Calum are neither currently available for selection nor the parents of juniors who are no more invalidates their views than does the fact that they are much better at chess than most other respondents to this thread mean that only their contributions should be considered (though it might be worth bearing in mind).
Find me one thing that either Clement or Calum has said which slates or belittles the achievements of any Scottish junior. Pointing out that a lot of points have been achieved against players from host nations is stating a fact. As coaches, they are suggesting that there may be better ways of developing junior chess in this country than by prioritising filling every selection place for the Worlds and Euros. That's a legitimate position.
Their comments should be truthful and considered. As long as they're that, and as long as they're not slating anyone - and I struggle to see how you construe anything they've said as an attack on anyone - then that's fine. Disagree by all means, but don't attack their right to contribute.
Whereas your willingness to consider the alternative positions put forward by others shines through everything you say.
Sorry Angus, this really has turned into a bit of a rant. I'd like to emphasise that I do have an enormous amount of respect for the work you have put into junior chess for some years now - just a bit annoyed by the line you've been taking throughout this thread.
Find me one thing that either Clement or Calum has said which slates or belittles the achievements of any Scottish junior. Pointing out that a lot of points have been achieved against players from host nations is stating a fact. As coaches, they are suggesting that there may be better ways of developing junior chess in this country than by prioritising filling every selection place for the Worlds and Euros. That's a legitimate position.
Quote:There comments should be supportive of the juniors and emphasise what was good about their performance.
Their comments should be truthful and considered. As long as they're that, and as long as they're not slating anyone - and I struggle to see how you construe anything they've said as an attack on anyone - then that's fine. Disagree by all means, but don't attack their right to contribute.
Quote:Also Mike, you arn't interested in being objective about things. You have made your mind up that you want an elite squad
Whereas your willingness to consider the alternative positions put forward by others shines through everything you say.
Sorry Angus, this really has turned into a bit of a rant. I'd like to emphasise that I do have an enormous amount of respect for the work you have put into junior chess for some years now - just a bit annoyed by the line you've been taking throughout this thread.