08-07-2015, 08:07 AM
Within the debate on voting rights for juniors the important point is not to decide how much a vote 'costs' but how are the best interests and wishes of the juniors served? A comment about junior votes on junior matters has been made and I would hope that most people would see this as very reasonable. Of course this is exactly the role of the Home Junior Board, which was re-instated so that all the junior organisations could have a say (regardless as to whether they are affiliated to Chess Scotland, as are LJC and NEJCA, or not). In that respect it provides a forum for junior chess across most of the country. Whether it is working as well as it might is a matter for debate but there is a structure in place. The existence of this Board and its open membership (membership or affiliation to Chess Scotland is not a requirement to be part of the Board) was an influence in the recommendation of the CWP about juniors voting at General Meetings. This open structure provides a potential voice for all juniors, not just those who are members of Chess Scotland. It was expected that this Board would be the main route for information from and about juniors to be circulated to the rest of Chess Scotland. Indeed, in many (possibly all) cases where there is a junior issue it would be expected that Chess Scotland would seek the advice or views of the Board before taking any action. Furthermore, the general discussions within the CWP relating to the Operating Procedures for this Board would actually provide some 'teeth' to ensure junior interests were protected within Chess Scotland. If you look at the composition of the CWP you will see that least 3 of the 6 members play major roles in various junior organisations and how to strengthen the junior programme is of key interest to them, as undoubtedly it is to the majority of Chess Scotland members.