Richardson/Spens - what next?

[Keith Rose]

It's time to draw a line and move on. Today I sent the following in an email to the Richardson and Spens captains:

With the CS AGM due in a couple of weeks I will now prepare a new set of rules. I have given due deference to all the opinions offered and I thank everyone who contributed. I summarise below the main points but before that I will take this opportunity to advise that I will not be standing again for Home Director at the forthcoming AGM. I'm letting you know this now so you have some time to consider a replacement.

Principal points:

Richardson:

No significant changes other than:
- 30 mile restriction for bona fide qualification is removed;
- Team lists to be emailed to the Tournament Controller 24 hours prior to the start of a match

Spens:

I am making no changes other than amending the qualification rule for the Rosebowl.

There has been little discussion regarding the Spens and three detailed emails I received were all contradictory:
1. Scrap the Spens;
2. Allow hybrid teams, change K.O format to regional groups of teams;
3. Strictly club members, continue K.O., don't use regional groups.

I am also de-coupling the Richardson and Spens by removing mention of relegation from the Richardson and promotion from the Spens. This will mean that any team/club with the resources and desire to enter the Richardson can do so without having to qualify via the Spens final. This is because:

a. There is capacity for up to 16 teams in the Richardson but with only 8-10 entries in recent seasons there is little likelihood of having to restrict numbers;
b. The difference in team sizes could mean that qualifiers from the Spens might not have the means to accept promotion.
c. This could allow the two events to run with completely different and independent formats.
There may be some minor amendments to wording or layout.

I will pass to the incoming HD(O) my revisions but note that he/she will not be obliged to accept this. As I have had to point out on a few occasions “The Director of Home Chess shall have the power to alter or modify the foregoing rules in such manner as he/she may think necessary”.

If you have any thoughts about the above please contact the incoming HD.

Keith