05-07-2020, 08:24 PM
I personally am at a bit of a loss why we cant hold OTB events once we get a strategy of how we do it. I reckon social distancing of 1m combined with available cleaning and sanitisation ( and regrettably face masks ) should help overcome most issues. I see more comfortable face masks are coming out which in the new norm may become necessary anyway so if you want OTB a clear positive attitude will be required anyway. I also notice next years Flu virus (nor covid) could be a bummer as well so face masks could be more prevalent in the years to come. I know FIDE are coming up with possible solutions/recommendations so there's hope there. My big worry are venues, particularly if they are tied up with local authorities, who then decide its not worth the risk. Keith makes a valid point about entry capacity as well, tied in with rising costs etc. Possibly a big hit by reducing prize money may help. Prestige I feel is the big thing but if there are no OTB congresses as such, we will all have to work out how we can overcome this, sneeze guards could also be adapted for those who cant wear them. Temperature scanners (around £80) would be deployed along with the anti-cheating scanners, to weed out at least the sympomatic carriers. This is all about keeping the numbers low, not eliminating the virus which to me has been very successful so far.
We are all doing our best here, the Scottish Chess Tour have been very successful at running online tournaments (and our thanks for the many hours put in already). Perhaps the SCT is the only option we have here, especially for those who need to shield.
George , far as the Richardson cup goes, yes there is still a chance but a slim one. I reckon as Tournament Director if we dont get moving on it by the end of September, then we will need to cancel this years tournament. it would break my heart to cancel it (i've already purchased the keepsake trophies) but it would be crazy to continue in the current climate where people's health of course is paramount. I'm also thinking for next year a central venue may be preferable providing participants would fit into a sanitised venue. As I've said above, i think we are going to find venues more difficult to come by and I feel for Keith and others trying to find them.
Over to the captains of both Richardson and Spens teams for their comments.
We are all doing our best here, the Scottish Chess Tour have been very successful at running online tournaments (and our thanks for the many hours put in already). Perhaps the SCT is the only option we have here, especially for those who need to shield.
George , far as the Richardson cup goes, yes there is still a chance but a slim one. I reckon as Tournament Director if we dont get moving on it by the end of September, then we will need to cancel this years tournament. it would break my heart to cancel it (i've already purchased the keepsake trophies) but it would be crazy to continue in the current climate where people's health of course is paramount. I'm also thinking for next year a central venue may be preferable providing participants would fit into a sanitised venue. As I've said above, i think we are going to find venues more difficult to come by and I feel for Keith and others trying to find them.
Over to the captains of both Richardson and Spens teams for their comments.