Richardson and Spens Cups

[Adam Bremner]

A forum can be good for an organisation when it is used well, but can cause immeasurable harm when used irresponsibly.  Aa an example, a potential sponsor has withdrawn from discussion quoting the ''toxic nature' of our Forum as the main reason for doing so

I think this says a lot. I'd also agree with Bob on "too much abrasive posting", it's reached a point where I've generally given up posting any views. Maybe it's time to archive the forum and start again, as happened previously.

However, let's try one last time:

FIDE and venue fees would contribute to the cost of running these tournaments so maybe a rethink is required. If club membership is not a condition of entry, then maybe more clubs would enter. Consider the low numbers of entering these CS club tournaments against the rampant success of the SNCL and maybe ask Glynis how to reinvigorate our national club tournaments!

I think this is worth discussion, and the question we should be discussing is how can we go about growing the event (particularly the Richardson) again. For me, the Richardson is very much our premier team event and should always remain that, but being down to just 6 entries this year is a worrying sign, especially with no Poly, Dragons or Hamilton - pre COVID that would be unthinkable. Just looking at the Glasgow League alone, there are 10 teams in the top division putting out 8 players weekly. This has included multiple titled players that we likely won't see in the Richardson this year.

My best guess is that venue hire is the biggest sticking point for a lot of clubs. It's not easy to get venues at weekends on relatively short notice. Maybe that is in part why the SNCL is so popular with clubs? I think it's definitely worth polling the SNCL teams, league clubs, or indeed anyone on the noticeboard what's stopping their involvement. That doesn't mean necessarily going with the popular vote ahead of keeping it our highest team prize (for example FIDE rating the event has to be a good thing, and 8 player teams is part of the tradition and point), but it would be good to try and identify the blockers and see what can be done.