03-08-2012, 08:29 PM
Mike Scott Wrote:SImply not true. There is this myth that somehow going to international events is a short cut to finding the key to unlock the potential in players. It is hard work, good coaching and plenty of competition that does it. A number undoubtly do improve solely from attendance but surly the same could be achieved at alot less cost else where?
What we have lacked over quite a few years is any form of structure that players can engage in and which will develop them in a systematic manner that ensures that they have all the skills and not just raw talent.
Such structures exist in sports like cycling and swimming. Not sure what comes first - the money or the structure but I do suspect without such a structure it will be harder to attract investment.
Further more these sports require the players to achieve certainly well defined targets to qualify for events - and not just the elite events. You don't get to go just because you happen to be the best in your age group or country: you have to be good enough.
This does require a long term view, dare I suggest a five year plan?
I have no doubt that our juniors past and future are capable of learning the game and playing it as well as the juniors abroad but what they need to learn first is that it is a game that requires hard work and study.
Nail. Head.
Watching the Olympics has really brought something home for me - these athletes train for many hours a day. Can you imagine any of these guys turning up without training hard? It is absolutely unthinkable.
About Jacqui's point: It is not clear what the reason for the improvement seen by those who play at internationals is - Is it a result of training or playing or what, but it's probably just to do with being saturated in chess for 10-12 days. For the record I think the bar should be high, with a strong emphasis on training (perhaps even teaching the juniors to train themselves?), as Jamie and Mike said. I also agree with a rating floor - places should be earned, not handed on a plate. Of course common sense would be applied, that is why we have human beings as selectors.