06-08-2012, 04:28 PM
I think it is important to understand that we have a duty of care to ensure that the kids are enjoying their chess. I agree with Calum on the idea of looking 7/10ths down an entry list as a rough guide as the sort of level that is appropriate for an event, just because you know that they will score and pick up some good scalps. There have been examples in the past of kids going to some events when clearly not ready, and coming away so demoralised that they give up chess. This has happened. If one child has done that it is too many imo.
Although I never went to any Euros and Worlds, mainly due to an incredibly strong age section, I have personal experience of grim events where I was not ready. I entered Opens far too soon, and came away with some shocking scores, and did contemplate giving up on a few occasions. I would also say this was detrimental to my development, as I was looking for ways to scramble draws rather than play good chess. It has only been recently that I have got over this and have started to improve again. Would going to a Worlds have improved my chess? Maybe, it is hard to say. Would going to something a bit less harsh with the same format have helped? Definitely.
Part of the problem at the moment is that there is nothing really between Glorney and Worlds/Euros. The idea of sending juniors away to events with a coach that is level appropriate is a very good one. There are events all year quite close to home, where you will find u1800 fide sections and the like, that would be a great opportunity for them.
Although I never went to any Euros and Worlds, mainly due to an incredibly strong age section, I have personal experience of grim events where I was not ready. I entered Opens far too soon, and came away with some shocking scores, and did contemplate giving up on a few occasions. I would also say this was detrimental to my development, as I was looking for ways to scramble draws rather than play good chess. It has only been recently that I have got over this and have started to improve again. Would going to a Worlds have improved my chess? Maybe, it is hard to say. Would going to something a bit less harsh with the same format have helped? Definitely.
Part of the problem at the moment is that there is nothing really between Glorney and Worlds/Euros. The idea of sending juniors away to events with a coach that is level appropriate is a very good one. There are events all year quite close to home, where you will find u1800 fide sections and the like, that would be a great opportunity for them.