10-08-2012, 12:26 PM
I can see where you're coming from with this point, but I don't think it's representative of the thread as a whole at all. Most of Pat's post was focused on talking about the Slovak coaching system. The quote from Jamie's post, with which he was agreeing, was part of a very long post which discussed multiple aspects of junior chess. I thought a lot of what he was saying was interesting, but I don't agree with the part highlighted. That doesn't mean that his post wasn't worth making. As I say, debate and discussion is good, as long as we keep it away from the personal.
I also said earlier that, while I've said on a number of occasions that the concept of rating guidelines are something I'm interested in, I agree with you absolutely that a 2100 limit for under-16 level would be far too high. I'm very optimistic that everyone we are sending to this section - and to the others - can do very well. (It's worth noting that we have three players in the U16 section: Ian McDonald, Nihad Abdullazada and Carl Milton.)
Everybody, myself most certainly included, is very much supportive of the squad we're going to be fielding in Prague. I'm convinced that they will all benefit from it, and I'm looking forward to doing my best to ensure that I help with that. I don't believe I've been discourteous to the juniors, nor do I believe that that has been the intention of Alan or anyone else.
I also said earlier that, while I've said on a number of occasions that the concept of rating guidelines are something I'm interested in, I agree with you absolutely that a 2100 limit for under-16 level would be far too high. I'm very optimistic that everyone we are sending to this section - and to the others - can do very well. (It's worth noting that we have three players in the U16 section: Ian McDonald, Nihad Abdullazada and Carl Milton.)
Everybody, myself most certainly included, is very much supportive of the squad we're going to be fielding in Prague. I'm convinced that they will all benefit from it, and I'm looking forward to doing my best to ensure that I help with that. I don't believe I've been discourteous to the juniors, nor do I believe that that has been the intention of Alan or anyone else.