Continuation of AGM - motion 1.2

[David G Congalton]

Which comes first on the 11th ? AGM or Council meeting
I hope the AGM has enough time for the AOCB this time. I am not sure there will be enough funds for the Olympiad to get everything I want so I intend asking for a show of hands of what should get priority if I have to make cuts.

Andy,

The sum you are looking for, to get everything you want, is around 1/3 of the total income I'm projecting for the next financial year. This is not a criticism but the harsh reality raises a few questions for me, including what the CS startegy should be going forward and what direction we should take with the funds we have.

Do we fully support our top international players and expect success at this level to create a Fisher-Spassky type swell in interest, in the game in Scotland, in a similar way to perhaps curling or cycling have become of interest, through Scottish success at Olympics or do we invest our funds at home supporting events and projects in our own back yard.

I am not supporting one over the other but I think the discussion needs to take place. I do think its an issue for an AGM rather than a council meeting but this doesn't help for planning towards 2014.

One of the other things I was thinking about was can international players (both senior and junior) do more themselves to raise funds for international events, whether that be through a collective event such as a mass simul or through individual fundraising, a la Ashley Chess Girl.

How could Chess Scotland support such efforts, if players were willing to particpate. I have a large space in a smart hotel in Ayr booked for January and May of this year and part of it could be utilised for fund-raising efforts be they on the Saturday evening or during the lunch interval or even during game time, as not everyone finishes at once. Maybe one or two of the Olympiad squad could take on all comers at 2 minute blitz chess for a pound a game or offer a coaching seminar during the lunch interval for £5 per head.

If we want to fund everything at home and abroad, open, senior and junior then we need a massive increase in funds. At this point I'll mention compulsory membership and ask whether it's time to consider this for all players, adult and junior, who want their games graded. Does anyone know if this is working or not in England?