14-01-2014, 01:47 PM
Harry,
I’ve read your posts a couple of times now prior to replying as I wanted to be sure I picked up the tone correctly. As the Director concerned perhaps you could consider directing your concerns to me by name, I don’t hide behind my title as Home Junior Director or Chess Scotland.
I agree with you and Mike in that two events is far from ideal. I don’t think this is in dispute.
However, as I stated previously upon my election I contacted SJC in the hope that both CS and SJC could continue to run the events together. Unfortunately this was not possible and I was left with the choice of either not running a Chess Scotland event with the trophies going uncontested or running a CS event. The risks of not running a CS event at all were that it would set a dangerous precedent and the events may not be run again as we have seen with many tournaments: a one year hiatus can turn into an eternity. I didn’t want to risk this and in consultation with other CS Directors I decided to run the CS events this year. I believe this was the correct decision and with hindsight I would make the same decision again.
In terms of the word official, I’m not so sure why the word official seems to have irked so many people, Chess Scotland is the national body and should award the national championships. Again, I think everyone is in agreement on this point.
In terms of my communication as a Director, I post on this forum and try to answer any concerns raised by members in a timely fashion. I am contactable by email and phone and will make time for anyone provided they are wishing to make a positive impact on junior chess in Scotland.
Finally, perhaps plans were not made quickly enough this year but I would counter that by saying It is my first year stepping forward to do something like this with no handover and frankly it has proven to be a steep learning curve. As soon as this seasons tournaments are held the planning starts for next year so the events are on the calendar at the start of the season.
I’ve read your posts a couple of times now prior to replying as I wanted to be sure I picked up the tone correctly. As the Director concerned perhaps you could consider directing your concerns to me by name, I don’t hide behind my title as Home Junior Director or Chess Scotland.
I agree with you and Mike in that two events is far from ideal. I don’t think this is in dispute.
However, as I stated previously upon my election I contacted SJC in the hope that both CS and SJC could continue to run the events together. Unfortunately this was not possible and I was left with the choice of either not running a Chess Scotland event with the trophies going uncontested or running a CS event. The risks of not running a CS event at all were that it would set a dangerous precedent and the events may not be run again as we have seen with many tournaments: a one year hiatus can turn into an eternity. I didn’t want to risk this and in consultation with other CS Directors I decided to run the CS events this year. I believe this was the correct decision and with hindsight I would make the same decision again.
In terms of the word official, I’m not so sure why the word official seems to have irked so many people, Chess Scotland is the national body and should award the national championships. Again, I think everyone is in agreement on this point.
In terms of my communication as a Director, I post on this forum and try to answer any concerns raised by members in a timely fashion. I am contactable by email and phone and will make time for anyone provided they are wishing to make a positive impact on junior chess in Scotland.
Finally, perhaps plans were not made quickly enough this year but I would counter that by saying It is my first year stepping forward to do something like this with no handover and frankly it has proven to be a steep learning curve. As soon as this seasons tournaments are held the planning starts for next year so the events are on the calendar at the start of the season.
Growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional!