Removal from National Team

[Alan Tate]

In 2022 I was removed from the Scottish National Team without an explanation. Can a Chess Scotland official give me an explanation?

[amuir]

I am not an official but I was told you did not fit in with the squad at Chennai. To get back in the team would require a very high ELO performance due to several promising juniors now available who are playing extremely well.

[Alan Tate]

Andy, May I ask who told you that I did not fit in in Chennai? This sounds like defamation of character. Are there any lawyers here who can help me out?

[amuir]

Alan, more than one source said you did not fit in so I will not name names. I don't think the lawyers route would work as it would create division and cost you money. You have to build alliances. The way to get back in the team is to play some 2300+ performances as that is the level required. If you are rusty, play some online blitz, get physically fit by running, get some paid work to fund your chess activities, and socialise with friends and family more.

[Ianbrownlee]

Andy
you are not helping in any way nor do you know any of the facts. There is nothing sinister at all in any of this.If either of you wish to discuss any of this Alan feel free to contact me. I do not believe for a second anybody said Alan did not fit in.

[amuir]

Ian. I disagree that I am not helping in any way. I do know some of the facts. I do not recommend professional medical support, based on my own experiences of the NHS. I believe in fresh air, exercise, friends and family life, not secrecy and lawyers.

[Ianbrownlee]

Andy if you knew some of the facts then I'm surprised at the comments you have made, I wont comment any more as it wont do any good

[WBuchanan]

When you can simply say "Due process was followed", it makes things a lot easier - and fairer on the person concerned, who doesn't have to fight to find out where they stand, ie for what would normally be considered their rights.

I'm not privy to the facts of 2022 but if there was any due process, it doesn't seem to have reached the player affected. In any organisation, it is normal that punitive or disciplinary measures should be explained to the person banned; then there would be no need for the secrecy, or the mixed messages.
The temptation to justify bans publicly with hints should probably be resisted, even in answer to possible criticism.

I realize lack of resources impact on procedures but this limitation can still be recognized without abandoning best practice.

Separately, I was surprised to see a suggestion regarding an individual's medical health on the forum, perhaps this could be removed!?

[Ianbrownlee]

Walter i have removed my comment if that is what you are referring to

[WBuchanan]

Walter i have removed my comment if that is what you are referring to

Thanks Ian