Proposal for merger of Richardson/Spens and National League

Review of Chess Scotland Team Tournaments.
There can be little doubt that the popularity of the Spens Cup has greatly diminished in recent years. This has also adversely affected the Richardson Cup as the overall standard of the teams taking part has declined. Whilst many of Scotland's top players represent a limited number of clubs in the Richardson, few participate in the National League. It seems fair to say that if change is not made the future of these team tournaments must be in doubt. Unfortunately, consultation with clubs has been inconclusive. The following is therefore issued as a consultative document. The format would start in season 2005-6 with 2004-5 being a transition stage.
(Figures marked are subject to debate and are illustrative only.)

SCOTTISH TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP.
All games shall be played at a central venue over 5 days (one day per month in October, November, January, February and March).
The tournament is open to members of a club or geographical area. Where players represent a club they must be members of that club and have represented that club in the previous saeson. Where players represent an area they must be resident within 25 miles of the centre of that area and the area itself have a population of no more than 80,000 . For players living in remote areas the distance of 25 miles may be increased with the agreement of the tournament organiser.

The Premier division shall consist of 6 teams, each of 6 players. The time control shall be 40 moves in 2 hours followed by a 1 hour quickplay finish. One game played on each of 5 days. Games shall be FIDE rated. The winner will be given tenure of the Richardson Cup for one year. The bottom team will be relegated.

The second division shall consist of 10 teams, each of 6 players. The time control shall be 36 moves in 1½ hours followed by 30 minutes quickplay finish. Two games shall be played each day. The winner will be given tenure of the Spens Cup for one year and will be promoted. The bottom two teams will be relegated provided the number of teams after promotion exceeds 10.

Further divisions will be created with approx 10 teams in each division. The bottom division shall consist of 4 players, all others 6 players. The time control shall be as for the second division. The winner of division 3 shall be awarded the Campbell Rosebowl. The top two teams in each division will be promoted.

In the transitional season the teams who would otherwise have qualified for the Richardson and 1st division of the National league will play in a 5 round swiss tournament using the time control for the Premier. Each team shall consist of 6 boards. Two points will be awarded for a team win and one for a draw. In the event of a tie for positions then game points will decide. (further tie-break if required - in order (a) games between the teams tied, (b) board points after elimination of respectively boards 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2. All other teams shall play in a 9 round Swiss as per division 2. Teams from these two events will then be put in order and assigned to divisions.