All

Apologies for the fairly random downtimes we have been experiencing over the last week (for those of you who noticed). We have been changing a few things and had a couple of problems along the road.

Please advise if you spot any problems.

Thanks
Andrew

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7399370n

Look out for Andy Howie around the 4 minute mark

Don't know if Andy is across there with the live boards, but is there any chance we can be updated on the round by round results please?

Isolated in Prestwick.

Just a reminder that they have to be with me by Sunday. If you are posting them, I will only accept them if the postmark / email is datestamped before Monday.

Regards

Andy

Amazing result for the Scottish GM . Did I see a mention of Scotland in that article ?

http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=7972

NOTE: NOT FOR PLAYERS TO VIEW WHEN GAME ONGOING

Beginning game...


Clement Sreeves:

Arsenal 3-0 AC Milan
Benfica 2-0 Zenit St P'sbg

Guess this means I go first.

1.c4



Spoiler here>> I've played Andy 4 times over the board, and the score is 2-2 so far. I had an interesting decision on move 1 already! Normally I am a 1.e4 player, but in that case he would likely play the Sicilian Dragon. And I figured 25 moves of theory wouldn't make a very interesting game... I have experimented a bit in the past with 1.c4 and 1.Nf3, so it's not a total bluff! <<Spoiler here

Seeing as I am on a tirade at the minute...

Why has no-one been emailed regarding notice of the SGM? I believe a motion was passed at the last AGM that members would be emailed with the notice of the SGM, the agenda and any motions. :\

I was trying to think of creative ways to raise money for Scottish junior chess when I thought of the sidestake fun route that I have been involved in for a while. For years a friend and I have picked one player per section at Scottish weekend chess congresses and added up their points, winner takes all. Now, before the Gambling commision are called in on a friendly rivalry, would it be ok to set up some kind of organised legal sweepstake amongst ourselves with a view to raising funds? I am not talking ridiculous stakes, simply a token amount but with a percentage of the pool deducted and forwarded to Scottish junior chess. You could have a player per section as we do, highest total wins. Or more interestingly, you could have performance above published grade totals. If there is any interest in the performance above published grade route this weekend at Glenrothes I bags Euan Gray, Andew McCusker and Kai Pannwitz. Please remember, as Sergeant Wilson said in Dad's Army, you have to say "I bags" first,

Robin.

There has been much discussion about one of the motions to be discussed but very little on the other.

I am a strong supporter of the Standards Code. Those who are aware of the difficulties I have had with the ECF Board will be aware of my reasons for this support.

I cannot claim that the code is perfect but I have real concerns that the proposed amendments are too drastic and will make the Code effectively toothless.

No-one wants Chess Scotland to be dictating to leagues or congresses but an independent body which looks at genuine concerns (only after local procedures have been exhausted) is a necessary tool.

As has been seen on the grandparents’ thread there is a danger of democracy via the proxy vote being diluted. Unless people try to gather proxy votes for both sides then the matter is won by the more active side rather than the more beneficial.

I would therefore urge people to read ALL motions for the EGM and either turn up and vote or give your proxy to someone. Such proxies can indicate the way you want to vote or give freedom of choice to your nominated proxy. If you are indicating the way you want to vote then you can do so by letting Andy Howie know. This must be done at least 7 days in advance of the meeting.

Since it came into existence I know of no case which the Standards Committee has had to investigate but it is good to know that it is there. I’m not totally sure of the legal position but I have real concerns that the proposals made could cause Chess Scotland’s ability to apply for PGV disclosures to be removed. I do know that despite volunteers being checked for free there can still be an administration fee charged. It costs the ECF £60 to have volunteer arbiters checked.

This issue is too important to let apathy win. Please make sure you exercise your right to vote.
As I am doing the Durham Congress on the day I will be giving my proxy.