07-11-2011, 04:44 PM
Whilst teaching, particularly in a deprived area, the date of birth did not always indicate intelligence but the most disruptive were often amongst the youngest.
I don't think chess suffers in quite the same way as swimming from the date of birth as grade rather than best time are important.
I think the length of time someone has been playing is much more important at the youngest ages.
I believe in the past when only one representative went tp World and European per age group that consideration was given to playing the second best 'up' rather than someone of the 'correct' age when this was considered appropriate.
I don't think chess suffers in quite the same way as swimming from the date of birth as grade rather than best time are important.
I think the length of time someone has been playing is much more important at the youngest ages.
I believe in the past when only one representative went tp World and European per age group that consideration was given to playing the second best 'up' rather than someone of the 'correct' age when this was considered appropriate.