18-10-2012, 02:25 PM
I think I can answer that.
Currently, this is seen as a UK issue. Some work has been done by the ECF but usually comes to nothing with every cabinet reshuffle.
Believe it or not there are tax implications in this too. As an example chess is liable for VAT on venue hire, if it were a sport this would not be the case. Recognising chess as a sport is more complicated because it would mean altering various pieces of legislation to reflect the change.
In the past the government has claimed that it must be a united application from all parts of the UK. Both Scotland and Wales have been reluctant to give full support as funding from the respective Education Departments could be at risk.
Currently, this is seen as a UK issue. Some work has been done by the ECF but usually comes to nothing with every cabinet reshuffle.
Believe it or not there are tax implications in this too. As an example chess is liable for VAT on venue hire, if it were a sport this would not be the case. Recognising chess as a sport is more complicated because it would mean altering various pieces of legislation to reflect the change.
In the past the government has claimed that it must be a united application from all parts of the UK. Both Scotland and Wales have been reluctant to give full support as funding from the respective Education Departments could be at risk.