Tromso Olympiad 2014

[andyburnett]

I noticed IM Andrew Greet changed federation last year (at a cost of 2000 Euros) from England to Scotland. When does he become eligible for selection to represent Scotland in events such as the Olympiad/Euros?

When Jacob became affiliated to SCO, he was eligible to play for us. Now that Andrew has changed to SCO, he'll be eligible. Matthew has been affiliated to SCO for some time now, but isn't eligible. I've just re-read the CS Adult Selection Policy and can't see any reason why he should be excluded. The FIDE Handbook, section 04 on Registration, Transfer & Rules of Eligibility for Player, says '1.1 A player may be registered under a Federation if he or she has citizenship, naturalization or residency in the country of that Federation'. As a UK citizen, Matthew can opt for 'Scottish' as his citizenship, so no infringement or impediment there. Voting and polls apart, what's the criterion for not selecting him? What am I missing?

I don't know Ian?

From Andy Muir above..

Council voted to retain current grandparent rule by 6 votes to 5 so Matthew Turner is still ineligible to play for Scotland.

Does this vote actually have any relevance/power?

Perhaps these federation changes are taking place all the time in Scotland, but the only ones we really hear about are those who are strong players, but not strong enough to gain a place in their 'own' country's teams at International level. Perhaps Matthew, Andrew and others can come on the forum and explain their reasoning (I believe Matthew already has but I can't find it)?

Personally I have mixed views on the subject - I hate the idea of not making people fully welcome in Scotland, and it would be great to have as strong a team as possible out in Olympiads, etc., but, as someone who still retains a glimmer of hope of reaching international cap status myself (representing your country is one of the biggest honours in any game or sport - I'm probably not the only one in this bracket within Scottish chess circles) it's another barrier in the way, one which may be simply for someone else's personal benefit rather than Scotland's! I don't know this, obviously, which is why it would be good to get others' views, particularly those who have changed federation.

P.S. Why am I so utterly scared of using incorrect grammar when I know you're involved in a discussion here Ian?