SHROPSHIRE CHESS ASSOCIATION AGM held Tuesday July 8th,
2014
at Telepost.
Attendance, Gary White, Richard Szwajkun,
Fred Harris, Vincent Crean, Peter Crean, Graham Ives, Steve Szwajkun,
Alf Evans, Francis Best, Matthew Best, Glyn
Pugh, Nick Rutter, Christopher Lewis,
Nathanael Paul, Toby Neal, Ivor
Salter, Stefan Tennant, Keith Tabner, John Casewell,
1. Apologies
for absence.
Received
from Richard Thompson, Joe Watson, and
Steve Rooney.
2.
Minutes of 2013 AGM. Approved
and adopted.
3. President’s Report. Francis Best thanked all those
that were attending on this night of one of the semi final World Cup matches and
wished for a quick finish.
Shropshire had a few events such
as the Mickey Adams simultaneous and the congress. While the simultaneous made
a small loss it was a good showcase event which helped to publicise and promote
Shropshire Chess. The cost to play was less than similar events held in other
parts of the country. The event was
reported in Chess magazine and spare copies were available. Not all events like
this translate into new members.
The congress was the other main
event which again made a large profit since change of venue. More comments on
that event would follow later.
4 Officers Reports
General Secretary: Glyn Pugh
wished to remind ECF membership is annual item running 1st Sept to 31st
Aug. While it was not worth everyone who only played a few games registering for
those playing more it was important. There were still 6 weeks for registration.
New FIDE rules for mobile phones
come into operation 1st July.
F.B commented that other rules
such as writing down move before moving and notation of moves should be noted.
A discussion took place on these
and Shropshire would have adaptations of these rules.
Descriptive notation should be allowed
vote 19 for none against.
Writing moves down before moving.
G.W objected to this, and I.S agreed as this can tip off mates of making a
blunder. Writing down of moves was to be
allowed without penalty 9 for 7 against.
Mobile phones – S.R email
suggested Berkshire rules. G.P commented about MCCU discussion. F.H medical
conditions. It was agreed that - mobile
phones should be turned off with the exception of stated medical conditions
before the start of a game otherwise the penalty is the loss of the game. 13 for 4 against.
(Rules Extract:
Exceptions to the FIDE/ECF Rules
(a) Mobile Phones
The use of a mobile phone during
the match is not allowed. However, where a player has given advance notice of
the need to keep a mobile phone switched on for medical or emergency reasons
only, this will be permitted. In all
other cases, phones in the playing area must be on silent mode. Any sound from
a mobile phone or other electronic means of communication shall result in the
loss of the game.
(b) Recording Moves
The recording of a move on a scoresheet or in a scorebook ,
before the move is played, will not result in a loss. A scorebook must not be
used as a database of moves during the game.
(c) Notation
The use of recognised notation
systems other than algebraic will not result in a loss.)
League Controller: Vincent
Crean Thanked all for a smooth season and had few issues. The database worked
without problems and all divisions had been closely fought. It was good to see
two live crunch matches broadcast over the internet on the Shropshire website,
using the new DGT electronic boards.
First division won by Telepost A
with Newport A runners up. The trophy presented to K. Tabner. While Condover
& Church Stretton and Priorslee Lions B were relegated.
Second division won by Ludlow A,
from Oswestry A on goal difference. No one from Ludlow was present to accept
the trophy (the Bests have it for safekeeping after the AGM, until it can be
handed over). Only two points separated 3rd to 7th
places. Newport B and Telepost C were relegated.
Third Division was won by Telford
C, runners up Shrewsbury C, and the trophy presented to Steve Szwajkun.
The few issues that arose were 1
the use of ‘reserves’ in division 2 half way through the season, see later
debate and 2. The stopping of a clock towards the end of a
game under when under two minutes (the so-called “Rule 10.2 Adjudication”).
Francis had adjudicated on the game in question and produced some detailed
analysis. Vince Crean
would put this analysis on the website so that there could be wider
understanding of the approach and reasoning.
Vince wants to start the 2014/15
season early again so as to enable fixtures to be every other week, teams to be
entered by 22nd August, dependent on league size/ divisions.
Treasurers Report – Alf Evans presented his report, audited by Richard Thompson
The bedrock of the accounts is
the congress from a financial point, and accounts passed to the treasurer
needed no tidying up. Depreciation kicks in with for the new clocks and
equipment.ECF had switched over of game fees and registration.
The club income to the
association did not cover the expenditure but while the accounts were in a
healthy position it was hard to argue against not raising fees.
ECF fees for none registered
individuals had been sent back to the clubs and had been paid.
F.B asked whether there would be
any objections in purchasing more digital boards and clocks. Currently, two had
been purchased from the junior chess funds, two had been purchased by the
Association and one belonged to FB personally.
The meeting felt, as it was the congress that had made the profit, some
of this should be reinvested back.
League fees would remain at the
same as present - £10 per team, to be reviewed next AGM.
Grading officer: Nick Rutter said all the games for grading had been
sent off and grades should be out 25th July. The results were all
computerised and the ECF had confirmed receipt 24 hours later. Events sent off
could be seen on ECF website included congress, league, and club championships
and rapid play games, only Toby’s event not being recorded. ECF needed
congresses to be reported quickly within ten days.
County individual: Nick
Rutter said there had been 18 entrants. There had been a three way tie for
first place, which on count back resulted in Nick Rutter winning, Colin Roberts
second and Toby Neal third. Nigel Ferrington had looked like winning but had
lost the last round and Nick had saved the game against Nigel. Under 160 grading prize went to Glyn Pugh, and
under 140 prize to Daniel Lockett, and under 120 prize to George Viszokai. The
trophy was presented to Nick Rutter.
Cox: Keith Tabner said it was nice to
see the winners being spread around the county. There had been one defaulted
match. The event was won by Priorslee
Lions with Newport A runners up and the trophy was presented to Glyn Pugh.
Minor :
Organised by John Smith for second and third divisions. Keith Tabner reported
that Newport B again had been the bridesmaid and were runners up with
Shrewsbury B winning the event. The trophy
was presented to Matt Best.
Rapid Play: Matt
Best report Div 1 had been tight but Newport A had won it after a series of
wins from runners up Telepost A. Telford A being relegated. Trophy to Chris
Lewis
Div 2 had proved a comfortable
win for Priorslee Lions A. Trophy presented to Gary White.
Matt was off to university next
year and would not be able to run it.
Brewood had expressed an interest
in playing next year, and were actually closer than Ludlow to the middle of
Shropshire. No objections were raised to them entering.
Quickplay : Toby Neal gave a brief report of the event being
held at the Wrekin Housing Trust with six teams played as a league before the
top four entering a knockout. The time limit had been changed to 25 minutes
after the one team had dropped out shortly before the event started. Telepost were
prevented from a hat trick of wins and finished fourth, Telford being third.
The final contested by winners Newport over Shrewsbury. The cup was presented
and pictures could be seen on the website.
Toby felt 25 minutes was too long
and it would be better being 15 minutes, one game each as white and black
against the opposition. This would also avoid the need for ‘tossing’. The only
problem with this would be the number of teams entered and the time available
for the event so views would be welcome.
Publicity
officer: Toby Neal
said the Express Star editor continued to be master but the reports were still
being published. Stories and comments were welcome and Toby publishes
information from wherever he can glean it but if he is not told about events or
stories, then he can’t report, so please keep feeding information.
Website
editor: Keith
Tabner, said same as Toby – like pictures and stories. He needs to be kept
constantly fed with information. He thanked Vinny and Graham for behind the
screens help. Keith felt the crunch live matches over the internet had been a
welcome addition, increasing interest.
Congress
organiser: Francis
Best reported Steve Rooney bears the brunt of the advance organising and the
event had successfully made a profit.
The numbers had increased. The feedback had been mainly positive the
only minor concern was the crowding in the main playing area. An extra section may be put in next year; this
will no doubt lead to a decrease in profits. While the congress grows it may be
a struggle to fit everyone in so room arrangements would be looked into. The
dates of the congress would be decided shortly.
County junior
organiser – FB. Need more help and he felt that it had been a
‘damp squib’ this year and it had been difficult to find time as S.R & F.B
had other commitments. Little had happened, but juniors were still the best
source of new players. Any help even once every couple of months would be
appreciated. The question was asked whether DBS (formerly CRB) checks would be
required. FB responded that they would
but these are often paid for by schools, or the Association, if necessary and
this shouldn’t put people off volunteering.
County first team captain: - no team
County under 140 team: Roger Brown said Shropshire U140 team had in the
2012/13 year finished in third place out of 7 in the MCCU and qualified into
the national stages where they beat Kent 9-7 in the final. Unfortunately again
they finished third this 2013/14 year but it was only out of three!
MCCU
delegates: Mobile
phones had been discussed. Juniors need to be encouraged.
ECF
delegate: Nick
reported that the president had resigned and a statement had been issued. The board had seemed to be in conflict with the
president.
4NCL team
- Nathanael Paul reported that the team
had started poorly but improved and finished with 12pts and believed this was a
good effort in the first season. D Gostelow doing well 5.5/8 on the top boards,
being out graded most of the time. The team would like to get more players, as it
is known that a few of the existing players are leaving. With the aim being
promotion, stronger players are welcome. Not so bad as organising county team
as only need 6 not 16.
5 ELECTION
OF OFFICERS
Chris Lewis to replace Matt Best, who is off
to university, for the rapid play. 4NCL also included as officer. No other
volunteers. Election was en bloc. Vote All for – none against.
6. New
club – Whitchurch and Malpas
club are interested in joining the Shropshire league and had offered getting a
venue in Whitchurch. The strength of the
players stated allows for following of precedence set when Newport started.
This could mean that Whitchurch and Malpas would probably start in division 2.Vinny believes
that fixtures could be arranged for this to happen. Distance no problem except
for Ludlow/ Malpas match which could be played at a neutral venue.
Francis
Best would contact, welcoming Whitchurch and Malpas club to the Shropshire League, subject to venue
being around Whitchurch area and the league controller will decide which
division, dependant on the strength of the players.
7 Substitutions
and playing for two teams.
The discussion paper prepared by Francis Best
was debated. There being no criticism implied by the paper but a review of the
rules was possibly needed. Issues – playing for more than one club,
inappropriate substitutions, and insufficient players. Nominations – key
members should actually play for that team. Rules had been made altered in a piecemeal
fashion over the years and as a result had become complicated with unintended
consequences. Wanted to find out what the mood of the meeting was.
Peter Crean’s
proposal, being closely connected with the subject, was discussed at the same
time.
Comments include
G.W how many 7 day notifications
of joining clubs were not legal. Vinny - all followed rules
P.C wanted to know why T.N played
– T.N because he was asked.
R.S – felt no nominated division
1 players should play in division 2. Shouldn’t be a nominated player without
playing in previous year, as some teams had nominated players who never had
played.
F.B felt this was difficult as
players circumstances change but should be the general principle.
G.I – a team was more than ‘one
player’ the table was the same mid season as at the end with little change.
Should we even have ‘divisions’? As this was the cause of many problems. Why
not have a ‘Ladder’
F.B said although little change
the gap between the top few had increased.
S.T when a team suddenly loses an
individual overnight, there is a sudden need for players to fill in or it could
curtail that team. He “scraped the barrel high!”
G.W normally substitutions are of
lower strength from within club. Priorslee had to juggle
players and used 11 different players in ‘A’ team before tying players. The
same rules should be applied between divisions as between clubs.
M.B Richard Bryant now Oswestry
have been promoted must decide which club he declares main club. This may materially affect the promoted club,
as the average strength of the side in the higher division is significantly
less than the side that got promoted.
F.H control – need a good set of rules
that are vigorously enforced otherwise it will lead to a mess. Rules are
present are too flexible.
C.L not happy with the
consequences of several of teams gaining extra strength on top boards. The
result of which means Newport B were relegated and will have two teams plus
Newport juniors in division three.
K.T wants to change from allowing
players to play twice to four times within a club before being tied.
A straw poll was carried out to
see if want to radically change the rules rather than minor tweaks. 9 for 2
against.
N.P felt having two strong
‘imported players for Wellington B did distort division – similar to when a
strong player returns and is ‘ungraded’ and enters a congress at a lower level.
G.W While not wanting defaults players
should substitute up not down.
G.I If no divisions – no problem.
R.S Want to get promotion to get
to play stronger players.
R.B Peter creans proposal is on
the agenda- lets use.
K.T get committee for 2015/16
season but decide this year on P.C proposal.
Confusion let to aborted vote
before principle of allowing a choice of one vote for one of the options.
If a team in the
second or third division plays a player who normally plays for another
Shropshire club in a higher division during that season, then it is permitted
only on condition that the player has a current summer grade of:
Option 1: below 150 for Div 2 and below 140 for Div 3.
Option 2: below 140 for Div 2 and below 125 for Div 3. This option would be
more in line with the typical rating of a board 1 player in Div 2.
Option 3: below 135 for Div 2 - this option would be more consistent with rule
9c - "playing up" and the same grade cut-off could similarly be applied
to "playing down". A limit of say below 120 could then be
applied for playing down in Div 3.
The following provision should be allowed:
A player who genuinely leaves one club, and subsequently ceases playing for
that club during a season, can, at the League Controller's discretion, play in
a lower division for the rest of the season in his/her new club, subject to all
sections of rule 9.
Vote – option 1 8for, option 2 1
for, option 3 5 for.
Rule 9 d to be amended
Where a player is
used more than four for a higher team, then (unless sub-paragraphs a, b or c
apply) he / she becomes a member of the senior team on the fifth
occasion for the remainder of the season. Where a reserve wins by default the
result will count as an appearance for the senior team, Vote 15 for none
against
It was recognised that this was a
short term amendment in respect of some of the difficulties with the present
rules. To address all of the issues, a
much deeper review would need to take place but there was not time to bring
this about for the forthcoming season, It was agreed that a working group
should be set up with Francis Best contacting all the club secretaries and
inviting them to discuss rules in a series of meetings over the next twelve
months, with a view to any changes being agreed at the 2015 AGM, with
implementation for 2015/16 season.
9 ANY
OTHER BUSINESS
Chess boards are available in
Telford town park.
First round of Newport rapid play
on Tues 15th Aug.
Noted the passing of J Tunks
The meeting ended at 10:10