Graham Borrowdale wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 12:10 pm
I think the ECF is as much use to the million putting their rooks on a3 and h3 as the Football Association is to kids using coats for goalposts in their back gardens.
Fully agree, I suppose chess ability could be viewed like a pyramid; somewhere, there is a line, above which, one is proficient/engaged/interested enough to want to join the ECF. And, whether the ECF is able to push the line down and include more people, is obviously, the big challenge.
The danger in the debate about development officers and so many other debates.. is that, it turns into a game of "we must DO something" "here is SOMETHING" "Ah, we must DO it"...
The ECF provides countless opportunities for certain individuals, whether it is for elite chess players or training arbiters, etc. However to the average 110 member, the ECF is just something we pay to get a grade at a congress/rapidplay.. is it ultimately an intractable problem, because perhaps building grassroot chess really just revolves around empowering and supporting local leagues/clubs, and is far less about top down IDEAS from a guy in a far away office.. localism in practice, methinks...
Kevin Thurlow wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 12:19 pm
Well, clubs need members, tournaments need entrants. So everyone should be encouraged to play. 10 beginners joining a club are more valuable than one IM.
Once again, this is a very excellent point. Of course, 11 players joining a club, including one IM might be nice..... but that might be wishful thinking here haha...