Avoiding a Lower Rating by Not Renewing?

[John Upham]

I have received a couple of queries along the following lines:

"If I play and lose games in local leagues can I avoid my rating being worsened by not renewing my ECF membership?"

I advised them to join and not ask silly questions.

What is the actual answer to their question?

[Graham Borrowdale]

I suspect your answer is correct, with your usual amount of tact.
I think the real answer is no, because the games will still be graded, but the league or club hosting the player will get a bill from the ECF for the non-member. Some leagues insist on proof of ECF membership to allow someone to play.

[John Upham]

Thanks Graham.

I find it curious that many chess clubs and leagues allows players to compete in rated games when they are not members of the rating authority.

I assume they are hoping the player will eventually shell out prior to the cut-off at the end of the season.

By way of contrast, when I returned to league table tennis this season (after a five year break) the clubs and leagues were insistent that I join / renew with Table Tennis England which I was pleased to do.

I can't quite get to terms with the difference in mind set. I know there is a hackneyed myth that chess players do not wish to pay for anything but I don't believe it is actually true merely something to titter about.

[Roger de Coverly]

I can't quite get to terms with the difference in mind set.

Chess clubs may actually wish to encourage rather than discourage participation, even if in practice they aren't very good at it.

[Roger de Coverly]

I think the real answer is no, because the games will still be graded, but the league or club hosting the player will get a bill from the ECF for the non-member.

Which if they play fewer games than a threshold is nil.

The ECF follows a principle of compulsory rating rather than compulsory membership.