English Chess Forum

So the latest power struggle in the ECF takes shape. EJCOA have certainly assembled a wide ranging anti-Holowczak coalition.

David Sedgwick wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 28, 2021 12:35 am

So the latest power struggle in the ECF takes shape.

For those few of us not involved in any way with junior chess, other than as opponents, is this about anything in particular or just an ego power struggle for the sake of it?

Is it necessary to frame this in the language of power struggles or as coalitions against individuals?

My involvement in junior chess is one of running tournaments, but my limited understanding of how the ECF works is that people are free to stand for the various board-level roles, and someone should be able to put forward their vision for the future of (say) junior chess without it being defined negatively in terms of opposition to the existing office-holder.

(Surely it's OK to say: X is doing great! I can do even better!)

Joseph Conlon wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 28, 2021 10:36 am

and someone should be able to put forward their vision for the future of (say) junior chess without it being defined negatively in terms of opposition to the existing office-holder.

Certainly, but if hostility towards the present incumbent was not intended, the announcement could have been better drafted.

I doubt the ECF, and the BCF before it, have the track record of universities for bitter disputes over relatively minor issues, but they do flare up every so often.

Joseph Conlon wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 28, 2021 10:36 am

(Surely it's OK to say: X is doing great! I can do even better!)

I don't think that it is.

Being an ECF Director is a demanding and time consuming voluntary role. Those who are doing a good job should be supported.

In the circumstances which you describe, I would hope that the new person would talk to the incumbent and try to find a way that they could both have roles which satisfied them.

It doesn't look as though that has happened or will happen in this instance.

Who knows what goes on? Perhaps the incumbent and new person are already working together to develop an ECF syllabus and coaching framework. Perhaps the new person will even contribute more when they have more free time?

Yesterday's announcement apparently reflects a decision of the EJCOA Board. Whether it's supported by rank-and-file members of EJCOA is presumably another matter entirely. As David S remarks above, ECF directors "who are doing a good job should be supported".

Speaking as someone who now has no involvement in junior chess (except randomly encouraging people), and no axe to grind, I am aware that there is a perception in some quarters that some people receive favourable treatment, and some do not.

It seems entirely natural and good that there should be contested elections for posts.

I just hope that whoever is in charge behaves correctly.

Kevin Thurlow wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 28, 2021 5:28 pm

Speaking as someone who now has no involvement in junior chess (except randomly encouraging people), and no axe to grind, I am aware that there is a perception in some quarters that some people receive favourable treatment, and some do not.

That is not my experience and I am not sure that even Alex’s detractors would accuse him of that

When was the EJCOA formed (and can those of us not following along have some backstory please, if not too contentious)?

I suspect that the early comments relate to previous desires to deprecate the ECF maintained Coaching list and associated coaching schemes.

One of the issues most prominently mentioned was the difficulties with managing DBS checks.

I'd be curious to know how welcome was the news when it was initially received that Rob and Andrew intended to take a 180 degree view.

Maybe now that this initiative has been clearly welcomed that will help its acceptance by the DoJCaE?

I have tediously reminded persons that the full title of the Directorship is

Director of Junior Chess and Education

Roger Lancaster wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 28, 2021 4:38 pm

Yesterday's announcement apparently reflects a decision of the EJCOA Board. Whether it's supported by rank-and-file members of EJCOA is presumably another matter entirely.

Does anyone here know the composition of the EJCOA Board? I can't find it on their website.

David Sedgwick wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 28, 2021 6:34 pm

Does anyone here know the composition of the EJCOA Board? I can't find it on their website.

Without knowing how many of them formally compose the EJCOA Board, the list of the "team" is given at
https://ejogguide.co.uk/about/ejcoa-team

So that's

Chairman
Rob Willmoth

Vice-Chairman
Tim Wall

General Secretary
David Knight

Head Coaches
Lorin D’Costa (FIDE Senior Trainer)
Andrew Martin (FIDE Senior Trainer)

Women’s Chess Representative
Aga Milewska

Safeguarding Representative
John Hipshon

Social Media Representative
Margareta Pislariu

Compliance and Risk Representative
Mark Josse

Finance Representative
David Knight

Website Manager
Michael Bennett

Northern Counties Coaching Representatives
David Levens
Ben Rich
Peter Cloudsdale

Southern Counties Coaching Representatives
Andrew Varney
Tomer Eden
Kamlesh Karia

West of England Coaching Representative
Nick Butland

East of England Coaching Representatives
Adam Hunt
Trevor Tolentino

Isle of Wight Representative
John Wrench

Committees:

Junior Chess Committee
John Foley
Amanda Hipshon
Simon Berry

Adult Chess Committee
Steve Westmoreland
Ben Harte

Online Chess Committee
Adam Raoof
Nigel Towers
Alecos Ethelontis

Complaints Committee
Adam Raoof
David Okike
Rupa Prasad

Roger de Coverly wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 28, 2021 6:45 pm

David Sedgwick wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 28, 2021 6:34 pm

Does anyone here know the composition of the EJCOA Board? I can't find it on their website.

Without knowing how many of them formally compose the EJCOA Board, the list of the "team" is given at
https://ejogguide.co.uk/about/ejcoa-team

So that's ...

So that's not the answer to the question which I asked.