The Illinois Elementary School Association will begin holding Chess Competition in 2011
uscellularcoliseum.com/facil … cle_id=396
Forgive my naivety, but why is this a USCF Issue? Shouldn’t this topic be in ‘Chess Tournaments’ or ‘All things Chess’?
It is a USCF issue because now school children in IL from grade 5 - 12 will be playing school sanctioned (Not USCF sanctioned) chess. Most likely that is 2500 + not purchasing memberships - the state association insists it not be a requirement to participate.
Thank you for your support.
Tim, if you think about it, it is support. It has been an effort to try to help shape USCF into a NFP that people will want to join, not have to join. So keep your sarcasm to yourself. Its unbecoming of those wearing the star.
Well, they probably wouldn’t have been playing chess at all without this program, so it isn’t like this is really costing us memberships.
I don’t know, currently 800-900 regularly are playing K-8, now they may not play 5 - 12.
From the press release, this appears to be a once-a-year tournament.
Yes, and as the Illinois High School Association does, it is very likely school Conferences will hold matches and County tournament will be held leading up to the State (not as qualifying tournaments) Thats how sports are run in IL. With the polling that has been done, schools are very excited that the State Association is going to be offering it.
And your point is?
Chess is very popular - kids want to play and schools want kids to play.
I thought the point was that the administrators do not want to support the USCF.
Actually, it sounds like they’re typical educational bureaucrats, they don’t recognize bodies other than themselves unless they’re required to (like their state department of education or the federal government) or the outside body has the clout to force its rules upon them, like the NCAA.
That’s not a criticism, it’s just the way things are.
Mark,
This could be a cancer to the development to and of junior chess in Illinois. And, for K-3
the use of JTP would enable these kids to play USCF anyhow.
Rob
They may not want to pay ratings fees, either.
It will be interesting to see what develops. Most likely far more children will be introduced to the game, learn the rules and such. I still think “stronger” programs will develop in areas with strong Adult groups and possibley well run NFP programs willing to put on tournaments and provide opportunities for lessons.
It likely depends a great deal on leadership. Just as many more kids may be introduced, and some kids will take up the game seriously, its also likely that from within the teaching community, folks willing to dedicate themselves to teaching chess might also be uncovered. In Illinois, those likely will be former Illinois High School Association players. I also think online matches may become an important part of regular competition.
I find the replies from USCF members here baffling. The OP mentioned an opportunity for the organization to reach out to this particular school district, explain the benefits of USCF being involved (if you can’t think of any, then that is the real problem here), negotiate some sort of deal etc. To have an attitude of ‘they don’t USCF to be involved, so screw em’ is no way to run a business. It is no wonder US chess is in such a bad position, if this is how people feel about scholastic chess. It is vital to nurture and support scholastic programs, even if USCF has to lose some money on the deal. That is the roots of future USCF funding, IMO.
I suggest that you may have misread the original post.
Alex Relyea
That’s problem, USCF won’t be involved because the Illinois school sports association does not allow for membership in outside organizations to be required. I’m not sure an expanded JTP membership program is an option for this type of thing. Hopefully some pf the schools that compete in this league would become interested in going to Nationals and joining USCF.
Does the USCF online playing site require USCF membership? Or can anyone join the online playing site (with a different fee) without having to be a USCF member? This could be one way to introduce people to USCF chess via chats on the site about USCF tournaments.
Also, do not forget that there are quite a number of tournaments run in Illinois at the K-8 level that are not directly connected to the schools. The Rennaisance Knights have their Quest Tournaments that appeals to child in the K-8 levels, even if it is not segregated by grades or ages. I don’t think the K-8, K-6, or K-3 sections that are sometimes offered in K-12 tournaments will be that aversely effected. We are talking only 1 tournament here, and it is the state school system that is awarding a title. The state association [ICA] could also decide to hold a K-8 championship tournament if they so desire. With just 1 tournament are we really talking about competition, or are we talking about an opportunity to spread the joys of the wonderful game of chess to more children?
Larry S. Cohen
PS: Maybe someone should mention to them the USCF Chess Coach Certification Program.