EGCA

1.Apologies for absence.                                                                                        

Tom Brown, Pete Heaven, Dai James, Kevin Staveley, Roy Thomas, John Thornton

2.  Minutes of the 2022 AGM

Were accepted as a true copy

3.  Matters arising.

There were no matters arising

4.Correspondence.      

 The only correspondence relates to the Arbiters Training opportunity

5. Presentation of reports of

(a)Secretary                                                                                            

Position vacant

(b) Treasurer/Zonal Membership Secretary                

See appendix 1        

(c) Executive Director  

Nelson was the only club not to default a board. There have been far less postponements than normal which is a good thing. 

The major issue surrounds rating.  I have become aware that some matches or part matches have not been updated to the ratings site.  Where I have become aware of this I have tried repeatedly to get the site updated.  Remember that individuals or team captains can check the ratings to ensure errors/omissions are corrected swiftly.  I cannot do this for everyone! This brings into focus the lack of an EGCA member acting as our Ratings Officer.  Please check with your members to see if there is an EGCA member who is willing to do this role.

I am aware that some clubs are entering more teams next season.  This will invariably mean the divisions will need some tinkering not simply promoting and relegating 2 teams.  In division 3 in particular there may need to be more than 2 teams promoted and perhaps only 1 team relegated from divisions 1 and 2. With a number of new teams entering it is unclear whether there will be a large division 3 or a smaller division 3 and 4.     

(d) Rating Officer 

I have received a request for players to advise the RO when they have entered Congresses both home and abroad.  This should help to ensure ratings are updated quickly   

6 Reports of delegates to WCU

(a) Management Board        

Selection

Transparency with the selection process and bullet points will be on the website .  Players are selected after comparing their results against stronger players.  A selection committee selects the teams.  Players in line for selection receive a written statement and an appeals statement as requested by FIDE.

Year Book

This will be prepared on the basis of the calendar year and will be available in September.  It will be available on-line.  Paper copies will only be available upon prior request.  I have advised all clubs that I need to know the numbers of paper copies required by each individual club.

Finance

In May we had a balance of Approx £13K.  It has reduced in October to Approx £7.5K.  Funds are reducing dramatically, and membership fees may have to be increased and all expenses requests to be submitted to the MB before they can be sanctioned.  A Financial Sub Committee has been set up to produce recommendations for the future to include publicity, entry fees, prize money and possibly different levels of fees depending on players requirements.   Note everywhere expenses are going up and the ECF and Irish Chess Federation all charge more than the WCU. The Welsh Educational Trust Has been set up to finance the Glorney so no expense is anticipated for this event now and in the future.

A proposal to increase fees to £20 for adults, £10 for juniors and new members receiving a 50% reduction in their first year.  This has been submitted to a Special General Meeting to be held on 16th of July.

There was a lot of discussion surrounding the S Wales International.  This tournament is NOT a WCU organised event although the WCU along with significant others financially support this annual event.

N Wales

Charles Morris from N Wales has attended the Management Board for the first time..  We need to strengthen our ties with N Wales as currently a lot of players take part in the Cheshire leagues and pay into the ECF.  N Wales needs to be included as a zone within the WCU.  We need to work out what N Wales needs and answer the question “what is the WCU doing for me?”.  We also need to increase the competitive links between North and South Wales.

The WCU runs the Llandudno Congress and has taken over the running the Rhyl Congress.

Membership

The WCU collects a lot of in information from direct member but not so much from zonal members.  The minimum requirement now is for an email address and contact number.  The WCU GDPR page needs to be updated to reflect the change in requirements as it no longer wants addresses of zonal members.

There is a proposal for a periodic/quarterly newsletter to be sent out by email to members who have supplied the relevant contact details.

There may also be a members only section on the website in future.  There is also ongoing work surrounding membership data capture but more details to come in the future.

Fide

The Papua New Guinea proposal was defeated at the Fide meeting.  Full details can be found on the Fide website.

Appointments/Co-Opts

Nathan Trickey has been appointed as Deputy/Assistant Home Director

Peter Slater has been appointed as Deputy Executive Director

Dennis Thomas has indicated he is prepared to act as Vice President.

Welsh Rapid Play

It was been suggested that zonal rapid plays to be set up as Qualifying Events along with an On-Line Event.  However there was little enthusiasm for this idea so the QE has been cancelled.

Aberystwyth Rapidplay

This event has been set up by Chess England who are separate from the ECF.  It is thought likely that it is being driven by players who have previously attended Aberystwyth University.  FIDE fees and Admin fees will be passed to the WCU.

(b) Home Committee

No report presented   

(c) Development Committee                                                                                      

 Position vacant

(d) Publicity Committee                                                                                             

 Position vacant

(e) International Committee    

Apologies that I am unable to present my report in person this evening.   In April 2022, the Welsh Chess Union Selection Committee met to select the Wales Open and Womens teams for the Chennai, India Olympiad  between 27th July 10th August 2022.

The Open team is as follows:

Board 1 Grzegorz Toczek*

Board 2 Jonathan Blackburn

Board 3 Tim Kett*

Board 4 Alex Bullen*

Board 5 Allan Pleasants

Captain Adam Hunt (England)

The Womens team is as follows:

Board 1 Olivia Smith*

Board 2 Kimberly Chong*

Board 3 Hiya Ray

Board 4 Khushi Bagga*

Board 5 Sarah Kett*

Captain Michael Healey (England)

Chief of Delegation Sarah Kett

The (*) players are those who represent a club in East Glam Chess Association.

The EGCA association players had the opportunity to play several strong and well known players.  The Open results for Wales are here:

https://chess-results.com/tnr653631.aspx?lan=1&art=20&fed=WLS&flag=30

Welsh Women’s results are here:

https://chess-results.com/tnr653632.aspx?lan=1&art=20&fed=WLS&flag=30

I would like to congratulate Tim Kett on achieving his FM title with a fantastic score of 6.5/9.

I am happy to be considered again to act  as the East Glam selection committee rep.

Thomas Brown      

(f) Junior Committee.                      

Whilst no formal report has been received from the Junior Representative it seems appropriate to include details of the work undertaken by N Cardiff to develop the many juniors under their care.  I have attached 2 separate reports about this activity as appendix 2   

(g) Ladies’ Committee                                                                                                   

Position vacant

7. Review of membership fees

8. Presentation of trophies for 2023

(a) Divisional trophies 

Division 1     N Cardiff Woodpushers

Division 2     N Cardiff Panthers

Division 3     Cardiff Eagles

(b) Alec Wood Trophy for the greatest increase in grade (July 2022-May 2023)

Kristan Enoch (Cardiff)

9. Election of officers for 2023-24:

1. Chairman 

       Anthony Baker

2. Vice Chairman

       Bill Harle         

3. Secretary

       Anthony Williams    

4. Treasurer/ Zonal membership Secretary

       Martin Ricketts

5. Executive Director  

        Phil Jones  

6. Rules Director

        Kevin Staveley

7. Designated Safeguarding Officer

       Alan MacDonald

10.Election of delegates to WCU.

1. Management Board   

        Phil Jones       

2. Home Committee

       Dai James

3. Development Committee    

       Moira MacDonald   

4. Publicity Committee (this person will be our publicity officer)

       TBC

                   e. Junior Committee (this person is our junior organiser).

                   Alun Smith

                   f. International Committee (this person is automatically the rep. to the Selection Committee).

                   Tom Brown

                   g. Ladies’ Committee

                   Position vacant

11. Election of

1. KO Cup Secretary   

       Phil Jones     

2. Rating Officer

       Paul Orton

13. Election of

1. Vice President to WCU    

       Roy Thomas

2. Auditor

       Dai James

14. To consider and approve the Association’s Junior Grant.

Grant approved at £300

15. To approve Honoraria.   

Honoraria approved £125 Executive Director and £50 Treasureer

16 Proposals to change the Rules

1. Change the date for the Pre AGM from May to May or June

        Approved

2. Replace KO Cup with a new QuickPlay (QP) league

       Approved and rules already available on the website

17 Any other business

At the request of Kevin Staveley a reminder was given that yearbooks will only be available online unless a prior request for a printed copy is received – currently 8 paper copies only have been ordered.

Query raised about poor representation at the AGM.  It is thought that people only attend if there is a contentious issue/proposal to be decided.

It was queried whether the AGM could be on zoom but at the previous AGM the members voted unanimously to meet face-to-face.

 A lot of responsibility rests with the Executive Director.  To prevent future problems should the executive Director become unable to continue it was recommended that a Job Description be prepared with a view to a deputy to shadow the Ex.Dir.

Appendix 1

Appendix 2                                                                                                     

Guided Play Explained

Background

As the phrase “Guided Play” is frequently used it would appear helpful for an outline of what

this activity comprises.

The explanation is not viewed as all-encompassing but hopefully would offer some further

Clarity

Definition

Guided Play refers to the weekly dedicated junior chess at North Cardiff Chess Club between

630 – 730 pm

730+ often being reserved for League and other competitive games

(Ffynnon Wen provides a single-room venue hence one activity is replaced by another)

Juniors are defined as under 18 although chess skills may vary widely

Guided Play Goals

· To offer a progression /stepping stone from School Chess

· To offer an opportunity to play and enjoy chess within a sympathetic environment

· To develop chess skills by learning, playing and competing  

· To encourage chess as a current and relevant activity

· To secure the chess players of the future

· To develop “advanced” juniors as role models for the future

Guided Play in action

Guided Play offers an opportunity for juniors to play chess with the overview and direction of more experienced chess players (both adults and advanced juniors)

Chess games are structured depending on the goal

This may encompass

· Social games between juniors

· Competitive games between juniors e.g. Delancey Chess Challenge

· Teaching and instruction games between juniors and experienced players

Parents are often present and may support directly or relinquish this to a more experienced

Player

Support Systems

To assist with Guided Play experienced chess players are enlisted

These may be established adult players, parents or “advanced” juniors

The latter are predominantly NCCC “improved” juniors who provide support, mentoring and a role model example

Management

Alun Smith, NCCC Junior Secretary and Guided Play Lead provides

· Organisational support and direction

· Ensures playing equipment availability

· Coordinates support systems

Information Updates

Social Media and Messaging apps are used to update those involved as required

Legal and Policy Requirements 

All relevant guidelines were considered when planning and hosting events  

Specific regard was made to Safeguarding (Children in Chess), General Data Protection

Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant policies by the East Glam Chess Association and Welsh

Chess Union 

https://www.welshchessunion.uk/wcu-board-policies/  

https://egca.yolasite.com/Safeguarding-Policy.php

I June 2023

Compiled in consultation with involved parties DL

North Cardiff Chess Club Training Programme Overview

Oct 2022- May 2023

I never lose, I either win or I learn

Nelson Mandela

Goals

· To promote Adult and Junior chess interest

· To advance chess knowledge and skills yet not overwhelm or dishearten

· To increase the enjoyment of chess

· To offer alternative chess learning experiences to complement current practices

Audience & Times

North Cardiff Chess Club (NCCC) has a mixed membership of adults and juniors with a broad

range of chess skills

Membership suggests NCCC has the majority of East Glamorgan Chess Association (EGCA)

junior players

A targeted audience strategy was proposed

· Beginners (predominantly but not exclusively Juniors) 6.30 – 7.30 pm approximately 

· Established Players (predominantly but not exclusively Adults) 730 – 9/9.30 pm

approximately

· Prioritised for Non-Match Club Nights

Venue

NCCC’s home venue was initially The Pantmawr Inn, Rhiwbina but has since been relocated to Ffynnon Wen, Llanishen

Training Development Plan

Proposed as a “natural extension” to the established “Guided Play” for juniors at NCCC

Junior (parents) views and adults were sought either directly or via a survey to identify the

demand

Observation sought from individuals with experience in junior teaching systems assisted in

developing an informed training plan which continues to evolve

Trainers

Any “responsible” Adult / Junior can assist with Training = it depends on the target audience and their knowledge base

NCCC has “Informal” Trainers who assist each week with junior “Guided Play” evenings and

proposed “Formal” Trainers for specific Training Days / Events

NCCC Trainers are sourced from its membership which: -

· Encompasses a wide range of skills and knowledge to deliver instruction on a variety of

topics appropriate to the audience's chess level

· Resulted in reduced costs, allowing the opportunity to direct East Glam Junior Grant

applications for more long-term infrastructure investments e.g., presentation equipment

A “Training the Trainers” session was provided to offer an overview of

· Teaching delivery methods

· Procedures to record progress and goals

· Chess in Schools and Community Programme

This together with available peer support provided a framework and foundation moving forward

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Trainers who did not possess a DBS certificate received an Enhanced Certificate via the Welsh

Chess Union (WCU) as a “Voluntary Coach”

Training Programme Criteria

Material to be informative yet engaging with split sessions Beginners and Established Players

Trainers (mainly amateurs) were new to teaching hence self-selection on topics was proposed but informed by past sessions to reduce duplication

Training Level was viewed as “Light” and not a replacement for more “professional” training

which could be sought independently

Delancey Junior Chess Challenge 2023 an internal Chess Competition with Swiss rules was

proposed as a competitive focal point (Plan for 7 Rounds)

Training Delivery Methods

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn

Benjamin Franklin

Each Trainer had their own delivery style but all included the use of Presentation Equipment

Selection of equipment was dependent on teaching material and Trainer preference either

interactive, instructive or both, but included:-

Projector and Screen (Funded by EGCA Junior Grant) = Videos and Chessbase display

Demo Boards & Stands (Funded by EGCA Junior Grant) = Game studies, Puzzles

Repaired in-house TV (wall mounted) = Lichess and Chessbase display, PowerPoint

Presentation, Videos

Event Publicity

NCCC uses several media outlets to update members including social media, email, website and messaging apps

Advance notice of training events was provided via Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Website and Survey Monkey (Instagram is still in the development phase)

These outlets were further used to share an event summary and picture distribution

(Parental “agreement” / objections noted before picture publication)

General media coverage via Walesonline (https://www.walesonline.co.uk) was refused as chess event coverage “just wouldn't have an audience”

Funding

EGCA Junior Grant funding was sought and agreed upon for initial long-term infrastructure

investments e.g. Presentation Equipment including Demo Boards, Projector and Screen

Although funding was targeted towards junior chess support, adults did benefit from its use too

As funds are finite seeking a future Professional Trainer session could still be possible via

crowdfunded if sufficient demand

It is hoped that the 2023 EGCA will renew this fund commitment at the AGM for 2023-4 to

assist future Junior chess projects (which adults may benefit from too)

NCCC’s permanent ownership of all Presentation Equipment was acknowledged by EGCA

although Clubs seeking to borrow such equipment will be seriously considered.

Dates, Audience, Trainers and Topic

· 11 Oct 2022 = Beginners with Alun Smith = Endgames positions and concept ideas

· 29 Nov 2022 Cancelled due to another sporting event hence venue noise and

attendance concerns  

· 10 Jan 2023 = Beginners with David Llewellyn &Duncan MacDonald = Equipment

testing e.g., Projector & Demo Boards together with topics of Recording Moves &

Video of “Weird Chess Opening”

· 10 Jan 23 = Established Players = Withdrawn due to match clash at 730pm

· 24 Jan 23 = Beginners with Tim Kett = Chess Problems, General opening discussion

using the Demo Board

· 24 Jan 23 = Established Players with Sarah Kett = Presentation tips & ideas

(“Training the Trainers”) and overview of Chess in Schools and Community

Programme

· 31 Jan 23 = Beginners with Kam Choo Yin = Choose the best (3 ) moves through a

game study using the Demo Board

· 31 Jan 23 = Established Players with Tim Kett = Opening study of own games,

General opening suggestions and ideas using the Demo Board

· 7 Feb 23 = Beginners with Alex Kennedy = Lichess Introduction (Internet Chess

Software) using Lichess via the TV

· 21 Feb 23 = Beginners with Liam Penny = Tactics problem-solving with varying

Difficu lty levels using Lichess via the TV

· 21 Feb 23 = Established Players with David Llewellyn = Novelty Video & Game

(Simpsons), Game Studies, Swindle game examples & some Chessbase tips via the TV

(Chess Software Introduction of Chessbase, Lichess, and Chess.com with David

Llewellyn & Alex Kennedy was withdrawn due to a lack of expressed interest)

· 28 Feb 23 = Beginners with Alun Smith = Start of the Delancey Junior Chess

Challenge 2023 (Internal Chess Competition with Swiss rules) Plan for 7 Rounds

· 21 March 23 = Beginners with Lef Zografos = Checkmate Patterns using Lichess via the TV

· 21 March 23 = Established Players with David Llewellyn = Novelty PowerPoint

Presentation (How to be a Better Player), Tactics problems using Chessbase via the TV

· 18 April 23 = Beginners = Cancelled in favour of continuing with the Delancey

Junior Chess Challenge 2023 which has strong attendance and momentum

· 18 April 23 = Established Players = Cancelled due to match clash at 730pm

· 30 May 23 = Standalone session with Owain Dutfield & Ben Sarak Jones = Outlined

features of the new NCCC website, how it links into information-sharing including

training for junior and adult via the TV followed by a Q&A opportunity

· 30 May 23 = Shortened Beginners (session) and Established Players with Tim Kett =

Programme Finale = Game studies from his practice, Opening ideas and how they can

link to later attacking patterns using the Demo Board

Legal and Policy Requirements

All relevant guidelines were considered when planning and hosting events

Specific regard was made to Safeguarding (Children in Chess), General Data Protection

Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant policies by the East Glam Chess Association and Welsh

Chess Union

https://www.welshchessunion.uk/wcu-board-policies/

https://egca.yolasite.com/Safeguarding-Policy.php

Feedback

General observation feedback is shared after each trainers session to reduce duplication and as alearning tool for the next event

S ome trends noted included

· Use of media outlets e.g. WhatsApp, Twitter. Email to update members assisted with

information distribution

· Room geography affected seating arrangements and teaching methods

· NCCC venue has only one chess night available hence teaching calendar was structured

for non-match club nights

· Audiences fluctuated, so targeting teaching content was a challenge

· Using the full allocated teaching time (or not) was a constant debate topic

· Sometimes second Trainer (Lead and an Assistant) was helpful e.g. with Demo Board

· Trainer’s learning curve and confidence in presentation skills grew after their first session

· Trainers required their own Laptop to present Chessbase or Lichess

· The current description of Beginner and Established player appears too broad a skill

definition and will need revisiting

Presentation topics were “stand-alone” but an option to evolve to a more systematic programme with recognised “milestones” requires further discussion

Future Planning and Funding

A goal properly set is halfway reached

Abraham Lincoln

Listing Goals for both short-term and longer-term planning

· NCCC Training Plan continues to evolve with both long and short-term goal

Weekly Guided Play for juniors to continue where possible

· A future NCCC Training Programme is under discussion informed by feedback and

teaching experiences

· To revisit the use of Survey systems to inform the selection and direction of Presentation

themes

· Use of Presentation Equipment as funded by EG Junior Grant to continue

· Funding availability 2023-4 via the EG Junior Grant will inform further project options

· Depending on Grant funding to explore NCCC resources 2023-4 to inform selective

project options

· To revisit chess skill definitions e.g., Beginner and Established Players and the relevant

teaching material selection

· To continue NCCC liaison with EG Junior Representative and WCU Junior Director as

required

· To conclude NCCC Website development

· To continue using established NCCC social media, messaging apps, email and website

for information sharing being mindful of Safeguarding and Data Protection Policies

· To revisit Instagram Account status and its function of picture sharing being mindful of

Safeguarding and Data Protection Policies

· To explore the feasibility of integrated or dedicated junior and adult teams’ events for

Summer 2023

· To explore the feasibility of an integrated junior and adult internal tournament for the

2023 Summer

· To explore the feasibility of an integrated junior and adult Simultaneous Display

· To explore the feasibility of extra East Glam League Teams (Juniors)

· To explore alternative venues for specific training and competitive events e.g., Tesco

Community Rooms in conjunction with WCU public liability insurance = “Chess

Roadshow”?

· To explore progression systems from School to Chess Club in liaison with “Chess in

Schools and Community” (CSC)

· To explore how Internet resources can inform Training Plans

· To explore how to signpost self-study options which are age, chess skills and support

system appropriate. For example, internet sites, Books, Trainers etc. in liaison with

parents (“parental partnerships”)

· To explore further chess publicity events e.g., “Chess in the Hayes” on 28 August 2022

· Deferred Training via Zoom (or YouTube segment) currently appears too ambitious, but

maybe a future project.

Acknowledgements

Thanks, and gratitude to

· Those who provided accommodation both for the NCCC Programme and Club nights

· Those who provided suggestions, advice, guidance, information organisation support and

feedback in the Programme’s development and production

· All the Trainers who gave their time free, both in preparing material and its delivery

· East Glam Chess Association Junior Grant for its financial support

James Lovegrove (Director, Pantmawr Inn)

Samantha Spencer (Manager, Ffynnon Wen Public House)

John Thornton (Trainer and long-standing Junior Chess Advocate)

Moira (Mo) MacDonald (NCCC Chair, Activities & Media Coordinator)

Simone Twohig (NCCC Twitter Account Manager)

Tycho Twohig (NCCC Junior Club Captain)

Kevin Staveley (WCU Home Director & Designated Lead for DBS Applications)

Sergey Popov (CSC Trainer & School Chess Club Lead)

Alun Smith (NCCC Junior Secretary, Trainer & “Guided Play” Lead)

Duncan MacDonald (NCCC Trainer)

Tim Kett (NCCC & CSC Trainer)

Sarah Kett (NCCC & CSC Trainer)

Kam Choo Yin (NCCC Treasurer, Club Captain & Trainer)

Alex Kennedy (NCCC Trainer)

William (Liam) Penny (NCCC Trainer)

Lefteris (Lef) Zografos (NCCC Trainer)

Owain Dutfield (NCCC & CSC Trainer, NCCC Website Designer)

Ben Sarak Jones (NCCC Website Designer)

Pete Heaven (NCCC Member & Professional Trainer)

Peter Slater (NCCC Member)

Martin Ricketts (EGCA Treasurer)

Laëtitia Davies (EGCA Junior Committee Representative)

David Llewellyn NCCC Trainer & Programme Coordinator

North Cardiff Chess Club

31 May 2023