Scholastic Championship "Worst Ever?"
By NM Leland Fuerstman
Gosh!? Does this really mean that I haven't been imagining things all this time?! LOL For years, I have complained that scholastic entry fees have
steadily increased, payback has decreased
and profits to organizers and directors have become
outrageous!? Yet, most of my rhetoric has fallen on deaf
ears, until now! It is my understanding that my cries have
been heard and the trend is changing. This year, they
claim to have returned approximately $5,000 in
scholarships! However, the Entry Fee at
the door was $69!?
So, we're not exactly sure about the total receipts and
expenses associated with this year's 600+ player event. (According to our calculations,
when you include "team rooms" and other sources of
income, the gross receipts approached or exceeded
$40,000!! In addition, donations were received from
outside sources which make it very difficult to
understand why the entry fee was so high?)
But, don't expect to see any comprehensive accounting any
time soon. That is information which can only be shared on
a "need to know" basis. And, like everything else,
you don't need to know... I shall, therefore, refrain from expounding upon this any further and allow the reader to form his/her own opinion.
The following quotes were taken from E-mails anonymously submitted to the CCC. Since you will NEVER see such messages on the NCCA Forum, I feel that it is my responsibility to publish them for the good of all NC players and parents:
NOTE: The 2 messages which were posted here were genuine and unedited. Because the authors of those messages have requested to remain anonymous, in all fairness, I have chosen to remove them from this page. NMLF
It is my understanding that NCCA Vice President Jeffrey "Pig" Jones was the organizer and Chief Tournament Director of the entire event. Apparently, he is responsible for choosing the understaffed and poorly maintained hotel. They constantly ran out of water, and one of the playing areas was "very dark" due to burned out light bulbs which needed to be replaced? And, it stayed that way for the duration of the event? (If it were my tournament, first, I would have demanded of management that the bulbs be immediately replaced the night before; or climb a ladder and done it myself, like any responsible Director would have! Why Jones didn't notice the darkness in the room upon inspection the day before is beyond anyone's comprehension.-- {he did inspect the room, didn't he?} He could also have placed the board numbers properly the night before, which had to be redone the following morning?) Jones has once again, proven that he is an incompetent and negligent manager.
At first, I am told that Jones intended to be the pairing TD for the lower sections, but indicated that "since he hadn't slept very well the night before, he was delegating it to Victor Beaman?" But, ultimately, it was reported that the entire responsibility for the lower section pairings was borne by NCCA VP of Scholastics Venkat Shanmugavadivel? It wasn't so much that he did an inadequate job; the fact is that he was overburdened with too much individual responsibility?! Subsequently, the resulting effect could only be described as chaotic! (a note by Jones on the NCCA website indicated that the event has not been rated yet because they're not sure of all of the results. What?? What??) Besides, Venkat did not have enough experience for a 600+ player event. The question is, of all of the revered chess dignitaries who were present and possibly paid appearance fees, why didn't experienced National Tournament Director NCCA President Kevin Hyde do the pairings? One bystander quipped, "I saw him there, but I never saw him do anything."
At their last, so called, election, in their wisdom, the powers that be decided that Mr. Venkataraja Shanmugavadivel should hold the position of NCCA Vice President of Scholastics. Why has he not addressed these important issues with his own opinion nor even peeped one sound on their website? (Dude, thanks for helping with the pairings, but, otherwise, step aside and give the VP job to someone who cares! That could also be said for 2 of the other officers...)
However, most of the complaints about the tournament came from the parents and players in the lower sections. The Top Sections were independently conducted by the well qualified team of Senior Tournament Director Tom Hales and popular organizer Dr. Walter High! In almost every case, the upper section rounds started on time and the playing room was completely under control. The problems with the event had nothing to do with the lack of Directors and assistants available and more to do with the incompetence of Chief TD Jeff "Pig" Jones who was incapable of planning ahead, listing priorities, formulating a plan and maintaining control.
And, finally, many members want to know where all of the money went? In my opinion, all profits should be kept by the NCCA. Furthermore, is it possible to find out how much money was paid to the "dignitaries and other cronies" who showed up for the event, or is that on a "need to know" basis, as well? A complete published independent accounting of all revenues associated with this $40,000+ event would answer all questions...
On another note, I have requested through newly appointed Secretary/ Treasurer Sara Walsh that they post CCC tournament information on the NCCA tournament listing page. After all, being a member is not a requirement since they continue to advertise events for organizers who have never even been NCCA members?! I am a past President! (How supposedly mature people can hold grudges after all this time boggles the mind?!) After many weeks, I have received no response from the NCCA?? I deem that to be very disrespectful and not within the professional and courteous standards of any legal non-profit organization.
I remain,
NM Leland Fuerstman
www.charlottechess.com