ECF - Minutes of the Meeting of BICC 2007

1. The Minutes of the Meeting of 14th January 2006 were approved and signed.

2. It was noted that the 2006 Agreement had been agreed but never signed.

3. The revised 2007 Agreement, which had been circulated, was approved and signed by the Federations present. DS explained that whilst he had the formal permission of JCF and GCF he did not have the same from IOMCA. His signature on their behalf was subject to ratification.* ICU was not present and would be asked to sign later.*

4. It was noted that ECF had secured sponsorship for separate English prizes at the British Championships. There would also be a separate English Senior Championship in January.

5. DWA reported on the changes to the Charities Act which now defined mind sports as “sport” for the purpose of charitable status. Guidelines would be published by 2008 and it would then be possible, in those jurisdictions to which the Act applied, to secure charitable status for many chess organisations if they came within the definition of “amateur” sport.

6. DWA reported that ECF intended to apply for recognition as a sport to Sport England and indicated that it was likely that the Steering Group on Recognition (composed of officers from each of the other Sports Councils) would be consulted and that Federations particularly CS and WCU might be consulted about their attitude to this issue. The consensus view of the Meeting was that all members present supported the concept of chess as a sport but CS and WCU in particular were concerned to obtain assurances that their current public sector funding would not be damaged thereby. CS is currently funded through the education budget.

7. DM explained the history of UCU. ICU had been formed in 1912. UCU originally represented the 9 Counties as part of ICU. This changed to 6 Counties later In 2005 UCU seceded from ICU. Their constitution was amended only to refer to Northern Ireland. Ulster is only part of Northern Ireland technically but the name is the only part of the Constitution which refers to this historical name. In Turin 2006 application was made to FIDE for membership and the matter was deferred. David Jarrett was consulted by telephone and he explained that FIDE did not consider they could admit UCU as the FIDE Statutes only permitted the admission of territories recognised by IOC and UN. He also explained that FIDE were currently reviewing the Statutes and if anything existing definitions were likely to be tightened rather than relaxed. DWA suggested UCU might become an Associate Member of FIDE so its players could compete in FIDE events. This would require an amendment of the FIDE Statutes as the current definition would preclude the admission of UCU. After the conclusion of the telephone call it was agreed that DM and DS would consult together about the text of an appropriate change to the Statutes, circulate the same for comment and ask GW to take the issue up at the next ECU Board in August 2007.

8. During the phone call David Jarrett also said that IOC would only deal with FIDE Federations based on their own criteria so they regarded Great Britain and Northern Ireland as one. The only practical result of this was that, if FIDE Federations competed in IOC events, teams covering all of Great Britain & Northern Ireland would have to participate. David Jarrett also said there might be participation in the next Olympic Games in China as a demonstration sport if sufficient sponsorship could be obtained but this would be on a FIDE Federation basis. GW reported on discussions with the London 2012 Olympic Games and said that no expenditure on events could occur until after the conclusion of the 2008 Games.

9. DW (CS) reported on initiatives in Scotland in Schools following a successful lottery bid under Awards for All. He also referred to the Chess in Schools Conference in Aberdeen at the end of August.

10. Reference was made to the Glorney and Faber Cups and the possibilities of expansion including additional age ranges as for U.12 and U.14 in the Tri Nations. Reference was also made to extending invitations to other BICC Members.

11. GW referred to the possibility of nominated arbiters being invited to the World Youth event in November and explained that each Federation could nominate one arbiter to ECU from whom four would be chosen.

12. WA referred to grading by ECF of events in Wales in which English players competed and was assured by RR that this should be covered by existing arrangements.

13. CRB clearances were discussed and it was confirmed that CS and WCU sought clearances for their arbiters but not necessarily at the highest level.

14. DS referred to the uncertain position of the IOM International after 2007.

15. DW (ECF) referred to the programme of events in Liverpool including the match GB v China in September 2007, the British Championships in August 2008 and the European Union Individual Championship in September 2008.

16. DW (ECF) said he was looking for a venue for the British Championships from 2009 onwards.

17. It was agreed that it was desirable to hold BICC Meetings annually and it was suggested that the next Meeting should be in Liverpool in September 2008 during the European Union Individual Championships but avoiding a clash with Paignton.

* NB: IOM ratified DS signature on 26th July 2007
ICU confirmed Agreement approved on 23rd July 2007 and would be signed in August 2007.