Paul Batchelor, Rob Counsell and I attended the MSCL AGM in Lewes on Tuesday for BHCC.
On regularising the assortment of match timing options we have had this year it was decided to follow the Hastings proposal, see Response by Hastings Chess Club on the Forum page, i.e. making all moves in 65 minutes plus 30 seconds per move the only option. Other alternatives were dismissed as all clubs now have digital clocks. The home team at least should be ready to start at 7:30 for a playing time of 3 hours 10 minutes minimum. There was discussion about bringing the start time to 7:30 prompt for both teams but this was dismissed for those finding it too difficult in view of work and travel, however there should be a firmer intent by both teams to honour the start time rather than assuming the 15 minutes grace is the norm.
The other main change was the agreement to go over to the ECF League Management System (LMS) for recording results. This cuts out an administrative layer with team captains uploading match results direct to a website which automatically copes with grade changes and eligibility and means results will appear as soon as they are entered. Again, for more details see the Hastings entry on the Forum page as this was also their submission (below the timing proposals). I think this is quite a refreshing step forward which will also link into the planned overhaul of the ECF grading system when it appears.
These simplifications are timely as the MSCL committee continues to shrink with Chair and Treasurer already doubled up and now, without Matthew Britnell, no Secretary. Volunteer/s from Hastings offered to set up and run the LMS - I think Mark Bryant and Gary Willson. Hopefully minutes will magically appear, even without a volunteer....
