I'm not speaking on behalf of the ECF when I say that it seems unlikely that the ECF would accept games for grading from non-membership organisations, and it makes no sense to pay the ECF 'a substantial sum' rather than just ask members to join the ECF for a few more pounds. Off the top of my head here are some of the advantages to joining the ECF and remaining part of the national organisation, which won't be available if you devolve, though it will be available to members who join directly and who play in membership events like the 4NCL and e2e4, and congresses that require membership from all participants as standard;David Robertson wrote:The NMS (Northern Membership Scheme) would:
* charge £10 (adult); £5 (junior)
* submit games to ECF for grading
* grade games within the NCCU "if ECF refuses to accept them"
* pay ECF an unspecified but "substantial" sum if NMS approved over ECF scheme
1. ECF MEMBERSHIP
- can play in FIDE rated events
- can play in the British and events will qualify for BCQs
- (I would propose this) graded events should have to register with the ECF to go on the calendar
- (I would propose this) graded events should have to display the ECF logo on forms and website, and link to the ECF site
- results count towards the ECF Grand Prix
- can play in ECF County events
- can play in ECF National Club events
- can play in ECF Seniors, Juniors events
- national ranking and team selection for European and World Junior and Senior squads
- published on the ECF Grading Database
- (I would propose this) ECF Grading Database will have click-thru to results and link to event websites
- reliable national measure and ranking system
- newsletter and other benefits
- (I would propose this) only membership events publicised on the ECF Calendar and to membership
- eligibility to become ECF Arbiters, Trainers
2. Non-members, events graded regionally, non-membership events
- (potentially) may not be permitted to use copyright ECF grading data or codes
- not included in the above
- not used for national ranking or team selection
- not published on the National list
- not listed on ECF site and not sent to members
- no BCQ places