ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
Absolutely. Chess is not chess if you can't take refreshments into the playing area.
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
The English Bridge Union's first face-to-face event since before the pandemic will be the Summer Meeting at Eastbourne from Friday 6th August to Saturday 15th August.
See www.ebu.co.uk/competitions/summer-meeting for information about the event and www.ebu.co.uk/article/ebu-summer-meeting-and-covid-19 for information about the Covid-19 Regulations.
Meanwhile we await information as to how many county teams will be playing in Round 1 of the ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge on Saturday 14th August.
See www.ebu.co.uk/competitions/summer-meeting for information about the event and www.ebu.co.uk/article/ebu-summer-meeting-and-covid-19 for information about the Covid-19 Regulations.
Meanwhile we await information as to how many county teams will be playing in Round 1 of the ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge on Saturday 14th August.
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
"We will not insist on players wearing masks, but we will provide some for those who want. Anyone who wants a greater degree of protection may wish to purchase masks with FFP2 or FFP3 protection, such as these."David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:10 pmand www.ebu.co.uk/article/ebu-summer-meeting-and-covid-19 for information about the Covid-19 Regulations.
How refreshingly sensible.
If you want a picture of the future, imagine a QR code stamped on a human face — forever.
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
Well now we know.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:10 pmMeanwhile we await information as to how many county teams will be playing in Round 1 of the ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge on Saturday 14th August.
In the Major section (average ECF rating Under 2000), there are two entries, from Essex and Kent. These two counties seem to be the epicentre of mask wearing advocacy, so the Competition Regulations suit them well.
in the Minor section (average ECF rating Under 1600), there are four entries: two teams from Kent and one each from Essex and Hampshire.
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
So you're blaming the small number of entries on the requirement to wear masks?David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 3:58 pmWell now we know.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:10 pmMeanwhile we await information as to how many county teams will be playing in Round 1 of the ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge on Saturday 14th August.
In the Major section (average ECF rating Under 2000), there are two entries, from Essex and Kent. These two counties seem to be the epicentre of mask wearing advocacy, so the Competition Regulations suit them well.
in the Minor section (average ECF rating Under 1600), there are four entries: two teams from Kent and one each from Essex and Hampshire.
Doesn't science support the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces? Isn't there a much greater risk that people will be infected by an infectious non-mask-wearer?
Also, what's the problem with wearing masks? I'm not understanding why people are mad keen to resume playing OTB chess but baulk at wearing a mask.
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
Me neither
The problem we had was lack of enough players to be sure we could enter teams
Turns out that there would have been a lot of travelling to play OTB rather than Hybrid
The problem we had was lack of enough players to be sure we could enter teams
Turns out that there would have been a lot of travelling to play OTB rather than Hybrid
Any postings on here represent my personal views
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
It's a line in the sand. If not now, then when? Is it an expectation that we should wear masks for the rest of our chess playing lives?Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:46 pmI'm not understanding why people are mad keen to resume playing OTB chess but baulk at wearing a mask.
(edit)
Following up on this, the 4NCL's latest position seems to allow for a limited amount of gamesmanship.
From the entry form for their next OTB Congress
https://form.jotform.com/212152170201334
Note: I understand that if HM Government guidance at the time of the congress is still that face masks should be worn in crowded areas, in the event that I do not wear a face mask at the board my opponent in any of the five rounds may elect not to play the game, in which case both players will receive a ½ point bye.
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
Look back at my first two posts in this thread. In particular:Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:46 pmSo you're blaming the small number of entries on the requirement to wear masks?
Doesn't science support the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces? Isn't there a much greater risk that people will be infected by an infectious non-mask-wearer?
Also, what's the problem with wearing masks? I'm not understanding why people are mad keen to resume playing OTB chess but baulk at wearing a mask.
There is no way that I would wish to play a Standardplay game of chess wearing a mask. If I have to wear one for more than about an hour, I feel uncomfortable and sick. In hot weather I would feel in danger of collapsing.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Thu Jul 22, 2021 3:11 pmThese Regulations are a good example of what happens if you allow concern about Covid-19 to lead you to blind you to other risks and considerations.
No-one can force me to play OTB chess under conditions which I do not find enjoyable, although I do sometimes wonder whether some people will try.
No-one is forcing you to return to OTB chess under conditions where you do not feel safe. You have the right to stay at home.
However, on this occasion your sentiments have prevailed. The entry level is as I expected once I saw the Regulations.
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
"No-one is forcing you to return to OTB chess under conditions where you do not feel safe. You have the right to stay at home." I could say this to you too - and it wouldn't be helpful.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 6:57 pmLook back at my first two posts in this thread. In particular:Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:46 pmSo you're blaming the small number of entries on the requirement to wear masks?
Doesn't science support the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces? Isn't there a much greater risk that people will be infected by an infectious non-mask-wearer?
Also, what's the problem with wearing masks? I'm not understanding why people are mad keen to resume playing OTB chess but baulk at wearing a mask.
There is no way that I would wish to play a Standardplay game of chess wearing a mask. If I have to wear one for more than about an hour, I feel uncomfortable and sick. In hot weather I would feel in danger of collapsing.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Thu Jul 22, 2021 3:11 pmThese Regulations are a good example of what happens if you allow concern about Covid-19 to lead you to blind you to other risks and considerations.
No-one can force me to play OTB chess under conditions which I do not find enjoyable, although I do sometimes wonder whether some people will try.
No-one is forcing you to return to OTB chess under conditions where you do not feel safe. You have the right to stay at home.
However, on this occasion your sentiments have prevailed. The entry level is as I expected once I saw the Regulations.
It's not about me or you. Instead, I'd suggest, it's about understanding the science and ensuring people's safety... I notice you're not responding on these points.
A big concern I have is that people, in general, don't seem to understand: a) how the virus is transmitted; and b) what the risks and consequences of catching the virus are and therefore of what precautions are appropriate. Chess players will be putting their trust in chess organisers to look after their safety but what if the chess organisers are insufficiently wise to the issues? What chance of a super-spreader event at a chess event where people spend several hours together in an enclosed space and where the precautions are lax?
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
It's only a risk if there's someone there who is infectious. We've never previously demanded mask wearing for Congresses and matches in winter where there must have been a risk of catching flu or a cold.Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 8:38 pmWhat chance of a super-spreader event at a chess event where people spend several hours together in an enclosed space and where the precautions are lax?
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
I responded to you a couple of days ago.Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 8:38 pmInstead, I'd suggest, it's about understanding the science and ensuring people's safety... I notice you're not responding on these points.
The British Government has lifted restrictions in England. I respect that decision. You do not. That should be your problem, not mine.David Sedgwick(in another thread) wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:33 pm
"I acknowledge I was wrong on what was going to happen."
Your heroine Professor Christina Pagel yesterday.
Admittedly that is a selective quotation. She hasn't given up yet.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58078900
What I do see as my problem, is that, at the behest of people like you, the ECF is squandering members' funds by arranging OTB events held under conditions in which very few people wish to play.
Nick and I mentioned upthread that the English Bridge Union is not making the same mistake.
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
Oh dear... That was, I agree, selective - for Professor Pagel's detailed and balanced take, I'd recommend this and note that we're probably some distance from achieving "herd immunity" (the goalposts for which are liable to alter with any new, more transmissible, variant... and waning antibodies in the population also need to be considered). Also, I hope we're going to be OK with mass gatherings (as will occur, for e.g., with the new football season), with children returning to schools in September and with the onset of colder weather... BTW, the BBC piece doesn't mention Long Covid.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:29 pmI responded to you a couple of days ago.Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 8:38 pmInstead, I'd suggest, it's about understanding the science and ensuring people's safety... I notice you're not responding on these points.
David Sedgwick(in another thread) wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:33 pm
"I acknowledge I was wrong on what was going to happen."
Your heroine Professor Christina Pagel yesterday.
Admittedly that is a selective quotation. She hasn't given up yet.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-58078900
Well the UK Govt has said "Wearing a face covering... COVID-19 spreads through the air by droplets and aerosols that are exhaled from the nose and mouth of an infected person. The Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport." Does that mean it's alright not to wear masks at chess events held indoors over a period of several hours? Anyhow, Scotland and Wales at least take a much firmer view. As does the World Heath Organisation. I suspect England is out on a limb.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:29 pmThe British Government has lifted restrictions in England. I respect that decision. You do not. That should be your problem, not mine.
"People like you", eh... My concern is about the science and people's safety, neither of which have you shown any understanding of or consideration for.David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:29 pmWhat I do see as my problem, is that, at the behest of people like you, the ECF is squandering members' funds by arranging OTB events held under conditions in which very few people wish to play.
Did you look at the EBU's Risk Assessment for their Eastbourne event which is linked to in their statement which you and Nick have applauded? Do you think it's OK?David Sedgwick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:29 pmNick and I mentioned upthread that the English Bridge Union is not making the same mistake.
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
I have to confess that I hadn't but I have now.Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 11:09 pmDid you look at the EBU's Risk Assessment for their Eastbourne event which is linked to in their statement which you and Nick have applauded?
It may be a bit too fussy, but basically yes I do think it's okay.
The EBU want to make it tolerable for people to play Face to Face bridge. You want to make it intolerable for people to play OTB chess. That's the difference.
Anyway, I come back to the question which I posed before. Is it really sensible for the ECF to squander members' money by organising events with playing conditions under which people don't wish to play?
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
To answer your question, David: NO.
I'm not wearing a mask under any circumstances to play chess.
It's not to do with the science. I'm not entering that debate. Nor is it a fear of mine that I might collapse at the board.
Quite simply, this is not chess as I have known it. I refuse to wear a mask for hours at a time, unless I'm getting paid for it.
As online chess is to me UNSERIOUS, a requirement to wear a mask at the board will probably remove me from chess for ever.
I'm not wearing a mask under any circumstances to play chess.
It's not to do with the science. I'm not entering that debate. Nor is it a fear of mine that I might collapse at the board.
Quite simply, this is not chess as I have known it. I refuse to wear a mask for hours at a time, unless I'm getting paid for it.
As online chess is to me UNSERIOUS, a requirement to wear a mask at the board will probably remove me from chess for ever.
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Re: ECF Pre-Season Regional County Challenge
I'm not understanding why anyone so traumatised that they have convinced themselves that only a bit of dirty blue cloth hanging loosely around someone else's face stands between them and death would not keep their social interactions to an absolute minimum, or would even contemplate a visit to a chess club.Angus French wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:46 pmI'm not understanding why people are mad keen to resume playing OTB chess but baulk at wearing a mask.
For the good of your own mental health ( as it is now fashionable to say ) it is clear that you should not be playing OTB chess. Unfortunately, this does not just affect you, since your terror every time another human being breathed in your vicinity would be palpable and would unsettle everyone around you.
As it happens, I know you to be an intelligent person and, at the point of decision as to whether to travel to your chess club, you would do the sensible thing and stay at home. That's fine, but what is not fine is to machinate to make playing conditions as unpleasant as possible for those who do genuinely wish to play.
If you want a picture of the future, imagine a QR code stamped on a human face — forever.