Which Clubs are Reopening ?

[John Upham]

The Leamington League 21/22 started last night with Stratford v Kenilworth. It has been a long eighteen months, so we are really delighted to be back! We don't have quite as many teams as we did for the previous campaign, but all of our clubs have survived. We are very much looking forward to the season, both in its own right and as a further step toward full normality.

What Covid measures were imposed if any?

How many boards are each match over?

[ben.graff]

"What Covid measures were imposed if any?" "Over how many boards are each match."

Hi John. We play over four boards in our higher divisions and three in the lower ones.

Our Covid protocols are set out below. These followed extensive consultation with our member clubs. There are no right answers, but our approach has been to allow the home club to determine the rules for the evening. (Which in many instances means reflecting the policies of the particular venue they happen to play in.) We have set some broad parameters as to what is and is not acceptable and are publishing clubs individual policies on our website. We've also made some of our regular rules more flexible around postponements and the like, given the uncertainty of thee times.

We just want to ensure everyone feels as comfortable as possible this season, with the hope that many of these provisions will no longer be necessary by 22/23.


LDCL Covid Protocols 21/22

Determining and Publishing Covid Protocols

All clubs and venues can determine their own Covid playing protocols for the 21/22 season. We recognise that different clubs have different
circumstances, hence there will not be a "one size fits all," LDCL protocol.

While it is better for clubs to undertake their own risk assessments, as a minimum local protocols must be consistent with the prevailing national rules.

Clubs Covid protocols must be shared with the LDCL and all will be published on the LDCL website.

Proper notice must be given for any changes to club Covid protocols and all updates will also be published.

Acceptable scope of Covid Protocols

It is acceptable for club Covid protocols to set out a policy on mask/ visor wearing, temperature checks and other relevant social distancing provisions.

It is not acceptable for players to be barred from competing on account of their vaccination status. (For example juniors who have not had an opportunity to be vaccinated.)

The protocols of the home club/ venue determine the base rules for the evening. However, should the home club not be asking for masks (for example) there is nothing to prevent the visitors from choosing to wear one.

Variations to the LDCL Rules for 21/22

The ten-day notice period to rearrange matches will be suspended in any circumstances where a rearrangement is needed due to Covid. However,
where a postponement is needed at shorter notice (or might be needed) we fully expect the relevant captain to keep his or her opposite number
properly informed of the situation and to make every effort to give as much notice as possible. In our view proper communication might mean
shorter notice of a postponement, but other than in the most exceptional circumstances (e.g. players becoming ill or being pinged on the day of
the match) on the day postponements should be very much the exception rather than the norm.

Equally, clubs can agree to play one board short if Covid has made it impossible to raise a full team, provided this has been agreed between the
clubs in advance. In such circumstances, the unplayed board will be scored 0.5-0.5 and must be the lowest board.

If anyone is excluded from a venue on the night having failed a temperature check, their game will be void and scored 0.5 - 0.5. If this impacts
more than one game, the match will be cancelled and will need to be rearranged.

The LDCL Committee will review and rule on any other issues that arise as a result of Covid during the coming season. However, it is our
expectation that common courtesy and mutual respect between our members should result in the majority of issues being resolved amicably and
sensibly without the need for Committee involvement.

[Simon Rogers]

Our club, Poulton-le-Fylde Chess Club have been open for a month and after a slow start is picking up quickly.
Preston Chess Club have gained a least six new members since reopening.
Lytham St.Annes Chess Club appears to have found a new venue at the Lytham Ex-Servicemen's Club and is opening this Thursday (7th October).
https://www.lythamchess.org
Cleveleys Chess Club for Juniors has also been open a few weeks with a few new players including a 5 year old boy who looks very promising.

[Simon Rogers]

Lytham St.Annes Chess Club reopened last night. Over a dozen players turned up, including a number of new members.

[Simon Rogers]

Update from the Blackpool & Fylde League Clubs.
Last Monday at Poulton-le-Fylde Chess Club, we had another new member with possibly more coming this Monday.
Preston was well attended with the new members still coming last Wednesday.
At Cleveleys Chess Club for Juniors, we had a new 6 year old boy turn up who looks quite promising.
Also last Thursday there was the first league match of the season when Lytham 2 played Lytham 3.
Lytham 2 won 4 to 0. Lytham 3 played one of their new members who gave a good account of himself. Also the other new Lytham members were in attendance.

[Simon Rogers]

I am pleased to report that Leyland Chess Club reopened last Tuesday and had their second club night, last night, which all went well.
They meet on Tuesday evenings, in a room upstairs, at the Broadfield Arms on Leyland Lane in Leyland,Lancashire, from 7.30pm.
http://www.leylandchess.org.uk

[Simon Rogers]

Not sure if this should go into "Which Clubs are Reopening" topic or "Chess Life Returning to Normal".
On my travels I have picked up a number of new clubs starting, both Adult and Junior.
Also there are a number of clubs that have moved venues (including ours at Poulton-le-Fylde).

[John Upham]

Not sure if this should go into "Which Clubs are Reopening" topic or "Chess Life Returning to Normal".
On my travels I have picked up a number of new clubs starting, both Adult and Junior.
Also there are a number of clubs that have moved venues (including ours at Poulton-le-Fylde).

Have you included this one?

https://westleedsdispatch.com/new-membe ... hess-club/

[Dan Lambourne]

Like Simon, I have news of a new club but didn't know where to put it.

A new club started up this week in Worcestershire, in Mary's Room at the Village Hall in Pebworth, located between Evesham and Stratford Upon Avon.

The Club was setup as a Social Chess Club by Deborah Robinson who has no experience of running a Chess Club, so that she and her daughter could play more games, so I have offered to help at least for the first month, after which I may have matches for Cheltenham or Redditch that may get in the way.

At the moment it is £2.50 entry a night to pay for the hall. Come on down for some social games. Tea, coffee & biscuits available or bring a drink of your choice. Chess boards available but please bring a chess set if you can to help, until we can arrange for some sets. All ages welcome. All abilities. Under 18’s accompanied by an adult re health/safety/ DBS. The club will undoubtedly be a slow start with relaxed playing but down the line we can organise clocks, tournaments for those who want them. Come along. Pop in to watch, play, teach, natter, socialise, learn, expand and enjoy some games. There's also the great Mason's Arms to pop to very close by for a drink. See you there 7-9pm. Debbie.

It will be every Tuesday night from September, but in August it is only on the 2nd, 16th and 30th.
Unfortunately, the first trainer is yours truly, so don't expect huge insights into the game, but I should be good enough to get the 11 others who attended the first session get started.

[Simon Rogers]

Not sure if this should go into "Which Clubs are Reopening" topic or "Chess Life Returning to Normal".
On my travels I have picked up a number of new clubs starting, both Adult and Junior.
Also there are a number of clubs that have moved venues (including ours at Poulton-le-Fylde).

Have you included this one?

https://westleedsdispatch.com/new-membe ... hess-club/

Hi John. Sorry not posted in this Topic, I've found a number of new clubs that have started since the pandemic. Also a lot of other clubs have changed venue.
I'll gradually start reporting these for you. Any new clubs in your county of Hampshire or Isle of Wight?