Wanted: Big Guns in OCA tournaments., Can OCA attract OK's strongest players?

Tom,

You are, as usual, your eloquent and diplomatic self. Suffice it to say I respect your opinion but disagree. I remain of the opinion that the USCF should be concerned about the health and well being of it's State Affiliates. To ignore these conditions would be akin to the proverbial Ostrich sticking it's head in the sand. It has now become more critical considering the State Affiliate will be in full control of appointing the delegates to the USCF where policy decisions will be voted on.

Would you like to see someone like Mike Swatek become your next State delegate? I wouldn't and I don't think you would either.

This issue isn't about OSCO. I don't think anyone is interested in suggesting that OSCO be decertified. It is about OCA and the apparent lack of accountability to the USCF created by OSCO's chokehold.

Rightfully, the OCA belongs to the USCF players in this state - not the special interest group that controls it. I believe that the USCF should be more concerned about their membership's opinion and let them put the matter up to a vote. I certainly don't think such a vote would create any more chaos than what we already have.

Mike

You know, I think that both of you make good points. While it is not really the right or responsibility of the USCF to arrive at the most proper state governance, I do think that is the duty and right of each OK USCF member to determine which entity best represents all of us. Therefore, it is likely that if changes are to be made, then the OCA and OCF would likely need to to arrive at some method for that decision/vote to be structured. But might that really happen? I think that the OCF would be receptive to such an idea, but the OCA would like need to precipitate such an action, which sadly is not very likely.
I think that at the present time, the state's representation, and future thereof, is in the determining hands of the OCA PB. Actually, with this year's State Championship in June, this is a very opportune time to petition such an action. I don't think that any such action would impugn or malign any current officers, nor would it serve to "win" the affiliate. This would merely be the best thing, especially for non-scholastic events in the state. As mentioned, there is no intention or need to enact any changes in the current OSCO structure. I don't really see that using another rating system is so bad. Yes, of course we would like to see many/most of these scholastic players join the parent organization, but up to a certain point, this is an opportunity to get many more kids involved. After the first year with the Chess Express System, the suggestion to join the USCF might present itself. The current retention rate is just so poor among scholastic players, and oftentimes by no fault of the kids. Within OSCO, it might be best to encourage national memberships, but the school districts would likely prefer an alternate system, given the large numbers of students.
If indeed such a merger could be induced, what would be some suggestions as to the methods? Still hoping, Raymond

And if the USCF DID take away certification from OSCO, just who would they give it to? Texas? OCF?

OCF is doing a great job of running (primarily) adult tournaments. Do you think they have the staff to replace the 8-10 OSCO tournaments each year? And then add it to their schedule? Each major tournament needs up to 12 section TD's and a support staff of almost 40 people to take care of everything needed. That includes people to clean the bathrooms, sell the food, deal with the school boards, and a pile of other stuff.

If you want to send a staff up from Texas, I'm sure OSCO can use you somewhere. I'll make a suggestion to them. Maybe they will listen. Maybe...

Dear Ed,

Nice to see you around the forum again! Of course, it is very nice to be back myself! ;-)

Now then...

Here's an idea, how about OSCO just goes un-certified, like they wanted to do in the first place! :-)

There are less and less USCF rated players in OSCO these days, and thanks to OSCO's CXR "Under 1100" program which prohibits junior players from playing in the USCF rated "Premiere Section" there are also less (about 500 less!) USCF players in Oklahoma...period. Since the OCA policy board is either unable or unwilling to do anything about this, hopefully, the Sooner Chess Series can restore some of the loss.

The OK juniors who are fans of USCF rated events are playing mostly at regular/adult events anyway (can you blame them?), and are welcomed with open arms at OCF tournaments. OSCO can just drop the USCF (since, as Chuckles likes to point out, sooooo many parents have never heard of USCF anyway ;-) and OSCO can have the Annual "What's a USCF?" Oklahoma Scholastic CXR State Chess Championship, complete with ticker tape parade, chocolate chip cookie eating contest, and no USCF ratings, since of course, what's a USCF anyway? :-P


Welcome back everybody, the forum is now open for business, and it's open season as well!


Yours truly,

The Bran Whitcomb.

Well folks, I think we can safely say that the answer to the initial question asked in the title of this thread has been answered.

The answer is: NO!!!


The one, the only,


The Bran Whitcomb.