lenging , and working to persuade school districts and community organizations that chess teaches skills that help to improve our minds and change lives for the better .
In these challenging economic times , it is natural for there to be competition for chess pupils , players for tournaments , etc . Let us keep it at the top of our minds that “ winning ” means promoting chess after which there will be plenty of students for everyone .
I urge all members to think about who the community is and how best to serve , to advance the game of chess . I think it would be wise to think of our membership as our customers , and in the case of youngsters , their parents .
We need to ensure that not only do we discuss the very real benefits of chess as a discipline that improves study skills and therefore grades , when speaking with school administrators , but also show the parents that we provide a safe and healthy environment for their children at all of our chess events .
Our organizers , clubs and affiliates
should each think about their image and what they can do to ensure they generate positive publicity and positive feeling in the local community . This means asking what activities you need to support at the local level and to determine if there are actions you can take to help local organizers and scholastic organizations to be more successful and to coexist in a cooperative and synergetic manner .
One of the key attributes of competitive chess is the fact that two competitors sit opposite each other at the chess board , shake hands , and then play the game . This act , of shaking hands , of following the rules , is an act of good sportsmanship , an act of respect . I expect the same high standards that chess players have for each other , when starting a contest , of all people involved in all aspects of chess .
So , if you need more players in your local tournaments , think out of the box . Rather than having competing events with another organizer you may partner with other local organizations like Boy Scouts , Girl Scouts , martial arts studios , dance studios , Hip-Hop , etc . to get exposure for youngsters who may not be introduced to chess otherwise . As an organization , USCF will be discussing how best to support affiliates , clubs , organizers and tournament directors through programs , training , recommendations and other certification actions that will serve to provide confidence to the community of the excellent benefits of our game , and with the goal of growing membership so that we can continue to support key chess events .
The best outcome of our very successful scholastic programs of today will be if the parents and coaches and students continue to be a part of the chess community long after the current class graduates — and that they choose to be a part of the chess community of the future .
With the very exciting energy we have in the American Chess scene today , I am sure we can look forward to a day , not too distant , when some of our 2012 scholastic champions are winning our national championships and becoming the role models and grandmaster superstars for the next generation of youngsters to emulate .
USCF EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT KOREY KORMICK
Position : Tournament Director Certification Associate
Korey is a relatively recent addition to the USCF staff , having started in June 2011 . However , many members may know him either from his time previously working with USCF Sales or as a floor director at the national scholastics ( he ’ s the one usually seen setting a digital clock ). A telecommuter , Korey serves the Federation while still being able to teach students chess in his home area of Memphis , Tennessee . Korey strongly believes that tournament directors ( TDs ) are necessary individuals to the growth and development of the USCF . Without them , there can be no rated play , and often the TD is also the organizer , financier , volunteer , and coach . He is very pleased to encourage members to take up the mantle of director , and hopes to make a contribution by providing resources , information , and a greater overall support network . Korey ’ s personality is extremely upbeat and brings delight to whomever he works with .
NATIONAL CHESS DAY IS OCTOBER 13
This year ’ s National Chess Day , Saturday , October 13th , will be promoted in Chess Life and Chess Life Online by a program of free TLAs for tournaments with National Chess Day in the title and free rating fees as established in a recent motion by the executive board .
In order to promote National Chess Day as a day for special activities and promotion of chess throughout the country , the following was proposed : Any Rated Beginner Open that includes “ National Chess Day ” in its tournament life announcement ( TLA ) title gets both a free TLA and free rating fees ; any one-day event for October 13 which has “ National Chess Day ” in its TLA title gets a free TLA ; any two-three day event held over a period which encompasses October 13 , which has “ National Chess Day ” in its TLA title , will get free TLA and free rating fees . Affiliates were notified of this via e-mail so they could meet the TLA publication deadline ( which has already passed ).
Organizers are encouraged to submit articles and photographs for publication for Chess Life and Chess Life Online .
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