Ulster Chess Union Annual General Meeting

The main points arising from the meeting were:

1. Funding

There was a lengthy and constructive discussion on this important issue, with the meeting reaching a consensus on the way forward. The proposals voted through at the last AGM were confirmed, with some amendments and clarifications. A motion that players under 18 will have a reduced UCU registration fee of £2 was carried unanimously. In relation to ICU registration, it was made clear that a club is only required to register a number of players equal to the number of boards on which it plays in the UCU Leagues (e.g. a club with 2 teams has to register 10 players with the ICU). A club will still be required to register all its competition players with the UCU.

2. Eligibility in team competitions

A motion that a player shall not play for more than one club in the UCU Leagues and the UCU Knock-out Cup/Plate in the same season was passed by a majority. Previously a player could opt to play for one club in the Leagues and a different one in the KO Cup/Plate.

3. Tournament Calendar 2001 - 2002

The provisional dates and venues for next season's events were presented to the meeting. Please note that due to a typographical error, 3 January 2002 was given for a Rapidplay tournament - the correct date is 3 February 2002.

4. Election of officers

Tony Beckett, having bought a house in Lanzarote, where he will now spend most of the year, stepped down as President. A motion of thanks for all his hard work during the period of his office was passed unanimously. Michael Holmes also did not seek re-election, but indicated that he would continue to assist the committee with the important task of setting up and clearing away equipment at UCU events.