SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

It seems that a few folks are hoping that publishing and speaking false statements about the OCA enough times may cause people to actually believe them. Fortunately, most Oklahoma chess players recognize the ridiculous propaganda for what it is. For those of you who have any doubts, we would like to set the record straight on all of the following

1) The OCA is the one and only USCF Oklahoma State Chapter Affiliate. By a States Committee vote of 7-0, the USCF have agreed that we are fulfilling our obligations and have supported the OCA in all challenges regarding this status. Per the USCF bylaws, Oklahoma does not have enough USCF members to have more than one State Chapter Affiliate. Our friends in leadership positions with the USCF have assured us that there is virtually no chance of a change in the Oklahoma State Chapter Affiliate in the foreseeable future.

2) The OCA has not boycotted any tournaments since the June 2003 change of leadership. Yes, we have suggested that players not encourage the poor behavior of scheduling conflicting tournaments over those already reserved in the Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse at www.ochess.org clearly indicated those events scheduled on the same day as pre-existing events. No longer scheduling conflicting events would be a wonderful first step toward normalizing the chess picture in Oklahoma. Some OCA officers and their family members have indeed played in Oklahoma Chess Foundation (OCF) events, whereas others have simply chosen not to play at tournaments where they or their friends have been told pointedly they are unwelcome, intimidated, assaulted and discriminated against through higher entry fees and lesser prizes. Nevertheless, if others choose to play in those conflicting events, we will respect their decision and continue to treat them with respect.

3) The OCA organizes its tournaments in a financially responsible manner intended to only produce a small net residual and thereby avoid losses. Claims of OCA profits on tournaments have been wildly exaggerated. Fortunately, we do have some members who play only for the enjoyment of the game and have wanted to donate their winning back to the OCA. We do appreciate those generous donations.

4) OSCO does retain some residuals from their two state championships to fund their efforts toward promoting scholastic chess in Oklahoma. They do not charge children or scholastic clubs for memberships and this is their only form of funding, aside from donations. None of the funds are paid to officers, aside from reimbursements for actual paid expenses. Other scholastic tournaments have mostly been held as fundraisers for the sponsoring scholastic chess club to support their efforts for the kids. OSCO receives nothing from these other tournaments.

5) Oklahoma is fortunate to have a new crop of TDs being grown, largely in support of OSCO scholastic tournaments. These new TDs are choosing for themselves to volunteer their services, or only receive a small fee to cover expenses. Neither OSCO nor the OCA can or would “require” anyone to volunteer. However, since these volunteers are available, supply and demand has resulted in those who prefer to charge hundreds of dollars not being asked to TD.

6) USCF tournament records were used to prepare the chart presented at the USCF Annual Delegates meeting regarding Oklahoma scholastic participation. You can see that chart in the Governance section of www.ochess.org . It clearly shows an increase of over 60% in scholastic tournament participation between the 2001-2 and 2003-4 school years. OSCO was formed during the 2002-3 school year. The OCA is very happy with the results that OSCO has produced and sees no reason to interfere.

7) There were 31 OCA members who voted at the 2004 annual election. Of those, there were only 4 scholastic players under age 16 who chose to exercise their right to vote, and only 2 of those played in the very popular U1400 Booster section. All OCA members were welcome to participate in our democratic process. The USCF did determine that the 2003 election was legal. However, the 2004 election results are the only ones that matter now.

8) The OCB does continue to be published by the OCA. It became quickly obvious to the new leadership that the OCB expenses were consuming nearly all of the membership revenues, if not more. Given the choice of raising dues or reducing publishing costs, we chose the latter. This is the only prudent thing to do for a volunteer organization that must stand the test of time and future changes of leadership. It would be unwise to make the OCA dependent on the personal generosity of its officers. Therefore, the OCB is now smaller and will be published less frequently. Much of its content is being shifted to the OCA website at www.ochess.org which has much less associated cost. This is allowing the OCA to also support other efforts that promote chess in Oklahoma.

9) The OCA does plan to have tournaments on all of the dates reserved in the Clearinghouse. We’re simply continuing the practice of scheduling tournaments at least 12 months in advance. As some organizers already know, we have adjusted or eliminated these dates when others have asked us to do so well in advance. We will do this for tournaments at which all our members will be welcome and not forced to pay additional fees for an unwanted club affiliate membership or publication. The OCA stands ready to work with all other organizers to coordinate the tournament schedule through the Clearinghouse for the benefit of all.

10) Finally, there is no civil war, for that would require two aggressors. What we have here in Oklahoma more closely resembles an insurgency of sorts by a small group of individuals who seem simply unwilling to accept the results of a fair and democratic election in 2003 and who, contrary to USCF advice to them, chose to shun the democratic, annual OCA elections in 2004. Fortunately, most Oklahoma chess players recognize what’s going on and have voted with their feet, resulting in OCA events consistently having the most Oklahoma players participating. Our members have asked that we ignore all of the anti-OCA naysayers and simply continue serving all Oklahoma chess players with respect and integrity, which we intend to do.

In a nutshell, this is what we’re really all about:

The OCA welcomes all players at our tournaments. We also encourage Oklahoma players to participate in any tournament they may choose to play in, regardless of who organizes it. The OCA is only about promoting chess for the benefit and enjoyment of ALL Oklahoma chess players.

The OCA leadership is not interested in self-promotion or personal recognition. Oklahoma has experienced an amazing growth in chess playing opportunities since June 2003, through the efforts of many more organizers than before. Helping Oklahoma chess players to have so many quality opportunities to enjoy this wonderful game is reward enough.