Encouraging Chess,

A Message from the President

8/20/2004

Following the lead of many news broadcasts, the new streamlined OCB reflects the influence of the internet in our informational lives. The publishing of voluminous detailed reports and game information in paper form is most likely a wonderful relic of the past. Although I am a fan of the old paper magazine, my business life relies more and more on screens, and less and less on physical books. The new OCB is the best of both worlds, with a quick overview of the event or article and a reference to the expanded coverage on the internet. The main drive engine in the equation is the use of interactive game systems and database capabilities. Want to know what a rated tournament player does against 1.e4? Then, in the near future visit the website and look at their games or download them into your database.

While on the topic, we have good news from the USCF Annual Meeting. OCA Secretary, Mike Swatek has volunteered his time and web abilities to help the USCF Website Committee. Also, OSCO President, Steve Sawyer is now serving on the USCF Scholastics Committee and will help fill the shoes of our retiring friend Ralph Bowman. Our Oklahoma Delegate, Frank Berry ANTD has volunteered to serve on the States Committee. Frank’s contribution at the National level is not unnoticed and deserves recognition and the congratulations as our duly elected Oklahoma State Delegate. Including States Delegates Jim and Frank Berry, Oklahoma had six of sixty some odd votes or a 10% voting block in the governance of the USCF at this years USCF Delegates Meeting. The Oklahoma voting block made a difference. The OCA made many friends and first hand saw the upcoming modernization of the USCF. Look for national improvement in the tournament ratings system and on-line membership registrations, along with a reduction in some USCF dues.

ADM 04-22 (Advance Delegate Motion) consumed a portion of our Ft. Lauderdale OCA field trip. Our Oklahoma Delegate, Frank Berry authored the motion that if passed would replace OCA with OCF as the USCF Oklahoma State Chapter Affiliate. The ensuing debate centered on the qualifications and duties of an USCF State Chapter. Primarily, the USCF Chapter Affiliate is about control of the official Oklahoma Chess championships and the senior State position in the hierarchy of the USCF. I am glad to report that OCA remains the USCF State Chapter Affiliate, having fulfilled the duties set forth in the USCF Bylaws. The OCA thanks the Arkansas Chapter and Northern California Chapter for use of their Alternate State Delegate positions by our OCA staff.

Now, back to work! I can’t remember a time in Oklahoma Chess that our players had so many tournaments and large prize funds. Last year the guaranteed prize money totaled about $2,300 and this year about $15,000, a whopping six fold increase, not including the OSCO sponsored scholarships. Also, the OCF assures me that more tournaments are on the way with great prize funds! However, if memory serves me correctly, these wonderful prize funds did not exist when the Senior TDs were the leaders in the OCA just a few years ago. Perhaps, the focus was only on the art of chess or somehow a little competition and additional talent has rejuvenated their old chess bones! Seriously, I thank and give the OCF and their leaders’ recognition for their sponsorship of many quality tournaments.

A recent hand out at the USCF Delegate’s meeting describes and uses the term “civil war” in relation to Oklahoma Chess. I assure you that the current OCA policy board is not at war with any of our USCF Affiliates. Many of the OCA members, including my son, also hold a membership in the organization that describes their actions as a chess civil war. A good idea is for the officers of the described civil war to send out membership ballots on the issue. A simple yea or nay for civil war to the claimed 200 some odd members would be a democratic jester of support for their rhetoric. Of course, only if they can find the entire membership list. I would like to know if this is a case of mistaken unilateral leadership to inflame the chess community or the true guidance of Oklahoma tournament players.

On this year’s work agenda, the OCA will encourage and promote the upcoming scholastic year in coordination with our OSCO Affiliate (Oklahoma Scholastic Chess Organization). OSCO has many chess mentors teaching and improving chess in the classrooms throughout Oklahoma. The scholastics organization will host several tournaments including the State Scholastic Championship. OSCO has great leadership, excellent volunteers and ample resources to make the next year one of the best in Oklahoma Scholastic Chess.

Lastly, count our blessings! After talking to several other State Delegates, Oklahoma enjoys chess enthusiasm, talent, volunteerism and sponsorship that is the envy of many other larger population areas. The OCA management team believes that it is on target and focused in their mission to encourage and grow Oklahoma Chess. My thanks to my fellow OCA officers, Oklahoma chess players, sponsors, tournament directors and the USCF Affiliate Clubs for making Oklahoma a great place to play chess!

Sincerely, Chuck Unruh