TLA Announcement Takes Precedence Over Website  By NM Leland Fuerstman

In his desire to perpetuate the same dubious policy of allowing an out-of-state Organizer to control our State Championship, an unfortunate mis-communication has occurred. On the official NCCA website, www.ncchess.org, edited by Honorable President Randy Wheeless, he boldly continues to insist that the "Open Section" will include players with ratings 2000-2199 and that there is NO individual Under 2200 Section? Curiously, he offers a total of $1,050 for the Top Under 2200 player and $100 for the Top Under 2100 player? However, on page 66 of the October 2007 issue of Chess Life, the TLA indicates there IS an Under 2200 Section which pays the same as the other sections below it!? In an attempt to prevent potential fist fights at the site involving Directors and irate Experts who may have driven hundreds of miles, I called the USCF in order to get a ruling.

According to Associate Director Jay Sabine, OTB Ratings Supervisor Walter Brown and TLA Supervisor Joan DuBois, "that which is published in the Chess Life TLA shall be the official format of the tournament!"  (Unless, because of adverse circumstances, too few players show up whereby they will vote democratically to allow a change). After all, according to Ms. DuBois, "upon receipt of the TLA form by the USCF office, a copy is sent back to the Organizer for verification of publication, which was resubmitted!" Otherwise, Organizers could make wholesale changes at will, just prior to the tournament, which may not benifit the players.

I respectfully recommend that our President contact the USCF, 1-800-903-8723 Ext 146 in order to verify their decision and promptly correct the information on his website.

I remain,
NM Leland Fuerstman