| NM Aliyev: The following is copied from a message you posted on the SCCA Message Board on 9-21-06 in reference to the Carolinas Challenge: "Leland, everything is fine except the chosen dates. The tournament coincides with Kings Island Open in Ohio..." What puzzles me, and most everyone else, is why you changed your mind and waited until the tournament was in full swing before you decided to publicly voice your discontent. Just prior to my 1st round game, you approached me and began complaining about the time control, and even suggested that we change it right then and there!?! When I stated that the time control had been published many months in advance, you said in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, "You don't even deserve to be a Tournament Director." Under normal circumstances, I would have immediately refunded your entry fee and asked you to leave. However, in deference to my many friends from South Carolina, I ignored your rude remark and quietly began my game. And, just prior to the final round, you chose to address the entire group with disparaging remarks and invidious comparisons which escalated into your arguing face to face with the most competent Tournament Director I have EVER known, the Honorable David Causey, who was ultimately forced to quell you to make you shut up! Each and every complaint which you listed, ie. "the recent tournament was directed in a very unprofessional way, which resulted in improper time control, wrong pairings and colors, uncontrolled 'bye' policy, bad timing, and noise, not mentioning the fact that both main and assistant tournament directors participated in the tournament." has been reviewed and explained thoroughly by either me or Mr. Causey. We maintain that no USCF rule was violated. Furthermore, you failed to follow the proper procedure for your complaints as required by the USCF. There is a time and a place for everything. I don't know who you think you are, but the design of the tournament was, simply, none your business! If you had any constructive recommendations, you could have easily E-mailed me in advance and their merit would have been considered. As it was, you not only personally offended me and my assistant TD, you also offended almost every other player present. Shame on YOU, sir. There are still two disturbing issues at hand. Since you seem to have an ongoing relationship with this person who calls himself "Fletcher Logan," would you be kind enough to tell me (us) who he is and what city he is from? I have been part of this chess community for over 30 years and I have never heard his name, nor is it listed in the USCF database?! (It is expressly forbidden to post anonymous messages on the NCCA Message Board; SC should follow suit). When Gary Newsom, who has also been a USCF member in good standing for over 30 years, stated that he was "disgusted" by your actions and your rhetoric, maybe you should look inward and attempt to modify your personality. But, instead you actually attempted to discredit Mr. Newsom with a followup message?! And finally, in one of your more recent slurs pertaining to me, you stated, "who calls himself National Master" which implies that I never achieved that Title? Such rhetoric boarders on libel. You may rest assured, sir, that I, in fact, possess the evidence to prove that I achieved the Title of USCF National Master in 1985 at the age of 37! (which is extremely rare according to USCF officials). I am the first to admit that more than 20 years later, like many other older Masters, my skill level has slipped significantly. Some of my recent dubious results are due to frivolous and hasty play?! Playing Master chess requires a tremendous amount of energy and determination; energy which I simply no longer possess. Next May I will be 60 years old. I am the father of 3 successful sons and 2 beautiful grandchildren. When a Doctor, who may not be educated on the latest medical techniques, retires after practicing for 30 years, he is still given the respect of his colleagues and friends by being addressed as "Doctor." The same holds true for the Master's Title. I know many other "older" players who achieved the Master's Title and fall into this category. You of all people, should understand, and respect that! The following is copied from an E-mail which I recently sent to James MacDougall: "According to my watch, I arrived at the last Bertucci's at exactly 6 minutes after 10am. - not "30 minutes late?" (and that was due to being diverted because of a bicycle race!?) When I arrived, as usual, everyone was playing skittles and never looked up. They all seemed to be quite happy. I have learned, because of tardy folks like our friend Keith (Eubanks) and others, that players sometimes show up late, and therefore waiting a few minutes after the posted starting time allows them to arrive without my altering the pairings. Considering that Bertucci's is a local tournament which is not even published in the Chess Life magazine, few players have ever complained. Otherwise, I have never stated that the CCC was designed for "professional" chess players. Nor, will it ever be!!? If I can't have a little fun quietly bantering with my opponents occasionally and laughing, then I'm not going to spend my time doing it. I proved myself as a Master more than 20 years ago - now, I play for fun! And, I have never offered Draw 5 times?; 4 times is my limit! LOL As for leaving the Bertucci's tournament early after the 2nd round, my "very" qualified assistant, LTD Patrick McCartney immediately took over and distributed the prize fund accordingly. Since when has that been a violation of USCF rules?" Last Wednesday evening at the club, NM Frankie Newton (2287) and Expert Patrick McCartney (2013) carried on a quiet, friendly conversation during the entire course of their game - which didn't seem to bother anyone else. They were obviously having fun, and being the liberal Director that I am, I did not censure them. The CCC is, and always will be an organization which caters to "amateurs." If you want to form a chess association for "professionals," go for it. But, frankly, almost every chess professional whom I have ever met is an anti-social misfit. Nowhere in any of the messages which you have posted have you stated that either I or Mr. Causey offended you. Your complaints seemed to be slanted toward the design of the tournament, my style of directing and me personally. Conversely, you sir, have personally offended me and Mr. Causey; and most everyone who was in earshot of your unfriendly diatribe. To quote outgoing SCCA President James MacDougall from a recent phone conversation, "Leland, you are right; and he is wrong!" Regardless, after having witnessed your true personality, I do not expect an apology. I submit to you, sir, that integrity and character are far more important in life than one's chess rating. I remain, NM Leland Fuerstman I do not intend to address this issue again. If you have any further complaints, please address them to the United States Chess Federation, P.O Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 |