Leland,

I would like to add to your statements from August 28th and September 15th.

The money argument I shall leave brief.  My only requirement for a 2- or 3-day 5-rounder is that first place in my section, based on "Minimum" payout, totals at least the entry fee plus 2 nights hotel costs (i.e. If first place doesn't at least break me even based on figuring worst attendance possible, I see no point in going).

However, I am in 100% agreement with you about everything else that you mention in both messages!

I can confirm that YES, Victor was doing his own little personal stuff like watching ECU Football on the internet.  I might also add that of the many issues at the tournament, my opponent's cell phone beeped multiple times, and I could only get players at the tables to corroborate 1 time, and so while Cheng Chu has distracted me more than once, and should have been forfeited for the 4th round, it never happened...oh, that's right, because there was no TD in the room.  I can say that if I ever face Cheng Chu again, that this is his warning...that phone beeps once, and I'm confiscating it (since obviously the chief TD of NC tournaments through October 2010 is too stupid to do anything).  He leaves it out in the open, not in his pocket, and not to mention how stupid can someone be leaving their wallet out on the middle of the table as well?  Both times that it beeped indicating text message, it beeped on my time in critical situations.

With 2009 not being an election year, I can safely say that I am BOYCOTTING the 2009 NC Open, and unlike 2005-2008, where I haven't been able to make the NC Open for various reasons, I will cancel a Wedding to get to the 2010 NC Open, my voice will be heard at the meeting, and I will do all that I have in my power to get Victor Beaman out of office!

I didn't know he was only a Local TD until you mentioned it in your message Leland, but now that you mention it, here are the rules:

The Local Tournament Director
1. Experience Requirements.
The following experience requirements may be completed in any order.

LTD Experience Options (Counts as 3 Category D tournament experience credits).

1. For one (1) Category D tournament experience credit, a satisfactory performance as Chief TD of one (1) Category D tournament
2. For one (1) Category D tournament experience credit, a satisfactory performance TD or assistant TD of one (1) Category D tournament of at least three rounds
3. For one (1) Category D tournament experience credit, complete one (1) of the following:
a. Chief TD or assistant TD of one (1) additional Category D tournament of at least three rounds.
b. Satisfactory performance as the Chief TD at one (1) Category D1 or D2 tournament.
c. Satisfactory performance as the Chief TD at two (2) Quick Chess Category D, D1, or D2 tournaments.
d. Attendance at a problem solving and discussion workshop (not a business meeting workshop) offered by the TDCC at a U.S. Open Championship.
e. Satisfactory performance for three years as a club TD.
4. The sum of all tournament entrants in requirements 1-3 must total 50 or more entrants; additional tournaments may be used to reach a total of 50 or more entrants. The sum of all tournament experience credits in 1-3 must be greater than or equal to a total of 3.
2. Testing Requirement Options.
Choose only one(1) option, either “1� or “2�:
1. After completing 1-4, an objective test of moderate difficulty designed to measure knowledge of basic rules, or
2. Complete both of the following:
a. Satisfactory performance as a Chief TD at one Category D tournament of at least three rounds.
b. After completing (a), take and pass the Local TD test (closed book) under supervision at a Category N tournament. Applicants must contact the USCF two weeks in advance of the tournament to request this option.

3. Limitations
A Local TD may not be the Chief TD for Category N or Category I tournaments. A Local TD should not be the Chief TD of a Category A or B tournaments, which includes any tournament or tournament section expected to draw more than 100 players. A computer assisted Local TD can be the Chief TD of any tournament or tournament section expected to draw up to 120 players with the aid of one assistant TD.

TD TIP: FA (not IA) norm experience credit may be available at Category I tournaments to a Local TD who acts as an assistant TD under the direct supervision of a Chief TD who is either an IA or FA and is on site throughout the event. Contact the USCF for details.
4. Expiration
Local TD certification has a four-year renewable term: Renewals testing is waived for a Local TD with satisfactory performance as the chief or assistant TD of four (4) tournaments or tournament sections during the four-year term.  

UHM....Based on this, Victor Beaman was in COMPLETE VIOLATION of the USCF regulations for a "Local TD"...hmmm....reporting this to the USCF wouldn't be out of the question.  One more strike by Victor and/or the NCCA, that's exactly what I'm doing, and yes, take this as a threat!  I have reported problems before to the USCF...you won't be able to stop me here!

The tournament was based on more than 100 players.  It was also based on more than 120, which would be the limit if he had an assistant TD (he did NOT!!!!!)

Patrick

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Mr. McCartney:
 
In spite of your curious personality and many social shortcomings, at least you have some vague idea of the difference between right and wrong and I applaud you for stepping forward and voicing your opinion! The problem is that our past few NCCA administrations have operated with absolutely no oversight whatsoever and things seem to have finally gotten out of hand. The very idea that the officers of the NCCA continue to refuse to allow anyone to observe their books and bank records only suggests possible malfeasance and mis-management that they are attempting to continue to hide. And, who knows how far back it goes? Since you are still a member, why don't you demand to see the books?

As for the cell phone situation, the rules about that are published in Chess Life to wit: "If your cell phone rings in a room with games in progress, you could be severely penalized, maybe even forfeited! Turn It Off!" The problem is that the Organizer of the event, American Chess Promotions out of Georgia, did not mention "cell phones" in either their ad in the magazine, nor on the NCCA website. It was ACP's and the Chief TD's responsibility to outline a procedure and decide upon a remedy or punishment ahead of time. Their neglect to do that obviously caused problems...anyway, is one beep the same as a long ring? Those differences needed to have already been determined. One might assume that a $90 entry fee, which actually only yielded a $210 profit to each of the co-winners of the Top Section would leave enough money for the Organizer to hire a few Assistant Tournament Directors. I call it greed by the organizer, neglect by the NCCA officers and mis-management by the Director.  -  LF