The SA Junior Closed 2008 Chess Championship 2008.

An OBSERVATION,  by ANTON SALVERDA

The above annual contest was recently again held at the idyllic Orion Safari Lodge in Rustenburg, thereby reconfirming its status as an ideal venue.

The participants were not only given the opportunity to enjoy excellent accommodation facilities, but the spacious wall to wall carpeted tournament hall with its excellent lighting installation ensured that first class playing conditions prevailed as well.

Add to this the apparent ease with which the people in charge managed to create an atmosphere of suitable tranquility and one could easily get the impression that nothing remained left to be desired.

Unfortunately this was, at least in my modest opinion, not quite the case, but let me hasten to add that the hotel management could not possible be blamed for this. On the contrary, I feel we should have the courage to plead guilty ourselves.

In the following paragraph I have made an effort to highlight some of what I would call shortcomings, as well as an attempt to suggest how SAME could possible be avoided in the future.

1. THE ISSUE OF THE DECOR.

Nowhere in the tournament hall, in effect nor anywhere in the hotel itself, did I notice any indication that a chess tournament of this nature was being held. Had some posters (banners) and signs been put up, then these items would certainly have provided for the all important publicity value and would have greatly contributed to a fitting decor. A board displaying some paper cuttings and/or photographs of previous similar championships, might be a recommendation for the future as well. And what about a little flower arrangement?

2. THE ISSUE OF THE LANGUAGE.

As it is well known, children up to the age of 12 to 13 should preferably addressed in their mother language. May I therefore suggest that instructions being announced at the start of each round will be made in both Afrikaans and English? No doubt we all are aware of the sensitivity of the language problem and by showing due respect to this issue, we could well create a considerable amount of goodwill amongst our chess community. I was never present at the start of each round so if my suggestion was in fact duly implemented, which I sincerely hope, then my suggestion can obviously be ignored. In this respect I found it reassuring to note that both tournament directors were full bilingual which must have greatly contributed to a satisfactory solution of any communication problems. By the way, isn’t it about time that we start thinking of including, if initially only a few words, in an African language? Who knows, same might be highly appreciated.

 3. THE MEDIA ISSUE.

I did not perceive any proof of the news media being involved. For example, were the local newspapers informed about this championship being held virtually on their doorstep? A picture with a brief explanation of the activities could significantly enhance the popularity of our game in these areas, not to mention the positive reaction one might expect from the Orion management.

The big question arising is whether there is anyway we can avoid such imperfections in the future. I believe there is, but this would require a reconstruction of our chess hierarchy.

Let me try to explain by first pinpointing of what, in my opinion, could well be the root of these problems and subsequently put forward a modus operandi to iron out these obstacles.

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEMS.

The above mentioned flaws are the result , as I see it, of a serious lack of COMMUNICATION. To be more precise, to establish and maintain the art of liaison with the news media, sponsors, as well as public relations procedures in general.

Small wonder we are failing in this respect! Ever since the founding of the South African Chess Federation in 1948 nobody appears to have bothered to appoint a press liaison officer and/or a public relations officer.

We all know how easy it is to criticize. Therefore, before terminating this observation, I decided to put forward a plan, as under, consisting of several stages, which ultimately could result, when implemented, in the right solution being found. Failing to do so, we might find ourselves on a long, long, road into oblivion. Surely we do not wish this to happen to us, d we?

INTRODUCING THE PLAN.

a. CHESSA should insist on each Union to appoint a public relations officer.

b. After a fixed period of time a national public relations committee should be selected, comprising of for example the Unions four most prominent officers. From these four members the         national press/liaison officer/public relations officer will be selected and should be invited to join the Executive Council.

c. In order to make an increasing number of people aware of this development, it might be a recommendation that even each and every club should be encouraged to include a liaison officer in   their committee. But beware! In order to make a success of this new venture, special skills will be required from this new addition to our Executive. Bilingualism is imperative whilst some      experience in marketing and dealing with the news media should be a strong recommendation. And last but not least, under no circumstances should the successful candidate be allowed to     use CHESSA as a political platform.

Hopefully the above suggestions will meet with the approval of our people in charge and might inspire them to bring this advise into practice. I feel it could well enhance CHESSSA’s status. And should this not be the intention of all of us?

Groete, en passant,  A.S.

ATTACHED AN AFTER THOUGHT.

Recently Channel 133 of the S.A.B.C Television Service’s news desk included a news item showing Anatoly Karpov engaged in a simultaneous display in Cuba.

Once our communication system has been established then we will hopefully be encouraged to express our appreciation, even as individuals to the news editor. Same is very likely to increase the exposure of our game as one phone call is estimated to represent 40 viewers. I see the above hint as at least an initiation of our awareness of the importance of our news media.

And when last have we entertained or been in contact with a newspaper editor or a representative of S.A.B.C. Television?

Strong emphasis has been put on the news media. However, it would be naive to presume that by doing so the entire topic of public relations has been covered.

First and foremost the theme of us dealing with (potential) sponsors wil require our special and urgent attention as well.

But should CHESSA decide to include the subject of public relations as an integral part of its policy, then a fresh approach to sponsorship could well result from it.

A.S.

  Should any person wish to reply, add to, comment on this letter, please send an e-mail to

 info@gncu.co.za or fax to 086 518 8063