Only 3 arbiters participated in the seminar and of those, only one passed the test to get the FA norm.
At that rate I can’t imagine that the FA seminar was financially viable for US Chess to run, although whether finances should be taken into account when offering such a seminar is a question in itself as it is providing a valuable service to those that wish to get into the FIDE scene, although some may argue US Chess shouldn’t be supporting the FIDE angle anyway.
However, irrespective of the answers to the above, does the fact that only 3 people participated point to a lack of interest in people wanting to achieve their FA title? Maybe the cost was too high? Maybe people didn’t know about it, or when they did find out about it they couldn’t get a hotel, etc.?
I’ve never seen so few participate in any previous FA seminars held in the US so what are your thoughts as to why?
The low participation may also have to do with the unfortunate passing last year of Sevan Muradian, who was intensely interested in promoting seminars such as these.
I intend to do the seminar at some point (I’m a NA and someone who is probably a good example of the “target market” for this seminar). I think an online option may be the way to go (perhaps still do one at the US Open, but also stream it online?). I also think that the seminar could be done every other year and that that would be often enough. I know one was done right before the National Open in Vegas a few years ago, and I’d candidly prefer to do that, both for reasons of geography and so can attend games/workshops at the US Open rather than be in the seminar during that time. My 2 cents.
I wonder how many people in the ‘target market’ knew there was going to be a FIDE seminar far enough in advance to be able to make plans to attend? (This means those who would not have been attending the US Open anyway.)
It may also be that we’re starting to max out on those with an interest in attaining FIDE arbiter credentials.
The instructors, Carol Jarecki and Boyd Reed, were fantastic.
One of the other attendees was only a Local TD. He paid his money and drove a long way to take the class. Unfortunately, his travel was delayed and he missed all of the first day. Carol went way above the call of duty and worked with him one-on-one until midnight – not just that first day, but the second day also. She did everything in her power to give him the best chance of passing, but it is a long stretch for a Local TD, and he did not make it. When he gets more experience under his belt (becoming a Senior TD and National Arbiter), and with the determination I saw in his efforts, I am sure he will pass.
The third participant was already an FA, and was only taking the class for a refresher and for an update on the new rules. He got a severe headache during the test, and so decided not finish. I have no doubt that he would have passed had he completed the test. Carol offered him the option of completing the test the next day, but since he did not need the credit, he chose not to.
Although the test was long and difficult, it was a fair test of things that can be expected of a FIDE Arbiter. We were given plenty of time to complete it. After the test, Carol took the time to go over it with us individually.
I cannot say why more people did not sign up for the class. It was well worth the time and money.