I’ve just seen some details of this program when I logged into my Affiliate. One slightly confusing statement says that State and Local affiliates participating in this program and then states that the program is only for State Affiliates. I would comment that the short period from June 15 thru August 15 seems very brief to me plus it is in the summer when scholastic chess is mostly dormant.
Another quibble is that in my state most of the tournaments are done by Local affiliates. I wonder if anyone has applied for this program and has some comments?
And, might someone explain what the cost per game might be?
I didn’t realize that the program only runs from June 15 through August 15. The Massachusetts Chess Association doesn’t run any tournaments at all during that period. I suppose it would be an opportunity for us to do something new. Maybe that’s the intention of choosing those dates if other state associations are similarly dormant during the summer months.
Bids were due by 3.15.2014. I understand that the bidding deadline is being extended due
to whatever reasons. I know at least two state affiliate bids made the deadline. Given the
short duration of the plan, and the planning necessary for a successful implementation,
it does seem as if extending this deadline is in error.
Rob Jones
I think you are correct - the time frame needs to be extended to get any sort of decent test.
Don’t go getting all sorts of conspiracy theories going on the timing. 
Allen, I am, and never have been about conspiracy theories. Such snide comments, though common for you,
really serve no purpose. I will leave the dirty politics to others, as I do believe service to the USCF membership
takes precedence.
But, it does take time to plan events. Also proper advance advertising is essential. Several concepts of this plan
call for different types of tournament structures for a successful implementation. It is difficult to measure the
probable success of this plan, although, I feel confident that the states awarded this trial plan will do all to make
it work.
Given that the deadline for submittal has apparently been extended, and two states issued bids before the
deadline, it is only fair to ask what the new deadline is for other potential state affiliates to bid as well.
Rob Jones
It ain’t all about you Rob - the conspiracy theory comments were up thread.
And I was agreeing with you, did you even notice??
Sorry, Allen, and I did notice the last part where we do agree. It is important for our federation that programs like
this work.
I visit, and over the course of the year, visit many chess clubs, both USCF and Tournament, and casual play.
The rules unless specifically agreed to by the playing parties at most of the casual clubs is for non-touch move,
sometimes even takebacks, etc. A very casual climate. Even Kibutzing occurs. A fun atmosphere. Now,
admittedly, it does drive the serious tournament devotee batty. But not every environment is for everyone.
Most of these coffee house players also are not fans of long tournaments, although quite often they will spend
well over an hour on a single game. A few enjoy blitz, but certainly, as in USCF, not the majority. And many of
these though not interested in USCF tournaments, do purchase many chess books and study or at least pretend
to quite often. (I have found out that one’s having a collection of chess books does not mean they are really
studied).
So, I guess, the question is-- how do we interest some of these adults in USCF?? What do we need to do??
Rob Jones
Now that Aug 15th has passed, any thoughts/comments on how the pilot program went?