Merseyside League and Cup competitions 2019-2020

• Due to the ongoing coronavirus situation we have had to take the decision that the 2019-2020 league season is now ended.
• In the circumstances no attempt will be made to complete the fixtures.
• The AGM planned for May will not now be held. It may be rearranged at a later date if need and circumstances allow.

Over the next few weeks the committee will need to decide how best to finalise the 2019-2020 season:

• Will any trophies be presented and, if so, on what basis - the league positions as of 19th March, 2020 or by some other means or not at all?
• The promotion of teams who were clearly better than the divisions that they were in will be managed regardless of any decision on trophies.

Preparations for next Season 2020/21:

• We will then need to receive entries for next season which we would hope to start in September 2020.
• The continued closure of pubs and clubs may prevent this.
• Another major issue may be the availability/willingness, particularly of our older members, to play over the board(OTB) chess in the near future.
• If the number of players does fall we may want to consider, at least temporarily, reducing the numbers of boards in some divisions and/or relaxing the eligibility rules.
• We may also wish to set up a separate internet based league to satisfy those unable to play OTB chess.

The Committee welcomes your club's views on the above and if people feel a committee meeting over remote video conferencing platform would be useful, do let me know.

Regards,

Dave