The fixtures of the new season are now final. All clubs are invited to have a MCA Leagues and Tables. If there might be clashes of other reasons for changes clubs can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Spreadsheets are available for download:
Club-Fixtures2021-2022-final.ods and Fixtures-2021-2022-final.ods
Regards,
Dave
It feels a long time since we were able to meet our chess colleagues for over the board chess.
When we stopped playing in March it did seem possible we might be able to resume playing in early 2021. This was overly optimistic and a better estimate now would be for a restart of the league in September 2021.
In the meantime, the MCA has started an internet chess league with a long time control. Initially, I was sceptical, but I am now beginning to enjoy it and I would urge all of those who have stopped playing to give it a try.
The current league will finish in March 2021, but we may continue with a fresh competition ahead of a restart to the OTB league.
On behalf of the Committee I would like to wish you all a peaceful Christmas with hope for a better year in 2021.
Dave
The good news is: the cheaters are a minority
The bad news: sadly cheaters exist and can do a lot of damage
Let's be fair and avoide any cheating.
The ECF offers a "Club Finder" and an "English Online Club finder". Registration is free, no costs involved.
To register your club or to ammend your club details, please visit: Submit Your Chess Club
Newsletter No. 1 July 2020
We are introducing this monthly newsletter as a way of keeping in touch with the MCA league clubs and their members during these difficult times. All contributions welcome. As with most elements of day to day life, normal chess community life has changed dramatically and the impacts of Coronovirus on the game are numerous. In this initial newsletter, we will update you on the outcome of the committee’s decision with regards resolving the 2019-20 season and start the conversation on planning for a 2020-21 season, if that proves possible. I don’t need to tell you haw complex and uncertain future planning has become as a result of the virus’ impact on society so do bear with us as the conversation progresses!
In good news I know a few of the clubs have taken up internet chess in matches with each other and reports I’ve heard back have been that they’ve been good fun. Even I (technophobia is deffo one of my flaws!) have attempted a blitz match with Liverpool Chess Cub recently and whilst I was enormously rusty having not played properly for months, I can certainly see the appeal more now that I’ve tried it so would encourage others to do the same. It’s worth giving it a go if you can, even if you’re an over-the-board player at heart like me. It’s easier to connect in from a computer or mobile phone than I’d expected and it could help prevent you getting as rusty as I am! Do get in touch if your club is running internet chess matches and we can start to pool the relevant info to share with other clubs via this newsletter or other means.
I would very much like to gain more understanding of the different MCA clubs positions at the moment, in regards things such as likely levels of interest in internet chess; how your home venues are getting on in terms of re-opening plans and their position in relation to clubs attending; the general appetite and confidence levels of membership as it relates to playing in person next season subject to rules & regs etc. I will be in touch with club secretaries by phone by the end of this month to start these informal conversations. My email box is a pretty depressing place right now (!) so calls will likely work better than emails if that suits everyone. Also I would like to talk to some human beings that aren’t in my immediate circle please!
I hope that you and yours are weathering the storm and most importantly staying healthy. I very much look forward to a time when we will be able to be and play together again.
Sylvia
The majority opinion of the clubs which responded to our consultation on how to wrap up last years season is that the past season should be considered cancelled and no trophies awarded in all league and cup competitions.
We appreciate this is really hard for some, particularly those who were looking strong for winning their divisions. It was a difficult decision to take.
We are not able to start the new season until we, and English Chess, determine how to play over the board chess in a manner that is covid safe, complies with government regulations and with which players feel confident. The ECF has published a statement here – https://www.englishchess.org.uk/chess-clubs-and-covid-19/ for your information.
From the date we agree it is possible to restart, we will need approximately 8 weeks to organise the league into divisions, prepare the fixtures and arrange a limited AGM.
Currently, the earliest date we can envisage making the decision to restart is 1st September, 2020 which would mean a likely league start date of about 1st November. This date is, of course, speculative and could be delayed.
At this stage it is difficult to foresee the make-up of the league for the coming season. We will possibly lose players, teams and even clubs from the previous season.
We ask clubs to begin assessment of how many teams they are likely to enter next season so that when a decision is made to restart we receive entries quickly and speed up the start date.
If clubs feel that any of their teams should be promoted on the basis of last season’s performance, please let the secretary know in writing.
We welcome input into how the decision to restart will be made.
In the meantime, we are looking to start an internet chess league. In order to start this league as soon as possible please consider your club’s position and likely entry.
The treasurer will be happy to collect trophies to ensure we keep tracks of their whereabouts for next year. Please could clubs contact the treasurer direct to arrange.
Dave & Leon