Tasmanian Junior Chess Report 2006

 

Events 2006

In 2006 junior chess volunteers conducted a number of successful events.
These included two weekend chess camps in May (Latrobe) and October (Hobart) with approximately 30 juniors attending both camps.
Senior players from around the state assisted with the coaching and catered for chess players from beginning to more advanced juniors.
Two regional tournaments were held during August in Burnie and Hobart as a lead up to the state junior championships in Hobart in September.
The championships were held over two days with games of 25mins +10sec.
Numbers were down on the previous year however there were sufficient players to divide the field into U12 and U18 sections.
Trophies were awarded to winners in each age group with players eligible for one prize and the highest they could possibly gain as agreed to earlier in the year.

The social activities at the camps and tournaments provided plenty of fun and are an important ingredient to keeping junior chess players involved.
Many juniors competed in weekender tournaments and received plenty of encouragement from adult players, reduced entry fees and some extra looking after by Mellissa Harvey.

Australian Interstate Internet Chess Challenge

During the year Tasmanian entered a team in the Australian Interstate Internet Chess Challenge. There was mixed feedback about how much juniors enjoyed this event, however the introduction to live webchess encouraged a number of juniors to continue practising on the internet. Thomas Hendrey, Alastair Dyer, Nina Horton and Vincent Horton (R) also played for Australia against North California an internet challenge.

Chess Clubs

Two junior clubs have started up during the year, Hobart International Junior CC and the North West Junior CC, with a number of chess clubs at schools around the state.
Attendances and regular play at these clubs will continue to provide a steady stream of players to more advanced levels and to senior competition.

Australian Junior Championships

Vincent Horton was selected in the national Ergas Squad and attended the Australian Junior Championships in Canberra along with Alastair Dyer, Nina Horton and Daniel Carew.
Their excellent performances at the championships and the results of other juniors in weekenders state-wide indicate that our juniors are comparable to players Australia wide.

Chess in Schools

Chesskids has conducted many tournaments state wide for school students and has had some of the largest fields of chess players ever competing in Tasmania. The promotion of chess and the publicity has increased the interest in playing chess.

Discussion Items

Arising from discussions and feedback on 2006 activities it has become clear that:
  • The U14-U18 state championships should provide an opportunity for longer play and higher standard games (60min+10sec).

  • A number of inexperienced payers in the U12 section need support and encouragement and benefit from playing similar aged players. The current time format is considered appropriate (25min+10sec).

  • Awarding trophies has many different views. Current consensus is that for 2007, players in state junior championships should nominate the one age group they wish to contest and only receive trophies in that division regardless if they win the overall tournament. Where numbers allow age groups should play in separate divisions.

  • Opportunities for coaching are needed and government grants should be pursued for funding in 2007.


    • Thank you to all those who have assisted during the year to host events, coach juniors, establish the website and contribute to a successful year of junior chess.

    Plans for 2007

    Goals:
  • To increase the participation of junior chess players in out of school chess activities.
  • To improve the standard of play.

    • Calendar

    AprilJunior Chess Camp Latrobe
    JuneInterstate Online chess competition?
    JulyWinter Latrobe Chocolate Festival Junior tournament.
    AugustNorth West Junior Championships (25 +10)
    AugustSouthern Junior Championships (25 +10)
    AugustNorthern Junior Chess Championships (25 +10)
    SeptemberState junior championships in Launceston (U18: 60 + 10, U12: 25 +10)
    OctoberJunior Chess Camp Hobart
    OctoberBurnie Shines Junior Tournament
    DecemberJunior Masters Tournament (better players from each region - competition and coaching)

    This year I will be seeking government grants to employ a coach for a short time to come to Tasmania for a weekend/week visit.

    Ideas for consideration:

    Encouragement and support for juniors to attend the Australian Championships in Sydney, Jan 2008.
    Support for school teams attending the Australian School Team Championships.

    I welcome any suggestions you have on how we can increase participation, coaching...



    Russell Horton
    TCA Junior Chess Representative 2006