New rules:
- Help for visually impaired players: Additional time increment of 15 seconds per move for visually impaired players using Braille and other assisted chess sets; this takes the time allowance to one hour plus 45 second increments. This extra allowance is optional, but applies also to the opposing player.
- More flexibility in team lists: The 75 point allowance for playing order in matches will now be 100 points based on the September ratings. This does not affect allocation to teams at the start of season which remains at 75 points.
- League rules for voting at the Annual General meeting clarified: No change in practice, but ambiguities removed.
Other agreed actions for next season:
- 6th Division: The League Tournament Controller to invite club teams to play in a 6th division with an average rating limitation. This is to attract existing players with lower ratings and new players with the aim for individual games to be of approximately equal rating strength.
- Promotions: Teams should not be allowed to decline invitations for promotion for more than one year. This will be raised as a rule change proposal at next year’s AGM.
- Bacchus League: Whilst accepting the existing Bacchus League has worked well, it could be revamped with less matches as 2 teams did not complete their matches in the 2023/24 season. In addition, there could be additional jamboree events to be held in November and May. Nikki Forster has agreed to explore and organise with the main purpose of encouraging juniors to play in this league.
- Mid-season review of ratings: There would be a mid-season review of local ratings by the League Tournament Controller and changes made where there are wide discrepancies with live ratings.
- Team fees: Team league fees to remain at £5 per team.
- Two Towns Match: Scheduled for Monday 16th September 2024 at the Poole Centenary Club.
Presentation of prizes and awards:
- League divisional trophies were presented to the captains / representatives of Poole A, Highcliffe B, Wimborne C Poole D, and Highcliffe D,
- Individual divisional trophies were presented to the winners / representatives: Division 1 Bruce Jenks (Highcliffe A), Division 2 Dennis Stokes-Carter (Bournemouth A), Division 3 Nathaniel Cleland (Wimborne C), Division 4 Hugo Melling (Ringwood C), Division 5 Tim Joyce (Poole E).
League Officers elected:
- President (Alan Dommett), Martin Simons (Chairman), Richard Ursell (Treasurer), John Belinger (Rating Officer) & Nikki Forster (Junior Chess Coordinator) all re-elected.
- Vacancies for Secretary and Webmaster remain unfilled.
- Ron Salinger appointed as Auditor.
