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In some recent threads there were arguments about the lack of sponsorship in chess tournaments, and the role/job of organizers to attract sponsors. Some of the "arguments" went out of line and transformed themselves in pure insult, showing total lack of respect for older age (a principle that seems outdated today) or for someone's accomplishments. Just sign in in Chesstalk and you can "throw" out anything to anybody!
Chess, like tennis, is an individual game one wants to excell at, but also is meant to build character. Tennis attracts enourmous sponsorship comparing to chess for obvious reasons I won't mention, but also because of the quality of the players who, at the age of 20, become role models! Even after great success, young players do not allow themselves to insult "veterans" . It is simply non-professional, and sponsors wouldn't like it. Why would they like it in chess?
The idea is that "sponsorship" is not just the job of the TDs but also, and mostly, a job of players. I believe nobody will sponsor an arogant, chess-addicted kid who lacks basic manners and professional attitude during a chess competition or outside (like posting on Chesstalk). And people in business (sponsors) have long memories and attention to detail.
The positive side is that most of the players act professional during the competitions. And this behavior must be rewarded.
Tennis has its own "fair-play" trophy each year (and Federer tends to overachieve there too!). Can CFC create a similar yearly award? It won't cost a fortune, but it will do a lot in role modeling.
Chess, like tennis, is an individual game one wants to excell at, but also is meant to build character. Tennis attracts enourmous sponsorship comparing to chess for obvious reasons I won't mention, but also because of the quality of the players who, at the age of 20, become role models! Even after great success, young players do not allow themselves to insult "veterans" . It is simply non-professional, and sponsors wouldn't like it. Why would they like it in chess?
The idea is that "sponsorship" is not just the job of the TDs but also, and mostly, a job of players. I believe nobody will sponsor an arogant, chess-addicted kid who lacks basic manners and professional attitude during a chess competition or outside (like posting on Chesstalk). And people in business (sponsors) have long memories and attention to detail.
The positive side is that most of the players act professional during the competitions. And this behavior must be rewarded.
Tennis has its own "fair-play" trophy each year (and Federer tends to overachieve there too!). Can CFC create a similar yearly award? It won't cost a fortune, but it will do a lot in role modeling.