The ABSP committee met at the end of July to discuss a number of current issues, and you can see a summary of decisions taken in the next OnBoard. You will have also already seen some action as a result of the meeting such as our polling on the slurs debate.
It has been some time now since we reviewed our position on face-to-face events. Getting people back to playing over a board rather than a computer screen is something we all want but government guidelines have made it very difficult to allow tournaments as they used to be. However, with some of the lockdown restrictions now eased and more things opening back up, the ABSP have decided that small invitational events for groups of 6 people or fewer, and 1-1 league matches that mostly take place inside homes, will be allowed to be rated from Saturday 1st August.
Larger events in community centres, hotels, or other such buildings will still not be sanctioned for rating until further restrictions are lifted and these events can operate safely. Everyone can, and must, make their own decision, whether the time is right to get back to live play and we recommend players look at their own individual circumstances and consider what precautions may be necessary. We ask members to make the right choice for them, but also respect other people's choices. We encourage all players to assess their own risk levels, as they would other aspects of their daily lives. Any players with underlying health conditions or in a high risk category are advised to be extra cautious. If you choose to play any form of rated Scrabble from 1st August, it will be at your own risk.
The ABSP's COVID-19 statement has been updated in line with the above.
It is impractical for the 2020 AGM to be held face to face. However, the ABSP need to hold an AGM no later than 15 months after the last one to be within the rules of the association. We have therefore taken the decision that this will be held online on the Zoom platform. The date will be the afternoon of Sunday 1st November, and we are asking for motions to be submitted by Monday 31st August to give us time to prepare the agenda and get the pack to members. There'll be further details on how to do this in OnBoard.
Whilst it may still be some time before we can all meet again in person, don't forget there are regular events on ISC and the ABSP Online league to help you with your Scrabble fix, and to stay in touch with the wider community.
Stay safe.