The ABSP and membership of WESPA (World English-language Scrabble® Players Association)
Background
Scrabble is played in English in numerous English-speaking countries around the World (African countries, India, Singapore, Malaysia, as well as the expected England, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand). English-language Scrabble is also played where English is not the first-language (eg Thailand, Japan, Netherlands and Sweden). This is reflected in the fact that over 30 nations were represented at the 2007 World Scrabble, and that there is estimated to be over 25,000 tournament players world-wide.
WESPA is a relatively new regulatory body for Scrabble, established and run by competitive players to coordinate international tournaments, to provide an international rating system, to make decisions on policy (such as a standard dictionary), and to represent the interests of players globally, especially in matters that involve the trademark owners. WESPA is also committed to development of organized Scrabble and runs an annual World Youth Scrabble Championship as part of this objective. Membership of WESPA is generally at a domestic organization level (eg the UK's Association of British Scrabble Players is a member) but can be at an individual level where no domestic organization exists or wishes to join. Renewals for 2008 include Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nigeria. Malta and Bahrain are also expected to join.
WESPA is formally approved by Mattel, Scrabble trademark owners outside of North America.
WESPA's website is under development here
ABSP membership of WESPA
The ABSP is currently due to renew its membership of WESPA. The previous membership fee was US$300. At the 2007 WESPA AGM it was agreed to reduce membership fees because WESPA currently had minimal overheads and cost. The fee for ABSP to continue membership of WESPA for 2008 is now reduced to US$150.
While most ABSP members will not get any direct benefit from the arrangement, I believe it is of significant mutual benefit for the ABSP to be a member of WESPA. It is likely that WESPA will shortly be insisting that Committee Members and other significant WESPA posts will need to have the support of their national association, not least in that association being a paid-up member of WESPA. Currently the ABSP has several of its officials actively involved with WESPA (myself as Chairman, Amy Byrne as Rules Committee Chair, Darryl Francis as Dictionary Committee Chair, and Kat Wilkes involved with Youth Scrabble). We have a lot of relevant experience to offer WESPA and by having people in key positions we have the means to positively influence its development. It is also important to note that WESPA is formally recognized by Mattel, opening the doors for mutual consultation on issues that involve tournament players throughout the world. With ABSP as a member of WESPA any global developments can be seen to embrace the ABSP. As a large organization member of WESPA we will be entitled to a significant vote on key issues affecting tournament players world-wide. Smaller organizations and individuals pay less but have less strength in voting.
I believe the revised membership fee, which represents about 75 pounds per year (or about 10p per ABSP member per year) is a very small price to pay to support WESPA and be an active part of the world Scrabble scene.
Allan Simmons
WESPA Chairman
