It is good that the December edition will be coming out very shortly but this is May. The issue with the lateness of the magazine has to be addressed, otherwise we could potentially lose membership because of this. Right now our membership base is declining and needs to be addressed and we should not be adding items to further potentially enhance our declining membership base. Membership is expecting "value for money" for their memberships and we are not delivering on this deliverable. This items needs to be discussed in further detail as maybe it is time to look at other alternatives as most items are time sensitive if we do not deliver in an appropriate time frame.
I was speaking to a member this afternoon who asked that the ability for a non-member to play in a tournament by paying a reduced "tournament fee" be re-implemented. He pointed out that this was in place several years ago where the CFC abolished the practice. His argument is primary the costs associated with playing in tournaments as a member (especially when travel, food, etc. are included). I'll have to apologize in advance as I've always maintained my membership when I was playing so never considered the "tournament fee". I also wasn't around when the this fee was abolished. Can anyone shed some light on this topic for me ?
It has not been abandoned but unless we are treated as a sport organization that receives official funding there is little benefit and some additional costs. Even when we were a charity we did not receive much in the way of charitable donations. I think that factored into the decision not to fight to keep the charitable status. I think that if we apply now being exactly what we are at the moment we would be denied.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/...s-027-eng.html
For example, there is some hope but I think we have to move ourselves in the direction of providing an educational function. This is part of the reason that I would like to move forward on the online chess initiative with FIDE as it does provide a platform for training specifically aimed at FIDE's Chess in the schools initiative:
4.2 Advancement of education
This category of charitable purposes typically includes programs that train the mind and advance the knowledge and abilities of participants. Programs that include sport and clearly further an educational purpose can qualify under the advancement of education. For example, youth groups, like Guides and Scouts, where sport is one component of an overall educational program, can be charitable at law.
The courts have held that sport as part of a school curriculum or program is charitable as advancing education 8 , recognizing it as being necessary to the development of a well-balanced student. The courts have held this to be the case even when the sports activity is carried out under the auspices of, or supported by, a separate entity, but forms part of a school's educational program. 9
A school program structured in an alternative manner may qualify for registration. For example, an educational institute set up to help young athletes-in-training pursue their academic studies in the morning and undertake physical training in the afternoon might qualify, as long as the main purpose of the organization is simply to facilitate completion of academic requirements by ensuring that the athletes have access to flexible course schedules. The focus of the organization must be on meeting academic standards and requirements, with the athletic success of the student and the promotion of sport remaining incidental by-products of the program.
The courts have not recognized as charitable the selection and training of individuals with a view to developing professional athletes for a career in sport.
Every organization in Canada that is currently registered as a sporting federation has some athletic component without exception.
Paul, do you know why the CFC Foundation lost its charitable status ?
Exactly right Vlad
Paul Leblanc
Treasurer, Chess Foundation of Canada
CFC Voting Member