Voting for the new nine-member UKBGF Board, who will hold office for a two year period from January 2021, commenced on Tuesday 15th September 2020 and will close at midnight on Wednesday 4th October. If you are a current UKBGF member, but have not received a voting link and password, please request these by emailing contact@ukbgf.com as soon as possible and we will send you the details.
Below are the self-nominations for all twelve candidates listed alphabetically by surname. Under the regional election format, Sean Jones and Geoff Hall are automatically elected as the Midlands/Wales/West members. Their names do not therefore appear on the voting form but their statements are included here for completeness. There are ten other candidates, five each from London/South East, and North/Scotland/Northern Ireland, and with seven to be elected from those ten there are guaranteed to be at least two from each region.
Peter Bennet (London & SE)
I should declare from the start that I am trying to hand over some of my UKBGF commitments. New UKBGF Board members must be given the opportunity to progress their ideas and take the federation and its members forward. However, I believe I can still make a useful contribution during what may be my last period of service on the Board and I am therefore standing for election again.
This time last year the live tournament scene in the UK was looking particularly healthy, and 2020 promised to be even better. All that changed because of COVID-19, and with most live tournaments cancelled or moved online we had to adapt accordingly. The UK Open online, for example, was the result of co-operation between Arda Findikoglu, Andrew Selby of Backgammon London, and members of the UKBGF Board, in particular John McNeill and myself. With 191 players this event broke the attendance record for an online backgammon tournament by a big margin. The success of this and other online events has helped to increase UKBGF membership during a period when a significant reduction might have been expected. Our financial position therefore remains sound.
Whilst online play has received a tremendous boost since March, it is in my opinion a poor substitute for the social experience of a live event. Eventually live play as we remember it will resume, hopefully early next year. We must be ready to progress initiatives to grow the game which have mostly been on hold during the last six months.
Tim Cross (North, Scotland & NI)
I have served on the board previously in 2017 and 2018 and after a short hiatus I would like to help again. Many people know me in the backgammon community and hopefully you all find me approachable and I assure you that wont change for 2021 and 2022. I have a lot of experience in the backgammon world and if elected I hope it will prove valuable to the new board and in turn the membership.
Danny Gallagher (North, Scotland & NI)
1. Why do you want to stand for the board of the UKBGF?
My enthusiasm and passion for our game has been unwavering for over 20 years.
I have been playing in and organising Backgammon clubs and tournaments since 2004.
I have seen the great work done since its inception in the growth and innovation of the UKBGF and our game and believe my experience would add value.
2. How much time will you devote to the UKBGF over the next two years?
I permanently telecommute in my day job, allowing me flexibility with my schedule so I should be able to devote a good proportion of my time.
3. What are your plans for the UKBGF over the next two years?
· Increase the number of players and clubs.
· Develop media and sponsorship of events to reduce costs of attending and / or increase benefits
· Improve inclusivity.
· Covid has forced us to revaluate the online game. I believe we need to introduce Online PR alongside but separately from live play PR.
· Accommodate more players who are in remote areas or have difficulty in travelling to live events.
· Address players’ concerns regarding the integrity of online play.
· Explore the possibility of hybrid events live \ online crossovers to protect vulnerable members as we return the live experience.
4. Why should people vote for you?
I have experience of opening clubs, running tournaments, and currently setting up a regional organisation to encourage growth in the game. I am currently developing Ulster backgammon.
I think my links in both the UK and Irish game and experiences would be unique and as there has been no representation in my region previously I would be able to provide a new perspective.
Keith Gill (North, Scotland & NI)
I am standing for re-election to carry on the work I have been involved with since being elected to the board 2 years ago. We still need to encourage more players at the intermediate level. The last club’s championship saw a number of new teams enter for the first time including three from Scotland. This is something we need to encourage further and possibly help establish and bring in teams from Wales and Northern Ireland.
The tour continues to grow and help promote the UKBGF. It is important that once we have live backgammon once again that as board members, we should be supporting these events.
I will devote as much time as is necessary to fulfil the role.
Geoff Hall (Midlands & W)
You cannot vote for Geoff because he is automatically elected for the Midlands region – see top of page.
1. Why do you want to stand for the Board of the UKBGF?
Although I’ve started playing backgammon again after a 20 year break, I’ve always been closely involved with games of chance, mainly card-based games. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of backgammon and I feel that I can use my games development experience, along with numerous gaming and casino contacts, to help promote the game successfully.
Furthermore, having spent over 15 years in the teaching profession, I feel ideally placed to address the possibilities of introducing backgammon to schools and colleges by way of an after school club in the initial stages.
2. How much time will you devote to the UKBGF over the next two years?
I work my own hours from home and so I can commit as much time as necessary towards relevant projects and items that arise.
3. What are your plans for the UKBGF over the next two years?
I would look to bring backgammon into schools and colleges. I also have strong US connections in gaming so would look to utilise these , as well as my own UK connections, to help promote or sponsor tournaments both here and abroad.
Being one of the world’s foremost card games inventor, I would use this skill to try and add a fresh and exciting approach to the UK backgammon events. I have already developed a backgammon variant which adds an extra level of skill and luck so I would offer that as an added event for starters to see if there was any interest.
4. Why should people vote for you?
I’m not particularly well known at present but I am highly respected in the casino gaming profession and I hope to mirror this as I progress in the backgammon circuit. I approach things in a logical and intuitive way and believe that I can bring a new dimension and perspective to the current UK backgammon clubs scene.
Kevin Jones (North, Scotland & NI)
I have been playing backgammon for 20 years, gradually becoming involved in running events. I run a successful club in Manchester, co-run the well-established North West league, and jointly organise the long-standing and successful Blackpool Imperial Cup tournament.
I have been an active member of the UKBGF Tour sub-committee, hopefully helping to deliver a professional and prestigious tour. I now wish to use the experience I’ve gained to play an active role in the national game.
I believe the UKBGF provides the best opportunity to develop and grow backgammon. I want to build on good work already achieved and think fresh blood is important for any board to thrive.
Hopes for the UKBGF in the next two years
I envisage more sub-committees with the benefit of allowing more members to make a significant contribution, without having to commit to a full board role e.g. Rules/ethics, grow the game, Sponsorship…
I wish to represent players/clubs/organisers nationally. I’d love to see the board hold regular video-meetings where players can join and voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas.
A fully inclusive environment where all players feel welcome: regardless of ability, background, gender, sexuality or age. Hopefully, this will lead to more people playing and enjoying backgammon, and who knows, maybe increased UKBGF membership.
I believe it’s vital to keep backgammon available to everyone by offering affordable, regional, and diverse events.
I think the current UKBGF Blog could extend to a Forum with greater member engagement e.g. Sections for Players, TDs, BG Positions, etc.
If anyone wishes to know more about my reasons for seeking election, or in fact, anything backgammon-related please feel free to contact me.
Sean Jones (Midlands & W)
You cannot vote for Sean because he is automatically elected for the Midlands region – see top of page.
1. Why do you want to stand for the Board of the UKBGF?
From the founding of Worcester Backgammon club with my brother, which coincidentally was around the time that the UKBGF was beginning, we were aided as a new club by the experience of some of the founders of the UKBGF on how to run a league and start a club. The gift of the grant to buy equipment for the club went to grow the club very quickly into a club of fifty plus members.
With this knowledge and experience, I would like to continue to help develop the game further in Worcester and beyond, specifically promoting the game within the Midlands and the South West region.
2. How much time will you devote to the UKBGF over the next two years?
I am in the fortunate position of being my own boss which means I can, within reason, have as much time as is necessary to conclude anything that may be required of me to fulfil the aims of the federation.
3. What are your plans for the UKBGF over the next two years?
A continuation of the work that has already been achieved by the UKBGF since its foundation. I also would like to see an increasing spotlight towards education as well as the possibilities for promoting the game.
I would like the Federation to empower the directors of new and established clubs to run their clubs as they wish. This should acknowledge the differing shapes and sizes that our clubs have, embrace them and encourage the differences, including the qualification for various claims for federation support and indeed the Tour Winners Invitational.
Success for me is measured by the state of the intermediate game, this should be the focus, with the standard improvement being the target.
4. Why should people vote for you?
I am passionate about Backgammon and I believe I have the right characteristics to be a useful and constructive board member. I am well known in the UK backgammon community especially in the Midlands area. The Midlands has been an area that has been underrepresented on the board and with at least two very big clubs in the Midlands, now well established, it is important for Midland members to have a voice on the board.
Tony Lezard (London & SE)
I run the MCC Backgammon Society (which for the time being is operating online) and coordinate the London Clubs League. I am responsible for building and maintaining the national backgammon ratings system, which fulfils one of the key objectives of the UKBGF. The ratings website is continuously undergoing improvement – for example by adding performance graphs to personal playing statistics, or the recent launch of the online ratings site – and it will continue to do so. I also play a leading role in developing the UKBGF Ratings Policy, and support the UKBGF’s subscriptions and membership functions.
John McNeill (London & SE)
It has been an honour to be an active member of the UKBGF Board for the past two years. I have a strong vision for the Federation, as do all the current and prospective Board members. However, we all have different abilities and skills. My vision is for a governing body that is respected as proactive not reactive, professional, accountable for decisions made, and driven by a desire to serve its members and to stand up for them when it can. Of course, I want to support the growth of the game in all the ways one can imagine, but to do so requires a solid structure from which to work. The UKBGF is like an iceberg, with only the top visible. There is a huge amount of administration that doesn’t make the headlines.
I asked my daughter who I reminded her of, expecting to be suitably humbled. “Penguin”, she asserted. Penguin, from the storybook ‘Penguin’s Hidden Talent’, is not the most skilled player (Rabbit) or performer (Fox), or the biggest star (Bear), but he works hard behind the scenes to make things happen, and to do things right. I like to think she knows me well. I do not sit quietly on the Board. I chair all the Board meetings, support the Tour Subcommittee, stand on the Rules Subcommittee, always share my opinion, and serve as a back-up to the treasurer. I assisted with admin for the UK Open Online, make updates to the website, and I am drafting a code of conduct for members.
Beyond the Board, I am a committee member of the Backgammon in Ealing club, TD of the year-long and popular Harris and Hoole Cup, and TD of the Ealing event on the UKBGF Tour, sadly cancelled this year. I am a player, passionate about the game, driven to be on the inside, and dedicated to making a difference
Brenda Rafferty (North, Scotland & NI)
I would like to be considered as a Board Member. I have a real passion for the game, having first played 7 years ago and 3 years ago started the Aberdeen Club. Our club is now regularly playing in leagues all over Scotland and recently over the Border in Newcastle.
Scotland were put on the map in 2019 when Glasgow won the York Club Championship. I would be delighted to be a voice from Scotland, plus a female voice! It is my aim to get more women playing the game.
I love teaching the basics and seeing folks grow and develop their game. Occupational Therapy was once my career, which involved teaching new skills and adapting environments to suit individuals needs. I would love to use these skills in Schools and Universities. I know in Aberdeen I have many members who would be pleased to help me with this challenge.
I have time to commit, am organised, reliable and approachable.
Emad Salib (London & SE)
1. Why do you want to stand for the Board of the UKBGF?
To contribute to the continued growth of UK backgammon.
2. How much time will you devote to the UKBGF over the next two years?
I would estimate I would be able to devote 2-4 hours per week to the UKBGF
3. What are your plans for the UKBGF over the next two years?
To build on the solid foundations established by the current Board to grow the game by agreeing and delivering key growth objectives, supported by a strategic plan and measures of success to track progress. To enable this the Board would survey membership to gain ideas and input for growth opportunities. Possible areas to be considered and progress measured should be:
· New club development;
· New membership (particularly under 25s);
· Support & training to affiliated clubs and TDs;
· More competitions (online and in person);
· Member access to master class training;
· UK Teams & individual success
4. Why should people vote for you?
I am passionate about the game and believe my 35 years’ experience in business, helping organisation grow and succeed would be of value to UK backgammon.
Andrew Selby (London & SE)
Throughout this period, and to this day, I have always sought to both acknowledge and promote the game through the UKBGF, never seeking to make my own endeavours independent from , what I am certain, is a shared vision for “the greater good of the game” , and its continued expansion. This is highlighted by my introduction of the UK Junior Championships, to reach out to both juniors and the youth of tomorrow. Culminating in the World Junior Championships online extending my concept with Bernhard and Mochi into a global online event — for which I am the main sponsor outside of any of the Federations. As I have gained in experience and, without underestimation, added the strength of assistance from David Potter — I have created two further Events in the UK BG Calendar. The Players Championship, my recognition to the support of all the players and, more recently ,The Memorial, a poignant reminder of the past and those people who’s values should allow us all , every year, to pause and take stock and just appreciate the fortune of being able to still play the game we all love. With my circle broadening into the online world, I have found a seat at a table with esteemed personalities from the game such as Arda Findikoglu, Bernhard Mayr, Rory Pascar and others — resulting in my invitation to be part of a Committee that sits on all the major online events for Ruling and Regulation purposes. This invaluable experience has allowed my conceptual idea of a major online event in the UK to come to fruition and, as you are aware, such was my respect for the UKBGF and the shared vision we have for the future, that I sought for this to be promoted and recognised as a UKBGF event and a gift for the members, respecting their loyalty through this frustrating period without live play.
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