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Is CXR Trying to 'Take Down' The USCF? by Russell Mollot, founder Chess Express Ratings
We at CXR believe that we are expanding the scholastic ratings market, as many of our customers were not using USCF in the first place, or only rated their strongest sections. In other cases, customers are using both services, i.e. running "Dual Rated" tournaments. Admittedly, there have been a few cases where USCF clients have moved over to CXR. We estimate that CXR represents about 3% of the market for chess rating services in North America -- smaller than the Washington/Oregon system. We are, however, growing rapidly, and intend to expand our international presence as well.
Some of our customers view CXR as "training wheels" for USCF, and we agree.
Those communities which cannot afford USCF memberships for all of their
youngsters will be able to turn to CXR for their lower-rated sections, only
requiring USCF membership for the stronger children. This allows more
youngsters to enter chess programs, become accustomed to the use of ratings,
and, ultimately, graduate into USCF-rated activities. A side-benefit is that CXR can help divert the massive deflationary damage being done to the adult USCF ratings pool. By separating the largely unregulated pool of scholastic players, the adult USCF ratings remain stable and meaningful. [Editor: See The Black Hole In Chess Ratings.] Those youngsters who are serious about their chess, remaining active for more than the usual year or two, will achieve a meaningful CXR rating over time. When they are ready for USCF competition, they will enter the USCF rating pool without nary a ripple. The deflationary stresses that are cascading throughout the USCF rating pool today, can be removed -- transferred to the CXR pool which is better-equipped to deal with such chaos. We support the many vital services provided by the USCF and are not (as some people fear) trying to cause any harm to that organization. We would be glad to work together with the USCF to promote chess. However, we do not believe that the USCF has some "Divine Right" to a monopoly. Free competition is the American way. The USCF’s previously unchallenged position has led to undue complacence. This complacence left American chess as a second-class sport with an inadequate rating system. The lack of truly useful sports statistics left the door wide open for someone to step in. CXR’s 21st-Century approach is to provide an entire arsenal of performance metrics -- not just a one-dimensional rating. CXR’s attitude is that a service business should not force the customer to jump through hoops -- it must be the other way around. We fully expect that USCF will have to follow suit, as chess players demand better service and more useful information. This will benefit the entire chess community. - Russ Mollot |
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