Comments and Suggestions

Events

• Student Nights  These would be evenings for students from schools in the NY area to come. They could be for instruction, lectures, competition between different schools & groups or just to play. Communication on the web related to this was recommended. Five students agreed to meet and submit a report, within two weeks, with their recommendations. Ben Lerner, Lisha Li, Christopher Lu, Boris Bernadsky and one other whose name was not recorded.
• Regular players   It was stated that not enough is done to meet the needs of regular players. There are players who have been playing Go in New York for many years at other clubs in addition to The NY Go Center. We need to have activities and events for them. Communications are also important as many players would come to play if they knew their friends were also coming.
• Women’s Go Events  This is not only to play but also for lessons. Pairs events were suggested as well.
• University Inter-Play   There are for example players at NYU and Stevens. Some have scheduled times when they meet to play. It is reasonable to have times or events when players from the different colleges and universities can meet at The Go Center.
• Events Outside The Center   For example Washington Square Park or Central Park.
• Day for Self Paired Play via the Internet   This would be in a NY Go Center Room.
• Inter-Club play via the Internet  This would be with clubs a long distance away. To have this at The Center it would require several computers connected to the Internet otherwise it would be a single game.
  

The Go Community

• High Schools   There is a need for The Go Center to reach out to the local high schools. Funding for Go boards and stones are needed and where to buy inexpensive ones. It is possible that the embassies or consulates from Asian countries could be asked for this; also corporations and companies.
• High School Community Service Awards   When strong players provide instruction at The NY Go Center and/or to schools they may qualify for this from their school. It was not mentioned at the meeting but other activities could qualify as well (e.g. – tournament director, Center manager).
• Universities   Instructors are needed.

The New York Go Center

• Ratings   Everyone agreed that the AGA rating system should be used for pairing. If players agree the games could be reported to the AGA. Players can also be self paired. In addition they can elect not to use AGA ratings and decide what their ranks are and the handicap.
• KGS Room   This should established as soon as possible.
• Membership   One senior player spoke against the use of coupons and suggested that we should check as to membership and fees at other active Go clubs. This is being done. ID cards should be issued to members. Receipts and renewal notices should be sent and in the case of sponsors who quantify for tax exemptions receipts for this should also be sent.
• Workdays  The Center needs painting and a number of repairs that players and members can do. So it was asked if any of the attendees at the meeting would come to do this. A reasonable number agreed to come but Sundays is preferable to Saturdays. On these days after working no charge will be made to play.

A new plan is being developed for The New York Go Center so this information is highly valuable. The New York Go Center thanks all who participated and any additional suggestions and ideas are welcome.

***Recent Survey Results***

Paul Anderson, President
The Nihon Ki-In America
323 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 223-0342