Re: Statement by Bill Hall on the Blas Lugo, 2008 Miami Open Controversy

[Rob]

On Feb 12, 5:01 am, samsloan <samhsl...@gmail.com> wrote:
> by Bill Hall on Thu Feb 05, 2009 10:05 pm #126639
>
> As a point of information, I was contacted by an individual on behalf
> of Mr. Lugo prior to the event in Miami expressing concerns about the
> hurricane. As I recall, at the time Miami was not out of the woods for
> landfall and the individual that we had originally contracted to cover
> the event online had had travel difficulty related to the hurricane
> and was unable to attend. There is a rule in the rulebook that the ED
> can grant a waiver to the guaranteed prize fund in force majora
> circumstances. I was aware that the hurricane was impacting
> attendance; however, the degree to which is extremely difficult if not
> impossible to ascertain. I passed along to Mr. Lugo, through an
> intermediary, that if he planned to pay only 50% that for a favorable
> ruling on my part, I would need to see every reasonable attempt made
> to notify preregistered players. I was copied on an email that he sent
> to players, and I believe there was an announcement made on the
> website for the event. I also requested that the players receive
> information on how to contact me if the players wished to appeal the
> decision. At the end of the event, I requested some additional and
> supporting information for consideration. I received two appeals from
> players regarding the prize fund reduction. I have not ruled on these
> appeals as I do not have the information I have requested yet.
>
> We have two significant issues at stake here. It is imperative that we
> provide support and assurances to our members that tournaments will
> honor the advertised prize fund. However, it is also imperative that
> the organizers that are trying to provide a unique and quality playing
> experience be protected in extreme circumstances that are beyond their
> control. Does this situation rise to that level? I am not sure.
> However, I feel I can safely say that the hurricane had a significant
> impact.
>
> Originally, I mistakenly had the impression that I was to give a
> ruling after the tournament, but in later rereading the rule, I
> believe the ruling is intended to be made prior (if possible).
> Unfortunately, the issue has yet to be resolved. In part, because I
> did not speak to Mr. Lugo directly, instead we communicated through a
> bilingual intermediary to try to ensure better communication and
> understanding, I am afraid there may have been some miscommunication.
> Now the situation is that the two individuals involved in the
> tournament are running for the Board that I report to and I feel it
> would be inappropriate for me to rule on any sanction or the appeal.
> As such, I have decided that I will approach the TDCC for a
> recommendation on the resolution of the issue.
>
> Bill Hall
> Executive Director
> USCF

Does the USCF not require event planners to carry event cancellation
insurance?