Another change that came out of the FIDE Congress in Dresden was a tightening of the FIDE Arbiter Regulations. Instead of simply being an Arbiter at 4 events to earn a FA (FIDE Arbiter) title, you will now have to attend a FIDE Arbiters course, and pass the exam that goes with it. All very sensible, except for the fact that FIDE have also tightened the qualifications required for people to present the course. In the case of Oceania IA Gary Bekker may be the only local arbiter with the neccesary qualifications (based on his role as Deputy Chief Arbiter at the Olympiad), but even this may lapse if he doesn't direct events at the Olympiad/World Championship level every 2 years. Otherwise prospective arbiters may have to travel overseas to attend the required course.
However the new system does not come into effect until the 1st July 2009, so if you are planning to become a certified FIDE Arbiter the smart thing is to submit your application well and truly before then.
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From your summary (and I haven't read the details yet), that sounds harsh. The net effect will be more and more events run without qualified arbiters. At which FIDE will spot another chance to shoot their own feet off by disqualifying such tournaments from being rated and ensuring a return to the 1980's when local federations didn't have much to do with FIDE for their local activities.
I'm completely in favour of extremely high-quality, competent, qualified arbiters and, currently, a certificate from FIDE doesn't guarantee that. But it goes a long way towards helping and removing that plank will hurt. I realise they're trying to solve a reasonably specific problem here (skills atrophy, working only at the regional level leads to bad habits and flawed results, etc), but this seems like parking an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff in preference to putting a "sharp drop" sign at the top.
I keep not regretting deciding to get out of the arbiting business when I see decisions like this.
I don't see this as a very harsh move as FIDE Arbiters are expected to be of a high standard.
The point about lack of instructors is the same as the one that I have made in discussion regarding proposals to have a scheme in Australia for Coaching accreditaiton, namely where, in Australia, do we have people sufficiently qualified to conduct courses.
In relation the both Arbiters and trainers, the closest FIDE training venue is Singapore. The "Right Move" ticket at the last FIDE elections was promising to set up facilities in Australia for such courses but that didn't come about.
DJ
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