The AGA conducted their usual board meeting on February 18th, 2024. They discussed the latest President’s Report, the upcoming 2024 US Go Congress, the idea of establishing a Policy and Governance Committee, and a transgender policy document. President’s Report AGA President Gurujeet Khalsa wasn’t present for the board meeting so another board member relayed his report. In Khalsa’s report, he noted that the Pandanet AGA City League was experiencing problems with several of the participants letting their AGA memberships expire–a clear violation of the rules. He also acknowledged there was an unfortunate delay in paying last year’s participants in a timely manner. He states that the goal is to make payments promptly in the future. Khalsa praised the North American Online League reviewers and hopes to continue working with them in future NAOL seasons. Additionally, the AGA is looking to continue promoting Go using Twitch and YouTube streamers. He feels this is a trial run, and the AGA will reevaluate whether it’s a viable advertisement method in the future. One topic that was included in the president’s report was the AGA’s intention to integrate Go into schools. They will look for individuals to teach in the future. Khalsa reported that Alan Huang performed well at the last World Amateur Go Championships, placing 5th overall. Edward Zhang will represent the AGA in the next WAGC in Tokyo in May. Seowoo Wang will represent the Senko Women’s Cup in Japan as the top-qualifying woman’s candidate. Alex Qi will represent the AGA at the Chunlun Cup after defeating Ryan Li last Sunday in the qualifying match. 2024 US Go Congress Update The AGA board welcomed Eric Wainwright to the meeting to give an update on the state of the 2024 Portland US Go Congress. Wainwright reported they have about 100 participants already registered and are planning exciting new tournaments for the event. Proposal to the AGA Board to Establish a Policy and Governance Committee A proposal to re-establish a Policy and Governance Committee was put to vote and approved. The Policy and Governance Committee will establish a periodic review of all existing AGA policies, create policy documents upon the request of the President and/or board, and create publication protocol for each policy. This committee previously existed, but has fallen into “disuse” in recent years. The AGA is looking to renew the committee for future use. AGA Transgender Policy Development The AGA is considering a Transgender Policy Document to ensure players are treated fairly and safely while also providing a clear set of rules for tournament organizers. The policy was put to a vote and was not approved. Many of the board felt the current policy needed to be revised to better meet the needs of the tournament organizers and ensure the “privacy” of the players. This document is set to be rewritten and presented at a later date for a vote. US Open Time Settings The AGA board restated their intentions to use Fischer time settings for the 2024 US Open, but not for the 2024 US Masters. While this decision isn’t finalized, the AGA is moving forward with this plan. The next AGA board meeting will be Apr 28, 2024 at 8:00pm ET. 2/27/2024 Addendum: The AGA Board would like to emphasize that the operational decision of using Fischer Time will be decided by the AGA President and the 2024 Go Congress Director and not the AGA board.
