MSSM Selections 2013 - Methodology Used by 4 States!

At a recent competition and chess camp, I was asked as to whether I had any idea as to how selection for MSSM was done in KL since my kids goes to school in KL. My reply was that I believe KL has a "dynamic" selection process whereby a Selection Panel makes the decision ( based on my interaction with some of the KL Teachers involved in chess ) coupled with for want of a better word a 'programme' of grooming junior talents for subsequent years.

Based on the conversation with the fathers who had kids representing the state team or whose kids were in the running, here is what I'd gathered / my observations:-


JOHOR
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Top 10 finisher reports for centralised training in Kluang.

They stay there for a couple of days whereby a Round Robin competition was held. After the competition is completed, the players were called for a briefing and informed why they were / were not selected.

N9
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Top 6 finisher in each category at the MSSNS State finals held in Rembau are chosen to represent the state.

SELANGOR
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Combo of players shortlisted beforehand after the State finals and those who qualify after the playoff.

However, the parent concerned informed me that there was supposed to be a playoff but when he sent a sms to the respective teacher he never got a reply. His conclusion was that the teacher had vested interest as the teacher's kid was also trying to make the team.
Note: I can't verify the parent's statement/observations.


WP - KL
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"Dynamic" process by a Selection Panel who decides who makes the team.
Certain players were shortlisted beforehand whilst others takes part in play-offs.
Additionally, more junior players were given the opportunity to make the team to ensure continuity.



As can be seen, there's no 1 particular way of doing the selection.
In terms of travelling logistics, I suppose WP-KL, WP-Putrajaya, WP-Labuan and Perlis have an easier time compared to bigger states like Sarawak, Sabah, Pahang, Perak, Johor and Kelantan.


It would be good to compare what was the selection methodology used by every state and also see whether the travelling logistics had any influence on the selection process.
Earlier, The father from Johor mentioned that the Round Robin was done during centralised training in Kluang.


Having said the above, I'm not sure as to how the managers/coaches selects who plays in the individual or team event.

A suggestion for the powers that be is to include another category in MSSM chess i.e. U-9 for students in Standards 1-3. This would help encourage talent development at a younger age as well as gives more opportunity for players to represent their state.