SCRABBLE SQUABBLE

CLUB BANS PLAYER

A GOLD Coast man has described senior Scrabble authorities as “cliquey” after he was given a lifetime ban from Queensland tournaments for “unacceptable behaviour”.

Retiree and Labrador resident David More (pictured) has been playing scrabble for more than 20 years, and participated in 5000-plus tournament level games.

The 65-year-old, who has Asperger Syndrome, has denied all unacceptable behaviour claims and now travels interstate for state competitions because of the ban.

In the letter from the Queensland Scrabble Association sent to him in January, Mr More was informed the committee unanimously voted to refuse entry and participation in all Queensland tournaments and revoke his membership of Scrabble Queensland.

“In view of your ongoing unacceptable behaviour the Scrabble Queensland Committee has regretfully had to make a hard decision,” the letter from the committee president read.

He is still able to play socially and at international and national tournaments, and seek membership in other states.

Mr More, who claims he has been bullied by members, said he had only “bit back when hassled”.

“I am not claiming I am an angel, people knew exactly how to press my buttons,” Mr More said. “Their favourite tactic was to start arguments over nothing, then pointing out I was disrupting their clubs and competitions.

“I always tried to defend myself but it is a clique. ‘Aspies’ are often good with words and I used to do quite well in competitions.

“I am also an openly gay man, there was one comment made about it but it was never direct,” he said.

A long-term scrabble player from the Queensland Association, who was aware of the decision, said the situation was disappointing.

“The right to deny or accept membership is one left up to every club. David can be a very difficult person at times to a point where his behaviour to other members was unacceptable.

“Some people like to play in a certain way and are very rigid about conduct, but when it becomes abusive it is a problem.”

Queensland Scrabble President Jane Brown would not go into the specifics of the “unacceptable behaviour” but denied there was any personal issues with Mr More, his disability or sexuality and instead said the decision was one made over many years.

A Scrabble NSW member said he was aware of controversy regarding Mr More’s membership but had no issues with him.

“I’ve played with him a few times before, he is a bit different but fine to play with,” he said.

“I have always found him to be friendly.”