One of the objectives of the BPA Board of Directors is to give the membership greater visibility into the deliberations of the board and to give insight into the things being discussed. To that end, we are publishing a quarterly “Tenth Seat” update so that everyone has a better sense of what’s going on with the board and the deliberations we are undertaking for the convention. This article details board activities from April to June 2025.

Eligibility for GM of the Year

One of the most prestigious awards given out by the BPA is the GM of the Year, for extraordinary service as a Gamemaster in BPA tournaments. The board considered that some who have won the award before still continue to make incredible and valued contributions to the convention year after year. To ensure that the award is shared among a wide range of GMs but also not to punish those who continue to provide excellence, the board added the criteria for GM of the Year to include not having won the award in the previous 10 years.

Changing Tables for WBC at Seven Springs

One issue the Convention Director has impressed the importance of with the management at Seven Springs is the inclusion of changing tables in as many Bathrooms as possible. It has been noted that at present there are no changing tables on the floor of the conference center with the Juniors Room, nor are there any in a male bathroom on site. While Vail has been resistant to investing to resolve this concern, the Convention Director continues to press, and barring Vail solving the issue, the board has approved providing our own temporary changing tables for members. Subsequent to this decision, Seven Springs installed changing tables in the bathrooms outside the Juniors Room

Junior Sportsmanship Award