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USCF National Scholastic Chess Tournament Regulations

Page history last edited by Mike Games 14 years, 5 months ago

USCF NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC CHESS

(text in RED below indicates changes for 2009 / 2010 ) 

TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS

 

 

USCF Official Version

 

 

 

For use in the following chess tournaments:

 

(Spring Nationals)

National Elementary (K-6) Chess Championship

National Middle School/Junior High (K-9) Chess Championship

National High School (K-12) Chess Championship

 

 

(Fall Nationals)

National Scholastic K-12 Championships

 

(Youth Events)

National Youth Action Championship

U.S. Junior Chess Congress

U.S. Junior Open

 

Originated 1984

Revised September, 2009


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

                       


                        Cover                                      1

                        Table of Contents                    2

1.0                   Introduction                             4

            1.1       Basic Principles                       4

            1.2       Expressions of Interest           4          1.3       Contracts                                 4

            1.4       State Organization Adoption  4

2.0                   Dates                                       4

            2.1       National Scholastic Events     4

            2.2       National Youth Events           4

            2.3       Conflicts                                 5

3.0                   Site                                          5

            3.1       Quality                                                5

            3.2       Location                                  5

            3.3       Acceptable Playing Sites        5

            3.4       Contract Approval                  5

            3.5       Playing Site Requirements      5

4.0                   Lodging Accommodations      5

            4.1       Primary Considerations           5

            4.2       Cost                                         5

            4.3       Complimentary Rooms           5

            4.4       Contract Approval                  6

            4.5       Hotel Agreement                    6

            4.6       Hotel Information                   6

            4.7       Additional Hotels                   6

5.0                   Transportation                        6

            5.1       Travel Agent                           6

            5.2       Local Transportation               6

6.0                   Finances                                  6

            6.1       Partnership                              6

            6.2       Financial Statements               6

            6.3       Profit Sharing                          6

            6.4       Contract Approval                  6

            6.5       Final Budget                           6

7.0                   Concessionaire                        6

            7.1       Right of First Refusal             6

            7.2       Outside Vendors                     6

            7.3       Financial Arrangements          6

8.0                   Staffing                                    6

            8.1       Chief TD                                 6

            8.2       Assistant TDs                          7

            8.3       Compensation                         7

            8.4       Volunteers                               7

9.0                   Computers                               7

            9.1       Quantity                                  7

            9.2       Printers                                      7

            9.3       Set-Up                                       7

            9.4       Approved Programs                  8

            9.5       Disposal                                    8

            9.6       Copier                                       8

10.0                 Publicity                                    8

            10.1     Attracting New Players            8

            10.2     Announcements                        8

            10.3     National Scholastic Flier           8

            10.4     Local Media                              8

            10.5     Press Release                             8

            10.6     Program Book                           8

11.0                 Entry Fee and Registration       8

            11.1     Customary Entry Fees                          8

            11.2     Early Entry Deadline                8

            11.3     On-Site Registration                 8

            11.4     Section Changes                       8

            11.5     Byes                                          8

            11.6     Check-In                                   8

12.0                 Eligibility Requirements            8

            12.1     USCF Membership Req.           8

            12.2     General Eligibility                     9

            12.3     Age Eligibility                           9

            12.4     Applicable Rating Supplement 9

13.0                 Team Requirements/Scholastic 9

            13.1     Individuals Allowed                 9

            13.2     National Scholastic Events       9

            13.3     Home Schools                         10

            13.4     Virtual Schools                       10

            13.5     Team Size Minimum               10

            13.6     Team Size Maximum              10

            13.7     Club Teams                             10

            13.8     Point Transfers                        10

            13.9     Coach’s Responsibilities         10

            13.10   USCF Affiliate Req.               10

14.0                 Team Requirements/Youth      10

            14.1     Club Teams                             10

            14.2     Point Transfers                        10

            14.3     Coach’s Responsibilities         10

            14.4     USCF Affiliate Req.               10

15.0                 Opening Ceremony                 10

            15.1     Opening Ceremony                 10

16.0                 Awards Ceremony                  11

            16.1     Responsibility                         11

            16.2     Length                                     11

            16.3     Prize Lists                               11

            16.4     Order of Presentation             11

            16.5     Presentation                            11

            16.6     Scores and Ties                       11

            16.7     Beginning                                11

            16.8     Photography                            11

17.0                 Health and Safety                    11

            17.1     Contact Hospital & Police      11

            17.2     Local Contact                                     11

            17.3     No Alcohol or Tobacco           11

            17.4     Medical Personnel                   11

18.0                 Tournament Format                11

            18.1     Pairing System                        11

            18.2     Team Score                             11

            18.3     Team Member Pairings           11

            18.4     Spring National Sections        11

            18.5     K-12/C Grade Level               12

            18.6     National Youth Action           12

            18.7     Junior Chess Congress            12

            18.8     US Junior Open                      12

            18.9     Round Times                           12

            18.10   Time Controls                         12

            18.11   Deviations                               13

19.0                 Chess Notation                        13

            19.1     Recognized Forms                  13

            19.2     Requirements                          13

            19.3     Exceptions                              13

            19.4     Large Scoresheets                   13

            19.5     Scoresheets                             13

20.0                 Tie-breaks                               13

            20.1     Use of Computers                   13

            20.2     Manual Calculation                 13

            20.3     National Champions               13

            20.4     Use of Tie-breaks                    13

            20.5     Individual Systems                 13

            20.6     Team Systems                         13

21.0                 Conduct of the Tournament    13

            21.1     Highlighting Top Boards        13

            21.2     Demonstration Boards            13

            21.3     Spectator Access                     13

            21.4     Spectator Access (K-1)           14

            21.5     Tournament Director Conflict            14

            21.6     Reporting Results                   14

            21.7     Announcements                      14

            21.8     Photography                            14

            21.9     Team Lists                               14

22.0                 Trophies & Awards                 14

            22.1     Quality                                                14

            22.2     Approval                                 14

            22.3     Individual Award Limit         14

            22.4     Trophy Size                             14

            22.5     Minimums                               14

23.0                 Coaches’, Parents and

                        Spectators’ Meetings               16

            23.1     Tournament Procedure            16

            23.2     USCF Scholastic Programs     16

            23.3     Tournament Evaluation           16

            23.4     Coaches Forum                       16

23.5     Additional Meetings               16

            23.6     Other Meetings                       16

24.0                 Internet Coverage                   16

24.1     Tournament Web Page            16

24.2     Availability                             16

24.3     Relevance                                16

24.4     List of Players                         16

25.0                 Special Considerations            16

            25.1     Map                                         16

            25.2     Banners                                   16

            25.3     Team Information                   16

            25.4     Crosstables                              16

            25.5     Other Activities                      16

            25.6     Social Hour                             16

            25.7     Side Events                             16

26.0                 Supernational Bids                  16

            26.1     Specifications                          16

            26.2     Deadline                                  17

            26.3     Frequency                               17

            26.4     On-Site Visit                           17

            26.5     Concerns                                 17

Appendix A - Blitz Championship                 18

Appendix B - Bughouse Championship         19

Appendix C - Parents and Friends Tnmt.       20

Appendix D - Forms                                       21

Appendix E - Guide for Spectator Conduct  25

Appendix F - Use of a Handheld Recording

                      Device                                       26



1.0       INTRODUCTION

1.1 The USCF National Scholastic Chess Tournament Regulations are intended to fulfill the special needs and expectations of players, coaches and parents at our national scholastic events. These Regulations are a reference to the special rules that govern these events, along with some suggestions to help the event run smoothly. They are designed to insure that the dignity and significance of national scholastic events are maintained, promoted, preserved and enhanced.  The USCF wishes to thank past and present members of its Scholastic Committee along with the coaches and parents who helped to compile the initial set of Regulations.  These Regulations carry the weight of history and hands‑on experience. But no regulations should be held inviolate when better ideas arise.  Proposed changes should be referred to the USCF office and the Scholastic Council.  After all, the main principle of these Regulations is simply: Our youngsters deserve the best!

1.1.1 Revisions to these regulations shall be effective September 15 of each year.

1.2 USCF and the Scholastic Council will review proposals for the following tournaments: National Elementary, National Middle School/Junior High, National High School, National Youth Action Championship, and the National Scholastic K-12 Championships.  The USCF will solicit interest in site selection and then negotiate with the local organizer details of the proposed tournament.  The Scholastic Council will be part of the final selection process.  Expressions of interest by affiliates are indeed welcome, since in all cases USCF wishes to partner with a local organization(s) for local arrangements (e.g. securing local TDs), in coordination (and agreement) with USCF.  However, site selection and all contracting for these events will be handled by USCF.

1.2.1 Whenever USCF is the organizer the USCF office shall be responsible for all details listed herein as the organizer.

1.3 Many chess tournaments and chess activities are organized under the USCF name, yet are managed fully by other organizations and/or individuals.  Such organizations may enter into contracts for facilities, goods, services, etc, though USCF must approve these contracts first.  Such organizations are not representatives of USCF management, and are independent contractors.

1.4 All state scholastic organizations are encouraged to adopt these regulations for state scholastic championships.

 

2.0       DATES

2.1 National Scholastic Events

2.1.1 Fall Nationals - National K-12 Championships:

2.1.1.1 Should be played between November 15 and December 15.

2.1.1.2 Must not be scheduled on Thanksgiving Day weekend.

2.1.2 Spring Nationals - National Elementary (K-6), Middle School/Junior High (K-9) and High School (K-12) Championships:

2.1.2.1 Should be held between and to include the first weekend in April and the second weekend in May.

2.1.2.2 Must not be scheduled on:

2.1.2.2.1 Easter

2.1.2.2.2 Passover

2.1.2.3 Try to avoid:

2.1.2.3.1 Daylight Savings Time weekend (first Sunday in April)

2.1.2.3.2 Scholastic Aptitude and Advanced Placement Test dates (High School only).

2.2 National Youth Events – National Youth Action and U.S. Junior Chess Congress

2.2.1 National Youth Action

2.2.1.1 Should be held between November 1 and December 1.

2.2.1.2 Must not be scheduled on Thanksgiving Day weekend.

2.2.2 U.S. Junior Chess Congress

2.2.2.1 Whenever possible.

2.2.3 U.S. Junior Ope

2.2.3.1 Should be held in the summer.

2.3 Dates should not conflict with any other National Tournament or the World Youth Festival.

 

3.0              SITE

3.1 Our primary concern is assuring the quality of national scholastics.

3.2 USCF will make every reasonable effort to rotate these events geographically from year to year.

3.3 Acceptable sites include, but are not limited to: hotels with convention facilities, schools, colleges, and convention centers.

3.4 All tournament-related playing and meeting space proposals must be approved by USCF and reviewed by a designated Scholastic Council representative before they are signed. The National Tournament Agreement (see Appendix D) must be signed prior to approval of any such contracts.

3.5 The USCF shall be responsible for making sure all of the following are implemented:

3.5.1   The playing hall(s) must allow for a minimum of 25 sq. ft. of usable space per player. This should include space for spectators.  The top 20 boards of all Championship sections, except for primary grades, should have no more than two boards per six or eight foot table.  Bids must include a playing hall(s) to accommodate the maximum number of expected players.

3.5.2   The site should have a large skittles area at least half the size of the playing hall(s). The skittles area should be in the immediate vicinity of the playing site, indoors, and easily accessible from the playing room.  It is recommended that the skittles area be 3/4 of the size of the playing area(s). 

3.5.3   Special team rooms (especially for the Elementary and Middle School/Junior High events) should be available to coaches needing a more private area to instruct and counsel team members. Teams will pay reasonable charges for the use of such space.  Whenever possible the team rooms should be under the same roof or in a building connected to the playing site.  Team room location will be provided at the time of reservation.

3.5.4   Toilet facilities must be adequate for large numbers of youngsters and must be inspected, cleaned and maintained every hour during rounds. Restrooms for players only should be easily accessible to the playing room.

3.5.5   Water should be provided in the playing hall(s) and maintained every hour during rounds.

3.5.6   Pictures and descriptions of the tournament site, including size, lighting, available sanitary facilities, or any physical equipment available should be included with each proposal.

3.5.7   A map of the area should be available showing inexpensive restaurants and attractions near the site. This should be done on the website site and available on paper at chess control.

3.5.8   For the National Middle School/Junior High and National Elementary Tournaments a play area should be provided that allows the children an acceptable area to run and play.

3.5.9   A centrally located information booth (i.e. Chess control) should be provided near the playing area. The information booth will provide directions to all local restaurants, transportation, interesting sites, and other non-tournament information.

3.5.10 A message center should be provided at chess control to receive emergency information for players and/or families. This message center should have a pre-advertised phone number and/or email address.

3.5.11 There should be food available on site that is priced comparably to fast food pricing. There should be ample food services available that, if necessary, all of the anticipated participants may be fed within a two hour period.  They should be open from at least 60 minutes before the first round starts each day and closed no earlier than 60 minutes before the last round is scheduled to end.

3.5.12 The site must be handicapped accessible.

3.5.13 It is recommended that a photographer be available throughout the tournament.

3.5.14 Ample signage should be on display at numerous locations throughout the facility a minimum of twelve hours prior to the first scheduled event of the tournament.

 

4.0       LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS

4.1 Lodging should be inexpensive and accessible to the playing site.

4.2 A single price for 1‑4 people per room should be negotiated.

4.3 Complimentary rooms (one per 25‑50 room‑nights sold) should be negotiated with the hotel(s).  Complimentary rooms are normally used to lodge the TDs and organizational staff. If possible, complimentary suites and rooms for the organizer, USCF Scholastic Council representative and USCF office representative(s) should be negotiated with the headquarters hotel.

4.4 All tournament‑related lodging contracts must be reviewed by the Scholastic Council representative and approved and signed by USCF.  USCF must receive a signed copy of its National Tournament Agreement prior to its approval of any such contracts.

4.5 If the hotel(s) is providing the playing site, the cost of meeting space should be directly related to total room‑nights sold (such as on a sliding scale). Free meeting space is generally negotiable with most hotels.

4.6 If the hotel(s) is not providing the playing site, the hotel(s) contract(s) may be structured to provide the tournament a rebate of $3 to $10 per room night sold, to help defray playing site and other tournament costs. Rebates are considered tournament income. When the USCF is not the organizer, any amount higher than $10 per night may not be accepted without the prior written consent of the USCF office.

4.7 The organizer should provide, at least 6 months prior to the start of the event, a list of all recommended hotels, rates, addresses, phone numbers, distance from playing site, and contact information on the USCF website.

 

5.0       TRANSPORTATION

5.1 The use of a travel agent is recommended to help facilitate travel arrangements for players and teams. It would be more convenient for USCF to contract with one travel agent for all nationals.

5.2 Organizers should ensure the availability of transportation between the headquarters hotel and nearest commercial airport, railroad, and bus terminals and shuttle service between playing site and headquarters hotel if they are beyond walking distance of each other. All such travel arrangements should be publicized at least six months in advance for the benefit of players, coaches and parents.

 

6.0       FINANCES

6.1 When the USCF is not the principal organizer, the local organizer is contractually responsible for the execution of these Regulations (with USCF oversight) before, during and after the tournament.

6.2 USCF will provide financial statements from previous events to the organizer upon request.

6.3 The USCF share of the profits from the National scholastics will go to the U.S. Chess Federation.  Tournament income includes, but is not limited to: entry fees, book and equipment sales, food and beverage sales, sale of chess pieces and boards used in the tournament, advertising income, fees paid by promoters and exhibitors, hotel room night rebates, team room rentals, rebates, etc.

6.3.1 USCF will negotiate an agreement with the local organizer, which will define roles, responsibilities, and the financial arrangements between the two parties.  The financial arrangements may be a share of the profits, a per head fee, or some combination thereof.

6.4 All contracts must be approved and signed by the USCF when the USCF is undertaking full management responsibility for the event.  When the local organizer is undertaking full management responsibility, the USCF need only review and approve all contracts, though it need not be a signatory thereon, as the local organizer is acting as an independent contractor and is fully responsible and liable for all activities or actions pursuant to the contract(s).

6.5 The Scholastic Council’s designated representative(s) shall have the right to review and make recommendations on the final tournament budget when the USCF is not the organizer.

 

7.0       CONCESSIONAIRE

7.1 USCF has the right of first refusal to sell chess books, chess equipment, T‑shirts, commemorative boards and sets and other chess paraphernalia at any USCF national event.

7.2 Any outside vendor must be approved by the USCF.

7.3 In any event for which USCF is not the principal organizer, the USCF must approve all concession agreements.

 

8.0       STAFFING

8.1 The Chief TD for all national scholastics must be certified at the “National Tournament Director” level. Additionally, the chief TD must have strong experience in administering large scholastic events, especially those using computer pairing programs. The Chief TD must be acceptable to the USCF.

8.2 The Chief TD and/or organizer is responsible for appointing an adequate number of certified assistant TDs to help administer each event. The organizer himself should not serve on the directing staff.

8.2.1  A minimum of four TDs, including the Chief TD, with strong computer pairing program experience, should be on staff. Knowledge of computers and computer pairings is essential, as these TDs are expected to generate pairings, standings, team results, etc., round by round, as well as handling inevitable problems.

8.2.2  Each event must have a Chief Floor TD with a sufficient number of assistants. 

8.2.2.1 The ratio of TDs to players should be as follows: High School: 1/100 players; Middle School/Junior High: 1/75 players; Elementary: 1/50 players. For the National K-12 Championship grades K-6 shall have the same ratio as the Elementary, grades 7-9 shall have the same ratio as the Middle School/Junior High, and grades 10-12 shall have the same ratio as the High School.

8.2.2.2 Floor TDs should be permanently stationed in a specific section in the tournament rooms during play and must wear distinctive identifying apparel.

8.2.2.3 Floor TDs will handle disputes and make rulings, although appeals are permitted. Appeals are to be made first to the Section TD, then the Chief Floor TD, and then the Chief TD.

8.2.2.4 A minimum of two experienced floor TDs should be present in large tournament rooms and one floor TD in small tournament rooms at all times.

8.2.2.5 Volunteers who are not certified TDs may assist floor directors to keep order; however, they cannot make rulings on their own and must direct all questions regarding rules to certified floor directors.

8.2.2.6 All staff should wear identification stating their name and duty. The TD certification level should be listed on the name tag.  

8.3 The TD staff is expected to be appropriately compensated. Such compensation should include, but not be limited to, housing and free food being made available during the tournament.  Each TD should be compensated enough to cover any transportation costs.

8.4 A large number of well-trained volunteers is essential to the success of these events. The organizer is responsible for training the volunteers.  They may be responsible for such duties as:

8.4.1 Receiving entries

8.4.2 Entering registrations into a data base

8.4.3 Checking ratings of players

8.4.4 Checking schools of players

8.4.5 Checking in players and teams on‑site

8.4.6 Setting up the playing room                          

8.4.7 Manning results‑tables (two people per section each round)

8.4.8 Controlling access at doors (when necessary)

8.4.9 Providing for the needs of the TD staff

8.4.10 Preparing a tournament information pamphlet

8.4.11 Managing publicity and promotion

8.4.12 Providing an awards ceremony

8.4.13 Providing for an information, lost and found, and message booth at chess control

 

9.0       COMPUTERS

9.1 One computer and printer should be provided for each section. A backup computer and printer shall also be available.

9.2 Fast printers are very important. Dot matrix printers are not acceptable. Fast ink-jet or laser printers are preferred.

9.3 The computer room should be assembled at least one day before the tournament to make sure there are no problems.

9.4 The large size of these events necessitates pairing by computer. A list of approved computer programs may be obtained from USCF.

9.5 If any computer equipment is acquired or donated for the tournament, such equipment will be considered assets of the tournament. Assets may not be disposed of without the express consent of the USCF.

9.6 At least one computer and printer shall be available for non-pairing/technical purposes by authorized staff.

 

10.0     PUBLICITY

10.1 Publicity is an important part of attracting new participants to National scholastic events. Many scholastic chess programs are not aware of the existence of the USCF or these national championships. Organizers should include plans for publicity in their proposals.  The organizer should coordinate with the USCF office to produce press releases and publicity for the event.

10.2 These events will be announced in Chess Life.

10.3 Fliers advertising National Scholastic and youth events will be mailed to all USCF affiliates except prison affiliates.

10.4 Organizers should arrange publicity with local news media, prior to, during, and immediately after these events.

10.5 The organizer should prepare a press release listing major winners immediately upon conclusion of the tournament. Ideally, this release should be available during the awards ceremony.

10.6 A tournament program book should be prepared, including:

10.6.1 Schedule of events

10.6.2 List of past winners

10.6.3 Prize list

10.6.4 Rules specific for the tournament

10.6.5 List of tournament directors

10.6.6 Volunteer staff

10.6.7 Scoresheets - extra scoresheets must also be prepared

10.6.8 Local information about restaurants and attractions.

10.6.9 The awards presentation, location, time, and order.

10.6.10 Player procedures and the acceptable conduct of the spectators, players, and coaches.

 

11.0     ENTRY FEE & REGISTRATION

11.1 The entry fee shall be kept as economical as practical and set in accordance with the approved budget.  The USCF and the Scholastic Council must approve the entry fee.

11.2 Early entry deadline(s) should be used for each event.

11.3 Players registering the day of the event may be paired or receive a half point bye, at the discretion of the chief tournament director.

11.4 Any section changes are subject to a change fee and should be made as soon as possible. 

11.5 Half-point byes will be available for the first round, if requested with an advance entry.  0 point byes shall be available for all rounds.  The Chief Tournament Director shall have the ability to grant a ½-point bye for any round based on unusual circumstances, except the last round.

11.6 Check-In Procedures. It is important that this is a smooth process allowing those with problems to resolve them.

11.6.1 A complete list of the advance entry players shall be posted periodically on the tournament web page.  This web page should be updated every other day.

11.6.2 Two lists of participants per section should be posted prior to round one: alphabetical and school.  A complete team roster for all schools shall be posted on site.  It is the responsibility of the players and/or coaches to report mistakes or needed corrections to the TD staff.

11.6.3 Rules specific to the tournament and side events will be available in advance of the event.

 

12.0     ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

12.1 All players must be USCF members.

12.2 The following students are eligible:

12.2.1 Full‑time students enrolled in school in the United States or its territories for the entire  semester in which the event is held.

12.2.2 U.S. citizens attending school abroad.

12.2.3 Home schooled and virtual schooled students must be schooled in the United States or be United States citizens.

12.2.4 Home schooled and virtual schooled students who do not exceed the age requirements listed below.

12.3 Age requirements: the following ages are as of September 1 of the school year in which the competition takes place.  The age requirements are considered upper bounds for each grade and should not be used for home school and virtual school students.  Our national events are grade based and require all players to play in a section that allows for their current grade.

Kindergarten: under age 7

1st Grade: Under age 8

2nd Grade: Under age 9

3rd Grade: Under age 10

4th Grade: Under age 11

5th Grade: Under age 12

6th Grade: Under age 13

7th Grade: Under age 14

8th Grade: Under age 15

9th Grade: Under age 16

10th Grade: Under age 17

11th Grade: Under age 18

12th Grade: Under age 19

12.3.1 There shall only be one year of eligibility per grade level, except for pre-schoolers who may play for more than one year as a Kindergartener.

12.4 If any of the spring nationals begins before the 10th of the month, the previous month’s rating supplement will be used.  If any of the spring nationals begins on or after the 10th of the month, that month’s rating supplement will be used.  The intent is that the earliest entry deadline will be about a week after the publication of the new rating supplement or when MSA is updated.

 

13.0          TEAM REQUIREMENTS FOR NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC EVENTS

13.1          National Scholastic events are both individual and team events.  Players are allowed to compete as individuals and not as a member of any team.  A student who does not qualify to represent a team under rules 13.2, 13.3, or 13.4 may not compete as a member of a team but is encouraged to compete as an individual.

13.2          In national scholastic events (i.e. the Spring Nationals and the K-12) teams are comprised of students who attend the same school.

13.2.1  A school is defined as an institution which has one name, is located in one building or connected adjacent buildings, and is under one administrator and which provides core curricular instruction in English, math, science, and social studies.  A’ local public school’ for a home schooled or virtual school student is defined as the public school the student would attend if attending public school.  The local public school for a third grade home schooled or virtual school student is the local public elementary school the child would attend if going to public school.  A ‘public school district’ is a grouping of public schools (most usually within a city or county but may be a single school in a small city) recognized and designated as being a public school district by that state’s department of education.  A ‘local public school’ is not the entire district but is the area that a single public school covers.

13.2.2.  A student will be considered to attend a school if and only if he or she physically attends classes at that school building and receives more than 50% of his or her core curricular instruction during those classes.

13.2.3    Each school may enter only one team per section.

13.3          Teams may also be comprised of home schooled students.

13.3.1.  A home schooled student is defined as a student who receives at least 50% of his or her core curricular instruction at home.

13.3.2    Home school students have the following options with regard to forming and/or participating on a scholastic team.

13.3.2.1  A home schooled student may represent his or her local public school when access to extra curricular activities is permitted and the student resides within the boundaries of the local public school as defined in 13.2.

13.3.2.2 A home school student may join with other home schooled students whoreside within the boundary of the local public school as defined in 13.2.

13.3.2.3 All the students attend home school sites located within the boundary of the local public school as defined in 13.2.

13.3.3    There may be more than one home school team per recognized public school district.

13.4          Teams may also be comprised of virtual school students.

13.4.1  Virtual school students are students who receive more than 50% of his or her core curricular instruction on-line, but not in the school building.

13.4.2    Virtual school students may form scholastic teams using rule 13.3.2.1 or 13.3.2.2.

13.5     A scholastic team must contain a minimum of two players to be eligible for team prizes.

13.6     There is no maximum number of players who may compete on a team, but only the top 4 scores in any section count for team score in the Spring Nationals, and the top 3 scores in the K-12 event.

13.7     No club teams are allowed in National Scholastic events.

13.8     Bonus points will not be added to team or individual scores.  Points cannot be transferred between sections unless the player has changed sections.

13.9     The Coach is responsible for assuring that all of his players are properly registered and eligible to participate as members of his team.

13.10   USCF Affiliate Membership is encouraged for all teams.

 

14.0          TEAM REQUIREMENTS FOR  NATIONAL YOUTH EVENTS

14.1          Team requirements for National Youth events, which are the U.S. Junior Chess Congress, the National Youth Action Championship, and the U.S. Junior Open:

14.1.1    Teams will represent chess clubs and consist of youth meeting the age requirements, as defined  in section 12.3, who are members of the club represented and residents of the United States.

14.1.2    Club members must attend at least six regularly scheduled club meetings over a period of at least  three months immediately preceding the tournament and must be verified by the club president or designated club official.  Club members cannot count more than two attendances for any seven consecutive days for purposes of this regulation.

14.1.3    A club team must contain a minimum of three players to be eligible for team prizes.

14.1.4    There is no maximum number of players who may compete on a club team, but only the top four scores in any one section will count toward the team score.

14.1.5    School teams will be considered as club teams representing that school.  Players need not attend the same school; however, they must meet the requirements of sections 14.1.1 and 14.1.2.

14.2          Bonus points will not be added to team or individual scores.  Points cannot be transferred between sections unless the player has changed sections.

14.3          The Coach is responsible for assuring that all of his players are properly registered and eligible to participate as members of his team.

14.4          USCF Affiliate Membership is encouraged for all teams.

 

15.0     OPENING CEREMONY

15.1 The organizer will arrange a brief (maximum 15 minutes) but impressive opening ceremony, a half hour prior to the start of the first round. Arrangements will be made for a USCF representative to be present who, along with the organizer, will welcome all participants and guests. Local dignitaries (mayor, county executive, congressmen, school superintendent, etc.) will be invited to attend, as well as the press. Past experience has shown that local officials have a strong interest in participating in such ceremonies. While they may not always be able to attend, an invitation to the USCF President and USCF Executive Director to participate in the Opening and/or Closing Ceremonies should be formally extended.  Official proclamations from the mayors, county executives, and governors are often obtainable. These proclamations may welcome visiting teams and even designate a “chess week.” The presentation of the National Anthem is required.

 

16.0     AWARDS CEREMONY

16.1 The organizer is responsible for one or more awards ceremonies in keeping with the stature of a national championship.

16.2 The ceremony should last no longer than an hour and a half.

16.3 The list of prize winners should be posted as soon as possible.

16.3.1 In order to minimize errors and when practical, the blitz and bughouse awards lists shall be posted sufficiently ahead of the awards ceremony to allow for errors to be brought to the attention of the Tournament Director and to allow for corrections to be made.  The awards lists will then be re-posted before the awards ceremony.  This procedure shall be printed in the tournament book.

16.4 The awards presentation order should be announced at the beginning of the ceremony and be included in the tournament book.

16.5 It is recommended that the USCF office representative, Chief Tournament Director and USCF Scholastic Council representative announce prize winners. A minimum of three assistants should be available to hand out trophies. Trophies should be displayed in awarding order (this saves time and prevents mistakes and confusion). Award winners should be called up to the stage in an orderly fashion for trophy presentation.  Walk them across the stage and read their names.

16.6 The scores of winners should be mentioned and ties acknowledged.

16.7 Individual and team award presentations will be from lowest to highest place.

16.8 A separate area for photography should be provided.

 

17.0     HEALTH AND SAFETY

17.1 The local hospital and police department should be informed of the event.

17.2 All teams should be encouraged to leave a local phone number and/or hotel room number with tournament personnel so they can be contacted in case of emergency.

17.3 No alcohol or tobacco are to be allowed in the tournament contract area.

17.4 For all tournaments where the anticipated attendance is above 1,000 the organizer must supply trained medical personnel on site.

 

18.0     TOURNAMENT FORMAT

18.1 These events are paired as individual Swiss system tournaments.  Whenever a championship section has more than 2 ^ (N + 1) players where N is the number of rounds, the section will use accelerated pairings.  (e.g. 7 rounds, more than 256 players; 9 rounds, more than 1024 players.)

18.2 The combined total of the top four scoring players from the same school determines that team’s score in the Spring Nationals and the National Youth Action Championship, the top three scoring players in the K‑12 Championship, the U.S. Junior Open and the Junior Chess Congress.

18.3 Players from the same team will not be paired together unless a reasonable pairing cannot be made.  Players from the same state will not be paired together during the first two rounds unless more than 25% of the players in a section or a score group are from the same state.  Players from the same state shall not be paired together in the first round unless more than 50% of the players in a section are from the same state. It is strongly recommended that for national tournaments only pairing programs that can accommodate these requirements be used.  A waiver from the USCF is required for the use of non-compliant programs. 

18.4 The sections of Spring Nationals shall be as follows:

18.4.1 High School: K‑12 Championship; K‑12 Under 1600; K‑12 Under 1200; K-12 Under 800; K-12 Unrated

18.4.2 Middle School/Junior High: K‑9 Championship; K‑8 Championship; K‑9 Under 1250; K-8 Under 1000; K-8 Under 750; K-9 Unrated

18.4.3 Elementary: K‑6 Championship; K‑5 Championship; K‑6 Under 1000; K-5 Under 900; K-6 Unrated

18.4.4 Primary: K‑3 Championship; K‑3 Under 800; K-1 Championship; K-3 Unrated

18.5 K‑12 Grade Championships

18.5.1 There will be one section for each grade K through 12.

18.6 National Youth Action Championship

18.6.1 High School: K-12

18.6.2 Middle School/Junior High: K-9

18.6.3 Elementary: K-6

18.6.4 Primary: K-3

18.7 Junior Chess Congress

18.7.1 Age 6 and Under

18.7.2 Age 8 and Under

18.7.3 Age 10 and Under

18.7.4 Age 12 and Under

18.7.5 Age 14 and Under

18.7.6 Age 16 and Under

18.7.7 Age 18 and Under

18.7.8 Age 20 and Under

18.8 U.S. Junior Open

18.8.1 Under age 21

18.8.2 Under age 15

18.8.3 Under age 11

18.9 The starting time for each round should be as follows:

18.9.1 Spring Nationals

 Rounds 1‑2: Friday 1 pm & 7:00 pm

 Rounds 3‑4‑5: Saturday 9 am, 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm

 Rounds 6‑7: Sunday 9 am & 2:00 pm

18.9.2 K‑12 Championships

 Rounds 1-2: Friday 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm

 Rounds 3-4-5: Saturday 10 am, 2 pm & 6 pm

 Rounds 6-7: Sunday 9 am & 1 pm

18.9.3 National Youth Action Championship 

 Rounds 1-2‑3‑4-5: Saturday 10:00 am, 12 noon, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm & 5:00 pm

 Rounds 6-7-8-9: Sunday 10:00 am, 12 noon, 2:00 pm, & 3:30 pm

18.9.4 Junior Chess Congress

 Rounds 1-2-3: Saturday 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm

 Rounds 4-5: Sunday 9 am & 1 pm

18.9.5 U.S. Junior Open round times to be determined by the organizer

18.9.6 National Bughouse Championship (at all Spring Nationals)

 Rounds 1-2-3-4-5-6: Thursday 11 am, 11:45 am, 12:30 pm, 1:15 pm, 2 pm and 2:45 pm

18.9.7 National Blitz Championship (at all Spring Nationals)

 Rounds 1-2-3-4-5-6: Thursday 5 pm, 5:45 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:15 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm

18.10 Time controls:

18.10.1 Spring Nationals: G/120.

18.10.1.1 The K-1 section shall have a time control of Game/90. 

18.10.1.2 The rule (11D) about two extra minutes for illegal moves will not be imposed during the first hour for each player for all sections.

18.10.2 K‑12 Championships: G/90

18.10.3 National Youth Action Championship: G/30

18.10.4 Junior Chess Congress: G/90

18.10.5 U.S. Junior Open: G/120

18.11 Any deviations from the above (18.1-18.10) must be reviewed by the USCF Scholastic Council’s representative and approved by the USCF prior to any advertising of the event.

 

19.0     CHESS NOTATION

19.1 The recognized forms of notation are algebraic and descriptive.

19.2 Recording of chess notation is required in the K-5 and K-6 Championship sections of the National Elementary, and all sections of the National Middle School/Junior High and the National High School. Chess notation shall be required in Grades 4-12 of the K-12 tournament and the K-12, K-9 and K-6 sections of the National Youth Action Championship.

19.2.1 The use of electronic scorekeeping devices is permitted and the rules governing its use are outlined in Appendix F.

19.3 Although strongly encouraged, the recording of chess notation is not required in the non‑championship sections of the Elementary at the Spring Nationals, nor any of the Primary school sections grades K‑3 in any national scholastic event.  However, those not keeping score give up the right to claim draws requiring the corroboration of a score sheet.

19.4 Specially designed large scoresheets (available from USCF) must be available for the Elementary events.

19.5 Scoresheets must be printed in the tournament program booklet.

 

20.0     TIE‑BREAKS

20.1 Computer programs are now used to determine pairings, standings and tie‑breaks for all national scholastic events.

20.2 If tie‑breaks are done by hand, they should be calculated at the end of the next‑to‑last‑round. Careful preparation for manually calculating tie‑breaks is necessary, even when using a computer.

20.3 All players tied for first place are considered co‑winners, but trophies will be awarded based on tie‑breaks.  In the Spring Nationals, only the winners of a championship section shall be designated National Champion.  In the National K-12 Championships, all section winners shall be designated National Champion.

20.4 Tie‑breaks are used only to award trophies. Players or teams with like scores are equal and may change the plate on their trophy to reflect this (at their own cost).

20.5 When individual scores are equal, the following order of tie‑break systems will be used to designate individual awards:

20.5.1 Modified Median

20.5.2 Median

20.5.3 Solkoff

20.5.4 Sonneborn‑Berger

20.5.5 Cumulative

20.5.6 Coin flip

20.6 When team scores are equal, the following order of tie‑break systems will be used to designate team awards:

20.6.1 Total individual Median

20.6.2 Total Solkoff

20.6.3 Total Sonneborn-Berger

20.6.4 Total Cumulative

20.6.5 Coin flip

 

21.0     CONDUCT OF THE TOURNAMENT

21.1 The top boards should be roped off to highlight the top contestants and also to prevent congestion. Some events have highlighted these boards by isolating them in a central area.

21.2 The use of demonstration boards or closed circuit TV to display the top boards is recommended. If closed circuit TV is used, place the monitors in a separate room.

21.3 The intent is to allow spectators to see the players.  Access should not be denied to any person who conducts him or herself properly.  The Chief TD and/or the organizer may limit spectator access only for the following two conditions: entries exceed predictions to the point that space limitations prevent full access or unforeseen emergency situations threaten the integrity of the tournament.  The tournament staff may clear spectators from the playing hall prior to the start of each round to guarantee that the players have found their places and can hear the signal to start clocks.  Once that signal is given, spectators should be allowed to return to the playing hall(s) as soon as possible.  No spectators (including players with finished games) should be allowed to sit in any area where tournament games are in progress. Only players and tournament staff are allowed in the aisles between the tables.  See the Guide for Spectator Conduct (Appendix E).

21.4 The K-1 section of the Elementary event must be closed to everyone except the players and tournament staff (always be prepared to restrict access when necessary).

21.5 Relatives and coaches of players are not allowed to serve as TDs or volunteers in the same section as participating players.

21.6 Opposing players must fill out and sign the result form indicating the result of the game. A TD will pick up the form at the board.

21.7 Announcements may only be made prior to the start of each round.

21.8 Photography using cameras with flash or audible shutters is restricted to the first ten minutes of

each round.  Silent, unobtrusive photography will be allowed at all times, unless the tournament staff determines that it is a distraction.

21.9 A list of pairings by team should be provided to coaches at least 30 minutes prior to the start of each round.  All players from the team should be listed alphabetically regardless of section.  The team pairing lists should be distributed alphabetically by team.

21.10  In the interest of player security, at all elementary sections of national events, certain doors will be identified as player exits according to the physical layout of the facility.

21.11  Whenever space permits a designated parent waiting area shall be set up in the playing hall where parents and other responsible adults can meet players who are exiting the playing area after the conclusion of their game.  Adults may remain in this area from the start of the round until all games have been completed.  This does not apply to K-1 sections.  (See 21.4)

 

22.0     TROPHIES & AWARDS

22.1 Trophy size, looks, weight and quality should display the prestige and importance of a National Chess Championship event.

22.2 Trophies should have chess figures and must be approved by the USCF.

22.3 Players can win only one individual trophy. Place trophies take precedence over all other trophy awards.

22.4 Trophy sizes in each Championship section will be the same size.  They will also be larger than the trophies in the other sections. Team and individual trophies in Championship sections must be the same size and be graduated from a minimum 48" in height (for first place) down to a minimum of 24"  (for the lowest place). Team and individual trophies in other sections must be the same size and graduated from a minimum 42” in height (for first place) down to a minimum of 20” (for the lowest place).  Rating class trophies should be smaller than the lowest place trophies, but no smaller than 14".

22.5 Minimum number of trophies:

22.5.1 For each section of Spring Nationals: a minimum of 1 individual trophy per 10 players and 1 team trophy per 15 players in each section (average attendance in the past two years); plus plaques for 4 players and coach of top five teams; and trophies for the top 3 places in each of the following class sections:

22.5.1.1  High School:

K-12 Championship: 1900-1999, 1800-1899, 1700-1799, 1600-1699, 1500-1599, 1400-1499, 1300-1399, 1200-1299, U1200

22.5.1.2  Middle School/Junior High

K‑9 Championship: 1400-1599, 1200-1399, 1000-1199, U1000, UNR

K‑8 Championship: 1500-1599, 1400-1499, 1300-1399, 1200-1299, 1100-1199, 1000-1099

22.5.1.3  Elementary

K‑6 Championships: 1300-1399, 1200-1299, 1100-1199, 1000-1099, 900-999, 800-899

K‑5 Championships: 1300-1399, 1200-1299, 1100-1199, 1000-1099, 900-999, 800-899

K‑3 Primary Championships: 1100-1199, 1000-1099, 900-999, 800-899, 700-799, 600-699

K-1: All players in this section receive a trophy.

22.5.1.4  National Bughouse Championship

National High School: K-12 section 

National Junior High/Middle School: K-9 section

National Elementary: K-6 section

Supernationals: K-12 section, K-9 section and K-6 section

22.5.1.5  National Blitz Championship

National High School: K-12 section

National Junior High/Middle School: K-9 section

National Elementary: K-6 section and K-3 section

Supernationals: K-12 section, K-9 section, K-6 section and K-3 section

22.5.2 Each grade level of the K‑12 Championships: Top ten individuals and five teams per 100 players in each section (averaged over the past two years); and following class awards:

 

Grade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

1400-1599

1200-1399

1000-1199

Under 1000

 

 

 

 

Unrated

11

1400-1599

1200-1399

1000-1199

Under 1000

 

 

 

 

Unrated

10

1400-1599

1200-1399

1000-1199

Under 1000

 

 

 

 

Unrated

9

 

 

1200-1399

1000-1199

800-999

Under 800

 

 

Unrated

8

 

 

1200-1399

1000-1199

800-999

Under 800

 

 

Unrated

7

 

 

1200-1399

1000-1199

800-999

Under 800

 

 

Unrated

6

 

 

 

 

1000-1199

800-999

600-799

Under 600

Unrated

5

 

 

 

 

1000-1199

800-999

600-799

Under 600

Unrated

4

 

 

 

 

1000-1199

800-999

600-799

Under 600

Unrated

3

 

 

 

 

1000-1199

800-999

600-799

Under 600

Unrated

2

 

 

 

 

1000-1199

800-999

600-799

Under 600

Unrated

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

800-999

600-799

Under 600

Unrated

K

 

 

 

 

 

 

800-999

600-799

Under 600

Unrated

 

22.5.3 Each section of the National Youth Action Championship:  10 individual and 5 team trophies per 100 players in each section (average attendance in the past two years); plus plaques for 4 players and coach of top five teams.

22.5.4 Each age group of the Junior Chess Congress: Top 10 individual finishers in each section and top 5 teams.

22.5.5 In addition to the minimum number of trophies listed above extra trophies should be awarded based on the following calculation: Add the total number of players who have participated in each section over the last two years and divide the average number by 6. These trophies should be awarded only in the case that the final number exceeds the minimum requirement.  These additional trophies may be allocated to those tied with place trophy winners.

22.5.6 Ribbons and certificates for each participant have been used effectively at these events. Such items need no ceremonies and may be handed out at the results table. Organizers should be aware that tangible awards of some nature are necessary for the enhancement of these nationals. Plans for awards should be included in the bid and in advance publicity for the event.

22.5.7 Special trophies (gender specific trophies, etc.) are prohibited. Grade trophies are prohibited at all Spring Nationals.

22.5.8 Do not accept donations of extra trophies without the approval of the USCF.

22.5.9 For all Side Event tournaments the minimum awards will be equal to the minimum offered in the championship section of that tournament. See Appendices for specific information on the Blitz and Bughouse.

 

23.0     COACHES’, PARENTS’ AND SPECTATORS’ MEETINGS

23.1 A coaches’, parents’ and spectators’ meeting will be held prior to the first round, so that the chief TD can brief all interested parties on the rules, regulations and procedures to be followed during the tournament (these meetings have proven invaluable to veteran as well as freshmen coaches). Participation is recommended, and such meetings should be announced well in advance to allow everyone a chance to plan their attendance. The specific location of the meeting should be well advertised in the tournament booklet and with signs in the tournament facility.

23.2 The USCF Scholastic Director and Scholastic Committee Chairperson (or designee) will co‑chair a meeting concerning USCF scholastic programs and discussion of national scholastic issues. The Scholastic Chairperson will prepare the agenda for the meeting and have it available at the meeting. This meeting should last no longer than an hour and is usually scheduled for Saturday starting a half hour after the afternoon round begins.

23.3 The Tournament Organizer will hold a tournament feedback meeting concerning the evaluation of the tournament. The Scholastic Council representative, chief TD, and USCF Scholastic Director are encouraged to attend this meeting which is usually scheduled for Sunday starting a half hour after the morning round begins. This meeting should last no longer than one hour.

23.4 Whenever possible a coaches forum for the open exchange of coaching ideas among those present will be scheduled.  Once during round 2 and again during round 5 would be ideal.  This meeting will be chaired by a member of the Scholastic Council.  This forum is not to replace any other scheduled meeting involving the coaches.

23.5 Additional coaches meetings and seminars are encouraged.

23.6 No other meetings of any kind will be scheduled at the same time as the meetings above.

 

24.0      INTERNET COVERAGE

24.1 The organizer must set up a web page for each national event.

24.2 The web page should be available on-line at least six months prior to the event and link to the USCF website.

24.3 The information posted on the web page must be exclusively relevant to the event.

24.4 A complete list of all players and additional information must be posted at least 10 days before the event and updated on a regular basis.

 

25.0             RECOMMENDED SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

25.1 Provide a large map of the United States, with pins or flags indicating the home town of participants.

25.2 The tournament site can be decorated with banners prominently displaying the names and home towns of participating schools.

25.3 Provide coaches with names and addresses of attending schools.

25.4 Provide coaches with a copy of the USCF tournament crosstable as soon as it is available.

25.5 Organized activities for players add to the attractiveness of these events. Such activities, including simultaneous exhibitions or lectures by famous players, are recommended.

25.6 A social hour to enable players from different parts of the country to meet is desirable, but not mandated.

25.7 It is strongly recommended that side events (blitz tournaments, etc.) be completed on the day before the start of a national scholastic.

 

26.0     SUPERNATIONAL BIDS

On occasion, USCF may solicit interest from local organizers interested in developing a Supernational Tournament, i.e. a concurrent, co-located tournament of all three Spring Nationals.

26.1 Supernationals must follow all of the specifications in the previous sections of these regulations in addition to the regulations in this section.

26.2 The deadline for expressions of interest will be April 1, three years prior to the event.

26.3 Supernationals may be held no more frequently than every four years.  The first Supernational was held in 1997.

26.4 The site review process may include an on-site visit by a committee (to include a USCF staff representative, a disinterested member of the Scholastic Committee, and a third person to be selected by the Executive Board).  The purpose of this visit is not limited to, but shall include the following:

26.4.1 To review the physical layout of the tournament site, including playing, skittles, recreation, and parent waiting areas.

26.4.2 To examine issues of crowd control consistent with moving very large numbers in and out of specific areas within a limited time.

26.4.3 To address issues of logistics and safety, particularly the concerns of parents of young players.

26.4.4 To determine the number and accessibility of non-site food service establishments which will remain open during tournament hours.

26.5 In the written expression of interest, the organizer shall address all of the above items as well as the following areas of concern:

26.5.1 The registration process.

26.5.2 The recruiting, training, and level of expertise of the floor TD staff.

26.5.3 Provision for correcting TD errors, particularly data entry errors that affect a player’s score and pairing, prior to the start of the next round.

26.5.4 Back-up computer systems.

26.5.5 Transportation from hotels to the playing site.

26.5.6 Availability of moderately priced lodging close to the site for all players and families.

26.5.7 Ensuring that players from the same team will be lodged at the same location, if a housing-type organization is used for reservations.


 

APPENDIX A

National Scholastic Blitz Championship Regulations

 

A1.0 It is highly encouraged to have a Blitz Tournament as a side event at all National Scholastic events.  However, the only Blitz Tournaments that will be considered as National Championships will be those associated with the Spring Nationals.

A2.0 Rules

A2.1 All games will be played under Game-5 time control.

A2.2 Each player will play each opponent twice, once as white and once as black.  The lower

rated player has choice of color for the first game.

A2.3 The Chief Tournament Director has the discretion of Touch Move or Clock Move.  However, whichever is used it must be listed on the USCF website in an appropriate easy-to-find location.  Clock Move is recommended.

A3.0 Tournament Format

A3.1 Sections will be divided as follows:

National High School: K-12 Championship

National Junior High/Middle School: K-9 Championship

National Elementary: K-6 Championship and K-3 Championship

SuperNationals: K-12 Championship, K-9 Championship, K-6 Championship, K-3 Championship

A3.2 It is recommended that the tournament be a six round double-swiss tournament.

A3.3 No round is to begin after 9:30pm.

A3.4 Entries are to be online (when available) and are also allowed onsite up to 4:00pm on the tournament day.  Contestants in line at 4pm will be allowed to register.  Additional entrants may be allowed at the discretion of the Chief TD and Tournament Organizer.

A3.5 Round 1 shall begin at 5:00 on Thursday.

A3.6 The National Championship should be decided over the board, provided that there are only two or three players tied with the top score.  There will be extra round(s) only between those two or three at a time to be determined by the Chief Tournament Director.  If there are four or more players in the top score group then tiebreaks shall determine the National Champion and all of those tied will have the title “National Champion” even though tiebreaks will determine trophy presentation.

A4.0 The individual and team awards for the Championship Section, as explained in A3.1 above, shall be the same as in the Championship Section for that Spring National.  Other sections will have the number of awards that are deemed necessary based on projected attendance.


 

APPENDIX B

National Scholastic Bughouse Championship Regulations

 

B1.0 It is highly encouraged to have a Bughouse Tournament as a side event at all National Scholastic events.  However, the only Bughouse Tournaments that will be considered as National Championships will be those associated with the Spring Nationals.

 

B2.0 Tournament Format

B2.1 Sections will be divided as follows:

National High School: K-12 Championship

National Junior High/Middle School: K-9 Championship

National Elementary: K-6 Championship

SuperNationals: K-12 Championship, K-9 Championship, K-6 Championship.

B2.2  The tournament will begin at 11:00am on Thursday.

B2.3  All entries are to be onsite on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, with registration stopping at 10:00am.  Contestants in line at 10am will be allowed to register.  Additional entrants may be allowed at the discretion of the Chief TD and Tournament Organizer.

B2.4  The rules that are to be followed for a National Bughouse tournament are to be displayed at an appropriate easy-to-find location on the USCF website.

B3.0 The team awards for the Championship Section, as explained in B2.1 above, shall be the same as in the Championship Section for that Spring National.  Other sections will have the number of awards that are deemed necessary based on projected attendance.

 


 

APPENDIX C

Parents and Friends Tournament

 

As a means to include adults in the National Scholastic Championships, the organizer is encouraged to conduct a “Parents and Friends Tournament”.  The format, schedule and prize fund shall be up to the organizer with the exception of the following additional trophies for the following pairs:

a.       Father – Child

b.      Mother – Child

c.       Brother – Child

d.      Sister – Child

e.       Aunt – Child

f.       Uncle – Child

g.      Cousin – Child

h.      Coach – Child

i.        Grandfather – Child

j.        Grandmother - Child

 

where ‘Child’ refers to a player in any section of the National Championship.  Players in the Parents and Friends Tournament shall be solely responsible for informing the TD of that section of all relationships that they qualify for including the section the ‘Child’ is playing in.  Prizes will be awarded based on the sum of the Parents and Friends Tournament participant and their ‘Child’ based on an equal number of rounds.  If there are four rounds in the Parents and Friends Tournament, the “Child’s” score after the first four rounds is taken.  Awards will be handed out at Chess Control the last day of the main tournament.  A pair of trophies will be awarded to the winners of each pairing.  

 


APPENDIX D - FORMS

 

National Tournament Proposal

 

Tournament: ____________________________________ Dates: ____________

Site: ________________________________________ Sq. Ft. ______________

Location: City: ______________________ State: ____ Phone: (____)_________

Affiliate: __________________________________ ID#: ___________________

Organizer: ________________________________________________________

Organizer’s Telephone #’s: H (____)___________  W (____)__________

Chief TD: ________________________________________________________

Chief TD’s Telephone #’s: H (____)___________  W (____)__________

Primary Hotel: _____________________________________________________

Primary Hotel Rates: Sgl: ________ Dbl: _______ Trl: _______ Qd: _______

Secondary Hotel: ___________________________________________________

Secondary Hotel Rates: Sgl: ________ Dbl: _______ Trl: _______ Qd: _______

Secondary Hotel: ___________________________________________________

Secondary Hotel Rates: Sgl: ________ Dbl: _______ Trl: _______ Qd: _______

Secondary Hotel: ___________________________________________________

Secondary Hotel Rates: Sgl: ________ Dbl: _______ Trl: _______ Qd: _______

 

Area history of national and large non-national events:

Year    No. of Players                         Event

____    ___________  ____________________________________________

____    ___________  ____________________________________________

____    ___________  ____________________________________________

Organizer’s experience:

Year    No. of Players                         Event

____    ___________  ____________________________________________

____    ___________  ____________________________________________

____    ___________  ____________________________________________

Chief TD’s experience:

Year    No. of Players                         Event

____    ___________  ____________________________________________

____    ___________  ____________________________________________

____    ___________  ____________________________________________

Prize Distribution (list any prizes to be awarded other than those listed in the National Tournament Regulations - please be specific):

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

 

 


 

PLANNING BUDGET

 

Expenses:       Administrative supplies................................. $_____________

                        Advertising.....................................................            $_____________

                        Commemorative boards & sets...................... $_____________

                        Computer/printer rental.................................. $_____________

                        Computer/printer supplies.............................. $_____________

                        Insurance.......................................................  $_____________

                        Miscellaneous................................................  $_____________

                        Photo Copier rental.......................................  $_____________

                        Photo Copier supplies.................................... $_____________

                        Playing site rental........................................... $_____________

                        Postage.........................................................   $_____________

                        Rating Fees...................................................  $_____________

                        Security........................................................   $_____________

                        Shipping.......................................................   $_____________

                        Tables & Chairs............................................   $_____________

                        Telephone.....................................................   $_____________

                        Tournament Director expenses...................... $_____________

                        Trophies/Awards (Main Tourn)..................... $_____________

                        Trophies/Awards (Side Tourn)...................... $_____________

                        T-Shirts.........................................................  $_____________

                        Other (list) ________________....................  $_____________

                                         ________________....................   $_____________

                                         ________________....................   $_____________

                        Total Expenses............................................  $_____________

 

Income:          Commemorative Boards & Sets.....................            $_____________

                        Concessionaire Fees......................................  $_____________

                        Donatations & Contributions......................... $_____________

                        Entry Fee - Main Tourn. (Advance)...............$_____________

                        Entry Fee - Main Tourn. (On-site)................. $_____________

                        Entry Fee - Side Tourn. (Advance)................            $_____________

                        Entry Fee - Side Tourn. (On-site).................. $_____________

                        Sponsorship..................................................   $_____________

                        Tournament Program Advertising................. $_____________

                        T-Shirts........................................................   $_____________

                        Other (list) ________________....................  $_____________

                                         ________________....................   $_____________

                                         ________________....................   $_____________

                        Total Income................................................  $_____________

 

                        Total Net Income........................................   $_____________

 

 


 

SITE EVALUATION CHECKLIST

Location:

1. In safe area.................................................................   YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

2. Accessible to public transportation.............................. YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

3. Accessible to handicapped.......................................... YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

4. Food available near by................................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

Playing Site:

1. Playing site free..........................................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

2. Based on hotel room occupancy.................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

3. Available 24 hours per day.........................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

4. Has minimum required sq. ft. per player.....................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

5. Adequate lighting throughout playing rooms.............. YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

6. Ample tables (w/ table cloths) and chairs.................... YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

7. Adequate climate control.......................................….. YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

8. Carpeted or other sound cushioning material.............. YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

9. Adequate climate control...........................................   YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

10. Frequent water service provided..............................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

11. Room setup free or part of site fee............................ YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

12. Adequate number of restrooms nearby.....................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

13. Sufficient wall space available nearby....................... YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

14. Separate analysis area available................................. YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

15. Securable TD room..................................................   YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

16. Securable Concessionaire Room...............................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

17. Large & accessible registration area..........................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

18. Photocopier available................................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

19. Outside contractors allowed.....................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

20. Adequate skittles area available................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

21. Adequate spectators area.........................................   YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

Guest Rooms:

1. At or near playing site.................................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

2. Adequate block of rooms reserved.............................. YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

3. Alternate lodging near playing site.............................. YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

4. Reduced room rates....................................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

5. Guests responsible for own charges............................. YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

6. Complimentary room(s) available...............................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

7. Complimentary suite(s) available................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

8. Recreational facilities available...................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

Site Arrangements:

1. Management easily accessible.....................................  YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

2. Hotel rebates per room-night available........................ YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

3. Hotel(s) to provide post-convention report..................            YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

4. Hotel(s) agreement contract enclosed.......................... YES  [  ]  NO  [  ]

 

 


 

PROPOSAL AGREEMENT WITH USCF

 

I ________________________ agree to fulfill the terms of this proposal and to abide by the USCF National Tournament Regulations.  As the organizer, I will make every effort to ensure the integrity and success of this event:

_____________________________

(Proposed Event)

 

[  ] We request that USCF provide concessions for this event.

[  ] We request that other concessionaire options be discussed.

 

 

______________________________________        ________________

                        Signature                                                         Date

 

[  ] Playing site agreement included.

[  ] Hotel agreement included.

[  ] Hotel brochures included.

[  ] Playing area diagram included.


APPENDIX E

Guide for Spectator Conduct

 

1.      Do NOT stand in front of or make eye contact with the player whose game you are observing.

2.      Do NOT “camp out” at one game.

3.      Do NOT make faces or gestures or convey in any graphic way an opinion of a game being observed.

4.      Do NOT discuss or even whisper opinions of a game being observed.

5.      Do NOT speak privately with any player at or away from the board while his/her game is in progress.

6.      Do NOT assume the role of TD and intervene for any reason such as pointing out illegal moves, etc.

7.      Do NOT make any noise, such as opening a bag of potato chips, within earshot of a game in progress.

8.      Do NOT discuss a game at its conclusion if other games are being played in the vicinity, and do NOT analyze a game at a board in the tournament room.

9.      Do NOT take pictures after the first ten minutes when using flash or a camera with an audible shutter.

10.  Do NOT take pictures at any time from a location which makes you an obvious distraction to the players.

11.  Do NOT attempt to enforce rules yourself.

12.  DO report instances of cheating or rule violations by players or other spectators to the TD staff.

13.  Do NOT discuss instances of cheating or rules violations with the perpetrators.

14.  DO comply with any requests or instructions issued by tournament staff.

 

This guide shall be prominently posted at multiple locations.


 

APPENDIX F

 

Use of a Handheld Recording Device

 

 

 

Player’s Responsibilities:

 

1.                  Register the Device with the TD prior to the first round in which the player uses it.

2.                  Set it at the Record Mode and verify setting with the TD.

3.                  Show it to one’s opponent and explain its usage to that player and, if requested, to his or her parent and/or coach each round Device is used.

4.                  Make the move on the board before recording the move on the Device.

5.                  When recording moves, the player should have the Device on the table in view of the opponent.

6.                  When not recording moves the player should keep hands off the Device and leave the Device on the table in plain sight until the end of the game.

7.                  When opponent requests the player’s device to enter missing moves on his own scoresheet, player will set the mode to algebraic and turn the device around so opponent can view the display screen.  Device will remain on table.

8.                  The player may request the TD to provide security for the Device when the player uses the restroom.

 

 

 

Tournament Director’s Responsibilities:

 

1.                  Clear written instructions explaining the rules and directions for usage should be accessible to all players.

2.                  A large photograph of the device should be displayed at all scholastic tournaments to enable players to recognize and distinguish it from other handheld electronic devices such as Pocket Fritz.

3.                  An announcement should be made that all players using the Device must register them with the TD prior to the start of any round in which they are first being used.

4.                  Check each player’s Device to verify that it is set at Record Mode.

5.                  The regulations for the Device’s use should be announced to all players before the first round.

6.                  Circulate among the players during competition ensuring proper usage of the Device.

7.                  Monitor usage on the TD’s computer if appropriate software is available.

 

 

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