ECF U19 NATIONAL SCHOOLS
CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Structure
1) The event will be run as a 3 round Swiss tournament.
2) Organisers should remember that the main outcome of the event will be that teams scoring
over 50% match points (at least 2 wins out of 3 or equivalent) gain qualification to the
Regional Stage of the ECF National Schools Chess Championship.
3) All matches are played on full size chess sets and boards with chess clocks.
4) Rounds will last around 45 minutes. The plan for the afternoon is as follows:
Arrive: 3:30pm
Round 1: 4:00pm
5) Fischer timings will be used: 15mins + 5s/move.
Chess rules
6) The full rules of chess are to be used. That includes: touch piece, move piece; touch take; en
passant etc. There should be no commenting on games in progress by other players or staff.
In the cases of a dispute or uncertainty they should stop the clock and get the organiser, or
others to whom role of arbiting has been designated.
7) Players do not need to record their moves.
8) Fischer timings will be used (an increment per move) and this means that it will not be
possible to claim a draw under the ‘two minute rule’.
Illegal moves
9) Only the opponent can point out an illegal move, not another player or team manager (unless
an independent arbiter is present, when they should intervene). The FIDE rule is that the
first illegal move in a game is a warning (“yellow card”) and the second loses the game (“red
card”). Both illegal moves must be pointed out to the arbiter or other responsible person. If
the opponent is short of time then 1 minute should be added to their clock on the first illegal
move.
Mobile phones
10) Mobile phones should be switched off. A mobile phone ringing during play will not incur the
loss of the game. A mobile phone that rings should be confiscated by the accompanying staff
member. Mobile phones, and other internet capable devices, are best kept stored in a closed
bag/briefcase/coat pocket or put next to the board during play.
Match Play
11) All matches within the event are between two school teams of 6 players. Teams with less
than 6 players default the lower boards. Board 1 colours are fixed by the pairings and then
colours alternate down the team.
Disputes
12) Any questions or complaints must be submitted within 24 hours to the U19 Organiser. An
appeal against a ruling by the U19 Organiser may be made (within 48 hours) to the English
Chess Federation’s Director of Junior Chess, whose decision will be final.
