FAQ

Covid-19 Rules

Please note that while there are no legal rules in force in England at the present time, we reserve the right to apply any rules we consider appropriate to the covid situation prevailing at the time of the tournament. Thank you for your cooperation!

Tournament information

Can I watch my child’s games?

Parents are not allowed to remain in the playing hall while the games are in progress.

Is there supervision for my child all day?

Your child is only supervised while in the playing hall. Between games children are your responsibility and we cannot look after them for you.

Are chess clocks used in all sections?

Yes, chess clocks are used in all sections.  If your child has not used a chess clock before, a demonstration will be provided.  They are very simple to use.

Is it a knockout tournament?

This is not a knockout tournament.  Children play in every round.

Can my child play in the U9 event on Saturday only, then transfer to the U8 event on Sunday?

We do not allow changes of sections.  It is disruptive for controllers and players alike.  Please choose in advance which event your child would prefer to enter.

Can I transfer my child to a different age section?

No transfers between sections are accepted once the pairings have been done.  If you change your mind more than a day or two before the event, please email me and I will do my best to accommodate your wishes.

What can we do between rounds?

Please bring plenty to occupy you and your child over the course of the weekend.  You are free to leave the premises to go for a walk or to the park, but please make sure you are back in good time for the start of the next round.

Will pairings be available online?

We plan to publish the results on chess-results.com. A link will be provided on the home page of this website.

I have entered my child, but we now can't attend.  Can I have a refund?

We don't offer refunds on paid entry fees as this causes an excessive administrative workload for our team, who give up their spare time free of charge to organise this tournament.

My child can't make it to all the rounds. Can we take a bye?

A bye can be taken in any round except the final round. Please book these on the entry form when registering.

ECF Membership

Why do you offer a discount for ECF members?

We have to pay a fee to the English Chess Federation for every game played by a non-member, which is why non-members have to pay a higher fee.

How much does it cost to join the ECF?

Juniors who have never been an ECF member in the past are entitled to a year’s free silver membership. You can find out more here:

https://www.englishchess.org.uk/ecf-membership-rates-and-joining-details/

Closed event

What is the Closed event?

The Closed event is an invitation-only tournament run by Peter Purland.  It is a separate event to the South of England Junior Congress. In previous years it has run alongside it on the same dates, but this year it will be run on a different weekend and in a different venue. Please contact Peter Purland for further information.

How can my child enter the Closed?

Entry to the Closed is open to children who are already members of the National Chess Junior Squad and those who have a Squad half-norm from a previous event. Invitations are usually sent out by email. For further information please contact Peter Purland on petepurland@btopenworld.com.

Please note that the Closed event is not affiliated to the ECF.

National Chess Junior Squad trials

What are half norms?

Players obtain a half norm for the National Chess Junior Squad trials by achieving a score of above 50% in any of the qualifying events.  Two half norms are required to enter the trials.  At the South of England, children must enter the Under 11 section to try for their half norm, and must be in Year 5 or Year 6 at school (under 10 or under 11) to qualify for the Junior Squad.  A score of 3 or more out of 5 will win a half norm.

Our U13 and U15 sections now also offer half-norm opportunities to join the National Chess Junior Squad. Children must be in Year 7 or 8 (U13) or Year 9 or 10 (U15) to qualify. A score of 3 or more out of 5 will win a half norm.

Please note that the NCJS is not affiliated to the ECF.

Further information on the NCJS trials can be viewed here: http://www.ncjs.co.uk/