SPACE COAST SCHOLASTIC CHESS
Welcome to the largest scholastic chess organization in Central Florida

FAQ

F. A. Q.

1. How do I know which section to register for?

2. Why do I need a USCF membership?

3. Where can I get a USCF membership?

4. How do I pre-register for a tournament?

5. Do I have to pre-register?

6. How do I pay for the tournament entry fee?

7. What time should I plan to arrive at the tournament?

8. What should I do when I get to the tournament?

9. What if I have to leave the tournament early?

10. What if I pre-register for a tournament and I can't make it?

11. Is there a place to sit between the rounds?

12. Do I need to bring food?

13. How long does the tournament last?

14. What is a bye?

15. I need a bye, what round should I request a bye for?

16. What is the K-1 section?

F. A. Q.1. How do I know which section to register for? Most of our tournaments include K-1, K-3, K-6, K-12 and the Open Section. The different sections allow players to play against other players that are approximately the same age. Players should be registered for the lowest section that they are eligible to play in unless they want to “play up” to a higher section. For example, a second grader should play in the K-3 section, unless they want to “play-up” to the K-6 section or the K-12 section. Players cannot “play-down”- a 7th grader cannot play in the K-6 section. The Open Section is for players that are rated over 1000 regardless of their age or grade.

2. Why do I need a USCF membership? The United States Chess Federation (USCF) is the official membership organization and governing body for chess players of all ages and levels in the United States. All of our tournaments are USCF rated tournaments and players must be USCF members in order to participate. By having a membership, chess players are rated and recognized at the national level.

  3. Where can I get a USCF membership? You may purchase your USCF membership at the tournament through Brevard Chess Center (Chris Bortzner), a registered affiliate of USCF and receive a discounted rate of $14. Or you can purchase your membership directly through USCF. Membership information may be found by clicking on the link marked Join/Renew on the USCF website. Follow the website directions to buy your USCF membership. Current prices for a USCF scholastic 12 and under membership is $17 a year (not discounted). Other options are available on the website.

4. How do I pre-register for a tournament? Go to the home page and click on the tab at the top of the page that says "Pre-Register Here".

5. Do I have to pre-register? Yes, you have to pre-register on-line by the Friday before the tournament by 7:00 pm in order to play in the first round. If you do not pre-register you can come to the tournament as a “walk-in” and you will be paired for the second round. A “walk-in” fee of $5 plus the regular tournament fee is charged.

6. How do I pay for the tournament entry fee? You pay the tournament entry fee at the tournament site- at this time we are unable to accept online payments. Cash or checks (made payable to Space Coast Scholastic Chess) are accepted at the tournament site.

7. What time should I plan to arrive at the tournament? The check- in desk opens at 8:00 am. All players should plan to be on site and checked in by 8:45 am. The first round starts at 9:00 am.

8. What should I do when I get to the tournament? Parents should check their players in at the check-in desk and pay the tournament fee. At the check-in desk parents should verify that the player is in the correct section, has any byes if needed, and is assigned to the correct school (for team awards).

9. What if I have to leave the tournament early? If a player has to leave the tournament early for any reason (soccer, baseball, illness, etc.)- please notify the tournament director as soon as possible so that byes can be given as needed.

10. What if I pre-register for a tournament and I can't make it? If you pre-register for a tournament and can't make it please use the contact form and let us know and we'll make sure the player is not paired. If a player is registered we expect them to come to the tournament. If on the Saturday morning of the tournament you can't make it please try to contact another player that is coming to the tournament and ask them to let us know that you won't be able to attend and the tournament director will withdraw the player from the tournament.

11. Is there a place to sit between the rounds? Plan on sitting in a courtyard area outside for most of our tournaments. Some of the schools that host our tournaments have inside areas that players and parents can sit in. We suggest that you bring a lawn chair to sit in just in case there isn't enough seating.

12. Do I need to bring food? The school that hosts the tournament runs the concession stand and sells drinks, snacks, pizza, breakfast items, etc. However, you are welcome to pack a lunch if you like.

13. How long does the tournament last? Our tournaments start promptly at 9:00 am and we try to finish by 5:30 pm.

14. What is a bye? A bye is what happens when you do not play a round in a chess tournament. Sometimes players cannot make a round or two because of another activity like soccer, dance, baseball, etc. If a player requests a bye on the pre-registration form they will receive a 1/2 point for the first requested bye.

15. I need a bye(s) what round(s) should I request a bye for? The following is a tentative schedule that we try to follow at our tournaments- Round 1 (9-10 am) Round 2 (10:30- 11:30 am) Round 3 (12:00-1:00) Round 4 (1:30-2:30), Round 5 (3:00-4:00). This schedule can be used for planning bye requests. Because we may be running earlier or later than the schedule, on the day of the tournament please stay in contact with the check in volunteers and please let us know if you won't be able to make a round, etc..

16. What is the K-1 section? The K-1 section is for players in kindergarten and first grade only. Trophies are awarded to the top 7 players in this section. Because there are so few kindergarteners and first grade players the K-1 players are paired with the K-3 players. Also any K-1 player is eligible to compete for the K-3 trophies. If a player in the K-1 section places first place in the K-1 section and third in the K-3 section the player may choose to take either the K-1 or K-3 trophy. If there is a choice of trophies, the tournament director will notify the player.

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