Shropshire Megafinal 2024 – Shropshire Chess

The Shropshire Megafinal is your local regional stage of the UK Chess Challenge, one of the largest junior chess tournaments in the word. This tournament is for junior players regardless of home location who were born after 31/08/2005. Further information about the UKCC can be found on their website:
https://www.delanceyukschoolschesschallenge.com/

Entries:

Online Entry Form

Entries to Date

Pairings/Results – TBA

Live Boards – TBA

Closing date for entries – 01/06/2024

Entry Fee:
£25.00 (payable online to the UK Chess Challenge)

Date:
Sunday 2nd June 2024

Venue:
Charlton School, Apley Avenue, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 3FA.

There is ample free parking available in the school grounds.

Sections:

Date From	Date To	Age Category	UKCC Section
01/09/2005	31/08/2006	U18	U18
01/09/2006	31/08/2007	U17	U18
01/09/2007	31/08/2008	U16	U18
01/09/2008	31/08/2009	U15	U18
01/09/2009	31/08/2010	U14	U14
01/09/2010	31/08/2011	U13	U14
01/09/2011	31/08/2012	U12	U12
01/09/2012	31/08/2013	U11	U12
01/09/2013	31/08/2014	U10	U10
01/09/2014	31/08/2015	U9	U10
01/09/2015	31/08/2016	U8	U8
01/09/2016	31/08/2017	U7	U8
01/09/2017	31/08/2018	U6	U8
01/09/2018	31/08/2019	U5	U8

Note – the section ranges are subject to the organizers discretion and may vary depending on entries received.

Playing Schedule
Round 1        10am-11am
Round 2        11am-12pm
Round 3        12pm-1pm
Lunch
Round 4        2pm-3pm
Round 5        3pm-4pm
Round 6        4pm-5pm

Prizegiving 5pm-6pm

All entrants will play 6 matches during the day. It is not a knockout.

Time Limit:
All moves in 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment per move

Rating:
All games will be ECF rated.

Prizes:
Top Boy Trophy
Top Girl Trophy
Top U7/U9/U11/13/U16 Trophy
2nd place: Silver Medal
3rd place: Bronze Medal

Every entrant will receive a certificate.

Tiebreak rules will be used to determine trophies and medals. The tie-breaks are: (1) Direct Encounter (2) Median-Buchholz (3) Buchholz Cut 1 (4) Buchholz.

Gigafinal Qualification Rules
All players scoring 3.5 points will qualify for the Gigafinals. Those finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their section will also qualify. In the event of ties for 3rd place all will qualify. The top U7, U9 and U11 will also qualify automatically (boy and girl).

Children listen to commentary provided by local player Rudy van Kemenade

Live Boards
The top boards in each section will be played on our live boards. Parents will be able to view the matches broadcast on a screen in the atrium complete with commentary.

Volunteers:
This tournament is being run by volunteers on behalf of Shropshire Chess Association

– Christopher Lewis
– Jamie Handscomb
– Phil Love (Live Board Technician)

Other Activities:

All players are free to check out our giant chess board on the day!

We will look to add more activities so watch this space!

First Tournament:
This tournament is open to all including those who have never before entered a chess tournament. Our team of volunteers will be on hand to assist those players who are unfamiliar with tournament play and ensure a fun day is had by all. If you are unsure if your child is of a suitable ability please feel free to have a discussion with the congress organizer (Chris Lewis – 07508 487092).

Wifi:
Please note the school will not be able to provide wifi.

Transport:
The venue is located close to the M54. The venue is 14 minutes walk from Wellington Train Station.

Refreshments:
The venue is located a few minutes away from Wellington Town Centre.

Light refreshments will be available on the day:

Parental Responsibility:
We are unable to take responsibility for any children outside the playing hall. We expect younger children to be always supervised by an adult but leave it to the discretion of parents for older children.

Photographs
A photographer will be present at the prize giving ceremony. With the permission of the parents we hope to use these photos for the future publicity of Shropshire Chess.

Shropshire Junior Chess Congress
The Shropshire Chess Association also host the annual Shropshire Junior Chess Congress. Please contact us if you wish to receive details of future events.

Organiser Contact:
Please feel free to send any queries to –

Christopher Lewis
christopher.d.lewis44@gmail.com
01630 801860 or 07508 48709

2024-Shropshire-Megafinal-Entry-Form Download

Congress Terms and Conditions

It is a condition of entry that players agree to abide by the following congress terms and conditions:

1. The organisers reserve the right, without giving a reason, to transfer or refuse an entry.
2. The organisers reserve the right to expel any parent or child who is being threatening/abusive/anti-social or carrying illegal weapons or substances. No refund will be granted.
3. The organisers reserve the right to amend the section age ranges at their discretion dependent upon number of entries.
4. All fees must be paid before play starts. Late Entries at the venue are at the discretion of the organisers.
5. All pairings will be made by our swiss manager software. The organisers reserve the right to amend any pairings as is reasonably required to ensure the event runs smoothly.
6. Any decision taken by the arbiters is final.
7. If we cancel the event then you will be entitled to a full refund of your entry fee.
8. If you wish to cancel an event registration this request must be made in writing to the tournament organizer. Refunds are at the discretion of the UK Chess Challenge.
9. Parents or guardians are responsible for their children throughout the Event. During the game parents will not be allowed access to the playing hall – at this time the children will be under the supervision of the Control Team. As soon as the child leaves the playing hall the parent is again fully responsible.
We suggest you ensure your child is aware of where you are waiting and knows where to find you. If you lose contact with your child please inform a member of the control team.
10. Shropshire Chess Association accepts no responsibility for any personal property that is brought to events.
11. Shropshire Chess Association recognizes our responsibility to protect the welfare of all children who attend our events. Likewise by entry to our events you and you child agree to our behavioral code of conduct.
(https://www.shropshirechess.org/junior-chess/child-protection-policies/)