Shropshire Junior Chess Congress 2023

Shropshire Chess Association is delighted to announce the long-awaited return of the Shropshire Junior Chess Congress. This tournament is for junior players regardless of home location who are under 18 years of age on 1st September 2022.

Entries:

Online Entry Form

Entries to Date

Pairings/Results

Live Boards

Closing date for entries – 17/03/2023

Entry Fee:
£15.00 (ECF Silver member)
£20.00 (Non-Silver members)

If you are paying by cheque please post to:
Christopher Lewis
23 Valley View,
Market Drayton,
TF9 1EA

Alternatively if you are paying via bank transfer please make payment to:
Name: Shropshire Chess Association
Account No: 60809748
Sort Code: 20-77-85
Reference: Child’s Name

Date:
Saturday 18th March 2023

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

There is ample free parking available in the school grounds.

Sections:

U8’s – Open to players born on or after 1st September 2014

U10’s – Open to players born on or after 1st September 2012

U12’s – Open to players born on or after 1st September 2010

U14’s – Open to players born on or after 1st September 2008

U18’s – Open to players born on or after 1st September 2004

Note – these 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:
The top player in each section will receive a trophy.
Medals will be awarded to players scoring the following:

Gold 5½ or 6 points
Silver 4½ or 5 points
Bronze 3½ or 4 points

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.

Live Boards
The top boards in each section will be played on our live boards. If all goes to plan parents will be able to view the matches broadcast on a screen in the atrium.

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

– Christopher Lewis
– Dan HIlditch-Love
– Francis Best
– Andrew McCumiskey
– Chris Hankey
– Phil Love (Live Board Technician)
– Rudy Van Kemenade (Commentator)
– Thalia Holmes (Commentator)
– Munroe Morrison (Commentator)

Other Activities:
Alongside the main tournament all players may enter our puzzle challenge, individually or in teams (no phones allow). For the team who gets the highest score a prize will be awarded.

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.

Some light refreshments will be available on the day.

Parental Responsibility:
Parents or guardians must be present and remain responsible for their children during the tournament.

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.

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

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

2023 Shropshire Junior Chess Congress Entry Form (PDF)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. We will offer a full refund if we receive 7 days notice prior to the event. We will offer a 50% refund if we receive notice in the 7 days before the event. We will not issue a refund if you do not turn up or cancel on the day of the event.
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/)