2024 May Scholastic Tournament

FAQ and Scholastic Tournament Information

Three Sections:

• • Non-Rated Section pK-3rd Grade: For new and beginning players pK-3rd grades. This section is Non-Rated which means that the results will not be submitted to USCF. Writing down moves is encouraged but not required. Using a clock is encouraged but not required.

  • Non-Rated pK-6th Grade: For new and beginning pre-K through 6th graders. Just like the pK-3rd section but for older players. Younger players may "play-up" in this section if they'd like more of a challenge.

  • Rated Section: For more experienced players pK-12 grades. USCF rated 600 or more must play this section. USCF rated below 600 may also "play-up" to this section if they would like the extra challenge. Results from this section will be submitted to the USCF for official rating. Current USCF membership is required (see below for information). Unless excused by TD, players must write down moves and use a clock.

• Sections may be combined or adjusted at TD discretion based on attendance.

Format:

• • USCF rules for Scholastic tournament.

  • Notation (writing down moves) only required for Rated section.

  • 5 rounds SS (Swiss System) - Players are paired for each round against players with approximately the same number of wins and losses after each round (players might not play all 5 rounds if byes are requested or if there's an odd number of players for a round).

  • Game in 30 minute for each player, 5-second delay for Rated section.

  • Tournament Director (TD) discretion may be used for any pairings. We will try to avoid pairings against siblings and school mates for initial rounds.

  • Sets and boards provided. Please bring chess clocks if you have them.

Times:

• • On-site check-in and registration 9:30 - 10:00.

  • Round times 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:15pm, 2:30 pm, 3:45 pm. Please be present 5 to 10 minutes before round starts.

• If you have a conflict like a soccer game you can take some "byes" so you can do both! It is better to play 3 games than none. :) Learn more...

• Awards ceremony at approximately 5:00 pm (hopefully earlier if rounds finish sooner).

Registration & Entry Fees:

• • All sections - $15 per participant in advance (all online entries must be received prior to the day of the event). Pre-registration closes at 9PM the day prior to the tournament.

  • On-site registration prior to 10 AM (on-site registration after 10 AM will receive a "bye" for the first round) - $15.

USCF Membership (applies to Rated section only!):

• • New players and expired USCF members playing in the rated section must pay for USCF membership prior to tournament.

  • View full USCF membership options online at www.uschess.org

  • New members will immediately receive their USCF ID number upon joining online.

Trophies and Prizes:

• • Trophies will be awarded to the top individuals in each section.

  • Other donated prizes will be handed out at TD discretion.

  • Please contact us if your business would like to sponsor appropriate prizes (like gift certificates for ice-cream and the like).

Location:

• Paso Robles High School

  • Multi-purpose room.

  • Free parking.

  • Outdoor seating available. Bring playground equipment if desired.

  • Food nearby (but you will want to bring snacks).

Contact:

Contact Michael McCreary, michael@slochess.com