Broward County Scholastic Chess Championship Saturday, March 7, 2009

The Broward County Chess Association, in affiliation with the United Sates Chess Federation (USCF), and hosted by Pine Crest School (licensed and insured, 954-492-4100), presents the annual Broward County Scholastic Chess Championship for student chess players and teams. This event is open to all students who reside in or attend school in Broward County through grade 12. All players need adult supervision (parent or coach) for the entire tournament.

SECTIONS: Both individual and team competition in five sections by grade levels: K-1, K-3, K-5, K-8, and K-12. Players can "play up" (i.e., play in a section higher than his/her current grade) but cannot play down.  For instance, if a 1st grader is very strong, her or she can play in the K-3 section (or even higher).  However, for team standings, a player is part of one team section only, the one he/she registered for.  If necessary, sections may be combined (for pairing purposes only).

ENTRY FEE: The entry fee for this tournament is $18.  No refunds once entry fee has been paid.

USCF REQUIREMENT: As this is a rated tournament, all players must have active memberships with the United States Chess Federation on the day of the tournament. Please make sure player's USCF membership is active before arriving.  All memberships will be verified by the end of round 1.  Players with expired USCF memberships will be not be paired for round 2 and will be withdrawn from the tournament. To verify your USCF membership, go to: http://www.uschess.org/msa/ AND SELECT “Look Up A Member” [or call the USCF at 1-800-903-USCF (8723)]. If you do not have an active USCF membership, you can visit www.uschess.org and click on “Join/Renew”.

TOURNAMENT SITE: Pine Crest School, 1501 NE 62 Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Egan Auditorium (located just north and east of the parking garage).

CHILD CARE IS NOT AVAILABLE.  Young children cannot be left unattended.

LUNCH/SNACKS:  Absolutely send your player with water bottles and snacks.  We will be ordering pizzas for delivery.  Large pies will be double cut and slices will be $1 each.  Send your player with $1s!

EQUIPMENT: Please bring your own chess pieces (and clock, if you have one; not required but helpful).

CHECK IN: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7th, 2009. Come early if you need to pay.

ORGANIZATION: Swiss System (Players play those with same or similar scores). This is NOT single elimination. Everyone plays all rounds. You may request one bye at 1/2 point with prior arrangement.

TIME PER GAME: Sections K-1, K-3, K-5, are 30 minutes per player (Game/30) with 5 rounds. Sections K-8 and K-12 are 45 minutes per player (Game/45) with 4 rounds. TEAMS: A team is a minimum of two players from the same school. Top 4 scorers from each school will make up team score. GAME TIMES: Round 1 begins at 9:00 am. Each succeeding round will begin as soon as pairings are complete. LUNCH: Players (and chaperones) will need to bring a lunch and/or snacks and drinks. We will be ordering pizza delivery for those in need. TROPHIES: Trophies will be presented upon final determination of winners after the last round (about 4:00 p.m.). In each section, trophies go to the top eight individuals and to the top four teams.