Ridgefield 1/14 Scholastic Sunday Swiss (K-5)

*  UNRATED EVENT - This event is intended as a practice event for beginner chess players who may participate in future rated tournaments, with a quick rating of 400 or under.   There will be a U400 section with the same time control at the next club tournament, on February 11th (Sunday) from 1:30 - 4:30 PM (Date changed from February 18th).

Time: Time: Round 1 starts promptly at 1:40PM. Estimated round start times are 1:40 pm, 2:10 pm, 2:40 pm, 3:10 PM, and 3:40 PM, event expected to finish approximately 3:45 PM. Event may end earlier or later depending on gameplay.

Location: Way of the Sword Academy Fencing, Archery, Chess Clubs (21 Governor Street, Ridgefield, CT)

Format: 5SS, G/15; Five rounds of USCF rated chess in Swiss System format. Each player has 15 minutes to make their moves in a game with no delay per move. Limited to 16 seats.  If there are fewer than 10 players, 4 rounds will be played instead of 5.

Sections: 1 section with 16 seats.

Byes: No byes permitted.  All participants are expected to complete all of their games.

Entry fee: $20 USD initial; $25 effective 1/3/2024, $35 USD effective 1/12/2024.

Entry deadline: Saturday 10 pm (day before tournament). No on-site registration.

Prizes: No prizes are awarded for this practice event.

Refunds/Cancellation Policy: If unable to participate, players may withdraw by contacting the tournament director by emailing hello[at]wayoftheboard.org. A request for a refund may be made no later than Tuesday midnight (Tuesday before tournament). Refunds subject to a $10 cancellation fee to cover credit card processing charges.

If a player is feeling unwell (coughing, has fever, sore throat, etc), they should not compete in consideration of the health of other players. Entry fee will be credited towards future tournaments at this club, minus a $5 administrative fee.

Additional Details:

* Parents may register players in school grades K-5 who are interested in playing in a rated tournament later, but have minimal or no experience.  Players should already be familiar with how to move and capture pieces, castle, and how to check/checkmate an opponent.  Players are expected to play to the end of each game without being distracted; if unsure whether a player is ready please email hello@wayoftheboard.org.

* No USCF membership is required for this unrated event.  For rated events at this club, an active USCF membership is required prior to registering for tournaments - available at https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess. The fee for one child under 19 is $20/year, with other membership options available.

* Supervision: Tournament director and tournament assistant (if there are 8+ players) will be coordinating this event.  Dropoff is possible, and parents can be contacted via cellphone as needed.  Parents with young players who require supervision should plan on attending the event for duration.

* Chess sets and clocks are provided. No need to bring anything.

* When registering multiple players, order separately.

* Safety: Masks are optional, and no food is allowed in the playing area. Players may eat a snack in the adjoining chess room. 

* A water bottle for players is suggested.

* Parking: There are plenty of parking spaces in the club parking lot.

* Social media: Photos/videos will be taken at the event, and may be posted to the club website or social media accounts for outreach and marketing purposes. Inform the tournament director at hello[at]wayoftheboard.org before day of event to opt-out if desired.

* Notation : Taking notation is not required for this time control.  See tournament handout (HERE) for event rules and tournament etiquette.

* As the parent waiting area has limited space, only one accompanying adult is suggested for players during game time. Additional family members are welcome (and encouraged) to come and watch at the beginning and end of tournament. There is the nearby Ridgefield library, coffee shops, ice cream and candy shops, and the local bookstore a short walk away in downtown.

* Link to event photos will be posted to https://tournaments.wayoftheboard.org.

* An Events4Chess account is not necessary to register a player for this tournament, only the player's first and last name, and school grade.  A Events4Chess account  is only needed to auto-populate fields when registering, or to be notified when a new event is live.

* Printable flyer: https://www.events4chess.com/dashboard/events/rds_generate_flyer.php?event_ID=1948