Scholastic Chess Tournament Guide
Scholastic Chess Tournament: What Parents Should Know
Quick Summary for Parents
- No parents in the playing hall during rounds.
- Games are timed — each child has 15 minutes total.
- No scorekeeping required at this speed.
- No phones on in the playing hall.
- Players must follow touch-move, clock rules, and sportsmanship.
- Problems? Players stop the clock and raise their hand for a director.
Scholastic Chess Tournament: What Parents Should Know
# Scholastic Chess Tournament: What Parents Should Know
This is a G/15 Unrated Tournament. Each player has 15 minutes total to finish their game. Although unrated, it will follow official tournament conditions so players gain tournament experience.
You are encouraged to join the Dayton Chess Society Meetups to discuss tournament chess conditions. See Dayton Chess Meetups
—
General Rules
- Time Control: G/15 means 15 minutes per player for the entire game.
- No Scorekeeping: Players don’t need to record moves.
- No Electronics: Phones and devices must be turned completely off.
—
Etiquette
- Quiet Hall: No talking once games begin. Parents wait outside.
- Sportsmanship: Shake hands (or fist-bump) before and after the game.
- Announcing Check: Not required — players must notice check and checkmate themselves.
—
Rules of Play
- Touch-Move: If you touch a piece, you must move it (if legal). If you touch an opponent’s piece, you must capture it (if legal).
- Adjusting Pieces: Say “Adjust” before straightening a piece. Only adjust pieces during your turn.
- Castling: Players may touch rook and king in any order—or even at the same time—when castling.
—
Using the Clock
- After moving, press your clock with the same hand you used for the move.
- Don’t hover over the clock or press it roughly.
—
Draws
- To offer a draw: Make your move, press your clock, and say “I offer a draw.”
- Your opponent accepts or declines on their turn.
—
Illegal Moves & Questions
- If there’s a problem: Stop the clock and raise your hand.
- First illegal move: Warning and correction.
- Repeated illegal moves: Game may be awarded to the opponent.
—
Tournament Directors
- Direct games, make pairings, and enforce rules.
- Players should stop the clock call the director if there’s any dispute — not argue with each other.
—
Closing Note
This event is designed to give children the full tournament experience in a safe, fair, and encouraging environment. Parents are encouraged to support their players by respecting the conditions and allowing them to compete independently.