March 2025 Scholastic Chess Tournament

This event is open to all scholastic players through high school.

Three Sections:

1. pK-3rd Grade - Not-Rated: 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.
2. pK-6th Grade - Not-Rated: For new and beginning pre-K through 6th graders. This section is 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.
3. 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 (and this section only) will be submitted to the USCF for official rating. A current USCF ID is required for this section - visit . Unless excused by TD, players must write down moves and use a clock.

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

Format for all sections:

• USCF rules for Scholastic tournament. Only Rated section is submitted to USCF.
• 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 (with 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.
• View the full Rules and Guidelines.

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.
• 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 8PM the day prior to the tournament.
• Last-minute registration after 8PM (on-site registration after 10 AM will receive a "bye" for the first round) - $30.

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 https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess.
• 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:

• Multi-purpose room.
• Free parking.
• Outdoor seating available. Bring playground equipment if desired.
• Food somewhat nearby (but you will want to bring snacks).

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Taylor Elementary School, 1921 Carlotti Drive, Santa Maria, United States