English Chess Federation 2008/9 Grand Prix Rules

1. Eligibility of Events

Any chess congress graded by the English Chess Federation can be included in the 2008/9 English Chess Federation Grand Prix. Leagues, team competitions, internal club competitions and matches are not eligible for the Grand Prix. Congresses which are not open to all eligible players can only be included with the prior agreement of the Congress Manager. The Grand Prix commenced on 1 June 2008 and finishes as the end of the Grading year on 31 May 2009. There is no charge for events to be included in the Grand Prix but events must submit their games for grading and pay game fee giving discounts to direct members according to current instructions.

2. Eligibility of players

Only members of the English Chess Federation are entitled to compete for Grand Prix points.

3. Grand Prix points

The 2008/09 Grand Prix is divided into five sections based on Grades as follows: -

a) Junior Prix - open to all players born after 31/08/1990

b) Graded Prix - open to all players born on or before 31/08/1990, who have a ECF grade in the ranges below. The Graded Prix will be organised into four sections as follows: Grades 150-174; Grades 125-149; Grades 100-124; Grades Under 100.

4. Responsibility of events

a) Before the event:-

i) The event shall be submitted, at least six weeks before the start of the event, for inclusion in the ECF Calendar.
ii) Events must announce in their entry forms that they are part of the English Chess Federation Grand Prix.
iii) Prior to an event taking place at least five entry forms must be submitted to the English Chess Federation Office.

b) During the event: -

Events are required to display the Grand Prix Leader Tables and Rules are available on the English Chess Federation Website. Exceptionally where a congress has no internet access, a copy will be provided by the ECF Office if a written request is made to that effect in good time.

c) After the event :-

As soon as possible after the event, not later than one month after its conclusion, the grading files for the event must be submitted to the Grading Database Manager. The Grand Prix check box on the program must be ticked. Separate files shall be submitted when it is possible that a player may play in 2 or more sections in the same congress. In some congresses, the player who would otherwise receive the Full Point Bye will be given a graded game. Such graded games will be regarded as part of the Grand Prix.

5. Scoring Points

The same calculation applies to the Junior Prix and the 4 Graded Prix.

(a) Scoring points and bonuses

(i) Grand Prix points will be scored by any player who plays at least 4 games in an event.

(ii) His score is his percentage, with any fractions of a percent ignored, plus the number of games played in that event (up to a maximum of 11).

(iii) In a rapidplay event, the score is calculated as above, then halved, and truncated, if necessary, to produce a whole number.

(b) Calculating points

Grand Prix points will be calculated on the player’s best performances in

• 7 Standard Play events, or
• 6 Standard Play events + 2 Rapidplay events, or
• 5 Standard Play events + 4 Rapidplay events.

The player must be a Member of the English Chess Federation at the time of the event. Players may take part in as many Grand Prix Tournaments as they wish.

(c) Tie

In the case of a tie, the next highest standard play result or two next highest rapidplay results will act as a tiebreak. This process will be continued if needed.

(d) Graded Prix

Eligibility for each section will be based on the ECF Standard play list or where no standard grade is held, the Rapidplay List.

6. Prizes

In each section of the Grand Prix, the winner will receive a commemorative trophy and a discount of £50 from Entry Fees to the 2009 British Championships in Torquay 26 July to 8 August.

7. Application of Rules

The application of these rules and any decisions relating to them on any matters either covered or not covered within the English Chess Federation Grand Prix remains with the Federation. Any decision made by the Federation on matters within the Grand Prix is final and binding on all events and entrants. The Federation reserves the right to change the scope and rules of the Grand Prix for forthcoming years. Any appeals or requests for checking of Grand Prix scores should be made to the ECF Office. Such requests must be accompanied by a cheque for £15 made out to the ECF. The £15 fee will be returned if the appeal/request is upheld.