ECF John Robinson Junior Grand Prix 2008/9

The purpose of the introduction of the Junior Grand Prix in England is to promote chess excellence in England. Any junior player (fide under 16) who is qualified to represent England at the European Youth Chess Championships 2009 can be a part of the Junior Grand Prix.

The Grand Prix will be divided into eight FIDE open and girls’ age sections:
Under 10, 12, 14, 16. The highest scoring players in each section will be selected for the European Youth Championships and other players scoring highly will be selected for other events as they arise. The higher the score the greater chance of selection. We cannot, however, guarantee that extra opportunities will arise at all age groups. In 2008 only U16 and U12 age groups had this opportunity.

You can score Grand Prix points at five tournaments this year, best three to count:

British Championships Liverpool 28 July - 9 August 2008
Forms can be got from ECF Office or downloaded from ECF Website
U11, U13 and U16 tournaments are Week 1, U10, U12 & U14 Week 2. Ideally you should enter your own age group although if unavailable the one above. If you play two weeks any tournament in the second week will be fine. Only your better result would count for GP.

London Junior 13\14 December (U14, U10) 28-30 December (U16, U12) 2008
Information from Marc Shaw 020 8931 2276. Please enter correct age group - one to count.

South of England Championships provisionally at Yateley Manor Jan 31\Feb 1 2009
Peter Purland 0151 733 4854 petepurland@btopenworld.com

West of England Championships at Swindon February 21\2 2009
Information from Bev Schofield 01793 487575

Junior Squad at John Moores University Liverpool April 17-19 2009
Information from Glynis South 0151 639 3331 glynissouth@yahoo.co.uk

We would expect all players to enter at least three of the above events as best three scores will count.

Rules

• You must be a member of the ECF at the time of each grand prix event.
• The highest scoring player in each section will receive the right to compete in the EYCC 2009 and will receive £200 towards the cost of competing in the EYCC.
• If a section winner is unable to attend either the World or European Championships, they will be offered £200 of chess coaching. This prize is not transferable.
• If a section winner has qualified to represent England at the WYCC through the selection tournament, their WYCC costs will be reduced by an additional £200.
• In the event of a tie, the EYCC place will be awarded to the player with the highest performance grade from their Grand Prix games.
• As there are a varying number of rounds in these events I will sort out a mathematical way of equalizing this. There will be no bonus points and certainly no extra points for playing up as we want to see players competing against their peers.
• The application of these rules and any decisions relating to them on any matters either covered or not covered within the English Chess Federation Junior 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.

Events Covered by the Grand Prix

British Championship
British under 16, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10

London Junior Championships
Under 10 major,Under 12 major,Under 14,Under 16

Yateley Manor Under 16, 14, 12, 10. (FIDE Ages)

West of England Open, U14, U12, U10

Junior Squad U16, U14, U12, U10 (FIDE Ages)

1) FIDE age groups are taken as at the 1st January 2009.
2) The total cost of competing at the championships includes: flight, accommodation, entry fees, coaching costs, manager costs etc. This year the total costs are over £1,000.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Peter Purland
English Chess Federation Director of Junior Chess & Education