Prizes

The prize money shown will be paid if entries exceed 140. A greater number of entries will mean that grading and Junior prizes will also be paid. No player may win more than one prize (the highest value prize will be paid).

British Championship

The winner of the Open section (or the highest placed person who has not already qualified) will qualify to enter the British Chess Championship in 2012 (at their own expense). If necessary, the qualifier will be decided on sum of opponents’ scores.

Grading

All games played in this congress will be graded under the ECF Game Fee Scheme. current ECF grades will apply, or if not in that list, the last published grade will be used, adjusted to reflect recent re-grading. It is a condition of entry that entrants’ grading information will be published on the ECF website. Anyone objecting to this must contact the ECF Office in order that their details can be withheld.

Ungraded players

The organisers reserve the right to place any ungraded player in a different section from that which they have applied to play in. Ungraded players will not qualify for grading prizes.

Byes

A bye may be taken in any of rounds 1 to 4, provided this is requested with entry. However, a bye in round 3 can be requested on the Saturday of the event, provided this is done before 17.00.

Withdrawals

No refund can be given to any person withdrawing (or not turning up) on the first day of the event. Nor will any part-refund be given to anyone declining to play on the second day. Full refunds will be given up to 22nd October; between 23rd and 28th October a £5 deduction will apply.

No smoking

Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the building.

Mobile Phones

These must be switched off at all times within the playing area. If a mobile phone rings or ‘bleeps’ during play, that person will lose the game.

Disputes

In all matters, the controller’s decision is final.

Website

Entrants' names and grades will be displayed on the congress website unless the Congress Organiser is specifically asked not to.

Late arrivals

Players arriving more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time for any round will be deemed to have lost by default unless the controller can re-pair them satisfactorily. Players whose opponents have not arrived must expect to be re-paired 30 minutes after the start of the round. If such a player does not make themselves available for repairing, they will not be awarded a win point.

Refreshments

Refreshments will be available throughout the weekend. Tea and coffee will be available at all times. Various sandwiches, jacket potatoes and cakes will be on sale too.

Bookstall

A well-equipped bookstall will be provided by Michael Clapham.

ECF Members

A discount of £2.70 may be claimed by ECF Members (Full, Standard or Junior), provided your Membership Number is quoted on the entry form.

Car Parking

Free car parking (limited spaces) is available close to the venue at St Louis Middle School. Otherwise, drivers are recommended to use the pay and display car park in Parkway (5 mins walk from the venue). A map showing the location of the parking facilities is available on request and can be viewed on the congress website.

Accommodation

For a list of local B&B accommodation, go to: www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/visit/wheretostay2.cfm?all=all Alternatively, send a large SAE and indicate accordingly on the entry form.

Cheques and entry form

Cheques should be made payable to the Bury Area Chess League Congress. Cheques and entry form should be sent to Bob Jones at the address in the footer of this page. Payment by bank transfer can be made upon request to the Congress Organiser..

Right to refuse entry

The tournament controller reserves the right to refuse entry without being required to state a reason.

Late entries

Entries postmarked after 22nd October will be surcharged £3.00.

Photographs

Any photographs taken at the event may be used for publicity purposes. If any entrant objects to this, they must inform the Congress Organiser.