All sections will be FIDE rated (as well as ECF rated).
It is expected that all entrants will either be ECF members at level Gold or above, OR FIDE-registered members of another national body.
The organisers require players to provide their FIDE ID (also known as FIN or FIDE Identification Number) where this is available. Players who are not sure of their FIN can search for this either on the ECF ratings website or the FIDE ratings website.
Players without a FIDE ID will be automatically registered with FIDE as affiliated with England. Players who are confident that they will need to be assigned a new FIDE ID are strongly encouraged to request a new FIN directly from the ECF in advance of the congress. Details can be found at https://www.englishchess.org.uk/fide/ .
For further information or assistance with rating information, please contact the ECF ratings officer directly at rating@englishchess.org.uk.
Unrated players will be expected to enter the Open section. If they wish to play in any other section, they must provide evidence of playing strength (e.g. recent tournament or match results, Rapidplay or online ratings) to the Chief Arbiter. The organisers reserve the right to transfer a player to a more appropriate section.
Full refund requests must be received in writing at least 24 hours before the start of the 1st round. Any requests received at a later time may be subject to an administrative charge of £5.
The current rating list for both the ECF and FIDE Standard-play rating list will be used to determine section eligibility for the Congress.
The organisers reserve the right to either refuse an entry or to transfer a player to another section.
By entering, players agree to their player data, rating information and results being shared with the ECF and FIDE. Results will be published on the ECF rating website and chess-results.com.
The congress complies with the ECF Tournament Rules. These in turn are based upon the current FIDE Laws of Chess and will apply with the following exceptions and clarifications:
Time Control and Recording of Moves.
The rate of play is 90 minutes plus an increment of 30 seconds per move in all sections. Please note that this means that all moves must be recorded (even when under 5 minutes is remaining). Moves must be recorded using the Algebraic System of notation.
Article 6.7.1: Default time.
Players will be defaulted (i.e. will lose their game) if they are not present within 30 minutes of the start of a round. Where possible an ECF rated friendly pairing may be made, for any player whose opponent has not arrived, or for any player who was initially awarded a (full point) bye.
Article 11.2: Playing Venue and Playing Area.
The ‘playing venue’ is defined to be the Great Western Hall (including toilets) and excludes the grounds and car park. Note that a player may not leave the playing venue whilst their game is in progress. The ‘playing area’ is defined to be the spaces used for competition games, including the main hall and any other rooms set aside for this purpose. Note that a player having the move may not leave the playing area without an arbiter’s permission.
Article 11.3.2: Mobile Phones.
Whilst play is in progress, any electronic means of communication and any device capable of suggesting chess moves:
Must be completely switched off.
May not be carried on the player’s person (but may be stored in a bag, provided that this bag is not used without an arbiter’s permission)
Failure to comply will result in the loss of the game.
Article 11.3.4: Smoking.
Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not allowed anywhere within the Playing Venue or its grounds.
Cash Prizes
All cash prizes are GUARANTEED
For purposes of grading prizes, a player’s Pairing rating will be used. This will normally be their ECF Standardplay rating at the date of the tournament; but might be some other estimated grade used where no appropriate ECF rating is available
All cash prizes will be split between players on the same score (tiebreaks are not used)
All cash prizes will be forwarded within 14 days of the end of the Congress or/and after account details have been provided.
Chess.com Prizes
Tie-breaks will be used to determining prize winners.
In order to receive these prizes, winner are to provide details of there Basic(free) account , or a paid account with regular credit card subscription.
Players who have subscriptions with Apple, Google or PayPal will not be able to receive their prizes, though they can nominate other users account. Alternatively, Chessable vouchers may be provided instead.
Swindon Chess Congress is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all players to enjoy chess and to be respected by others.
The Congress and its officials are not able to act ‘in loco parentis’ at any stage in the event. Parents/carers/guardians remain responsible for their child when they are attending the Swindon Chess Congress. Ideally, they should accompany their child to sessions, remain on the congress premises, and escort their child home.
The Congress organisers will take photos to record and publicise the event. These might appear within future congress emails or on the Swindon Congress website. If you particularly object to having your photo taken, then please speak to the Congress organisers.
Anyone other than Congress staff wishing to use photographic/film/video equipment should register their intent and contact details with the organiser of the event.
Swindon Chess Congress is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.
The only information we obtain about players in the Congress is provided by them directly. We do
not collect personal data simply as a result of a person visiting our website.
By entering this tournament, players agree to their player data, rating information and results being shared with the ECF and FIDE. Results will be published on the ECF rating website and chess-results.com.
The personal data we obtain is applied for the following purposes, namely to:
Obtain payment of entry fees to fund the operation of the Congress.
Identify players on the English Chess Federation (ECF) Website.
Register players to play in the Congress.
Submit results of games played to the ECF for rating purposes.
Communicating with players for the purposes of running the Congress, including giving .advance
notice of details of the next annual Congress.
Consistently with this, the contact details provided to us by players may be used to contact them by mail, telephone, or e-mail for the purposes of the Congress.
Unless required by law, we do not sell, rent or otherwise share personal data with other third parties.
Our website may contain links to other websites. This privacy policy only applies to the use of our
website. We cannot be responsible for other websites even if accessed via links on our website.
Please send a description of any special requirements that you have, or of any considerations that would help you to take part in this event, to Swindon Chess Congress or / and the Chief Arbiter of the event.
In all disputes, the decision of the Congress Chief Arbiter shall be final.
The Swindon Congress reserve the right to amend these rules at any time prior to the start of the tournament. Any changes will be published on the Swindon Congress website and will be notified to players at the start of the tournament.