Policies and Guidelines:

1. A valid CFC membership is mandatory for participation.
2. Full refund can be requested until the registration deadline. No refunds will be issued after that time.
3. We retain the authority to re-assign players to their appropriate sections based on their CFC/ FIDE ratings. For instance, if a player is unrated for “Quick” tournaments but holds a rating exceeding 1400 in the “Regular” category, they will not be eligible to compete in the U1000 section. This measure is implemented to ensure fairness among players in both sections and prevent sandbagging.
4. You are allowed a maximum of two byes (equal to 1/2 point each). Please note that no byes are permitted for the last round, and requests for a bye in that round will be disregarded, resulting in a 0-point bye.
5. During live matches, the consumption of food or beverages is not permitted.
6. Photos and videos are allowed during the first 5 minutes when a round starts, but we kindly request that you be discreet and respectful so as not to disturb other players.
7. Maintaining silence in the playing area is mandatory while games are in progress. Parents assisting their children or suggesting moves will lead to IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE PLAYER.
8. Any individual, including players, parents, or guardians, displaying frequent coughing, sneezing, or other visible symptoms of illness/ COVID-19 may be asked to withdraw from the tournament or leave the premises. Face masks are recommended for all attendees.
9. If you have experienced COVID-19 or its symptoms within the past 14 days, we kindly request that you voluntarily withdraw from the tournament for the health and safety of all participants.
10. All electronic devices capable of making noise, communicating, or playing chess must be turned off while playing and should not be placed on the table during live rounds.
11. By entering the venue premises, you consent to being photographed or recorded in videos. This footage may be used for internal references, social media marketing, or promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, recorded, or promoted, you can contact us via email, and we will accommodate your request.
12. In the event of a tie, prize money will be evenly split among all individuals tied for that position. Tiebreaks for non-cash prizes will be determined in the following order:
a. Direct Encounter
b. Buchholz (uncorrected)
c. Cumulative Score of Opponents
13. The decision of the Tournament Director is final in the event of a conflict. The final standings announced after the tournament cannot be altered or changed.
14. Please note that the CFC website does not take into account custom tie-breaks used at individual tournaments when updating ratings. The sequence of players displayed on the CFC website may be based on the player’s overall “performance” rating or chosen randomly, and not necessarily in accordance with the tournament’s final standings issued by organizers or the Tournament Director.
15. By submitting this form and accepting the Terms and Conditions, you give your consent to be contacted by Fraser Valley Chess Academy via email or phone number for event updates, announcements, news, and marketing emails. If you wish to unsubscribe or no longer wish to be contacted, please feel free to inform us, and we will process your request accordingly.
16. By agreeing to the terms and conditions, you consent to non-invasive body checks with a metal detector as part of our anti-cheating policy.
17. SUBMISSION OF APPEALS PROCESS
– FVCA shall appoint a 3 member appeals committee for every classical rated tournament. The committee may consist of arbiters, players or parents that are unbiased and unrelated to the appeal scenario other than Chief Arbiter
– You may submit an appeal against the chief arbiter, in the scenario where the chief arbiter was consulted to resolve a dispute, and you were not satisfied with the result of the decision.
– A player must submit a written appeal to [email protected] within 1 hour after the end of their game and before the next round begins.
– There is a $150.00 appeal deposit fee that must be paid via cash or e-transfer to [email protected] before the appeal may commence.
– The deposit is refunded if the appeal is proven and is not returned if the appeal fails to be proven.
-The decision of the appeals committee is final.