The European Chess Union (E.C.U), the International School Chess Union (I.S.C.U.) and the Olympic Sports Academy of Thessaloniki have the honour of inviting all National Chess Federations of the European Chess Union and eligible players to the European School Chess Championships 2014 organised in Kavala, Greece from 16 June (arrivals) to 27 June (departures).
Each National Federation or School Association or schools may enter an unlimited number of players in each of the 12 age groups. In case that one girl group has less than 10 participants, it will be merged with the same open age group category.
Entitled to participate are players (Boys & Girls) who shall not have reached the age:
Of 7, by 1st January 2014 (date of birth – January 1st, 2007 and after) – Tournament Under 7;
Of 9, by 1st January 2014 (date of birth – January 1st, 2005 and after) – Tournament Under 9;
Of 11, by 1st January 2014 (date of birth– January 1st, 2003 and after) – Tournament Under 11;
Of 13, by 1st January 2014 (date of birth – January 1st, 2001 and after) – Tournament Under 13;
Of 15, by 1st January 2014 (date of birth – January 1st, 1999 and after) – Tournament Under 15;
Of 17, by 1st January 2014 (date of birth – January 1st, 1997 and after) – Tournament Under 17;
A registration fee of 30 euros per participant (players, officials, trainers, media, etc.) should be paid directly to the Organizing Committee.
In accordance with the ECU regulations, an ECU entry fee of 20 EUR is required for each player. National Federations should send this amount directly to the ECU account or it can be paid to the Organizing Committee before the start of the first round.
Participants from the European Small Nations (FIDE Zone 1.10) have a 50% discount on registration and transportation fees.
Entry forms must be sent by the National Federations or the players and returned to the Organizing Committee not later than Friday 2 May 2014. If the registration form is not forwarded by the Federation a copy must be sent to the National Federation.
The complete registration form must include the surname/s, first name/s, FIDE ID number, FIDE rating and passport number (for visa only purpose) of each player and each accompanying person. It must also include the name and telephone/e-mail/fax number of the Chief of Delegation.
Accommodation and board will be provided at Galaxy Hotel (4 star) and Lucy Hotel (5 stars). Playing Hall is the City Conference Hall in walking distance.
The tournament will be played according to the Swiss System in 9 rounds. National ratings will not be taken into consideration for the pairings. Rate of play will be according to FIDE regulations 90 minutes for 40 moves plus 30 minutes for the rest of the game with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 1.
Communication between players (the offer of draw) is forbidden until the 40th move has been played.
The first European winner in each open age category is the European School Champion for 2014 and the first European girl in each girl age category is the European Girl School Champion for 2014. They will be awarded with trophies and special diplomas.
The 6 first winners (U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, and U17) and the 6 Girl winners (U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, and U17) according to FIDE regulations will play as invited players in the 2015 World School Chess Championships in Singapore.
Side Events:
– World School Rapid & Blitz Championships (14-16 June 2014)
– Excursions Program
– Solving Competition
– Seminars
Tournament Secretariat:
Lena Oustabasidou – Tel: +30 6974605518 Fax: +30 2641500112, Email: ecuschool2014@gmail.com, Website: www.euroschools2014.org
Teams or players needing visas are requested to contact the Organizing Committee before Friday 2 May 2014 and apply on time to Greek Authorities. The Organizing Committee will provide invitations for visas only after the necessary payments. The O.C. has no responsibility for late or incomplete applications.
Playing chess in paradise.