Matches start at 7.45 p.m. unless stated otherwise on the fixtures list. This rule is broken more often than it is observed, but is nevertheless the target that we should aim for in home matches. This will mean ensuring that boards and clocks are set up on time and score sheets are available. Note that Lewisham now start at 7.30 p.m. instead of 7.45 p.m.
All players must be registered with the KCCA at least 7 days before they play. This rule will be strictly observed. The enclosed list shows the members registered at the beginning of the playing year. Other may be added subsequently. If there is any doubt, please refer to the club secretary, John Lewin.
Team lists on the required form must be completed before any choice of colours is made. Only paid up members of the club may be chosen. Membership runs from 1st. November to 31st October. This enables captains to pick players who were members "last year", but membership must be checked after 31st. October 1998. If, after that, there is any doubt as to whether the person is likely to actually pay, he should not be chosen.
Colours are chosen by the toss of a coin. The winner can decide who has white on the top board, and the colours alternate thereafter.
The team must be put in order of "known playing strength". This will generally mean in grading order, but players do get better or worse during the season, particularly juniors or those with estimated grades. In these cases, players should be ordered according to the captain's assessment of their actual playing strength and this may mean ignoring a published grade. The assessment must be justifiable, however.
Substitutions are allowed after the team lists have been exchanged, but only by such players as allow the team to continue to be in order of known current playing strength. Exceeding the average grading limit is permissible in these circumstances, but should only be contemplated in exceptional circumstances because of the penalty that applies. Substitution can only happen after at least 15 minutes and less than 30 minutes have elapsed on the absent players clock.
The rate of play is 35 moves in 75 minutes. After Black's 35th. move, the clocks should be put back 15 minutes and a further 7 moves must be made in that time. This should be repeated as often as necessary.
Before a game starts, the players may agree to a quick-play finish provided that there is enough time available at the venue. A quick-play finish requires the clocks to be set back 15 minutes after Black's 35th. move and then the game to be finished within the allotted time. When one player's flag falls, he is generally the loser, although there may be circumstances when a draw should be declared. Quick-play finishes are unusual except at the end of the season - see below.
If a game is unfinished at the end of a playing session, the player whose turn it is to move must seal his next move on a score sheet, place it in an envelope, seal it and hand the sealed envelope to the opponent. The sealing player's clock continues to run until he has written down the move that he seals.
Only then should the players consider agreeing a result. The captain should always be consulted before such an agreement because the result of the match may depend on it and playing on may be a better option.
If playing on is chosen, e.g. because the players cannot agree a result, the game is adjourned to another time. The venue is determined in accordance with the rules herewith. A new date is fixed and it must be within the succeeding 3 weeks. If no such date is possible, the team captain must inform the club captain immediately giving details of the circumstances so that a view can be taken as to whether the game can be claimed by default.
Time left in credit from the first playing period should be added to the 75 minutes allocated to the second period. Similarly, extra time already used in the first period must be deducted from the 75 minutes available in the second. See the rules attached for a more detailed explanation.
Adjudication is possible but is not desirable because of the potential cost if our claim is not upheld.
Adjournments and adjudications are not possible for games played on or after 8th March. Quick play rules apply to such games.
Match results must be posted to the Kent Secretary at the earliest opportunity and in any event so as to arrive within 14 days of the match. If there is an adjourned game to be completed within that period, match captains can wait for the result before posting. Otherwise, adjournment results must be sent off separately.
Defaults must be shown as such on the score sheet. Known defaults before the match starts must be on the bottom boards.
Be very careful to be absolutely consistent with spelling of names so as to avoid confusion when it comes to grading. Use first names [not initials] as well as surnames. Players should be shown by their known names rather than their full first names, e.g. Dave Smith [not David Smith], Alan Bond [not J Alan Bond].
Matches may be re-arranged, but care must always be taken to avoid clashes with other commitments. Consult the club captain if in doubt. In any event, 7 days notice is required by the Kent tournament controller.
The match captains are asked to encourage their teams to help with setting up [so as to ensure that we start on time] and putting away [so as not burden other people with the task] equipment after use in home matches.