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INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITY


​SEASON INFO AND PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
Practices

Who:
All players 

What:
Regular practices for team-building, learning, training, and improving at chess

When:
Mondays 3:30-5:00 (Dates will be posted on Teamsnap)
​
Where: 
In Room B340

​Player Expectations:
  • ​Attend every practice unless excused (Note: players in fall or spring activities and clubs may be excused from practices except during the winter season. Talk to Mr. Spriggs if you have a conflict during chess season and he’ll work it out  with your other coach.)
  • Participate in all activities and practice matches
  • Participate in weekly goal-setting and training assignments
  • Respect teammates and coaches
  • Comply with the school's/IHSA's code of conduct for interscholastic activities 

*Are you in another winter club, sport, or activity but still want to join? Depending on the circumstances you might still be eligible. Email Mr. Spriggs to find out. 
Matches

Who:
Top 5 ranked players on the roster will compete, and 6th- and 7th-ranked players will be on standby as alternates

What:
Head-to-head matches between local area high school teams where each board earns a specified number of points for a win, loss, or draw. The team with the most points wins the match. (G/60 +5)

​When:
Wednesdays (3:00-7:00 approximately) during the IHSA winter season (Late November-February) Note: detailed dates are not released until mid-November and will be posted on Teamsnap.)
​
Where:
Various metro-East high schools who compete in our league

Player Expectations:
  • Don't miss a match
  • Be on time
  • Practice integrity
  • Come prepared
  • Play for the team, not just for yourself
  • Comply with the school's/IHSA's code of conduct for interscholastic activities 
Tournaments
Who:
All members on the roster are expected to attend at least one Saturday tournament (Note: dates will be posted on Teamsnap in September.)

What:
Tournaments vary between head-to-head matches between local area high school teams and individual contests between players throughout the gateway region. Tournaments usually consist of four to five rounds each. 

​When:
The club will attend 2 to 4 Saturday tournaments throughout the season. Expect to arrive early morning, around 7:30 a.m., and not return until early evening, around 8:00 p.m. 
​
Where:
Locations Vary

Costs:
Tournament Fee: $15 (per tournament)
USCF Membership Fee: $11 (One-time fee covers all tournaments for a year.) (Students on free lunch do not have to pay. Students on reduced lunch program pay half price.) 

Player Expectations:
  • The top ten rated players must attend 2 team Saturday tournaments. All other players must attend at least one Saturday tournament unless excused by your coach due to serious illness or a family emergency
  • Be on time (Don't make your teammates wait for you)
  • Practice integrity
  • Come prepared (Bring snacks and lunch or money for both.)
  • Play for the team, not just for yourself
  • Comply with the school's/IHSA's code of conduct for interscholastic activities 
Required Resources

TeamSnap Account
 App Store | Google Play
  1. Download the app
  2. Contact Mr. Spriggs and ask to be invited to the team
  3. Make sure notifications are on
(No smart device? Parents can sign up to receive team communications, or you can sign up online and check for daily updates.)

Lichess Account
 App Store | Google Play
  1. Create an account using your school username and password* (Important: already have an account? DO NOT create a new account. Go to step 2 instead.)
  2. Contact Mr. Spriggs to be added to the BW Lichess Class

Player Expectations:
  • Respond to all coach/ captain/mentor communications within 24 hours
  • Keep personal/guardian information updated in TeamSnap
  • Regularly update availability for matches and tournaments

​Chess club does not tolerate racist or prejudiced beliefs and accepts applicants without regard to race, color, religion, lack of religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, or ability.