We will be extremely busy leading up to the event. If your question is answered in the booklet or on the website, you will not receive a response. This includes questions regarding schedules, parking, or pairings.
Please ensure that you read this email in full, including the information booklet. There are several changes at this event compared to previous tournaments in Australia. The organisers are not responsible if you do not abide by the tournament regulations.
National and FIDE Arbiters Seminar
This is a reminder that there will be both a National Arbiters Seminar and FIDE Arbiters Seminar. The cost is $40 and $50, respectively, for NSW Residents due to a subsidy from the NSW Chess Association. Registrations for both courses will close on Monday the 5th of January.
For Spectators:
Spectators are permitted to enter the playing venue whilst games are in progress. This is across all divisions.
Lanyards are used to distinguish spectators from players during games in progress. Lanyards must be worn within the playing venue if a game is in progress. Lanyards do not need to be worn at the end of a game, as players become spectators once the game is finished.
Spectators must abide by any signage posted in the rooms and are not to disturb players whilst their games are in progress. If a spectator observes an irregularity, the spectator must not interrupt or intervene but instead inform an arbiter.
Spectators must not have a mobile device visible in any playing room, and mobile devices must be turned to silent. If a mobile device makes a noise, the spectator will be permitted to return only for the next round.
Entries
Please check the website to ensure your name is currently on the entry list. If your name is missing, please email auschamps@usydchessclub.org as soon as possible.
Players who have not submitted the Code of Conduct form will have their names removed before pairings are completed. No refunds are issued if you do not submit the form.
For Players (Championship/Reserves/Minor/Major):
The following information does not apply to the Blitz or the Rapid. A separate email will be sent regarding those events.
Ensure you have submitted the Code of Conduct form, if you have not already. You will not be paired if this form is not completed by 12pm on Sunday the 4th of January.
https://forms.gle/Lv9QaV1ek2UWXPUs8
All players must register before the start of Round 1. You will be issued merchandise upon registration, including a personalised lanyard and pen. You must wear your lanyard at all times while your game is ongoing. This is due to the playing venue being split across several rooms and to the need to promote a more formal atmosphere at a national-level championship. Registrations for the Championship/Reserves/Minor/Major will begin from 12 pm on Monday, the 5th of January. Please arrive at least one hour before the start of Round 1, and at least 15 minutes before the start of all other rounds. The University covers 72 hectares and has a restricted parking area; thus, ensure you have adequate time to find your way.
The Opening Ceremony will begin at approximately 2:00 pm, and Round 1 will follow.
Registration is mandatory, even if you are running late. If there is a delay at registration because you arrived late, you may still be forfeited.
All participants are expected to attend the Opening Ceremony. The Opening Ceremony will include important information about the event that we cannot provide at this time, as entries are not yet finalised. If this is your first over-the-board chess tournament, attending the Opening Ceremony is vital.
Pairings for Round 1 of the Championship, Reserves, and Minor will be released on Sunday afternoon/evening. Please note that pairings in the Reserves and Minor may be subject to change after they are released.
All byes must be submitted using the following form. Any byes that are not collected on this form are not considered valid. Do not email us any bye requests; they will be ignored.
https://forms.gle/yto3NbLmgMUDPSvF6
No digital devices are permitted at any time during your game, including mobile phones, smart watches, and earphones. Players will be forfeited immediately if they are found with a digital device. Analogue watches are not permitted to be worn. They must be placed on your desk if you have one.
Registrations for the Major will begin from 10 am on Monday, the 12th of January.
Transportation
The University is a RESTRICTED PARKING AREA. We are not responsible for any fines or penalties incurred. Parking information is available on our website. There is no special arrangement for participants, as parking is managed by the University separately.
If you have any accessibility requirements, please email auschamps@usydchessclub.org as soon as possible so we can address them.
We encourage all participants to use public transport where possible. The venue is a 10-minute walk from Redfern Station or a 5-minute walk from the City Road bus stop.
Food and Drinks
The Abercrombie Cafe within the building will re-open on the 6th of January. This means there is no Cafe available only on the first day. Prices can be found here.
First Aid and Emergencies
In the unlikely event of an emergency, follow the directions of all event staff and building wardens. If first aid is required, seek out an event staff member as soon as possible. Period products will be available throughout the event for free. You do not need to ask a staff member; please take what you need at any time.
The full information booklet is available here: