Whatcom Middle Schools Chess League - Rules

---

1. SIMILARITY TO HIGH SCHOOL: The NWL rules are our model. (NWL rules here.) The following sections of the WHSCA Northwest Chess League rules shall also apply (when possible) to the Whatcom Middle Schools Chess League (WMSL): 1.Eligibility 3.Equipment 5.Stacking 7.Notation 8.Touch Move 9.Illegal Moves 10.Scoring 11.Captains 12.Decorum & Etiquette 13.Offering A Draw 14.Adjourned Games 15.Reporting Results 17.League Championship 20.Rules Not Covered.

2. ELIGIBILITY: Teams shall consist of four players from 6th-8th grades who attend the same middle school, junior high or private school. Home schoolers may join a team, based on WHSCA eligibility rules. Although hosted by a school in Whatcom County, teams from Skagit, Island and San Juan counties are also welcome.

3. SCHEDULE/FORMAT: The WMSL will take place in one evening. Teams will consist of four players. There will be no more than two Varsity teams from the same school. (Extra players can play rated games in the JV division.) Teams with less than three players at close of registration may not play in league. (Extra players present may still play rated JV games.)

If two teams, the format will be two matches, Game/45, alternating colors. If three or four teams, the format will be 3-round Round Robin, Game/30. If five or more teams, the format will be 3-round Swiss, Game/30.

If Swiss format with an odd number of teams: Bye teams will receive 1.5 points. In the first round, the bye team will be the "B" team with the lowest average rating, or the team with the lowest average rating. For purposes of computing average team rating, unrated players are rated 400.

Format details may be changed by consensus of all coaches present.

(v.1.01)