By registering for, participating in, or otherwise attending an event organized by the Space Coast Chess Foundation, Inc. (SCCF) you agree to the rules, policies, and terms set forth below. The terms “you” and “your” as used herein means the player and/or the player’s parent or guardian for players under age 18.

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The following rules, policies, and terms apply to all Space Coast Chess Foundation events:

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1. Leave the tournament hall as soon as your game ends.

2. Post your game result on the pairing sheet (for events with a table for result reporting, report your result at the results table). Do not write on the standings wall chart.

3. NO ANALYSIS IN THE TOURNAMENT ROOM, PLEASE. If you wish to analyze, talk, whisper, play blitz, etc., you may go to skittles room.

4. The foyer near the entrance to the playing hall is a “quiet area”. Please avoid conversations in this area as sound will carry into the playing hall and disturb players with games in progress.

5. Chess sets and boards are provided at all SCCF events. Players must use the equipment provided unless an exception is granted by the Tournament Director (TD).

6. Players must bring their own regulation chess clock.

7. Start clock promptly when round begins.

8. All scoresheets should be signed by both players indicating the result. In the event of a dispute over the outcome you may need to show a scoresheet signed by your opponent, accepting the result.

9. In case of a problem, stop the clock and see TD. If the TD feels clocks were stopped without good reason, a penalty is possible.

10. You may be required to show your social security ID and picture ID, and to complete IRS Form W-9 to receive a prize. Non-resident foreign players must have 30% of any prize withheld for remittance to the IRS. Prizes will be paid only to the player winning the prize regardless of age or nationality.

11. FAIR PLAY. During play, you may not possess cellphones, smart watches, or other devices capable of chess analysis or communication during play. Such devices may, if shut off, be stored in a bag near your table or as otherwise instructed by the TD. For detailed rules and penalties concerning electronic devices, the SCCF applies the Continental Chess Association’s Electronic Device Rules. See http://www.chesstour.com/devices.htm. “Rule 15. Exceptions” is replaced by the following “To request an exception, contact the TD or point of contact listed in the SCCF event announcement at least two weeks before the tournament and attach supporting documentation. Do not contact the Continental Chess Association.”

12. PHOTO, VIDEO AND AUDIO RELEASE. By participating in any SCCF event you grant permission to the Space Coast Chess Foundation, Inc. to use photographs, video and/or audio recordings of you that are taken in connection with the tournament in publications, news releases, online content, social media, and in other communications related in any way to the mission of the Space Coast Chess Foundation, Inc.

13. EMAIL POLICY: By registering for this event and providing your email address you grant permission to the Space Coast Chess Foundation, Inc. to use the email address provided to communicate with you regarding the event or future SCCF activities. SCCF does not sell our email list. You may opt out of our email list by following the instructions included with each email.

14. LIABILITY DISCLAIMER: By participating in any the Space Coast Chess Foundation event you acknowledge you are aware of the nature of the activity, that there are inherent risks in any such activity, and you accept the risks of said activity and release the Space Coast Chess Foundation, Inc., its officers, directors, and staff, and the owners/managers of the event venue from any and all claims for personal injuries and/or financial loss.

15. PRIZES: Did you win a prize? Congratulations! Here is how to get your prize:

    1. Prizes will be paid by check, cash, or PayPal at the organizer’s discretion. Zelle is not currently available.

    2. Whenever possible, we recommend you collect your prize at the tournament. You may be asked to fill out the Prize Request Form to expedite this process. SCCF begins paying prizes as soon as prize amounts are known for each section.

    3. If you need to leave before collecting your prize it is important that you complete the Prize Request Form, which is available from the TD or organizer. SCCF will use this information to send your prize. No other action is needed on your part. Prizes paid by PayPal generally are processed within a week (usually sooner) after the tournament. Checks will take longer. If you completed the form and do not receive your prize within three weeks after the tournament, you may send an inquiry to SCCF@geckopond.com.

    4. If you are eligible for a prize but you did not collect it at the tournament and did not fill out the Prize Request Form, it is important that you contact SCCF so we can make sure you get your prize. In this case, send an email to SCCF@geckopond.com with your name, section, prize amount and the PayPal account you want SCCF to use. Include the name on the PayPal account and both the phone number and email associated with the account. This should be your personal PayPal account. PayPal will charge you a fee if you request your prize be paid to a business account. Also provide your mailing address in case SCCF elects to pay your prize by check.

    5. If your prize brings your total prize winnings in SCCF events to $2000 or more for the year, well done! In this case, you will be required to provide SCCF with IRS Form W-9 before your prize is paid (See also Rule 10 above). The social security number on the W-9 must be for the prize winner, regardless of age.

 

The following additional rules, policies, and terms apply to Space Coast Chess Open (SCO) and to the 2026 Harvey Lerman Florida State Championship:

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1. ​FIDE regulations apply to FIDE-rated sections, however USCF ratings will be used for pairings and prize eligibility. USCF regulations apply in all other sections.

2. Players in FIDE rated sections must use the provided carbonless copy scoresheets provided by the TD and must sign both players’ original white scoresheet at the end of the game. Both players’ white scoresheets must be turned in to the TD prior to departing the tournament hall. FIDE regulations stipulate that the original scoresheets are the property of the SCCF. Players may retain the yellow copy.

3. Players in non-FIDE rated sections should bring their own scorebook, however single copy scoresheets may be available from the TD.

4. In order to comply with the SCCF’s contract with the host Hotel, no food or outside beverages (except water) are allowed in the playing hall or any of the other meeting rooms used for the chess tournament and side activities.

   1. Exception: food purchased from the host Hotel (e.g., concession stand) may be consumed in the guest lounge (if provided) and skittles room. You are responsible for removing all food-related trash. No food, including food purchased from the Hotel, is permitted any of the other rooms.

   2. For water or other beverages provided by the organizer, please remove your drink cups when your game ends so the playing hall remains tidy for the next round.