Everyone is Invited!
These events are open to all students (grades K-12) enrolled in schools in the United States or its territories, and to U.S. citizens attending schools abroad. Home-taught students are eligible, but only if they meet age requirements.

U.S. citizens are eligible to play in the 2004 National Scholastic Chess Championships, regardless of whether or not they reside in the U.S.A. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to play in the 2004 National Scholastic Chess Championships only if they are officially enrolled in a U.S. school.

USCF Membership is Required
U.S. Chess Federation membership is required for all players at the 2004 National Scholastic Chess Championships. Membership offers many benefits, including discounts on chess books and equipment, plus the chance to earn a national chess rating.

If you currently receive Chess Life in the mail, you are already a member in good standing until the expiration date listed on the label. You may also join or renew your USCF membership by checking the appropriate box on the entry form. Please include your membership dues with your entry fee. Note: Junior Tournament players must upgrade to full USCF memberships.

No One is Eliminated
All players play all rounds, regardless of wins or losses. These events are paired as "Individual Modified Swisses," so players from the same school generally don't have to worry about traveling just to play their friends. Each participant plays seven games, unless a bye is given or requested. The overall winner(s) of each championship section will earn the official national title in that category. Tied players are considered to be co-champions, although trophy awards will be determined by tiebreak formula.

Players may win only one trophy per event for individual performance. Place trophies take precedence over all other trophy awards.

Team Play Doubles the Fun!
Schools may also complete as teams at the 2004 National Scholastic Chess Championships. In each section, a team's total score is calculated by adding the points of its four top-scoring players. There is no limit to the number of entries from each school, but schools must have at least two players in the same section to be eligible for team prizes. USCF affiliation, although not required, is recommended.

All team members must be enrolled as full-time students in the same school. No combined schools are allowed. Club teams are not recognized for pairing purposes or national titles. Exception: Home-schooled players shall represent their local public school for all National Scholastic Team competition, when local guidelines permit them to participate in extra-curricular activities, as a member of that school. Home-schooled players from school districts that do not permit such participation shall be allowed to form teams under the local Home School Association.

New Sections
A new section has been added to each of the three Spring National Scholastic Championships, and existing sections have been restructured. See the entry forms for information about grade and rating limits for the new sections.

What to Bring
Bring writing implements and chess clocks if you have them.

Boards, sets and score sheets are provided for the tournament games, but you should bring your own practice sets.

Coaches' Meetings and Workshops
Throughout the weekend, there will be several scheduled meetings where attending coaches and parents will be able to swap views and advice on a wide range of topics - with each other and attending members of the USCF Scholastic Committee.

There will also be a USCF Scholastic Workshop where coaches and parents will be able to discuss the services available through USCF's scholastic program with the USCF Executive Director and/or the USCF Scholastic Director.

Individual Prizes
Trophies for at least the top 25 players in each section and additional class trophies in each section. Players who tie for 25th will also receive a trophy. Every player receives a ribbon or a certificate of participation.

Team Prizes
Trophies to top 25 teams, plus five plaques for each of the top five teams in each section.

Time Control
90 minutes per player to complete the game.