British Championship Congress 2022

[Greg Breed]

Well the Schedule is out at last. But a bit disappointing for some players in the Rated sections, which are set in the same bands for both weeks and a Weekender with an Open, then a big drop to U1700 (nee 133) and U1500 (nee 107). The blurb refers to rating bands down to U1600, but the Schedule stretches to U1450. And important for many of us, which month will be used to determine ratings?

So all events are to be FIDE rated, which means Gold membership - fine. But what is the qualifying criteria for the rated sections to be? FIDE rating or ECF, and as David asks, from which month?
And where do we enter?

[Reg Clucas]

But what is the qualifying criteria for the rated sections to be? FIDE rating or ECF, and as David asks, from which month?

For a FIDE rated event, I think a player's FIDE rating will take priority (if they have one). Don't know from which month - maybe simply that in force at the time you enter?

[Mick Norris]

If you look at the Qualification regulations via BCC website qualification by title or rating is as at 1 May 2022

[Tim Spanton]

I guess uncertainty over the olympiad - it could be moved from Moscow and/or the dates could be changed - means uncertainty over when the British championships will be held

[NickFaulks]

I guess uncertainty over the olympiad - it could be moved from Moscow and/or the dates could be changed - means uncertainty over when the British championships will be held

I would hope not. Federations including the ECF should proceed on the basis that the Olympiad will be held either on the previously announced dates or not at all. You can't just keep your whole calendar on hold.

[Tim Spanton]

I guess uncertainty over the olympiad - it could be moved from Moscow and/or the dates could be changed - means uncertainty over when the British championships will be held

I would hope not. Federations including the ECF should proceed on the basis that the Olympiad will be held either on the previously announced dates or not at all. You can't just keep your whole calendar on hold.

Latest from Fide:

... the rapidly deteriorating geopolitical situation has forced the FIDE Council to make this difficult move. During its extraordinary meeting, held today, Friday, February 25, it was decided that all official competitions planned would be moved from Russia.
FIDE is already working on finding alternative dates and locations for these events.

[David Gilbert]

But what is the qualifying criteria for the rated sections to be? FIDE rating or ECF, and as David asks, from which month?

For a FIDE rated event, I think a player's FIDE rating will take priority (if they have one). Don't know from which month - maybe simply that in force at the time you enter?

Some clarity on that now. FIDE ratings will take precedence over national ratings. It'll be the June 2022 list for entries, but the August 2022 list for pairings. Of course we are going to find (again) that some players will use their comparatively low FIDE ratings to enter sections they wouldn't qualify for with their higher ECF ratings, and why wouldn't they? One last point, I understand that where there are conflicts between the summary page and the Schedule (eg the U1450 competitions), it is the Schedule that gives the correct information.

[Brendan O'Gorman]

But what is the qualifying criteria for the rated sections to be? FIDE rating or ECF, and as David asks, from which month?

For a FIDE rated event, I think a player's FIDE rating will take priority (if they have one). Don't know from which month - maybe simply that in force at the time you enter?

Some clarity on that now. FIDE ratings will take precedence over national ratings. It'll be the June 2022 list for entries, but the August 2022 list for pairings. Of course we are going to find (again) that some players will use their comparatively low FIDE ratings to enter sections they wouldn't qualify for with their higher ECF ratings, and why wouldn't they? One last point, I understand that where there are conflicts between the summary page and the Schedule (eg the U1450 competitions), it is the Schedule that gives the correct information.

Shameful. At least some of those involved in putting on the championships know that many FIDE ratings are considerably below the more accurate ECF ratings (because based on many more games). Players without a FIDE rating will be at a considerable disadvantage. Still, this affects only the poor sods in the rating limited events, so why worry?

[John Upham]

Still, this affects only the poor sods in the rating limited events, so why worry?

Will it also affect Open events in terms of pairings?

[Brendan O'Gorman]

Still, this affects only the poor sods in the rating limited events, so why worry?

Will it also affect Open events in terms of pairings?

True, but I'm not sure the FIDE/ECF gap is quite as wide among stronger players.

[Andrew Zigmond]

Can somebody confirm that it's not possible to enter the event yet? Alternatively if I'm being thick and missing something on the website please point it out.

[JustinHorton]

I would also like to know this

[David Gilbert]

Great News! Congratulations to the ECF organisers for seeing sense and reversing their initial decision. Entry to the Rated events will now be determined by the higher of FIDE and ECF/National Ratings. That's fair. Entry fees are now available, but I couldn't see entry forms. Hopefully soon.

[David Gilbert]

And now there's an on-line entry form https://britchess.wufoo.com/forms/qmyohxb0kspkkv/

[JustinHorton]

The website still says:

note that the dates may be subject to change depending on final schedule for the FIDE Olympiad