Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability

Chess Girls DC/ DC Scholastic Events

for Use of tournament Space

By registering for the chess tournament I am aware, my child is attending chess tournament hosted by the Chess Girls DC Program (“Program”), a nonprofit organization. Images of my child may be used to promote the activities of the program on social media or Chess Girls DC/ DC Scholastic events website. In exchange for use of this Space, I agree to the following:

ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I understand that use of the Space is voluntary and that there are risks associated with use of the Space. I voluntarily assume any such risks. My child will do his/her best to be well behaved and I agree to supervise my child, children at all time. I understand this is not a drop off program.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY: I do not release or assign responsibility of my Child to Chess Girls DC, it’s volunteers, vendors, contractors or officers. I knowingly release, waive, and forever discharge Chess Girls DC, its agents, employees, vendors, contractors, volunteers, officers, and trustees from any and all claims or liability for injury or damages (including loss or damage to property) arising from or attributable to my or my child’s presence during the chess tournament, unless it is due to willful or intentional misconduct or negligence. 

DAMAGES: I agree to be held responsible for any damage done to the “Space” by my child, aside from normal wear and tear, that was a result of the conduct of me and my child to be determined by the “Space” in its sole discretion.

RULES: I agree to abide by the policies, rules, and regulations of the chess tournament and with all applicable state, federal, and city laws and regulations. If any laws, regulations, rules, or policies are broken, I understand that the “Space” may, in its sole discretion and in addition to any other remedy that may be available, terminate my participation in the chess tournament under this Agreement and require me to leave immediately.

I have read and understood the above provisions and agree to be bound by them.

Why become a rated player?

If you are a DC resident,Chess Girls DC, sponsor of DC Scholastic Chess events will donate a USCF rating membership to every student who registers for the 2020 District of Columbia Grade Championships. This is a gift to students who have never had a USCF membership before. Students from around the region are welcome to come out and play regardless of residency.

If you need to renew your membership please bring your old number and you can  renew for additional $5.00 vs. normal renewal of $25.00 for premium membership

What is a chess rating?

 USCF stands for United State Chess Federation and is the rating system  used throughout the United States. To participate in USCF rated events  your must have a USCF membership. A USCF rating is required to receive  the title of National Master or Grandmaster.  https://new.uschess.org/join-uschess/

A USCF rating allows you to be more closely paired in tournaments with students who have similar skill sets.

A Chess Rating is a number typically ranging from 400-2000+.  It is  an estimate of a person’s tournament playing strength. You receive a  rating after playing in a rated tournament once your name is entered  into the database of players. The number will go up or down depending on  how well you do against other rated players.

Here is a list of sample  ratings and how they typically correlate to chess skill:

400      Rating assigned before first tournament

800      A player who knows some basics and sees a fair number of threats/opportunities

1200    A developing chess player who is understanding some chess strategy

1600    A player headed towards the top scholastic player level.

2000    Expert Level – very few players reach this level while in grade school

Should I use my student’s rating as a way to help them set goals?  

Ratings can be very motivational as a means to set goals, and I will  frequently tell students that you should set a rating that is about 300  rating points above where you currently are and strive for that goal.  However, once you are within 100 points of your original goal, celebrate  your progress and plan to adjust that goal up approximately 300 points  again. Why? Simply because, typically, if you set a high goal, you will  quickly advance through the lower levels, but setting too high of a goal  becomes ‘unattainable’ and frustrating to a student. 

"Rating advice from Elliott Neff  (National Master and Founder of Chess4Life)" 

https://chess4life.com/chess-rating-questions-answered/