2008 Broward County Championship
SO WHEN IS THIS TOURNAMENT GOING TO BE RATED ON THE USCF WEBSITE????
Well, this is what happened:
Last year, I was militant about not letting anyone play without having a valid USCF membership. There were 118 players. I had the tournament rated within 24 hours.
Unfortunately, this year, I let quite a few people play who didn't have valid USCF memberships pursuant to thier respective coaches' entry requests. I didn't want to do it, but I expected that the coaches (who are usually the first to complain when a tournament isn't rated timely) would follow up as expected. I was doing the coaches, their players, and their schools a favor.
At this time, I am still awaiting new and renewed USCF memberships for 8 players. The 2 coaches involved have been notified.
So, now I realize that it is FAR better to refuse play to whomever doesn't have a valid USCF membership. If even ONE player's membership is invalid, the ENTIRE tournament is rejected by the USCF. Putting on a tournament as a volunteer is hard enough. Chasing down bad memberships and fielding complaints from compliant parents and coaches is MISERY.
PLEASE do not register a player for a tournament without first personally investigating that player's USCF membership status (to ensure that the player's membership is valid on the day of the tournament). If the player needs an ID or a renewal, take care of that BEFORE registering that person for the tournament. If a tournament organizer is equipped well enough to purchase USCF memberships for players on the day of the tournament, make sure you bring the extra money needed TO THE TOURNAMENT along with the player's ADDRESS, FULL NAME WITH MIDDLE INITIAL, & DATE OF BIRTH.
Date: March 8, 2008 (Saturday)
Location: Pine Crest School, Egan Auditorium
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
All students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade may participate provided that the student either resides withing Broward county or regularly attends school in Broward county.
And don't forget about the SuperState V Florida State Scholastic Championship on April 11 - 13 in Orlando. Go here for more info:
www.fsclchess.org