Conditions 2015/16

Members of the Hastings & St. Leonards Chess Club and players residing in the Borough of Hastings may deduct 50% from the entry fee for the Masters Tournament. Females: receive a 50% discount for any section entered. Males: members of Hastings & St Leonards Chess Club and players residing in the Borough of Hastings receive a £10 discount from the entry fee for the Christmas, New Year, Weekend Major and Minor and £5 from the Weekend U-120.
PLEASE NOTE: ECF Members of at least Silver level may deduct £7 (juniors £5) from the entry fee for Christmas, New Year and Weekend Minor and U120 tournaments.
Cheques should be made payable to ‘Hastings International Chess Congress’. Entries should be sent to the Congress Director (address given below). If an acknowledgement of entry is required a stamped addressed envelope must be enclosed.
A late entry fee of £14 to the Masters and £8 to other tournaments will be charged for entries postmarked after 10 December (or 28 December for the Weekend Congress)
The Congress reserves the right to refuse any entry. Except in such cases, a deduction of 20% will normally be made from any refund of entry fee. Refunds will be made only if notification of withdrawal is received by the Director no later than 22 December 2015.
Eligibility to play in an event will be determined by the Grading and Rating lists as of 1 December 2015. The actual grade or rating used for all other purposes will be the most up to date value available on the first day of each event.
Visas
Players needing visas should apply by 19 November 2015. For a formal invitation contact Pam Thomas Tel: 01424 445348 Email: pae123@aol.com
Evening events
There will be a number of special evening events, such as blitz or pairs tournaments. Further details will be announced in the programme. Players are welcome to come along to the White Rock Hotel from about 20.00hrs on Sunday 27 December, where we expect to publish the provisional draws for the first day’s play at about 22.00hrs.
Mobile Phones/Electronic devices
Electronic devices such as mobile phones must be completely switched off and placed in a bag under the table. The bag must not be moved at any time during the game. The Committee extends the smoking ban to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes.
Information for overseas players
It is better to fly to Gatwick as there is a direct rail link to Hastings. Those coming to Heathrow or Stansted airports should travel to Charing Cross Station and those coming from Luton airport should travel via St.Pancras International and then to Hastings via the Ashford high speed service. Those travelling on selected Eurostar trains should alight at Ashford International Station for an easy direct connection to Hastings. Other Eurostar passengers should travel to Ebbsfleet and then to Hastings via the Ashford high speed service. National Express Coaches also have a daily service between London and Hastings. Further information – www.nationalexpress.com. Overseas players are also advised that they should expect to pay a minimum of £30 per person per night for bed and breakfast accommodation in Hastings. Players should note that under UK law smoking is banned in all inside areas of Horntye Park Sports Complex.
Please note players are responsible for their own insurance against damage or loss to personal property.
The Hastings Borough Council website – www.visithastings.com – gives information on all aspects of the town including accommodation and travel.
Congress Director: Alan Hustwayte, 54 Oxford Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN38 9EY Tel: 01424 443300 Email: alan.b.hustwayte@tesco.net. A list of hotels and guest houses in Hastings can be obtained from this address. Please note when the Congress Director is unavailable queries should be addressed to Pam Thomas Tel: 01424 445348 Email: pae123@aol.com