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We seek to establish a uniform set of rules applying to all HSCA contests.
It would be easy to say we will enforce the rules of Chess, but that is not as easy with scholastic chess as most might imagine. In the near future, we will post the variances that we use on this page. As you might guess, they will be subject to change from time to time.
USCF Sections follow all applicable USCF scholastics rules. Very little tolerance or leeway exists in these sections, which are designed for the stronger and more experienced players in our contests.
HSCA sections are for beginners or novices and from time to time, the experienced player who wants to “experiment” with new openings or strategies in a “non-threatening” setting. Enforcement of the rules will tend to be more friendly and less rigid, with an emphasis on fun and learning rather than strict formality. Players must already know how to play, but we may occasionally instruct students in some of the more often misunderstood rules of chess as needed and may from time to time “violate” the “normal” way of ruling in the interest of fairness and learning. 
Specific ideas are:
1) explaining en passant
2) explaining touch move rules and often playing “release move” early in the year
3) clocks and notation are optional
4) we might ask intrusive spectators to leave the area
5) we may adjudicate the result of long games
6) we expect students to catch illegal moves by their opponent, but may from time to time point out illegal moves IF we feel that it is NECESSARY!!!
7) After explaining a rule, we may, if we feel it is a good idea, allow the game to continue from that point, with the person now aware of the rule… our judgment is final.
8) The older the player, the more strict we will normally be.
What no non-HSCA official may do is to interfere in the game! This is the kids event, not the adult’s!!! Also, no official should ever rule in a game involving his own child or student.
Students are not allowed to get advice from friends or parents or anyone or thing else!
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