NSCF Grand Prix FAQ

NSCF Grand Prix -- Frequently Asked Questions	Last FAQ Update: February 13, 2000
Current Standings

What is the "NSCF Grand Prix"?

The NSCF Grand Prix is an annual contest sponsored by the National Scholastic Chess Foundation. It rewards highly active and high-scoring tournament players by awarding "Grand Prix points" to the top finishers in NSCF-conducted tournaments. A similar event has been conducted for many years by various sponsors of United States Chess Federation tournaments.

How are Grand Prix points calculated?

Points are awarded to the top 5 scorers (plus ties) in each section. The number of points awarded is exactly equal to the score achieved in the tournament, with one exception: perfect scores are awarded an extra half point. Thus, a score of 4.0 is awarded 4.5 "GP points".

Tell me that again?

Let’s try an example. Ashley plays in four K1 sections.

In the first (s)he scores 2 points and finishes in a tie for 8^th place. He is awarded no GP points, because he was not among the top 5 plus ties.
In the second he scores 2.5 points and ties for 5^th place. He is awarded 2.5 GP points.
By the third tournament, having attended some NSCF classes, he finishes second with 3.5 points. He is awarded 3.5 GP points for a total of 6 GP points.
In the fourth tournament he outclasses everyone and scores a perfect 4-0 to win the tournament. He is awarded 4 points plus a .5 point bonus. He now has 10.5 GP points, and has become the Grand Prix Leader in the K1 section. Here’s a synopsis:


Name       Place      Score      GP points                   GP total
Ashley         8         2               0               (not listed) 
Ashley       5-7         2.5           2.5                       2.5 
Ashley         2         3.5           3.5                       6.0    
Ashley         1         4.0           4.5                      10.5

How many awards are there?

There are five sections: K-1, Primary, Elementary, Reserve and Championship. Trophy awards will be given to the top 10 Grand Prix scorers (plus ties) in each section ("Grand Prix Champion" for the winner, "Top Ten" for the others). Additionally, the champions of each section will each be awarded three free private lessons by NSCF coaches. In the event of a tie, there will be more than one champion in a section.

What happens if a player moves between sections?

Adjustments are made to the score of a player who wishes to move from one section to another. In a move to a higher-ranked section, the total from the old section is migrated to the new one, after making point adjustments to account for the difference in the strength of competition between the sections. These point adjustments are made for each tournament in which the player had a qualifying score (a "qualifying tournament"), according to the following chart:

K1 to Primary               =   subtract  0.5    
Primary to Elementary       =   subtract  0  
Elementary to Reserve       =   subtract  0.5 
Reserve to Championship     =   subtract  1.0

From these relationships, one can calculate others, such as Elementary to Championship = subtract 1.5

Note: Bonus points are excluded when calculating section-switching points.^* I definitely need an example of that one.

Sure. It’s easy. Let’s say Ashley decides he wants tougher competition and wants to compete in Primary sections instead. In the K1 section, he earned 10.5 points across 3 qualifying tournaments. Upon moving to the new section, his GP points for that section are calculated as follows:

(2.5 + 3.5 + 4.0) – (3 x .5) = 8.5

These 8.5 points will be added to his GP total for the Primary section. If he moves back to the K1 section, the reverse calculation will be used to adjust points earned in Primary sections.

How often can a player move between sections?

As often as he wants, but he will be awarded only for the section in which he has played the most tournaments overall. ^*If this is a tie, then the section in which the player has the highest standing will be chosen. Still tied? Then we choose the most recent section played in.

How will players and parents be informed of the standings after each tournament?

As soon as possible after each tournament, GP points will be calculated and the results posted on the NSCF web site (www.nscfchess.org). In addition, the bulletin boards at Grand Prix tournaments will be posted. The standings will list the current top 20 players plus ties.

Exactly what tournaments are on the NSCF Grand Prix circuit?

All tournaments listed on NSCF flyers and posted on the "Tournament Schedule" page at www.nscfchess.org, with the exception of the Hunter tournaments. The 1999-2000 circuit includes the Fall 1999 schedule and the Spring 2000 schedule. The following tournaments are currently eligible:

Woodlands School, Greenburgh            October 24, 1999
George Washington School, White Plains  November 13, 1999
Lincoln School, Mt Vernon               November 20, 1999
Greenwich Country Day School            November 21, 1999
Webster School, New Rochelle            December 11, 1999
Scarsdale Girl Scout House              December 18, 1999
Ward School, New Rochelle               January 29, 2000
Lincoln School, Mt Vernon               February 5, 2000
Mamaroneck Ave. School, White Plains    February 12, 2000
Greenwich Country Day School            February 27, 2000
Woodlands School, Greenburgh            March 5, 2000
Woodlands School, Greenburgh            March 26, 2000
Ridgeway School, White Plains           April 1, 2000
St. Pius X School, Scarsdale            April 8, 2000
Scarsdale Girl Scout House              April 15, 2000
Sleepy Hollow HS, Tarrytown             April 29, 2000
Church St. School, White Plains         May 20, 2000

Why are the Hunter tournaments excluded?

The Hunter tournaments tend to draw players from a different community. If there is a demand for it, a separate Hunter "circuit" may be considered for the future.

What if a dispute arises regarding the rules and how they affect the standings?

The NSCF Executive Director reserves the right to unilaterally resolve all disputes regarding the Grand Prix. As a general guideline, rule changes will not be made in mid-season, but helpful suggestions will be considered for the future.

How do I sign up?

Simply register for and play in a NSCF tournament, and you are automatically competing in the NSCF Grand Prix! Tournament registration forms are distributed at NSCF schools and events, and may be obtained online at www.nscfchess.org Or call the NSCF office: 914-683-5322.

_{*modified January 30, 2000}