NSCF Grand Prix FAQ

NSCF Grand Prix -- Frequently Asked Questions	Last FAQ Update: February 13, 2001
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 trophy winners in each section, excluding class trophies. This includes the top 5 scorers (plus ties) in each section, and all others scoring 3 points or more in a 4-game tournament section. The number of Grand Prix points awarded is exactly equal to the score achieved in the tournament, with one exception: perfect scores are awarded an extra half point bonus. 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 tournament, (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.
By the second tournament, having attended some NSCF classes, he scores 3.0 points and ties for 6^th place. He is awarded 3.0 GP points.
In the third tournament, he finishes second with 3.5 points. He is awarded 3.5 GP points for a total of 6.5 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 11 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       6-9         3.0           3.0                       3.0 
 Ashley         2         3.5           3.5                       6.5    
 Ashley         1         4.0           4.5                      11.0

How many awards are there?

Awards have been upgraded to attractive plaques with the winner's name engraved. They will be awarded as follows:

 
 K/1:            Top  5 plus ties		
 Primary:        Top 10 plus ties
 Elementary:     Top 10 plus ties
 Reserve:        Top 10 plus ties
 Championship:   Top 10 plus ties

In addition, three private lessons will be awarded to the Champion in each section.

NOTE: A minimum of 12 points is required to qualify for an award.

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:


K/1 to Primary              =   subtract  0.5
K/1 to Elementary           =   subtract  0.5    
Primary to Elementary       =   subtract  0   
Elementary to Reserve       =   subtract  0.5 
Primary to Reserve          =   subtract  0.5 
Reserve to Championship     =   subtract  1.0

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

Note: All half-point 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 11 points across 3 qualifying tournaments. This included a bonus of .5 points for a perfect score. Upon moving to the new section, his GP points for that section are calculated as follows:

(3 + 3.5 + 4.0) – (3 x .5) = 9

These 9 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 one section. To determine which section, the following criteria will be used, in the tie-breaking order listed:

The section in which the player has had Grand Prix results most often.
If tied, the section with the highest ratio of Grand Prix results over total tries in that section.
If still tied, the section in which the player has the highest standing.
If still tied, 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 15-25 players plus ties.

Exactly what tournaments are on the NSCF Grand Prix circuit?

All NSCF-sponsored tournaments listed on NSCF flyers and posted on the "Tournament Schedule" page at www.nscfchess.org, with the exception of Hunter, State and National tournaments. The 2001 circuit includes the Fall 2000 schedule and the Spring 2001 schedule. The following tournaments are currently eligible:

Ward School, New Rochelle October 28, 2000	George Washington School, White Plains November 4, 2000^**
Woodlands School, Greenburgh November 12, 2000	Greenwich Country Day School November 19, 2000
Ridgeway School, White Plains December 2, 2000	Girl Scout House, Scarsdale December 9, 2000
Daniel Webster School, New Rochelle January 27, 2001	Woodlands School, Greenburgh February 4, 2001
Ridgeway School, White Plains February 10, 2001	Brunswick School, Greenwich February 25, 2001
Greenwich Country Day School March 4, 2001	Sleepy Hollow High School March 17, 2001
Woodlands School, Greenburgh March 25, 2001	George Washington School, White Plains April 21, 2001
Pearl's Hawthorne School, Yonkers, NY May 12, 2001	St Pius X School, Scarsdale May 19, 2001
St Theresa School, Briarcliff Manor, NY June 2, 2001

^**No K/1 results posted. Combined Primary/Elementary tabulated as Elementary 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 December 11, 2000