Welcome & Guidelines for Northumbria Masters Congress

Dear Northumbria Masters Congress participants,

I am writing to you to welcome you to the 2021 Northumbria Masters Congress, which we hope will be an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone in the chess community attending.

Covd-19 government regulations

Before the Congress begins, there are some common-sense things I would like to bring to your attention, particularly about the risks related to Covid-19.

First of all, each of us should act responsibly to protect each other and reduce the risk as much as possible from the virus, which remains a danger to everyone, even as more and more people get vaccinated.

Of course, the best way you can help to keep everyone safe is to get fully vaccinated if possible, and if you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, to take a PCR test.

Second, please read the government regulations on Covid before you travel to the Congress. They are in place to reduce the risks, so please follow them as closely as possible:

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Face Coverings and Social Distancing

In line with government guidelines, we recommend that you consider wearing a face covering (a mask or visor) while playing and moving around in the Playing Hall. Please note, while we see this as a sensible recommendation, this is a question of personal responsibility, and not mandatory.

Please be considerate towards your opponent – remember that the primary purpose of a mask or visor is to protect others, rather than yourself. If we all act responsibly, we can reduce the risk of anyone contracting the virus or becoming ill.

Please also be responsible when it comes to social distancing. There is no requirement to shake hands before or after a game – you can simply wish your opponent good luck beforehand, and offer a polite congratulation or commiseration afterwards.

Check Your Entry & Register before Round 1

Please check that your entry is correct on Chess-Results: http://chess-results.com/tnr574711.aspx?lan=1 and that the byes you requested have been registered here, on the ‘Entries Received’ page: https://northumbriamasters.com/entries/

Please remember: You should register by email or text message before Round 1 between 9:00am and 4:00pm on Thursday 26 August by emailing: timpeterwall@gmail.com or sending a text message to: +44 750 372 2366. Not registering runs the risk of being left out of the pairings, which will be published on Chess-Results.com at 4:30pm on Thursday 26th – 2 hours before play starts.

What to Do After Your Game is Finished

Your result will be registered by you leaving your signed scoresheet on the board at the end of the game. At this point, you become a spectator, not a player, in that round. We would kindly request therefore that you leave the Playing Hall at this point.

Equipment and Ventilation

The Congress Control Team will ensure that chess sets and clocks are disinfected between rounds, and that the Playing Hall is kept as well ventilated as possible during rounds. This means that participants and spectators should avoid standing near open doors to reduce noise levels for people playing their games.

Withdrawals and Hotel Cancellations

If you withdraw from the Congress at any point, please let the Control Team know immediately. This will prevent unnecessary defaults. Please also note that the Marriott MetroCentre will charge you in full for any hotel rooms cancelled at less than 24 hours’ notice.

I am sure that there will be further questions and concerns that you have. Please do write to me with these, and I will do my best to answer them as quickly as possible and to keep everyone informed.

I look forward to seeing you when you arrive at the Congress.

Best wishes,

Tim Wall

Congress Director

Northumbria Masters