Welcome to the Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Tournament!

2006 Pan-Am Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

last modified Dec-13-06

1. May graduate students play on college teams?

Yes, graduate students are eligible to play on any college/university team. See detailed College Eligibility Rules and Governing Rules

2. May faculty members play on scholastic or college teams?

No. All team members must be degree-seeking students (at least half-time, with GPA at least 2.0 on a 4-point scale). Non-degree seeking students (e.g., “special students” simply taking classes but not seeking any degree are not eligible to play on any team). See detailed eligibility rules.
Faculty, staff, coaches, non-degree students, students not on any team, club members, alumni, and anyone else connected with any college or scholastic delegation are welcome to play in the Pan-Am Closed individual tournament.

3. Does the age limit apply to all players?

No. The age limit (under age 26 years old as of September 1, 2006, applies only to International Masters and International Grandmasters). IMs and GMs over 25 years old are welcome to play in the Pan-Am Closed. Also, players who were degree-seeking students prior to January 1, 2004, are exempt from the age limit. See detailed eligibility rules.

4. May alternates play in the Pan-Am Closed?

Yes, alternates are encouraged to play in the Pan-Am Closed. Whenever an alternate plays on a team, the alternate will receive a ½-point bye in the Closed.

5. May players simultaneously play on a team and in the Closed?

No. The events are separate and at the same time. Although this extraordinary possibility was sometimes permitted in the past, it will not be permitted in 2006.

6. May home-schooled students enter the Pan-Am Scholastic?

Yes. Each home-schooled student may play for their district school (the school they would have attended, if they were not home schooled), and only for this school.

7. Why is there a "non-player social fee"?

The mandatory non-player social fee includes the reception and snack food at each round, and helps pay for other event expenses including live game commentary.

8. If a person is not a student in fall 2006, but registered for spring 2007,
may that person play in the Pan-Am Intercollegiate or Pan-Am Scholastic?

No. Each player must be a degree-seeking student in fall 2006 making progress toward the degree and registered for at least half-time status (at least two regular classes). Beginning January 1, 2004, the previously applied "spring semester eligibility rule" was eliminated, because promises for future actions cannot be guaranteed.

9. I live outside the USA and require a "letter of invitation" in order to
obtain a visa" What should I do?

Contact the Scholastic Director of the US Chess Federation, who will mail you such letter: Jerry Nash, jnash@uschess.org, tele 931-787-1234 ext 145.

10. Do parents accompanying their children in the scholastic have to pay the non-player social fee?

No. Parents may decide for themselves whether to pay the social fee. Official non-player members of a delegation (especially coaches and faculty advisors) must pay the non-player social fee. The social fee pays for food, so anyone who does not pay the social fee should not consume snack food at the rounds.

11. I am a scholastic student but do not have enough players from my school to form a four-person team. May I play in the scholastic team event?

Yes. The scholastic team is an individual 6-SS tournament. Teams are defined after the event, and a one-person team is acceptable.

12. I will graduate in December 2006, before the Pan-Am. May I play in the intercollegiate (or scholastic) event?

Yes, provided you meet the eligibility requirements for fall 2006 (including being at least half-time in a degree-seeking program).

13. Must players be USCF members?

Yes. It's a USCF rated tournament. Foreign titled players (GM, WGM, IM, and IM) may participate without being USCF members. All others must be or become members. Memberships may be purchased at the event. See www.uschess.org for rates.

14. How many sections will there be in the Pan-Am Scholastic Team?

One.

15. Will the top individual in the Pan-Am Scholastic Team win the scholarship prize, even if that person has no other teammates?

Yes.

Q: May we bring our check and certification letter to the event?

Yes.

Q: Must we bring our own sets, boards, and clocks?

Yes, none will be provided. Be sure to bring regulation equipment (e.g., 2.25in squares). You can purchase equipment from many on-line chess stores, including our sponsors USCF and Chess House.