Frequently Asked Questions
The following are a list of the most commonly asked questions:
Q: What is the School Chess League (SCL)?
A: The SCL is a school team chess competition open to Primary and Secondary students attending school in Western Australia. The SCL consists of 3 classes, Class A, Class B and Class C. More information about these groups can be accessed under "Other Events"
Q: Who can play in the School Chess League?
A: All Primary and Secondary Students can participate in the School Chess League.
Q: Why should I play in the School Chess League?
A: Chess provides great educational opportunities for children including practicing their concentration skills, being able to plan, make decisions and dealing with the consequences of those decisions. Most importantly, chess is a very fun game for children.
Q: Am I good enough to play in the School Chess League?
A: The tournament format for all School Chess League events is inclusive to players of all strengths. Players should ensure that they are aware of the rules of competition chess (players may ask an arbiter if they have any questions about this) but beyond that there is no minimum limit. Note that the tournament format is designed such that while players new to tournament chess may struggle initially, they will soon come up against players of similar ability.
Q: Can I participate in more than 1 event?
A: Yes, students may participate in as many class A to C events as they wish.
Q: When is SCL being held?
A: Class A to C events will be held mainly throughout term 2 (with a few events held late in Term 1 and early Term 3) on their scheduled dates. Please refer to the "Other Events" tab for more information.
Q: When are the finals held?
A: Please refer to the "WA SCL Finals" tab for more information. A separate finals for Primary and Secondary Girls will be held. Please refer to "Girls competition" tab.
Q: How are teams selected to represent Western Australia at the annual Australian Schools’ Teams Chess Championships (ASTC)?
A: The winning team in the Primary Schools Final will be selected as WA’s Primary Open team for the ASTC.
The winning team in the Secondary Schools Final will be selected as WA’s Secondary Open team for the ASTC.
The winning team in the Primary Schools Girls Competition will be selected as WA’s Primary Girls team for the ASTC.
The winning team in the Secondary Schools Girls Competition will be selected as WA’s Secondary Girls team for the ASTC.
Q: What if an all-girls team wins both the open and the girls competition in their division?
A: If the two winning teams are composed of the same players, that team may choose which division to represent WA in. The second placed school in the division they did not choose will then qualify for the Australian Schools Teams Finals.
Q: Is it compulsory to record moves at School Chess League events?
A: No, it is not compulsory to record moves.