Entry & payments
Entries should be made online via this website. The Congress reserves the right to refuse any entry.
For postal entries please consult with us.
General enquiries: HICCchairman@yahoo.com
Refunds & late fees
A deduction of 10% will be made from any refund to cover any costs, and refunds will only be made if notification of withdrawal is received no later than 20 December 2023. Late entries will invoke a late entry fee of £15 (Masters) and £10 (other tournaments) for entries received after 18 December 2023 (a small extension may apply to the Weekend tournaments).
Eligibility
Those players with only provisional ratings at time of entry may be able to change sections if further data becomes available. Entrants may choose to play “up” in higher rating bands. Where a player’s true strength is disputed the Chief Arbiter reserves the right to assign them to a different section. Names of entrants to all tournaments will appear via this website – please check for updates.
Prizes
The Maureen Charlesworth Trophy and £100 will be awarded for the most meritorious performance by a local player.
Horntye Park will present a prize of £100 and a trophy for the winner of the best game played in the Masters.
Except for the above, a player may normally only win one prize per section.
Byes
Players, other than grandmasters, may take a half point bye in any round except the last. The Chief Arbiter MUST be informed of a bye request before the draw for the next round is published (or before the completion of the previous round). It is always better to inform us, where a bye for a specific round is definitely required, at the time of entry.
Default Time
Players arriving 30 minutes or more after the start of a session in any event shall lose by forfeit, unless the arbiter decides otherwise.
Dress code
While there is no formal dress code we expect players and guests to wear suitable attire, respecting the prestige of the event.
Press and Media
We ask for players’ reasonable cooperation with journalists, photographers, etc. If you can help publicise the Congress, please do.
Donations
The Congress Committee extends its grateful thanks to all donors. Please consider supporting one of the world’s oldest chess congresses!
ECF membership
Players needing to join the English Chess Federation should visit https://www.englishchess.org.uk/ecf-membership-rates-and-joining-details/
Horntye Park
The playing venue – the Horntye Park Sports Complex – is accessible from Bohemia Road. The postcode is TN34 1EX. It is a 15-20 minute walk from two railway stations: Hastings, and St Leonards Warrior Square. Bus services run from Hastings town centre to a stop on Bohemia Road, a journey of about 1km, close to the complex (public transport may not run on New Year’s Day.) There is also on-site parking. Horntye Park is a spacious, well-lit venue, with a viewing gallery above the playing area. As well as disabled access it has toilet facilities for the disabled and a lift between floors. The website address is www.horntyepark.org; telephone 01424 716666 or 01424 424546; email enquiries@horntyepark.org
Please note that players are responsible for their own insurance against damage or loss to personal property.
Catering
Hot food, sandwiches, drinks and snacks will be available during most playing times and between rounds.