Objectives
1. The Association shall be named “The British Correspondence Chess Association”. Its objectives shall be to encourage the playing of chess by correspondence, to foster chess playing generally and to arrange matches with other Chess Clubs and Associations.
Membership
2. The Association shall consist of a President, Past Presidents, Vice Presidents and Members, including ordinary members, life members, junior members and overseas members. The President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Committee and Auditor shall be elected annually. The Executive Committee shall appoint other officers and committees as necessary.
3. On retirement a President shall normally be appointed as a Past President. The appointment of Past Presidents and Vice-Presidents shall be proposed only by the Executive Committee for election at an Annual General Meeting. Past Presidents and Vice-Presidents shall be honorary members entitled to free life membership with the full benefits of ordinary members, including eligibility or appointment to offices and committees.
4. Ordinary and life members are entitled to take part in all the Association’s competitions in accordance with the rules of those competitions, to receive all communications, including the magazine, and to take part in team matches if selected. A junior member must be under the age of 18 at the date of joining and may continue as a junior member until the end of the membership year in which he becomes 18: he is entitled to the full benefits of an ordinary member. An overseas member is one who resides outside the British Isles and, while restricted as to the competitions in which he may participate, he is entitled to receive all communications.
5. A group of chess players who are unlikely to become individual members of the Association may apply to the Executive Committee to be incorporated as group members. The benefits to which they are entitled and the fees to be paid by such a group shall be decided by the Executive Committee.
6. The Executive Committee is empowered to refuse any application for membership or renewal of membership and to terminate membership.
7. The membership year is from 1st September to 31st August. While members may join at any time, subscriptions shall be effective from the preceding 1st September. An ordinary or junior member who joins on or after 31st March shall pay a reduced subscription equal to half that which he would normally pay. Unless membership is renewed within three calendar months of expiry on 31st August, a member rejoining the Association shall be deemed a new member. A player ceasing to be a member, not having renewed his membership within three calendar months, shall automatically forfeit tourney games in which he is engaged. Life Membership shall be in lieu of future annual subscriptions only and the fee normally payable may be reduced by the Executive Committee to take account of previous continuous membership.
General Meetings
8. An Annual General Meeting shall normally be held in October, or exceptionally in November at the discretion of the Executive Committee, for the presentation of officers’ reports, the consideration of the financial accounts of the Association for the preceding year, the election of the President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Committee and Auditor, and for the conduct of any other business. The Auditor may not necessarily be a member of the Association.
9. Members desiring to put any motion on the agenda must give written details, including the name of a seconder, to the General Secretary by 1st August, but motions by the Executive Committee may be included on the agenda not later than at the Committee meeting at which the agenda is drawn up.
10. On a written request signed by at least five per cent of the membership or at the request of the Executive Committee, the General Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting within five weeks. The Request and the Notice of Meeting shall state the particular business to be considered and no other business may be discussed at that meeting.
11. The President shall chair the Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting, but in his absence the meeting shall elect its own Chairman solely for that occasion, normally a Past President or a Vice-President. Voting at meetings shall be by ballot or by show of hands at the discretion of the Chairman. Each member present shall have one vote in his own right and any proxy votes as permitted in Rule 12, except that the Chairman shall also have a second or casting vote in the event of equality. Decisions shall be reached by a simple majority.
12. Any member who is unable to be present at a General Meeting may give in writing to any member who is to be present a General Proxy Vote. The member holding such a proxy vote shall record it as directed in writing by the proxy voter or, failing such direction, as he thinks fit. Other than the President and the General Secretary no member shall be allowed to exercise more than three proxy votes in addition to his own. Proxy votes cannot be used for the election of officers or Executive Committee members. The General Secretary must be advised, at the commencement of the meeting, of members carrying proxy votes and the number held.
Executive Committee
13. The Executive Committee shall comprise, as ex officio members, the President, General Secretary and Treasurer together with such additional members as are sufficient to bring the total membership of the Committee to a maximum of ten. Provided that at least four members of the Executive Committee were elected at a relevant General Meeting, the Committee shall be empowered to appoint members of the Association to fill vacancies arising during the year for any offices and the Executive Committee itself. Appointed officers and appointed members of the Executive Committee shall continue as such until the next Annual General Meeting or for such shorter period if the number of the elected members should fall below four. In such an event a Special General Meeting shall be convened for the purpose of confirming the Executive Committee’s appointments and of electing members of the Association to fill outstanding vacancies. Elected and appointed members of the Executive Committee shall have equal rights. The Executive Committee may also co-opt members of the Association for specific meetings of the Committee but without them counting towards a quorum or having voting rights
14. The general management of the Association shall be vested in the Executive Committee, The President shall be the Chairman of the Committee, but in his absence from any meeting, the Committee shall elect its own Chairman for that meeting only. Four shall form a quorum, but in the absence of a quorum those present at a meeting may continue to conduct Committee business subject to ratification at the subsequent Committee meeting at which a quorum is present. Voting shall be by ballot or by show of hands at the discretion of the Chairman, each member having one vote except the Chairman, who shall also have a second or casting vote in the event of equality. Decisions shall be reached by a simple majority.
15. The Executive Committee shall elect one of its members as a delegate to the British Federation for Correspondence Chess. His aim shall be to represent the interests of the Association to the Federation.
Finance
16. The financial control of the Association shall be vested in the Executive Committee who shall be empowered to borrow such sums as they may decide in furtherance of the objectives of the Association as approved by the members at a General Meeting. The financial year shall run from 1st July to 30th June.
17. Annual subscriptions, life membership fees, other dues and prizes shall be determined from time to time by the Executive Committee and published in the form of a schedule subject to ratification at the next Annual General Meeting. Entrance fees may if necessary be reintroduced by the Executive Committee subject to ratification at a subsequent General Meeting.
18. All sums received from life membership fees shall be carried to a Reserve Fund to be utilised as the Executive Committee shall deem fit in the interests of the Association.
Playing Rules
19. The BCCA Playing Rules shall be used in all BCCA non-webserver tourneys, the British Correspondence Chess League (BCCL) and Home Matches unless otherwise provided for in the rules of each competition. All BCCA webserver tourneys shall use the ICCF Playing Rules (Webserver) in force at the commencement of the tourney.
Amendment of Rules
20. The General Rules and Playing Rules may be amended, repealed or new rules introduced by a simple majority following a motion notified in accordance with Rule at an Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting duly summoned for that purpose under Rule 10. In exceptional circumstances the Executive Committee shall have the power to amend the Rules at any time, but such amendments must be ratified at the next General Meeting.
Disputes
21.It is a condition of membership that anyone becoming a member of the Association shall be deemed to have accepted its rules. In the event of any dispute, for which the Association’s rules do not apply or relating to the interpretation of those rules, that dispute shall be referred to the Executive Committee whose decision shall be final.
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BRITISH CORRESPONDENCE CHESS ASSOCIATION
NON-WEBSERVER PLAYING RULES 2011
(with effect from 1/1/2012)
(For definitions and interpretations as indicated by references, see Appendix)
SECTION A Laws of Chess
A1 The current F.l.D.E. Laws (1), except those inapplicable to correspondence games shall govern all play.
SECTION B Method of play
B1 Moves shall be numbered consecutively and (a) written in ink on a scorecard or, if both competitors in a pairing agree, on a scoresheet, or on postcards or in letters, or e-mail and (b) transmitted by second class mail; unless the organizing authority (2) or controller (3) makes other provisions for the moves in a particular game, match or tournament. . Email communication may be used providing both players agree to its use. However, the Rules for postal play still apply.
B2 The English algebraic notation shall be used for recording moves unless both competitors agree to use another notation recognized by F.l.D.E.
B3 All changes of permanent address shall be notified to both the opponent and the Controller (3).
B4 The player (4) shall record the following particulars against each move:
(a) The date upon which the opponent’s latest move was delivered at (5) the player’s address.
(b) The anticipated postmark date of the player’s own move. (This shall be corrected by the recipient if it does not correspond with the postmark which shall be kept as evidence and the correct date shall be advised with the next transmission.)
Should the above particulars be omitted the recipient shall assume them and notify the assumed details with the next transmission.
B5 Conditional continuations of moves and replies may be proposed by either player and such proposals shall be binding unless the recipient makes a different move from that proposed.
B6 Except when the full score of the moves already played is returned, the opponent’s latest move and any accepted conditional move(s) shall be correctly repeated. Without such correct repetition the player’s own move is incomplete and the opponent may demand that it be completed before making a reply move, in which case the player shall record further delivery and postmark dates in accordance with Rule B4 and the playing time used for completing the move shall be added to that used for making the incomplete move. In the event of repetition of the offence, the opponent shall advise the Controller who shall impose a minimum penalty of two additional days playing time upon the offending player.
B7 In no circumstances shall any legal move once posted be retracted or amended;
B8 A complete record of the moves made (including the dates of receipt and posting, or the dates sent/ received in respect of Email) and all correspondence, etc., connected with the game shall be kept by each competitor until the game, match or tournament has been concluded.
B9 Competitors shall comply with the regulations in the Post Office Guide so far as they affect the transmission of moves and correspondence connected with the game.
B10 Where moves are transmitted by e-mail (a) moves shall be numbered and sent in algebraic or a mutually agreed notation bearing the name and e-mail address of the sender and a continuous record of all moves and confirmation of the date on which the opponent’s latest message was sent. (b)The sender shall record on the message the date on which the opponents latest move was received and the expected date of the reply.(c) Failing this, reasonable dates shall be assumed by the recipient and notified with the reply move.(d) When the expected reply date does not agree with the actual e-mailing date shown on the message time stamp, the recipient shall correct this and inform the sender with the reply move. (e) The time used for the move and the accumulated time for the game shall also be recorded.(f) Normal accepted time of e-mail transmissions is one day. If a longer transmission time is declared it may be referred to the Controller for a ruling.
SECTION C Illegal and Ambiguous Moves
C1 Any illegal (6), ambiguous (7) or illegible move must be referred back to the player thereof for amendment or clarification. The player shall record further delivery and postmark dates in accordance with Rule B4 and the playing time used for correcting the move shall be added to that used for making the incorrect move. In the event of repetition of the offence, the opponent shall advise the Controller who shall impose a minimum penalty of two additional days playing time upon the offending player. In no circumstance shall a move other than one of the possible interpretations of an ambiguous move be substituted.
C2 Any disagreement concerning an illegal, ambiguous or illegible move shall be immediately referred to the Controller who may, at his discretion, cancel any or all of the subsequent moves and direct that the move in question be amended or clarified in accordance with Rule Cl.
C3 A move involving check shall not be deemed illegal, ambiguous or incomplete by reason only of the fact that such check is not expressly mentioned, and an incorrect statement of check shall not in any way detract from the legality of the move made.
SECTION D Time Control
D1 Play shall begin on the day appointed for commencement (8) or as soon thereafter as the notice of pairing is received. Playing time shall not normally be counted against either player for the first move unless receipt of the pairing notice has been acknowledged, but in the event of delay, the opponent may report the circumstances to the Controller who may, at his discretion, direct that the time lost be counted.
D2 The playing time used by each competitor for every subsequent move shall be the difference in days between the two dates recorded or assumed in accordance with Rule B4. No time shall be counted for any reply posted on the same day that a move is received or for accepted conditional continuations. Days on which according to Post Office announcements no collections are made, e.g. Sunday or because of strikes, shall be ignored, but Bank Holidays and Public Holidays shall be counted in full even though collections may not be made at individual collection boxes.
D3 Each competitor shall be allotted 20 days playing time for each 10 moves, or 30 days for each 10 moves if both players agree to play by Email. Time saved shall be carried forward.
D4 A player shall notify the opponent within ten days if, due to any circumstance, the reply move cannot be made during that time.
D5 Should there be no reply to any move by the 14th day from the date of posting, and no notification is received in accordance with Rule D4, then the player thereof shall immediately repeat the latest move (including the details required under Rules B4 and B6) and advise the Tournament Controller. There shall be no requirement to use registration or recorded delivery services.
D6 Should it be claimed that a move has not been received, play shall continue on receipt of the repeated move and the player so claiming shall forthwith notify the Controller who may, at his discretion, allow that the difference in days be discounted, advising both players in writing of his decision. Such claims shall not normally be entertained unless Rule D5 has been complied with.
SECTION E Expiration of Allotted Time
E1 Should a player fail to resign upon exceeding the time allotted in Rule D3, the opponent may immediately claim the game and in that event will advise the other player accordingly. Such a claim may only be made at one of the time controls shown in Rule D3 and cannot be delayed. While the claim is being considered play will continue. If 40 days have elapsed with no contact from a player, and the latest move has been repeated in accordance with Rule D5, the opponent shall apply to the Tournament Controller with a request to be awarded the game on Time.
E2 Claims in accordance with Rule El shall be submitted to the Controller together with evidence in support of the claim, including the score sheet or cards. Should the score sheet be unavailable, the record kept in accordance with Rule B8 shall be submitted.
E3 Having received a seemingly valid claim made in accordance with Rule E2, the Controller shall inform the opponent that a claim has been made, calling for any evidence which the opponent may possess refuting the claim. This evidence shall be submitted within 14 days, failing which the Controller shall award the game to the claimant and send written notification to both competitors.
E4 Should it be proved that the time allotted has been exceeded, the game shall be awarded to the claimant; otherwise play shall continue but the Controller must in any event notify both competitors in writing of his decisions.
SECTION F Cessation and Withdrawals
F1 In every game each competitor may reserve one or two cessations of play amounting in total to not more than 14 days. Prior notice in writing shall be given, both to the Controller and to the opponent. Additional cessation may be granted by the Controller at his discretion and in exceptional circumstances this may be back-dated. During a period of cessation, playing time shall not be counted against either player.
F2 Except for team events, games affected by the accepted (9) withdrawal or death of a competitor shall be adjudicated. Claims for adjudication shall be submitted to the Controller within 14 days together with a copy of the full score of the moves played and a clear diagram of the position reached (see Rule G3) and an indication of whether a win or draw is claimed.
F3 In the case of a team event, the number of members to be held in reserve by each team shall be specified by the organizing authority, and their names and addresses shall be announced before the match commences. In the event of a withdrawal or death, the games affected shall be continued by a reserve until each of the reserves has replaced one team member. Any further games affected by withdrawal or death shall be counted as lost to the team concerned.
SECTION G Results and Adjudications
G1 The result of each game shall be notified to the Controller by both competitors within seven days of its completion. If only one player complies with this rule the result as reported will be accepted and not be subject to appeal. If neither player complies with this rule, the game shall be recorded as a loss to both players.
G2 Play shall cease on the date fixed for adjudication. Any move postmarked before this date shall be counted as a move made in the game. If the competitors are unable to agree upon a result, they shall each submit to the Controller within ten days the appropriate adjudication fee, a copy of the full score of the moves played and a clear diagram of the position reached (see Rule G3) with an indication of whether a win or draw is claimed. The fee will be returned to the player whose claim is upheld, subject to the result of any appeal. If only one player complies with this rule, the Controller shall forthwith uphold that claim without recourse to adjudication.
G3 The diagram of the position reached shall be completed on a diagram blank or ruled format with White playing up the board. The pieces may be indicated by block capital letters and a circle drawn about the letters representing the black pieces. Alternatively a diagram print out from chess software is also permitted.
The following additional information shall be given:
(a) the number of men remaining to each side, (b) the player whose turn it is to move, and (c) any special circumstances, e.g. ability to castle, pawn en prise e.p.
G4 When claims are received from both competitors in accordance with Rule G2, the Controller shall arrange for an adjudication to be made, and shall notify both competitors in writing of the adjudicator’s decision (10).
G5 The decision of the adjudicator may be appealed against by either of the players concerned. All such appeals must be made within seven days of the receipt of the Controller’s notification. Two diagrams of each position on which the appeal is made and analysis or notes in support of the appeal must be sent to the General Secretary together with the appropriate appeal fee (11) (to be returned if the appeal is upheld). The General Secretary shall forthwith advise the appellant’s opponent and the Controller that an appeal has been lodged. All such appeals shall be sent to a professional adjudicator whose fee shall be paid by the Association. The professional adjudicator’s decision shall be final.
SECTION H General
H1 Extraneous assistance or advice concerning the play must not be sought or accepted, but books, works of reference or databases may be consulted. The words “extraneous assistance” include the use of a computer for the calculation of moves.
H2 The Controller shall have the right to satisfy himself concerning the progress or conduct of the game, and at any time may require that the score sheet or cards and any correspondence connected with the game be sent to him within fourteen days.
H3 The Controller may disqualify from the game(s) or event any competitor who breaks these rules.
H4 Any point not specifically covered in the above rules shall be decided at the discretion of the Controller.
H5 Any competitor who is aggrieved by a decision of the Controller may appeal to the organizing authority whose decision shall be final. Such appeal shall be posted within seven days of receiving the decision in question.
APPENDIX
(Definitions and Interpretations)
(1) THE CURRENT F.l.D.E. LAWS OF CHESS: The latest English edition authorized by the E.C.F. before the commencement of the game, match or tournament (Al).
(2) ORGANIZING AUTHORITY : An organization conducting games, matches or tournaments under these rule
(3) THE CONTROLLER : The person officially appointed to control the game, match or tournament. In the case of team events, the Controller may delegate any part of his authority to the respective team captains who shall jointly decide such matters, only referring these to the Controller if agreement cannot be reached.
(4)PLAYER : The player is the competitor whose turn it is to despatch a move. The opponent is the competitor whose turn it is to receive a move, and does not become the player until a move has been received to which a reply can be made (B4).
(5) THE PLAYER’S ADDRESS : The address notified to the opponent at the commencement of the game, or such other address as may be further advised, whichever is applicable at the time. All communications from the Controller shall be sent to the permanent address and if a reply is required this must be made within 14 days of delivery at that address; competitors are therefore advised to arrange for such correspondence to be forwarded when necessary (B4).
(6) ILLEGAL MOVE: A move which cannot be interpreted as permissible by the F.l.D.E. Laws of Chess from the position reached in the game immediately before the move in question was made (Cl).
(7) AMBIGUOUS MOVE : A move which is capable of more than one interpretation from the position reached in the game immediately before the move in question was made (Cl).
(8) DAY APPOINTED FOR COMMENCEMENT : In the case of “double” pairings, the commencement date for the second game shall be that on which the first move of the first game is received by the second player (Dl).
(9) WITHDRAWAL: Players wishing to withdraw must apply to the Tournament Controller, who will decide whether the reason given is acceptable. Silent withdrawals are never acceptable and shall be dealt with by Rules E1 to E4.
(10) ADJUDICATOR’S DECISION : The competitors shall be notified of the adjudicator’s decision at least two weeks before the result is published. However, this notice may be waived if it is necessary to use the adjudicated result in the compilation of the following season’s tournaments (G4).
(11) APPEAL FEE: The appeal fee shall be taken into the hands of the organising authority and only returned to the applicant if the appeal is upheld. No Appeal Fee shall be payable unless a sum has been specified by the organizing authority before the game, match or tournament commences.