UCU Battle Plan to keep our chess players as safe as possible

At the time of writing on Friday 13 March, of the 1.88 million people in Northern Ireland, 29 (as at 3:15pm 13/03/2020) have been confirmed with Covid-19. These guidelines are in  place based on the facts we have at present. We will send an update if the situation worsens, at which point we may need to postpone chess events and leagues. In the meantime, we are taking these steps:

1. For league matches, players should wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds before and after each game. Wash front and back and between the fingers.

2. There should be absolutely no hand-shaking before or after a game.

3. We tend to have a habit of touching our face with our hands during a chess game. However, medical advisors are asking us to avoiding touching our eyes, mouth or nose as much possible. So please try your best to avoid lifting your hands up to your face during the game.

4. If you are exhibiting any signs of a cold or fever, you should be staying at home.

5. If someone in your house is exhibiting signs of a cold or fever, you should not attend your chess club or chess tournament.

6. If you are over the age of 50 then your immune system will not be as strong as those under 50 so you need to weigh up the risk. Anyone in the over 50 category with an existing health condition should definitely not attend chess events or league games.

7. Some clubs may struggle to field teams in the coming weeks due to a lack of players in the upper age category. In these cases, no clubs will be penalised with the 1 point deduction if matches need to be postponed.

8. Next week is a league free week. Any clubs who wish to bring forward league matches to be played next next week are free to do so.

9. While Div 1 of the rapid league finishes at the end of March, Div 2 runs until the end of April. We have to be prepared for the possibility that the UK may go into lock-down in April if the number of virus cases dramatically increases over the next 4 weeks. In light of this possibility, any clubs who wish to bring matches forward by playing two league fixtures on same week are free to do so without any penalty. In such cases team captains should liaise with each other to make arrangements and copy in Vice-League Controller Evan Elwood.

That’s all folks. Stay safe, listen to all the medical professionals and let’s fight this battle and win it!

Brendan Jamison

Ulster Chess Union Tournament Director & League Conroller