Covid Guidance For Players

It is important that before heading to a match/club, you please read the following:

General Covid Guidance (applies to all clubs):

• Players should not attend a match if they are experiencing Covid symptoms.
• Wearing a mask while at the chess board is optional unless your opponent is wearing a mask and requests that you do.
• Players should provide their own mask. Spectators should observe games at a distance from the players.
• The playing space should be ventilated as much as possible.
• Adjacent boards should be spaced as much as possible.

Club-Specific Guidance:

Amber Valley – currently no home venue

Belper

• As an alternative to mask wearing players may play socially distanced side by side utilizing the blind play rules: face same direction/ 2 sets with a clock between them/ calling out the moves.
• To accommodate this team captains need to discuss with their opposing captain prior to the day of the match and ensure equipment/furniture is suitably arranged.
• Belper Chess club cannot host more than 2 matches in the same evening. This is due to social distancing and allowing social chess on our club nights to continue. In addition Belper cannot host neutral matches involving other clubs.
• The Old Kings Head provides hand sanitization and the club has purchased some masks.

Breadsall – see general guidance

Burton – Hand sanitizers are provided.

Lichfield

• Use hand sanitizers, either those provided or your own, each time when entering LDC rooms and when sitting down to start a game or when setting up board and sets. The Club will provide sanitizer bottles in the room.
• A register of attendees will be maintained to assist with notification of any cases. Those with mobiles may scan the QR code instead.
• Use of face coverings when not sitting down to play chess is requested.
• Social distancing at least 1 metre. It will no longer be possible for players to gather around to watch a game as this would infringe social distancing and impede movement on the one way system.
• A one way system will operate, entry is through the door near the street and exit through the door at the other end of the room and down the passageway which runs alongside the room.
• Where possible and as long as it does not cause discomfort doors may be propped open to improve ventilation.

Clay Cross

• The church will have the “schoolroom” Covid-cleaned after each use, and we ask that visitors take sensible precautions in line with government guidance.
• Doors and windows may be kept open to allow fresh air to circulate. For health, environmental and economy reasons we will minimise the use of heating (with a lower thermostat setting), which will mean a cooler indoor temerature than previously. Hence we ask that all visitors ensure they wear a lever of clothing suitable for outdoor temperatures, and consider bringing gloves. (Gloves are not a requirement but would have the double benefit of keeping warm AND reducing the potential for virus spread!)
• Games will be played singly on well-separated “double” tables to facilitate social distancing between chess boards. The room is large enough – and the tables wide enough – to enable the small number of occupants to maintain good separation. Please bring your own refreshments as we will keep the kitchen closed.
• We ask all players experiencing symptoms of COVID-19: fever, cough, headache, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and loss of smell and taste, not to attend. We will not claim a win for a last-minute default of this kind, rather we will declare the game in question void (or ½ – ½).
• If you are likely to cough or sneeze please wear a mask.

Derby

• Hand sanitiser and a venue QR code are available at the entrance door.
• Masks should be worn while moving around the building.
• Derby chess club will not host more than 1 match per session.
• Please provide your own water/refreshments.

Rolls Royce

• Start Time: Rolls-Royce start time for all matches is now 7.15pm, due to new requirement to finish by 10pm. We realise this will take a while to become recognised but hopefully will at least result in earlier starts than 7.30. As agreed at the AGM, shorter time controls than 75m+10s may be used depending on actual start time.
• As an alternatively to mask wearing players may play socially distanced side by side utilizing the blind play rules : face same direction/ 2 sets with a clock between them/ calling out the moves.
• To accommodate this team captains need to discuss with their opposing captain prior to the day of the match and ensure equipment/furniture is suitably arranged.
• Rolls-Royce Chess Club cannot host more than two matches in the same evening. This is due to social distancing and allowing social chess on our club nights to continue.
• The double doors at each end of the RR venue will normally be open for ventilation, so it is suggested to have appropriate clothing for a cooler than usual environment.
• Tea and coffee are not available so please bring any refreshment you need. At this time the Rolls-Royce bar is not open in the evenings.

Spondon – see general guidance