INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS TO THE 2008 AFRICAN JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

1. INVITATION

Under the auspices of the African Chess Union, Chess South Africa has the honour of inviting African Federations affiliated to FIDE to participate in the 2008 African Junior Chess Championship and African Girls Chess Championship.

2. Venue and Dates

The 2008 African Junior Chess Championships will be held from 28th December 2008 (arrival) to 6th January 2009 (departure) at the malaria-free Amanzintaba Resort �Water from the Mountain�, in Bronkhorstspruit, a town in the Gauteng Province, a forty minute journey from Pretoria, or less than an hour from Oliver Tambo International airport, Johannesburg.

Not only is South Africa an important emerging economy, it is also the gateway to other African markets. Home to 6% of the continent's population, South Africa produces 23% of Africa's GDP, boasts 45% of its mineral production and 50% of its buying power. South Africa has a population of about 47.9-million.

The weather in December is warm ranging from 24 . 30 degrees.

3. Participants

In accordance with FIDE regulations, entitled participants are those players born on or after 1st January 1988. The tournament will be played in TWO sections, an open event and a girl�fs event. The host Federation will cater for Two players (one boy and one girl) from each FIDE affiliated African National Federation on a full board and lodging basis (i.e players are required to stay at the venue). Additional players may be accepted on application subject to a maximum of 4 players per federation in each category. Additional players will be held responsible for payment of .45.00 per person per day for meals and accommodation. Officials and accompanying persons from participating Federations wishing to live at the official Chess Resort will also be allowed upon payment of .50.00 per person per day for meals and accommodation subject to confirmation of accommodation on a first come first serve basis. The accommodation of other accompanying persons such as friends or relations will be for their own account.

4. FIDE/ACU Fees

In accordance with FIDE regulations an entry fee of .70 (Seventy Euros) is required for each invited player (one boy and one girl). Additional players are required to pay an entry fee of .140 (One Hundred and Forty Euros). Federations are responsible for paying the entry fees for each of their players. All fees should be paid into the account of FIDE/ACU by 28th October 2008. (Please note only the FIDE/ACU fees are paid into this account. All other fees for registration and accommodation are to be paid into the CHESSA account).

Dabilani Buthali
First National Bank of Botswana
International Trade Centre
Account Number: 2310101 309401
Bank Code: 284667
Swift Code: FIRNBWGX

Please use the reference of AJ, your Federation code, Surname, (for example AJRSAvanRensburg meaning African Juniors, South Africa, player name).

A copy of the deposit slip or letter from the Federation�fs Treasurer as proof of payment to FIDE/ACU must accompany the player(s) to the venue as well as faxed to(+2786 611 7224) local 086 611 7224 or emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . No participant shall be allowed to take part in the event without payment of the FIDE/ACU Fees.

5. Registration

A Registration Fee of .100.00 per player will be payable in advance into the CHESSA bank account. The deadline for registration is 15 November 2008. Failure to pay this fee will result in the affected player(s) being excluded from the tournament. Players will not be paired until all the payments are effected to the organisers. After this date a penalty of 50 . (Euros) for each late registration will be charged to participants. However, organisers reserve the right to decline late registrations. To secure participation of all players, a 50% deposit is required to be paid into the CHESSA Bank Account by 15th November 2008 , with the balance to be paid by 30th November.

NAME OF ACCOUNT: CHESSA

BANK: FIRST NATIONAL BANK

BRANCH/CODE: CRESTA / 254905

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 58810045419

SWIFT CODE: FIRNZAJJ

For all payments, please use the reference of AJ, your Federation code, Surname, (for example AJRSAvanRensburg meaning African Juniors, South Africa, player name). Arrival and confirmation of pre-registration will take place on 28th December 2008.

A copy of the deposit slip or letter from the Federation�fs Treasurer as proof of payment to the organisers must accompany the player(s) to the venue as well as faxed to(+2786 611 7224) local 086 611 7224 or emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

No additional player shall be allowed to take part in the event without full payment of registration fees and accommodation costs.

6. Travel Arrangements

The cost of traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa and returning home again is for personal account of the participants. The hosts shall meet participants and accompanying persons at the Johannesburg International Airport, provided that full information about the flight/trip and arrival times is given in writing to the organizers not later than 12th December 2008. Transport from and to the Airport will be included as part of the registration fee.

7. Board and Lodging

Between the Gousberg Mountains and Wilge River one finds a place hidden from city life, where one can explore simple things often forgotten. A large lapa overlooks the swimming pools and the warm water spa is renowned for its therapeutic effects. Various sport, entertainment and game facilities offer a wide range of stimulating activities.

All participants will be accommodated at the one Resort. They will also have all their meals at the Dining Hall at the resort. Amanzintaba offers comfortable chalet accommodation, in either 4 bed (3 people sharing, 1 bedroom and a lounge) or 6 bed units (5 people sharing . 2 bedrooms and lounge), offering guests comfortable relaxed living, breathtaking natural beauty and new quality facilities.

Accompanying persons requiring assistance with sourcing of accommodation should advise the host by 15th November 2008 (.50 per day). A clear description of the requirements should be advised, using the online entry form.

To secure participation of additional players, a 50% deposit (.45 per day for 9 days) is required to be paid into the CHESSA Bank Account by 15th November 2008 , with the balance to be paid by 30th November 2008.

NAME OF ACCOUNT: CHESSA

BANK: FIRST NATIONAL BANK

BRANCH/CODE: CRESTA / 254905

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 58810045419

SWIFT CODE: FIRNZAJJ

For all payments, please use the reference of AJ, your Federation code, Surname, (for example AJRSAvanRensburg meaning African Juniors, South Africa, player name).

A copy of the deposit slip or letter from the Federation�fs Treasurer as proof of payment to the organisers must accompany the player(s) to the venue as well as faxed to(+2786 611 7224) local 086 611 7224 or emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

8. Tournament Regulations, Tie break and Appeals committee

It is intended that the Championships will be played in accordance with FIDE regulations on a 9 Round Swiss System basis with a free day after the Fourth Round. However should the number of participants be around twelve, the tournament could be adjusted to a Round Robin (all-play-all) event.

The games will be played using DGT XL clocks.

The rate of play will be in accordance with the FIDE rules: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game with an addition of 30 seconds per move starting from move one.

9. Proposed Playing Schedule for 9 Round Swiss System Format

Day 1 - 28th Dec 2008 . Arrival of Delegates . 18.00 Official Opening

Day 2 - 29th Dec 2008 . 09.00 Technical Meeting . 15.00 Round 1

Day 3 - 30th Dec 2008 . 09.00 Round 2 . 16.00 Round 3

Day 4 - 31st Dec 2008 . 09.00 Round 4 . New Year�fs Eve function

Day 5 - New Years Day . Free Day .

Day 6 - 2nd Jan 2009 . 16.00 Round 5

Day 7 - 3rd Jan 2009 . 09.00 Round 6 . 16.00 Round 7

Day 8 - 4th Jan 2009 . 09.00 Round 8

Day 9 - 5th Jan 2009 . 09.00 Round 9 . 18.00 Prize Giving Ceremony

Day 10 - 6th Jan 2009 . Departure

10. Local Currency

The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), which currently stands at an Exchange Rate of R8.= US$1 (Or R12.5 = .1). You are advised to change any foreign exchange through the banks or foreign exchange beaureaus, which are readily found. Banks open every day except on Sunday. Visitors are advised to try as much as possible to use the local currency for most transactions, as this will minimize exchange rate confusion or complications.

11. Visas

For delegations coming from countries requiring entry visas into South Africa, these can be obtained from South African Embassies. The host Federation will arrange for official invitations to facilitate applications for those countries that need special invitations. Should there be any problems in obtaining entry visas, the intending travelers should urgently contact the host Federation for assistance either by phone or email.

It is advisable that this invitation letter be carried by players when crossing through South African frontiers as this may help in having so many questions answered.

The citizen who is a holder of a national passport (diplomatic, official or ordinary) / travel document of the following countries / territories / international organisations is not required to hold a visa in respect of purposes for which a visitors permit may be issued or by virtue of being a person contemplated in section 31(3)(b) [diplomatic & official visit] for an intended stay of 30 days or less and when in transit:

Botswana (90 days)
Gabon
Lesotho
Malawi
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Seychelles
Swaziland
Zambia
Zimbabwe [only in respect of government officials, including police on cross border investigations]

12. Flights

There are regular flights arrive in South Africa from major centers throughout Africa including: Blantyre, Cairo, Gaborone, Dar es Salaam, Harare, Lilongwe, Livingstone, Luanda, Lusaka, Kinshasa, Maputo, Manzini, Maun, Mauritius, Nairobi, Victoria Falls and Windhoek.

13. Players and officials safety

You are requested to guard all personal belongings that can easily attract thieves. Resorts are generally safe to store items in.

14. Chief Arbiter

The Chief Arbiter for the 2008 African Junior Chess Championships will be Gunther van der Bergh, FIDE International Arbiter from South Africa. Lars Persson, FIDE Arbiter from South Africa and Gilton Mkumbwa FIDE arbiter from Malawi will also assist.

15. Organising Committee

CHESS South Africa Postal Address: P. O. Box 130629, Bryanston, South Africa, 2021 Phone - +2711 463 3237 Fax - +2786 611 7224

E-MAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it LOC Contact: Neelu Dole Cell +2782 346 2286 or Phone +2721 701 8588

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Secretary: Lynne van Rensburg Phone +2711 463 3237 (after 14:00h)

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it CHESSA President: Emelia Ellappen Phone - +2721 696 1076 Cell - +2782 713 6162

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

16. Appeals Committee

The Appeals Committee will consist of 5 members and 2 reserves chosen from among the participating delegations.

17. Registration Form

The closing date for entries is 15th November 2008. Registration can be done online at http://www.chessa.co.za/Africanjuniors.html. Or

By Email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (with attached registration form) Please try to register before 28th October 2008 to assist administration. Regards Lynne van Rensburg CHESSA Secretary