What will you need if you wish to form your own club to participate in the local leagues?

• A venue that
  • can accommodate matches of 5 boards (even though the bottom division is currently for teams of 4, it is sensible to be prepared for either promotion or a rule change).
  • Is available for the full duration of the match.
    Given the time controls a prompt 7.30 start should mean a 10.20 finish at latest, though it is not always possible to start promptly. Although it may be possible to start earlier, this is unlikely to be popular with teams travelling far. For safety, availability until at least 10.30 is desirable.
  • Provides reasonable playing conditions in terms of noise, lighting and heating.
• Players who
  • are committed to the venture. Note that your away matches will take place on the night that the home club meets.
  • know the mechanics of the game, including rules for castling and capture en passant, and who appreciate that touch-move is not an optional rule.
    i.e. they need to take the game seriously while it is being played.
  • accept that a no smoking at the board rule applies throughout the associations competitions
  • do not need to be strong. There is no minimum playing strength requirement for entry.
• Equipment for home matches, namely full size boards, pieces of a Staunton design, clocks and scoresheets. Pocket sets and pieces of unusual design are not acceptable for match play.
• Money. Clubs are charged an affiliation fee on a per team basis.