Player Eligibility Policies
Lastest revision: February 18, 2019
Team Affiliation Policy
The following policy specifies under what circumstances a player may be placed on a school's team. It is the responsibility of WHSCA to preserve the integrity of "team competition."
Team Affiliation
Any player's primary option is to play for the school that he/she attends. In the case of home schooled students, alternative high school students, or private high school students who attend a school without a program (as defined below), they have the right to play for their resident public school (if one is explicitly stated in district policy) or, if one is not explicitly stated, the public school closest to their home residence.
For the State Team Tournament, team affiliation requires that a player has established at least some record of participation with the team. At the 2009 State Team Coaches Meeting it was decided by a substantial majority vote that if player plays in at least two of his/her team's league matches the participation requirement will be considered met. A recent new registrant player at the school will be exempt from this requirement.
Definition of a Program
- A Washington State high school-affiliated group that meets at least twice monthly (for match or practice)
- Said group should compete in local league play if available.
Other Eligibility Requirements
A student must be in grade 9-12 at their high school (or equivalent). In the case of "Running Start" programs, the student will still be considered "in the building" if they are still registered at their High School and have not yet received their high school diploma.
Students who graduate at winter semester may continue to participate for the remainder of the year. Students who graduate at a fall trimester are NOT allowed to participate after graduation.
Currently, there is no 4-year limit for varsity chess. Players who attend high school for a fifth year (or more) are eligible.