2026 State Scholastic Team Championship

When: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Where: Bullitt Central High School, 1330 KY-44, Shepherdsville, KY 40165
Eligibility: Only invited schools may play for the team championship. If your team has not received an invite, but you think it should, e-mail k12@kychess.org ASAP.

Exception: Any student in K-1, with or without a team, may register for the K-1 Team Championship section. To register for K-1 only, use this link.

Alternates tournament: This tournament posting is for INVITED schools to register their top four players as their primary team. There will be a co-located tournament for alternates, for which anyone can register as individuals using this link.

Team Format: This is a four-board team tournament. In each round, you will be paired with another school. Your top player will play their top player, your second will play their second, etc. The result of the match will be determined by the total number of points scored by your team in a round.
- The minimum team size is two, though such a team can at best draw each round. Three player teams will have a one-point disadvantage every match, but they have placed in trophy range in the past.
Sections: K-3, K-5, K-8, K-12. K-1 and alternates sections have a separate posting.
Rounds: 4 Rounds
Time Control: K-5, K-8, K-12: G/60; delay 5. K-3: G/25; delay 5

Doors Open: 8:00 AM.
Mandatory Coaches and Team Captains Meeting: 8:30 AM
K-5, K-8, K-12:
- Round 1: 9:00 AM
- Round 2: 11:30 AM
- Round 3: 2 PM
- Round 4: 4:30 PM
- Awards: Immediately following the end of round 4.
K-3:
- Round 1: 9:00 AM
- Round 2: 10:45 AM
- Round 3: 1:30 PM
- Round 4: 3 PM
- Awards: Immediately following the end of round 4.
Concessions will be available on-site.

Registration: To register your team, click the “Register” button at https://www.kingregistration.com/event/26TEAMS .
Board order: Board order will be determined by rating. Coaches may choose the order of unrated players by e-mailing k12@kychess.org prior to the registration deadline. Otherwise, unrated players will be arbitrarily ordered.
Team Entry Fee:
- Early Registration: $144 per team through Monday, March 9th.
- Late Registration: $200 per team after March 9th
- This fee does not include your alternates. They must be registered and paid for separately at this link.
- Can’t pay online via King Registration? E-mail k12@kychess.org by March 9th to arrange payment by invoice to the school or other means.
- We will not let the registration fee be an obstacle to any school’s participation. Please e-mail k12@kychess.org if your school needs a fee waiver or discount.

Registration Deadline: Registration closes at midnight on Thursday, March 12th.
On-site Registration: No on-site registrations will be accepted.
US Chess Federation Membership is required for all players.

Tournament Rules & Logistics

US Chess Rules: As this is a championship event, all US Chess Rules will be strictly enforced!
KCA Championship Rules: Coaches should thoroughly familiarize themselves with Section N of the Blue Book, which covers the State Team Championship in detail.
Equipment: Boards, pieces, and clocks will be provided.
Notation: Required for grades 6+. Players not taking notation will be assessed a time penalty. Notation sheets will be provided for grades 6+. Electronic scoresheets are prohibited.
Team Captains: Teams should select a captain who is (a) responsible for ensuring their results from each round are properly recorded and (b) can advise their team-mates on whether a draw is beneficial for their team. If no captain has been selected by a team, the highest rated player will fill the role.

Technical Rules: Rule 15A (writing moves prior to making them) and 10I2 (touching rook first when castling) are in effect. The “No-Show” or “Forfeit” time for late arrival is 30 minutes for all sections. Ratings for board order will be based on the March 2026 US Chess supplement. The KCA reserves the right to change any player’s rating for team order and pairing purposes at this event only, based on available evidence.
Registering for the tournament includes consent to be contacted by the KCA for future tournaments.

Supervision: Players under age 14 must have a responsible adult on-site (parent or coach) for the duration of the event.
Seating: Parents/players are strongly encouraged to bring camp chairs and folding tables.

For questions or alternate school payments, please contact:

Ryan Gabbard, Scholastic Coordinator

Email: k12@kychess.org

Please include "State Teams" in the subject line.