As our country begins to familiarize itself with a new norm, and sporting activities are allowed by the authorities, many are still concerns that the government may reactivate the lockdown exercise in view of the current increase in the number of daily COVID19 cases. Further, with many organizers getting used to organizing online events on a regular basis, it may be sometime before over-the-board tournament can return to normal.

Understanding the situation, MCF plans to roll out a revolutionize way of managing chess events by introducing a hybrid system that combines online chess and playing centers for players to go to in order to join a tournament. MCF will appoint a qualified Arbiter for each assigned center to help eliminate cheating and to ensure that events will run smoothly. It also allows MCF to organize events with longer time control in an attempt to create a “real over-the-board” environment. Each satellite center is required to have at least 2 webcams installed (for central Arbiters to monitor activities at each center), it will abolish the need for individual players to set up zoom/webcams, as all players will be monitored by the onsite Arbiters. Online tournament is definitely more suitable for a Rapid or Blitz time control but for games with longer time control, a supervising and qualified Arbiter is needed to avoid players from cheating and to regulate/manage the event better

Ideally, MCF wishes to have at least one satellite center that can cater at between 15-20 players at each major city, with consideration that the center is able to impose social distancing practices and crowd control. The center must also has its own chess set/clock, internet connection and webcams, including attached bathroom, pantry/rest area, praying area and room(s) for offices. Each center must register with “My Sejahtera”, and has a single entry/exit point with hand sanitizer, temperature scanner and registration book to record those enter the premise.

For now, there is NO application fees imposed for interested centers as long as they are able to meet the requirements. However, as the processes and the practices mature, the centers may evolve into recognized “MCF branches” (to host and conduct MCF activities), and only then a registration fees maybe imposed with proper certification and recognition to be issued.

For chess center owners interested to be a part of this exciting program, please download the registration form by clicking HERE, and return it to MCF (mcfsecretariat@malaysiachess.org) before 10th August 2020. For more information, please download the information by clicking HERE.

If everything works according to plan, MCF will run its first ever hybrid event in mid September with many more to follow until December 2020. Come and join us in making this historic hybrid concept a success.