Northern California Chess Leadership Project

Chess Beyond the Board

USCF-Rated Chess Tournament • Leadership • Tournament Management • Arbiter Training

Calling student leaders, future tournament directors, and aspiring chess arbiters!

Do you enjoy chess? Have you ever wondered what it takes to organize an official tournament instead of simply competing in one?

This fall, 7EDU, in partnership with ICEA Chess, is launching the Northern California Chess Leadership Project—an innovative student leadership program that combines tournament operations, event management, community service, and chess education.

Unlike traditional chess programs, participants will have the opportunity to experience every aspect of tournament organization. Students can serve on the tournament organizing committee or pursue training to become a certified chess arbiter (referee). Whether you are an experienced tournament player or simply interested in leadership and event management, there is a place for you.

Leadership Opportunities

🏆 Student Tournament Organizing Committee

Students will work alongside experienced mentors to help design, organize, and operate a USCF-rated chess tournament.

Committee members may serve on teams including:

• Tournament Operations

• Player Registration

• Marketing & Social Media

• Sponsorship & Community Outreach

• Volunteer Coordination

• Photography & Media

• Awards Ceremony

• Logistics & Venue Management

Students who demonstrate exceptional initiative and leadership may receive:

• Student leadership titles

• Certificates of service

• Personalized letters of recommendation recognizing their contributions

📋 Certified Chess Arbiter (Referee) Pathway

Students interested in tournament officiating will have the opportunity to receive arbiter training through our partner organization.

Qualified participants may:

• Attend official arbiter training

• Learn US Chess tournament rules and regulations

• Assist in officiating official tournaments

• Earn an official chess arbiter/referee certification (subject to certification requirements)

This pathway provides students with a unique opportunity to gain a professional qualification while serving the chess community.

What You’ll Learn

Beyond chess, participants will develop valuable real-world skills, including:

• Leadership

• Project Management

• Team Collaboration

• Event Planning

• Communication

• Problem Solving

• Professional Responsibility

These transferable skills prepare students for future academic, professional, and community leadership opportunities.

Why Join?

Most students experience chess tournaments only as competitors.

The Northern California Chess Leadership Project allows participants to experience the entire tournament ecosystem—from planning and managing a major event to serving as a certified referee and helping create a meaningful experience for hundreds of players.

Whether your goal is to:

• Develop leadership and organizational skills

• Gain experience managing large-scale events

• Learn tournament operations and officiating

• Make a lasting impact in the chess community

this program offers an exceptional opportunity to learn by doing.

Applications Are Now Open

We welcome:

• Student leaders

• Volunteers

• Students interested in tournament management

• Future certified chess arbiters (referees)

• Anyone interested in supporting scholastic chess through leadership and service

Join us as we build one of Northern California’s most impactful student-led chess initiatives—where leadership, service, and competitive excellence come together.

How to Apply

1. Click Register your 7edu.vip portal to indicate your interest.

2. Complete the Google Form by August 21st, 2026: Form Link

By clicking Register, you consent to sharing your name, grade level, and email address with the organization for the purpose of coordinating this leadership and volunteer program.

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Interested in Playing?

If your primary interest is competing as a player rather than volunteering or serving in a leadership role, please visit the 2026 August ICEA Chess Scholastic Call for Players competition page for tournament information, eligibility, registration, and entry details.