Ballarat Junior Chess Club
To all Ballarat Junior Chess Club Members, Parents, and Chess Players.
We are thrilled to see so many enthusiastic juniors participating in the Ballarat Chess Club programs. As part of our commitment to providing a welcoming and respectful environment, we are outlining the disciplinary expectations for both the Junior Chess Club and Senior Chess Club sessions.
These guidelines aim to ensure the safety of all participants, respect for the venue, and a positive experience for everyone involved.
Junior Chess Club Disciplinary Requirements
The Ballarat Mechanics Institute is a heritage-listed building shared with other groups, including elderly patrons. It is essential that all juniors demonstrate respect for the venue and its users by adhering to the following rules:
- Timely Reporting
- Students are required to report to their coaches promptly at 5:30 PM for registration and to participate in casual games before the formal session begins.
- Remain with Coaching Groups
- Students must stay with their assigned coaching group until the Junior League games begin.
- After completing their league games, juniors should continue to play chess until the session concludes. Social games will be arranged for those who finish quickly to ensure all players remain engaged and in the chess area.
- No Indoor Soccer or Playing in Off-Limit Areas
- Playing soccer or any similar activity indoors is strictly prohibited, including in hallways, near the bathrooms, or in any other parts of the building.
- Juniors are also not permitted to play on the stairs or in off-limit areas such as bathrooms or downstairs.
- Respect for the Venue
- The building is a historic space and must be treated with care. Climbing on furniture, banging on walls, or engaging in any behavior that risks damage is not permitted.
- Behavior During Sessions
- Juniors are expected to focus on chess during the sessions and not engage in disruptive activities. This includes loud talking, running, or disturbing others.
- Players should listen to their coaches and respect their instructions at all times.
Parental Responsibility
While the club endeavors to provide a safe, fun, and engaging learning environment, parents remain fully responsible for their child’s behavior.
- The Junior Chess Club cannot assume this responsibility.
- Parents are encouraged to stay and observe their child’s session to ensure they adhere to the rules and behave appropriately.
- If a child behaves in a disruptive or unsafe manner, parents will be contacted immediately to collect their child.
Juniors in the Senior Chess Club
Juniors participating in the senior club sessions from 7:00 PM must meet additional behavioral expectations:
- Quiet and Respectful Behavior
- The senior club operates in a quieter, adult-oriented environment. Juniors must remain silent during games and avoid disruptive behavior.
- Running, loud talking, or playing in other areas of the venue is prohibited.
- Sportsmanship
- Juniors must respect their opponents and maintain good sportsmanship during games. Misconduct, such as arguing or not following game rules, will not be tolerated.
Disciplinary Actions
For breaches of the rules in either the junior or senior sessions:
- A verbal warning will be issued for a first breach.
- A second breach will result in the junior being required to leave the session for the evening.
- Repeated breaches may lead to temporary suspension or permanent exclusion from the club.
These measures are in place to maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all participants.
Working Together
We are privileged to share the Ballarat Mechanics Institute, and it is our responsibility to uphold its heritage and maintain good relationships with other groups. By working together, we can ensure the club remains a wonderful space for juniors to grow and learn through chess.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
- Kevin Perrin (Co-ordinator): 0418 533 517
- Scott Stewart (Head Coach): 0410 052 134
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Kind Regards,
Kevin Perrin & Scott Stewart
Ballarat Chess Club Inc.
Chess Coaching Term 2, 2025
Chess coaching and games sessions for Term 2 of 2025 are back and we are pleased to present the information and registration details below.
Term 2 Coaching Details
Start Date: Thursday, 1st May
End Date: Thursday, 26th June
Time: 5:30 pm to 6:45/7:00 pm
Location: Humffray Room, Level 4, Ballarat Mechanics Institute, 117 Sturt Street, Ballarat.
Registration and Fees
Students from Term 1, 2025 can now register and pay for Term 2 via this TryBooking link https://www.trybooking.com/DBEOK .
New students or those returning after a break must complete the attached 2025 application form first. Successful applicants will then be invited to register if places are available. If you have completed a registration form and returned it within the last month then you do not need to complete the form again. If your child is not continuing in Term 2, please let us know via email or text so we can allocate their place to someone on the waiting list.
Session Format
5:30 to 5:45 pm: Registration and casual games within coaching groups.
5:45 to 6:15 pm: Formal coaching sessions led by Head Coach Scott Stewart.
6:15 to 7:00 pm: League games for all players, including those not in the formal coaching sessions (free to attend).
Additional Information
Students participating in the coaching program will become junior members of the Ballarat Chess Club, allowing them to join senior club events (7:00 pm onwards) at no additional cost.
Parents are responsible for their child’s conduct during sessions. Juniors staying for senior events must behave appropriately. Alternative coaching options (online or face-to-face) may also be available. Please reply by a separate email message if this option is of any interest.
Contacts:
Kevin Perrin (Co-ordinator): 0418 533 517
Scott Stewart (Head Coach): 0410 052 134
Let’s make 2025 another year of learning, growth, and fun through chess!
Kevin Perrin (Co-ordinator ) Scott Stewart (Head Coach)
Who: Anyone under the age of 18
Where: BMI
When:
Term Dates:
Term 1 - 6 Febuary 2025 – 3 April 2025Term 2 - 1 May 2025 – 26 June 2025
Term 3 - 24 July 2025 – 18 Sept 2025
Term 4 - 9 October 2025 – 4 Dec 2025
Cost:
$120 per term ($20 per night for part term)
Family discounts available as follows: $120 for 1 student, $180 for 2 students and $240 for 3 students Students who enrol for a full term are entitled to free membership of the adult chess club which meets from 7.00 pm at this venue on Thursdays.
Who will be coaching me?
Scott Stewart, Rob Bailey, James Watson, Patrick Cook, Jasan Barnett, Om O’Carroll, Paul Dao, Justin Goodison & Kanishk Mahasuar. All experienced coaches with current Working with Children Certificates
Scott Stewart is a 3-time Club Champion and has extensive coaching experience.
Robert Bailey has been working for Chess Ideas for over 17 years and is a fully qualified primary and secondary teacher with an English/Humanities base.
James Watson is a 3-time Club Champion (and current champion) and has extensive coaching experience.
Enrolment
Please fill in your details on the enrolment page, and follow the prompts to make payment.
For further enquiries about the course, or for payment enquiries, contact BCC Treasurer, Kevin Perrin (0418 533 517 treasurer@ballaratchess.com).
Ballarat Junior Chess Club
Enrol online, or if you have further questions, contact Ruari, Scott, Jasan or Kevin. Term 4 already started? That's okay - just contact us and we'll look after you - our goal is to get more children playing more chess more often, and enjoying more of the great benefits of chess in their life!
New to Chess?
A great site for learning the basics from a cool video, improving your chess with puzzles, and playing against QWERTY the chess computer, check out ChessKid.com.
Ever wondered about how to write down your games? - Chess notation made easy here!