I’m curious about the TD’s obligation to start the tournanment at the time scheduled. I have had instances where the start time was delayed for more than half an hour. It seems to me, this gives an advantage to those who show up late. Since you are not allowed to start the clocks on those who are late. Is the TD obligated to start the tournament on time? Or is this just a case by case issue which is at the discretion of the TD. Thanks for your input.
The law cannot compel an impossibility. If a TD doesn’t start the rounds on time, the consequence will be fewer players in his future tournaments.
I try very hard to start on time. I have delayed due to bad weather and a facility electrical power failure. But the main issue is a bunch of folks who show up right at the registration deadline who are not in my database and without their USCF info.
I think you meant to say, “It seems to me, this gives an advantage to those who show up late, since the clocks are not started at the stated round time, before they arrive.” The way you have it phrased, it sounds like you’re making the general statement that one is not allowed to start the clock on a late player, which is false (rule 16I).
There have been some events which have had a Blessing of the Players before the first round, and no player would want to start the tournament by missing the blessing.
Don’t forget the tournament directors who make 15 minutes worth of announcements before every round. 
Bingo, and while I’m entering those folks, two more walk in two minutes after the entry deadline, so I figure “shoot, I haven’t started yet so I better put them in, too.” Then two more walk in, and the next thing I know I’m 20 minutes behind.
I have had to become heartless and say to those who walk in late that they will get a half-point bye for round one.
Sometimes there is an alternate solution. You could have them wait until the pairings are posted and then have them play each other with a few minutes off each side of the clock to make sure they don’t delay the start of the second round.
That is usually what I do as well - unless I can pair those 2 as suggested in another post. B ut sometimes I have a bunch come in right before the deadline and there simply is not enough time to get everyone in the computer in time. We do have a database of local players and if they are in there it is a simple drag and drop - and I already have current ratings etc. The problem is only if there are a bunch of new folks.
I leave a half an hour between the end of on-site registration and the start of the first round. This is almost always enough time to make announcements and start on time. In addition, there is a $10 additional fee for on-site registration, in a local tournament, specifically to encourage advance registration.
With one exception, every tournament that I’ve directed has started on time or within a few minutes of the advertised start time. The exception was caused by a totally unexpectedly large on-site registration crowd, some of whom had to be verified on the USCF web site, using the venue WIFI, because they did not bring proof of current USCF membership. The time was made up by taking 15 minutes off the usual lunch hour. Luckily, there were no complaints.
Art Byers
If you’re using WinTD and you’ve got the Golden Database installed, it’s quick to add someone who’s got a USCF membership. However, if someone without a USCF membership shows up close to the entry deadline, it really slows the line down. (“How old are you? Do you want the magazine or not? You don’t want to pay $29? Then you’ll have to get a tournament membership for $12 and it’s only good for one day…” and so on.)
SwissSys or WinTD does the job fast. I suggest you consider that the problem entries (as per your example) simply get the 1/2 point bye or play the odd byed player or play in an extra rated game section rnd 1 w/1/2 pt bye in the tournament.
If you are still putting in entries 20 minutes after the first round was supposed to start, then I’m going to get in line and delay you even further by WITHDRAWING.
People who show up AFTER the advertised time for the close of registration should get a ZERO point bye in the first round.
What about players who had no intention of playing in the first round, but show up to register in a timely manner ahead of the second round? Or perhaps you are suggesting that all players who want a first round bye (e.g. driving in from far away) must sign up in advance? What if they decide to play the night before?
Most TDs that I know prefer to accept another paid entry as long as it doesn’t interfere with the tournament schedule. If you give the late guy a zero point bye, then chances are good that you’ve lost a future customer.
Michael Aigner
That’s fine - IF the tournament allows for 1/2 point byes. Some don’t. But…those players should wait until the “round 2 Registration” time to get in line and register - they shouldn’t be registering while the TD is supposed to be doing the first round pairings.
And, of course, in the case where the tournament allows such things, these players have not arrived “after the advertised time for the close of registration”, now have they? They have arrived in plenty of time to register for a round 2 start. If Registration has actually closed (as advertised), then your assumption that they showed up “in a timely manner” is not correct. I understand that such people always believe that they are on time, whenever they choose to show up. That doesn’t mean that the Organizer must agree with them.
I appreciate your concern that I might lose a customer by turning a latecomer away. I’m equally concerned with losing the many customers who are inconvenienced. Bad planning on the part of the 1 does not make it an emergency for everyone else.
And finally…you are running an Open tournament with a Class E prize. Everyone in the field is Class A or above, except for two players rated 0300. One of the 0300 players registers on time and is seated at his board ready to play the first round. The other comes rushing in (to make it easier, he comes in 5 minutes after the round starts). Do you give him a 1/2 point bye?
Probably not, but not because of the prize. Class I players are not eligible for Class E prizes.
Now, if it’s an Under 1200 prize, definitely not.
Very good. Now…there are two 2400 players registered and seated for the first round. A 2250 player shows up late. Prizes are $500 to 1st and $300 to 2nd.
Do you give the 2250 player a 1/2 point bye?
You do what you consistently do. If you normally allow 1/2 point byes that’s what you do. You don’t pick and choose which individuals get the 1/2 point bye. I would however allow the player to opt for a 0 point bye.
Consistency is one of the most important principles in directing. If you are proven wrong, change. Your players will appreciate that they can count on your rullings.
All the best, Joe Lux NTD
Does that mean if you’re not challenged and proven wrong, you should continue to make incorrect rulings?