WHAT IS THE OHSCTA? Since the 1960's the Oregon High School Chess Team Association (OHSCTA) has encouraged Oregon high schools to form leagues to play competitive chess. Our goal is to bring this fun, educational sport to all high schools in Oregon.  For more information about our organization read our Bylaws   WHO RUNS THE OHSCTA? The coaches and advisors of high school chess teams approve the bylaws and elect the "Executive Director" who oversees the association operations.  We hold a yearly organizational meeting at the Championship Tournament and communicate via email during the  year.    WHO CAN JOIN THE OHSCTA? Advisors and Coaches of high school chess teams are welcome to join the association.  Each member school has one vote. There are no dues or fees.  To join the OHSCTA, email the current Executive Director listed on our Home page.   HOW DO I LIST MY TEAM INFORMATION ON THE WEBSITE? When you contact the Executive Director, you will be provided with contact information for the OHSCTA web master.   HOW DO I JOIN THE EMAIL LIST? Send a message to ohscta-subscribe@yahoogroups.com .  Your request will be processed within 2-3 business days.   CAN I VOTE ON ISSUES? Schools listed on the website are considered to be OHSCTA member schools.  High Schools who attend the annual membership meeting are allowed to vote on issues with one coach/advisor having one vote.  We also discuss and vote on issues online.  For more information, click here: Online Voting Procedures   I DON'T HAVE A CHESS TEAM YET, HOW DO I GO ABOUT STARTING ONE? Starting a chess club is easy! For all the information you'll need to start a club visit Start a Club!    HOW CAN MY TEAM SIGN UP TO PLAY IN A LEAGUE? Contact one of the league directors in your area for information on joining Leagues .   THERE ISN'T A LEAGUE IN OUR AREA, HOW DO I START ONE? Check the website to see if there are any Schools in your area that already have a chess team.  If not, contact local schools and invite them to form a club / league. Once you have other schools interested in forming a league - decide on the best time for the coaches to meet - usually in October (in person, online or by phone) to discuss bylaws, address issues, assess dues, and agree on a schedule of matches.  Sample League Bylaws    ARE THERE OTHER PLACES MY TEAM CAN PLAY? Yes!!!    Many students play on the Internet Chess Club www.chessclub.com Membership for students is only $26/yr.  Also check out www.freechess.org - similar to ICC and it's FREE!    There are also many places to play throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho.  For a complete list of tournaments visit www.calendarwiz.com/nwsrsevents   To see if there are any community clubs in your area visit www.uschess.org   I WANT MY TEAM TO PLAY IN THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? The first step for anyone who wishes to play in our annual state event is to read over the Bylaws, which discuss qualifications and rules.  To find out where the next championship will be held and when registrations are due, click on the link at the left that will take you to the championship information page.  If you have any questions, contact the current Executive Director or ask the OHSCTA email list.    STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact the OHSCTA Executive Director listed on the home page.