2026 Isle of Wight Chess Festival Arbiter Applications

The 2026 Isle of Wight Festival is inviting arbiters to apply to work at the event in February 2026. We are seeking people to fill the roles set out in this description. The deadline to respond to this invitation is Tuesday, 30^th September.

If you have already expressed and interest to the organiser or CA, please still complete the application so we get a clear picture of overall interest. Our goal is to have the right mix of people across each event in the tournament.

The Chief Arbiter will be Alex Holowczak. Deputy Chief Arbiters & Floor Arbiters are required for the Masters, Weekday and Weekend tournaments.

Skills Required

• Excellent knowledge of the Laws of Chess

• Excellent knowledge of the tournament regulations

• Proficiency in using Swiss-Manager and Chess-Results (a licence key will be provided)

• Proficiency in using ChessBase to manually input games on

• Proficiency in using DGT 2500 and DGT 3000 clocks

• Proficiency in using the Chess Claim Tool to rule on draw claims where Liveboards are being used

• Responsive to communication (e.g. e-mail, WhatsApp)

• Knowledge and experience operating and setting up DGT Liveboards is useful but not essential.

• Team work and team spirit is an essential attribute.

  
  

Arbiters will need to provide their own laptops, and their own copy of the ChessBase software. A licence key for Swiss-Manager, and a copy of the Claim Tool, will be provided if the arbiter needs it.

Deputy Chief Arbiter

In advance:

• Set up Swiss-Manager files for their tournament(s) based on the entry list provided by the Organiser

• Assist with setting up chess equipment in advance of the competition

During the event:

• Be in charge of the playing area in the absence of the Chief Arbiter

• Use Swiss-Manager to make pairings, enter and display the correct results, and any other work required

• Create a Fair Play scanning rota including pre-game checks; keep electronic records of the results and the scans

• Arrange for games that are not on liveboards to be inputted manually by other arbiters on the team using ChessBase

The fees are:

• Up to £125 for a day with two standardplay rounds

• Up to £80 for a day with one standardplay round, and the setup day

• Cost of a standard-class train ticket return (£60 capp); or 35p per mile if driving

• Bed & Breakfast accommodation

Note: The Blitz tournament counts as a “standardplay round” for this purpose

Floor Arbiter

• Assist with setting up chess equipment, and ensuring it is ready for the following round

• Conduct player scans as designated by the rota

• Ensure the playing conditions are adequate (e.g. lighting, temperature, water is available to players)

• Address spillages, overflowing bins and clutter either directly or by calling the onsite cleaner.

• Input games into ChessBase

• Resolve disputes in games, and report decisions made to the Deputy Chief Arbiter

• Monitor the playing area and playing venue

The fees are:

• Up to £100 for a day with two standardplay rounds

• Up to £60 for a day with one standardplay round, and the setup day

• Note: The Blitz tournament counts as a “standardplay round” for this purpose

  
  

Expenses:

• Cost of a standard-class train ticket return (£60 capp); or 35p per mile if driving. Unless otherwise agreed in advance, if the train is slightly more etc.

• Bed & Breakfast hotel accommodation

• Ferry return by car or foot is included from Portsmouth or Lymington to the Isle of Wight. This can also be used for travel partners or small groups.

  
  

Other Notes

• The team for the Weekday and Weekend tournaments may be the same team – a decision will be made based on the responses received to this call of interest.

• The Blitz team will be composed of arbiters appointed to the other tournaments; arbiters who wish to do this should include this in their application

Please note: Breakfast is included with your accommodation. Water, Tea and coffee will be available for free on site, though not necessarily in your designated playing area. Snacks and meals during the day are not provided by the tournament. A paid shop will be available on site. Arbiters are expected to make their own arrangements for food and beverages throughout the day. The organiser intends to include a couple of staff evening meals should budgets allow.

Interested applicants should apply on this google form here.