Workgroup Interclub – an update

Update 09.05.2026: The questionnaire is sent out to all clubs, with request to give a single respons per club by Wednesday May 20th latest.

Following the Royal Belgian Chess Federation’s (RBCF) recent “Call for Feedback” regarding national interclub regulations, the newly activated Working Group Interclub has been hard at work. The group, consisting of representatives from the KBSB, FEFB, SvDB, and VSF, met twice online (April 15 and April 29, 2026) to analyze the feedback provided by clubs and players across the country.

All clubs can expect a brief update by mail, with a request to provide additional information through a questionaire.

A major focus of these discussions is the calendar, which remains a complex puzzle due to car-free Sundays, diverging regional school holidays, and exam periods. To improve continuity, a consensus was reached to potentially schedule a round in either mid-December or mid-January. Rather than a top-down decision, a survey will be launched to let the clubs decide which of these periods is the least disruptive.

The workgroup is also proposing a structural expansion with the creation of a 6th Division. This tier would prioritize regional proximity and maximum flexibility, making it ideal for youth teams. To ease the burden on lower divisions, the group is considering reducing the number of rounds for the 5th and 6th divisions and shifting to a single-period time control of $90′ + 30″.

Beyond the board, the group has identified several administrative priorities for the RBCF Board to tackle. These include establishing a “hotline” for arbiter questions on match days, defining minimum standards for playing venues (such as lighting and silence), centralizing all Interclub data for better transparency and anti-fraud measures . Faster communication regarding forfeits and fines is also a top priority.

While many ideas were embraced, some were set aside to maintain club autonomy or logistical simplicity. For instance, increasing team sizes in the 4th division was rejected due to transport concerns, and the decision to ban outside drinks will remain with individual clubs rather than being mandated by the federation.

The next step is a formal survey to gather your final input on these proposals. We will ask for your stance on the calendar, the interest in a regional 6th division, and potential ELO minimums for the 1st division to ensure the highest level of competition. Your feedback is essential as we move toward a more flexible and modern Interclub.