RSC Champions League
The RSC Champions League was established by the combination of the United States' RSC (Rising Stars Challenge) Cup competition, created by Raymond Yen, Christopher Vu, and Matt Mallory in 2002, along with the Canadian Team Cup, created by Jordan Hoang in 2003. In keeping spirit of promoting go to the youth in North America, the two tournaments joined forces to create the RSC Champions League as a means of allowing youth tournament players an opportunity to make new friends beyond borders, play go on an international level as well as promote the formation of youth go clubs with national/world goals in mind. RULES OF THE TOURNAMENT The rules are embodied by the RSC Champions League Tournament ORganization Team Format: People are encouraged to form teams based upon middle / high school team basis, but since there is a shortage of go players in some areas, consolidation is allowed provided the tournament directors are notified before hand by at least three weeks before the entry deadline. Teams must be constituted of five players. Games are played with 6.5 komi, time system is 45 minutes per player with an additional extension time period using Canadian rules of 20 moves in 5 minutes. Teams that have a player 5 kyu or stronger must place a team member that is 25 kyu or weaker on the same team. This tournament is a Swiss style team tournament to promote goodwill and competition with high schools competing for the honor of having the best go team in the nation. A team is awarded a win if they win a majority of the boards against a rival team. All competitors will receive participation awards, and special recognition will be given to the world finalists and champions. There are two rounds that will make up the tournament series: the Knockout round and the Placement round There will be one team match and all matches are encouraged to be played on KGS. Qualifying: The tournament will host four members in its stages. Amendment : August 2005 With the entry of France into this international competition, the qualifying rules has changes as thus: The defending champion from the previous year will have an automatic berth, regardless of nationality. The champions of the US, Canadian, and French national team go championships will also qualify towards the RSC Champions League. If the champion has already secured a berth to the RSCCL as the defending champion, then the second place finisher will earn the right to represent their nation as well. Final Vote: 5-0 Majority: Jin, Pak, Pinjala, Savoie, Vu Majority Opinion: We are happy to include another nation in our series and the rules should reflect the growing nature of our group. This amendment is necessary to foster growth and encourage the promotion of youth go on a global scale. Minority: Minority Opinion: none