The Andhra Chess Association (ACA), on behalf of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), successfully organised the Senior National Arbiter (SNA) Seminar and Examination at the prestigious Waltair Club, Visakhapatnam, on 2nd and 3rd May 2026. The programme witnessed an overwhelming response from across Andhra Pradesh, with nearly 65 participants actively attending the seminar and examination, reflecting the remarkable growth of chess awareness and technical development at the grassroots level.
The seminar was conducted under the expert guidance of renowned arbiters and FIDE lecturers Sri R. Anantaram, International Arbiter (IA) & FIDE Lecturer, and Sri Paul Arokya Raj, International Arbiter (IA) & FIDE Instructor, who served as the faculty for the programme. The sessions provided extensive training on the Laws of Chess, Swiss Manager operations, tournament regulations, FIDE rating procedures, ethical standards, arbiter responsibilities, pairing systems, anti-cheating regulations, dispute handling, and practical aspects involved in conducting professional chess tournaments.
The SNA Examination was conducted immediately after the seminar as part of the certification process. The examination system has been designed by the All India Chess Federation and FIDE to ensure that qualified arbiters possess the necessary technical knowledge, professionalism, and organisational standards required for conducting chess events at various levels.
The grading system for the examination is categorised into A, B, C, and D grades:
· Candidates securing A and B Grades become eligible to officiate in FIDE-rated events and national-level tournaments.
· Candidates securing C and D Grades become eligible to officiate in State-level chess events.
This structured system plays a vital role in strengthening the officiating standards in chess tournaments and ensuring qualified arbiters are available for the rapidly growing chess ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh and India.
The SNA Seminar and Examination serves several important purposes for chess development:
1. Creating technically qualified arbiters for smooth and professional conduct of tournaments.
2. Enhancing awareness about FIDE rules, regulations, and ethical practices.
3. Supporting the increasing number of district, state, national, and international chess events.
4. Developing a strong administrative and officiating structure at the grassroots level.
5. Encouraging teachers, professionals, and sports enthusiasts to contribute to chess development.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the seminar was the diversity of participants. The programme attracted teachers, government officers, professionals, chess organisers, coaches, arbiters, and chess enthusiasts from different districts of Andhra Pradesh. This clearly demonstrates the increasing popularity of chess and the growing commitment towards professional tournament management in the state.
A total of 76 participants attended the seminar and examination, showcasing the strong enthusiasm among the chess fraternity to upgrade their technical knowledge and contribute to the development of the sport.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries and office bearers of the Andhra Chess Association, including:
· Sri KVV Sarma – Chairman,ACA,, Sri Adusumilli Suresh – President, ACA, Sri Raja, Direcotr , SAAP, Sri Appalraju DOS, GVMC, · Sri ADNSV Prasad – Arbiter Committee Convener, ACA, · Sri K. Jagadish – Secretary, ACA,· Smt. B. Neelima – CEO, ACA, · Sri G.V. Kumar, IA, & Sri N.M. Phani Kumar, IA
The organisers and coordinators played an important role in the smooth conduct of the programme and ensured successful completion of both the seminar and examination sessions.
Speaking on the occasion, the ACA officials expressed happiness over the tremendous response received from participants and stated that such educational and technical programmes are essential for strengthening chess administration and maintaining international standards in tournament organisation.
The Andhra Chess Association has been continuously working towards the promotion of chess not only through tournaments but also through systematic training and development of arbiters, organisers, coaches, and technical officials.
The participants who successfully qualify in the examination will be awarded the prestigious Senior National Arbiter (SNA) Certificates recognised by the FIDE World Chess Federation through the All India Chess Federation.
The successful organisation of the SNA Seminar & Examination at Visakhapatnam marks another important milestone in the development of chess infrastructure and technical excellence in Andhra Pradesh.
KV/-