The English Chess Federation (ECF) is the governing body for chess in England, affiliated with FIDE (the international chess federation). It manages ratings, events, and competitions across over-the-board (OTB) and online play. For the first time in history the English Chess Federation crosses the 20 000 members mark.
English Chess Federation (ECF) Membership Guide
The English Chess Federation (ECF) is the governing body for chess in England, affiliated with FIDE. It oversees ratings, events, and competitions for both over-the-board (OTB) and online chess. Membership is optional but recommended for players in rated events, offering free game ratings, access to online clubs, and exclusive perks. Non-members can participate but may face “pay-to-play” or game fees.
ECF membership operates on a rolling 12-month basis from the date of purchase, providing flexibility. Many players align renewals with the traditional September 1–August 31 season. Rates below are for the 2025/26 season, with discounts for juniors (under 18) and students (18–25).
Membership Levels and Rates (2025/26 Season)
Membership is annual unless stated. Juniors and first-time students can access free entry-level options for their first year.
| Membership Level | Adult Rate (£) | Junior Rate (£) | Student Rate (£) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supporter | 12.00 (5.99 first year, July 13–Aug 15, 2025, summer promo) | N/A (use Junior Bronze) | N/A | Access to ECF online clubs (Chess.com, Lichess), free online rating, ChessMoves e-magazine, discounts via JustGo Rewards and partners (e.g., 10–15% off at Chess & Bridge). No OTB rating. |
| Bronze | 21.00 | 7.50 (free first year) | N/A | All Supporter benefits + free OTB rating for club events, local leagues, and county matches. Elect ECF Council reps. |
| Gold | 37.00 | 14.00 (free first year) | Free first year | All Bronze benefits + free OTB rating for congresses and rapidplay events. Ideal for competitive play. |
| Platinum | 80.00 | N/A | N/A | All Gold benefits + free printed ECF Yearbook. For dedicated players. |
Special Notes on Membership
- Free Options:
- First-year Junior Bronze/Gold for under-18s (new members).
- First-year Student Gold for 18–25-year-olds (verify eligibility at signup).
- Free Gold for Ukrainian asylum seekers with UK refugee status.
- No Silver Level: Discontinued and merged into Gold/Bronze.
- Pay-to-Play/Game Fees (2024/25 rates, applied to 2025/26 events):
- Local leagues/counties: £10/adult, £3/junior per season.
- Congresses (4+ rounds): £15/adult, £6/junior (upgrades to Gold if Bronze).
- Online events: No fees; optional £5 “honesty box” for non-members in rated congresses.
- Fees waived or reduced for higher memberships.
Benefits for All ECF Members
- Ratings: Monthly updates for OTB and online games (based on membership level). ECF ratings align closely with FIDE but are separate. Minimum 5 games for a published rating.
- Online Access: Join ECF clubs on Chess.com and Lichess for tournaments and ECF online ratings. Requires ECF membership number (e.g., ME123456) and PIN (viewable in your account).
- Publications: Monthly ChessMoves e-magazine (50+ pages of news, reviews); annual ECF Yearbook (digital free, print for Platinum).
- Discounts and Perks:
- Chess retailers: 10–15% at Chess & Bridge, Chess Direct.
- JustGo Rewards: Discounts on travel, dining, retail (e.g., 10% off Virgin Experiences).
- Event eligibility: Titled player paths via Master Points; support for internationals (e.g., Olympiad teams).
- Other: Free FIDE ID requests for international events; safeguarding policies for juniors (e.g., kid mode on platforms).
How to Join or Renew ECF Membership
- Online (Recommended): Visit the ECF membership portal at https://www.englishchess.org.uk/ecf-membership-rates-and-joining-details/. Create or log in with your email/username (e.g., membership number). Select your level and pay via card.
- New Users: Choose “New Member” and complete details.
- Juniors/Students: Select free first-year options during signup.
- Summer Promo: Half-price Supporter for new joins (if active).
- By Phone: Call the ECF Office at 01424 775222 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm GMT).
- Email Support: Contact the ECF office for issues (e.g., forgotten password, PIN requests).
- Upgrades: Pay the full new level fee; get a refund for unused old membership within 1–2 days.
- For Parents: Register kids separately with unique usernames. Disable chat on online platforms for safety.
Additional Information
- FIDE Integration: Request a FIDE ID via email for international events. Fees apply for titles (e.g., £150 for IM).
- Why Join?: Essential for rated play in clubs, leagues, and congresses; supports ECF’s mission to promote chess (e.g., British Championships). Non-members pay fees, which can add up.
- Contact: ECF Office, 3 Bear Hill, Alvechurch, Birmingham B48 7JX.
- For Organizers: Access member lists via email.
Recommendation: New players should start with Supporter or Bronze. Competitive OTB players should choose Gold. Check the ECF website for the latest rates and promotions.
