Age Groups

• U12 – Born January 1, 2013, or later
• U18 – Born January 1, 2007, or later

Tournament System

• McMahon system, 6 rounds, with the top group of the appropriate size (preferably 16 players ordered by EGD rating on March 1, 2025).
• In the first two rounds, the top group is paired using the “split and slip” method:
  • Round 1: 1-9, 2-10, … 8-16
• Final standings are decided by:
  1. Number of McMahon points
  2. SOS (Sum of Opponents’ Scores)
  3. SOSOS (Sum of Opponents’ SOS)
  4. DC (Direct Confrontation – result of mutual game)
  5. Drawing of lots

Time Limits

• 60 minutes of basic time, with 3×30 seconds Japanese byoyomi (for clocks supporting Japanese byoyomi)
• 45 minutes of basic time, with 20-second Fischer increment per move (for clocks supporting Fischer timing)
• Sound on the clocks should be ON

Rules

• Japanese rules with the EGF Tournament Rules regulations

Qualification Rules for World Youth Goe Championships (WYGC)

• In each age group, the top 3 players who did not participate in WYGC 2024 qualify for WYGC 2025, provided they meet the age requirements:
  • U12: Born September 1, 2013, or later
  • U18: Born September 1, 2007, or later

Behavior of Players, Team Leaders, and Visitors

Before the Game

• Players must arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the round.
• Pairings will be published both online and in printed form.

During the Game

• Electronic devices (phones, tablets, headphones, smartwatches) are strictly prohibited. All such devices must be left outside the playing hall.
• The organizer will provide kifus for recording games.
• Players must be seated at their board 5 minutes before the round starts.
• The player with White stones chooses the side. Clocks must not be moved.

Photography Rules

• Team leaders and visitors may take photographs only during the first 5 minutes of the round.
• After that period, using cameras or mobile phones is prohibited, except for referees and organizers.

Access to Playing Areas

• Top Group Playing Hall: Only players and referees are allowed after the first 5 minutes. The organizer will provide online broadcast of top games and a video stream of the playing hall.
• Lowest Boards Playing Hall: Team leaders may be present, but they are not allowed to interfere in games.

Game Conduct

• Players must respect the rules and not disturb their opponents.
• The clock must not be stopped without referee permission.
• Moves should be made promptly – take a stone from the bowl and place it on the board without unnecessary delays.
• Prisoners should be placed in a visible area (preferably on a lid).
• Before the end of the game (two consecutive passes), all dame points must be filled interchangeably.
• Placing two stones of the same color in a row is not allowed.

After the Game

• Players must call a referee by raising their hand before counting.
• Counting begins only after the referee takes a photo of the final position, including badges and board number.
• After counting, both players sign the scoresheet (with the winner’s name circled).
• The winner must submit the scoresheet to the result box.

Skipping a Round

• Players in the top group cannot skip rounds.
• All other players must notify the organizer at least 90 minutes before the round they wish to skip.

Complaint Procedure

• If a dispute arises during a game, the referee makes the first decision.
• The referee must inform the team leader of the decision.
• If the player or team leader disagrees with the decision, they may submit a written complaint to the Appeal Committee within 30 minutes after the game ends.

Appeal Committee

• 3 main members + 2 reserves (to prevent conflicts of interest)
• The Appeal Committee will make a final decision within 30 minutes after reviewing all relevant information.
• If a decision cannot be made before the next round’s pairings, the game result for pairing purposes will be based on the referee’s decision.

Documentation

• All complaints must be documented in written form by the main referee and submitted to the EGF Executive Committee.
• The EGF Commission will review cases to improve tournament rules and regulations.