EYGC Rules and Regulations

Age groups: U12 (born 1st January 2013 or later) and U18 (born 1st January 2007 or later)

Tournament system: McMahon, 6 rounds, with the top group of the appropriate size (preferably 16 players ordered by EGD rating on 1st March 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). The final standings are decided by the number of McMahon points, then by SOS, SOSOS, DC (the result of mutual game), and drawing of lots.

Time limits: 60 minutes of basic time, with 3×30 seconds Japanese byoyomi (for clocks supporting Japanese byoyomi), or 45 minutes of basic time with the increment of 20 seconds for each move (for clocks supporting Fischer timing). Sound on the clocks should be on.

Rules: Japanese with the EGF Tournament Rules regulations.

Qualification rules for World Youth Goe Championships (WYGC):

In each age group, three best players – who did not participate in WYGC in the previous year (2024) – qualify for the WYGC 2025, given that they satisfy age requirements: born on 1st September 2013 or later for U12, born on 1st September 2007 or later for U18.

Behavior of players, team leaders and other visitors

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

During the game, players cannot use electronic devices (mobile phones, tablets, headphones, smart watches). It is required that all such devices are left outside the playing hall. The organizer will provide kifus for recording games.

Players are requested to sit at the announced board 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the round. The player having white stones chooses the side – clocks should not be moved.

Team leaders and other visitors are allowed to take photographs of players during the first five minutes of the round. After that period, the usage of cameras or mobile phones in the playing hall is not allowed for anyone except referees and organizers.

In the playing hall with players from top groups, only players playing the games and referees are allowed (after the first five minutes). The organizer shall provide online broadcast of top games and the video-stream showing the playing hall to the wider audience.

In the playing hall with the lowest boards, team leaders can be present, but they are not allowed to interfere in the games.

During the game, players are requested to respect the rules and do not disturb their opponents or other players. The clock cannot be stopped without the permission of the referee. The moves should be made by taking a stone from a bowl and putting it to the intended intersection in a reasonably short period of time. The prisoners should be left in the area (preferably on a lid) visible to both players at all times. 

Before the end of the game (two consecutive passes), players are required to interchangeably fill all dame points before ending the game. Putting two stones of the same color in a row is not allowed.

After the game is finished, players are required to call the referees by raising their hands before counting. The counting can start after a referee takes a photo of the final position with badges and board number clearly visible.

After the game (decided either by resignation or by counting), players sign the scoresheet (with the winner’s name encircled) and the winner brings the scoresheet to the result box.

Skipping the round: Players playing in the top group cannot skip the round. All other players must announce the game they want to miss at least 90 minutes before the scheduled start of the round.

Complaint Procedure

In case that one player does not agree with the result, or there is any dispute during the game, the referee is called to make a decision of the first degree. The referee shall inform the team leader about the decision.

If the player and/or the team leader is not satisfied with the referee’s decision, he can make a written complaint to the Appeal Committee, consisting of 3 members and 2 reserves (in case that any of the members is in conflict of interest). This complaint must be submitted to the main referee within 30 minutes after the end of the game. The Appeal Committee should make the final decision within 30 minutes after receiving the complaint and all necessary information. In case that the decision can not be made before the pairings of the next round, the result of the game for the purpose of the pairings shall be based on the referee’s decision. 

All situations involving complaints must be documented in written form by the main referee and sent to the EGF Executive Committee, keeping the archive of such information, sharing it with the EGF Commission in charge of improving rules and regulations.