How to register as an ECF Member

The English Chess Federation (ECF) requires all players in rated competitions to hold a valid membership.

At Tunbridge Wells Chess Club, you’ll need at least a Bronze Membership to take part in our Club Championship.

This page is a simple step-by-step guide to make the process quick and easy.

✅ Why Join the ECF?

Your games are officially rated by the English Chess Federation.
Membership supports English chess and helps keep rating fees low.
Required for entering official competitions and our Club Championship.

📝 How to Register (Step by Step)

Go to the ECF Membership Page 👉 Join or Renew ECF Membership
Choose Your Membership Level

Bronze (£22 a year, £9 juniors) – minimum required for our Club Championship, league and county games.
Gold (£38 a year, £16 juniors) – needed if you also play in congresses (weekend tournaments).
Platinum – all Gold benefits plus a printed ECF yearbook.
Supporter – online-only play; does not cover over-the-board ratings.

For most club members, Bronze is enough. Juniors and full-time students get their first year free (at Bronze or Gold for juniors, Gold for students). Prices are the 2026/27 rates — check the current rates.

Click “Join/Renew”

This will take you to the ECF’s secure online membership system.

Create an Account or Log In

If you are new, fill in your details (name, email, date of birth, etc.).
If renewing, log in with your existing details.

Complete Payment

You can pay securely online by card.
Once complete, you’ll receive an email confirmation of your membership.

🎯 Quick Tips

Make sure your membership is active before entering the Club Championship.
Membership is rolling: it lasts 12 months from the first day of the month you join, so joining mid-season no longer wastes half a year.
If you plan to play in congresses as well as club events, choose Gold — you can also upgrade later and just pay the difference.

❓ Need Help?

If you have any problems registering, just ask a committee member on club night and we’ll be happy to guide you through the process.

📊 What about your rating?

Once you’re a member and playing rated games, the ECF publishes a rating for you on the first of every month. Our guide to ECF ratings explained covers what the number means, what counts as a good one, how it converts to a FIDE rating, and what happened to the old 0–300 grades.

👉 Reminder: You must be at least a Bronze ECF member to play in our Club Championship.