Policies and Guidelines
The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.
-Diogenes
The GCA actively promotes scholastic chess in the belief that chess is a safe, cost-effective and inclusive enrichment activity which helps youth from all backgrounds succeed in school and in life. There is much evidence that children enjoying the game of chess develop skills of concentration, memory, reasoning, patience and determination; all key in gaining the self-confidence and self esteem which are fundamental to academic achievement. Because chess is a level playing field for all ages, it also encourages important parent, family and adult involvement.
The GCA helps coordinate and support high quality scholastic chess competition, innovative after-school leagues and activities, at-risk and disadvantaged youth programs, chess program start-up assistance, development and identification of chess teachers and coaches, and enhanced communications among scholastic chess participants.
