Committees

The Bahamas Chess Federation (BCF) continues to grow and expand its programs across The Bahamas. As we continue to move forward, we must emphasize that the strength of the Federation depends not only on its leadership, but on the active participation of its members and parents.

One of the most meaningful ways to support BCF is by serving on a committee. Committees are essential to the Federation’s operations, governance, and development.
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BCF operates through the following committees:

Elections Committee
Reports To: Executive Board

Board Liaison: President

Purpose: To ensure that all elections of the Bahamas Chess Federation are conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the Constitution and Rules.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee and manage the entire election process
  • Notify members of upcoming elections
  • Receive and verify nominations
  • Ensure nominees are eligible (full members, properly nominated)
  • Prepare ballots and voting procedures
  • Conduct and supervise voting at the AGM or special meeting
  • Apply the 50% rule and manage any runoffs
  • Declare election results
  • Submit an official election report to the Executive Board

​Key Criteria
  • Must act independently and impartially
  • Must strictly follow the Constitution and Rules
  • Cannot change eligibility rules or membership status
  • Members running for office cannot serve on this committee 

Ad Hoc Committee
Reports To: Executive Board

Board Liaison: President

Purpose: To handle special assignments and national representation matters, particularly the selection and management of teams representing The Bahamas.

Key Responsibilities
  • Select players to represent The Bahamas in international competitions
  • Manage and support national teams once selected
  • Assist with coordination of team participation and preparation
  • Carry out additional duties assigned by the President and Executive
  • Support strategic or temporary projects as needed



Key Criteria
  • Operates under the direction of the Executive Board
  • Must act in the best interest of national representation
  • Should ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based decisions
  • Flexible and task-oriented in nature 
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Disciplinary Committee
Reports To: Executive Board

Board Liaison: President

Purpose: To uphold the integrity, discipline, and governance standards of the Federation.

Key Responsibilities
  • Investigate breaches of the Constitution, Rules, and policies
  • Review complaints involving members or officers
  • Address misconduct, unethical behaviour, or rule violations
  • Ensure proper standards of conduct within the Federation
  • Make recommendations to the Executive Board for disciplinary action
  • Recommend updates or improvements to governance rules and policies

​Key Criteria
  • Must act fairly, objectively, and confidentially
  • Serves as an investigative and advisory body (not final decision-maker)
  • Cannot impose penalties directly — only recommend actions
  • No Executive members may serve on this committee 

Verification Committee

Reports To: Executive Board

Board Liaison: 1st Vice President

Purpose:To provide independent oversight of membership, governance processes, and financial compliance.
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Key Responsibilities
  • Verify membership eligibility and voting rights
  • Publish verified membership lists prior to AGMs and elections
  • Review financial processes for transparency and compliance
  • Monitor eligibility for national championships and team selection
  • Ensure adherence to Constitution, Rules, and policies
  • Present findings and reports to the General Assembly 

Fundraising Committee

Reports To: Executive Board

Board Liaison: 1st Vice President

Purpose: To secure sustainable funding and strategic partnerships to support BCF programs and operations.
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Key Responsibilities
  • Sponsorship acquisition and donor management
  • Grant writing and reporting
  • Lead fundraising initiatives and campaigns
  • Support Adopt-A-School and CSR programs 

Membership & Welfare Committee

Reports To: Executive Board

Board Liaison: 1st Vice President

​Purpose: To support member engagement, welfare, and retention, ensuring a positive and inclusive experience.

Key Responsibilities
  • Address member concerns and welfare matters
  • Support juniors, parents, and Family Island members
  • Improve communication and engagement
  • Strengthen member experience

Chess in Schools Committee

Reports To: Executive Board

Board Liaison: 2nd Vice President

Purpose: To deliver and expand national scholastic chess programs.
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Key Responsibilities
  • Manage Smart Moves and Scholastic Chess League
  • Coordinate school partnerships
  • Facilitate scholastic tournaments
  • Track program performance and teaching standards 

Technical Committee

Reports To: Executive Board

Board Liaison: 2nd Vice President

Purpose: To oversee technical standards and competitive integrity.
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Key Responsibilities
  • Tournament planning and supervision
  • Arbiter training and assignments
  • Fair play enforcement
  • FIDE compliance and rating submissions 

Women's Committee

Reports To: Executive Board

Board Liaison: 2nd Vice President

Purpose: To expand women’s and girls’ participation in chess.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead women-focused programs and competitions
  • Support initiatives such as Island Queens and the Female for Free program
  • Address barriers to female participation
  • Develop Women’s Chess business plan
  • Recommend or appoint committee officers (with Board approval)
Complete the form below to sign up to join a Committee.

    Committee Interest Form