A younger relative of mine who is currently in high school asked me an interesting question:  Would winning money in chess tournaments (e.g. $1,000, etc.) make you ineligible for college sports?  Is it like getting paid or being a professional?  I didn't know the answer so I came here for help.  So does anybody know the answer or where I can find it?  Please leave a note...

Thanks,

Southpawsam

Chess tournaments are in a seperate realm. A tournament win would be something that was earned, so it should be different than the payments (bribes) for the main sports. The best thing to do would be to check with the governing body for the sports association for the prospective school. I don't really see where there would be a conflict in the first place unless it a chess scholarship or something specifically designated for a non titled player. I'm sure that chess is far removed enough from any thought of traditional sports, so there shouldn't be any problem.

Two different types of games. Don't mention it. They will never find out. Even if they do, it just won't matter. It is chess.

You can get paid to work as a cashier. It won't get you kicked off the football team.