Ratings Tab - Environment Options
This tab controls what ratings are loaded with online or database searches and how ratings are calculated for tournament play.
New in v11.78: Rating search configuration has been consolidated into a single unified dialog, replacing the previous separate settings spread across multiple locations.
Rating Search Configuration
Access: Click Rating Search… button to open the Rating Search dialog.
The Rating Search dialog consolidates all rating import preferences into a single configuration interface. Settings are tournament-specific and control both online searches and database imports.
This dialog may auto-open on first use to ensure proper configuration before registration begins.
Federation Selection
Choose the rating federation for this tournament:
| Federation | Description | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| USCF | United States Chess Federation | US tournaments with full online search support |
| FIDE | International Chess Federation | FIDE-rated tournaments with simplified import options |
| N/A | Other federations | Tournaments not using USCF or FIDE ratings |
N/A Federation Behavior:
- Disables all online search functionality
- Hides “Online” database status label from registration search panel
- Useful for federations without online search support (CFC, ECF, etc.)
USCF Mode Options
When USCF is selected, the full set of options is available:
Online Search Settings:
- Rating Source: Published (monthly updates) or Live (tournament history with post-rerate)
- Supplement Date: Latest or Tournament date
- Online event: Enable for internet-based tournaments to load online ratings (Online Regular/Quick/Blitz)
- Use highest rating: Automatically offer highest available rating during registration
Rating Import Settings:
- Rating Type: Regular, Quick, or Blitz
- Missing rating strategy: Leave blank / Use alternate / Prompt / Special handling for online-quick
- Provisionally rated: Warn me or Accept without warning
Special Handling for Online-Quick:
This strategy applies special rules for online quick events:
- Uses Online Quick rating as primary
- Falls back to OTB Regular rating if Online Quick is unavailable
- Only appropriate for online quick tournaments
Configuration Display:
The registration search panel displays read-only database status labels showing your current rating configuration. See Register - Players Menu for complete details on database status label format and behavior.
When N/A federation is selected, the “Online” label is hidden from the registration search panel since online search is disabled.
FIDE Mode Options
When FIDE is selected, options are simplified:
Rating Import Settings (only):
- Rating Type: Standard, Rapid, or Blitz
- Missing rating strategy: Leave blank / Use alternate / Prompt (no “Special handling”)
- Provisionally rated: Ignore all / Warn me / Accept without warning
No Online Search Settings section (FIDE does not support rating source or supplement date preferences).
Post-Event Ratings
Note: Post-event rating calculation settings have been moved to the Registration & Editing tab.
See the Registration & Editing tab for:
- Formula for post-event ratings
- Scholastic rating setup
Related Topics
- Online Player Search - Using online search during registration
- Register - Players Menu - Registration dialog overview
- Files & Databases - Database configuration