The League holds one hundred places across all age groups. Another thousand — the hundred strongest in each age group — take part as Prospects. Both lists are set annually.
When. The list for the following year is finalized on December 31st and holds for the whole of that year. It is not changed mid-year, except where a child is removed by decision of the Council for a violation of FIDE, US Chess or League rules.
Who. One hundred places. Blind selection: no preference by gender, race or any other factor. Only results in open competition count.
Criteria. Either the published USCF rating threshold for the child's age group or first place in a National Scholastic Championship in the child's age group qualifies a child for consideration.
Age is taken as of the date the list is finalized.
A child may also be excluded by decision of the League Council.