This Code, agreed by the
Executive, is not a set of rules but guidance as to what sporting behaviour
in chess looks like. It should be read in conjunction with the FIDE
Rules of Chess Article 11.
The responsibility for ensuring fair play resides with clubs, teams,
captains and players.
Clubs should ensure their premises, conditions, and playing equipment are
as comfortable and accommodating to the opposition as possible, and that
opposing teams are made welcome.
Responsibilities
Captains
should ensure that play is conducted in a sporting manner as well as within
the Laws. It is the Captain’s
and Players’ responsibility to correct unsporting behaviour
amicably, politely and without aggression.
If a player acts unfairly, this should in the first instance be drawn to
their attention and escalated to the Captains if repeated. Teams may report
continued failure to the Executive.
Examples
In giving these examples the Executive acknowledges that games are often played within pub environments
and with the associated distractions that go with those environments.
This list is not exhaustive.
Players should:
1. Act with respect towards opponents, opposing teams, and club premises
and equipment.
2. Switch Mobile Phones
off before the match
begins.
3. Respect the need for quiet during games and avoid discussions that could
distract their opponent or others playing.
4. Ensure they are out of earshot of the match, if they hold a conversation with
their opponent or an observer after their game has
finished.
5. Avoid conversations with anyone else while their game is in progress.
However a player may quietly enquire about an on-going match score
with the Captain.
6. Not open snack food
wrappings and drink cans etc. at the board.
7. Not use electronic
devices whilst games are in progress. Electronic
disability aids are of course allowed.
8. Avoid distracting an
opponent either verbally or through actions. Examples
could be repeated offers of a draw, and trying to pressurise opponents into
resigning or accepting a draw.
Observers should:
9. Adhere to the spirit of points 1 to 8 above.
10. Not under any circumstances give
advice while the game is in progress.
11. Not point out by word or action that a player’s clock flag has fallen, or
point out the time position.
12. Not intervene or interfere in games in progress in any other way.
13. Avoid conversations whilst games are in progress.
Unresolved Issues
In the event of issues arising that are covered in this code, which cannot
be amicably resolved between Captains, the matter may be referred to the
Executive. In these circumstances a full description of events and
relevant chess record sheets where appropriate are required from both
Captains.
|