Following an incident at the Cork Chess Congress last Sunday and on receipt of the tournament controller's report, the ICU executive held an emergency meeting on Wednesday 24 April.
Based on the report and our own constitution and code of conduct, the executive decided on the following actions:
- Player A has been accused of using an electronic device to analyse chess positions during a game.
- Player B has been accused of using force on a minor.
Therefore two three-person sub-committees will be formed to investigate these matters. The names of the members of these sub-committees will be announced as soon as all the people chosen by the executive have agreed to sit on them [now available]. Each sub-committee is empowered to gather evidence, to interview the principals in the case and to decide what, if any, chess laws and guidelines have been broken. Each sub-committee is also empowered to decide on any appropriate sanction.
While many people might consider that either one or both players should be temporarily banned from taking part in ICU events while the two sub-committees are conducting their investigations, there is nothing in our constitution and code of conduct that would enable the executive to do this. However, both players will be asked to voluntarily refrain from taking part in ICU events while the disciplinary sub-committees are making their investigations. Both players will also be asked to sign a letter agreeing to abide by our code of conduct.
The results of both sub-committees will be published on the ICU website. The name of the minor will not be published.
Jonathan O'Connor, ICU Chairperson
Chess cheating has long been the subject of much discussion among arbiters and organisers of events across the globe. In recent days Ireland has just joined many nations in exposing how technology has interfered in the beautiful game.
A report has been submitted following an incident at an annual chess tournament in Southern Ireland where two players were removed by the arbiter. It has been alleged that one chess player was caught cheating and the subsequent reaction of the opposing player was considered inappropriate. This is a very difficult situation for all concerned, and we at the Irish Chess Union ask for your patience in deciding the correct course of action for a positive outcome for Irish Chess.
The Irish Chess Union is proud to celebrate the Centennial of the constitution of the ICU in 2013. In the 100 years of our existence, we have never had such allegations, a record we can be very proud of. We have a code of conduct that all our players adhere to and it is there to enable our members to play chess in a sporting environment.
Any decisions made by the executive committee on this incident, following the procedures laid down in our code of conduct, will be communicated to our members and to Irish media who have shown an interest in the case. A disciplinary committee is being formed to investigate the matter further, and the results of their deliberations will be announced on the ICU website.
It has been an extraordinary week in the world of chess in Ireland. In an era when stories of misdemeanours in sporting events have almost become commonplace there is sadness at the thought that the gentle game of chess can indeed be tainted. It is an issue that must be dealt with through the executive of the Irish Chess Union and the rules of the organisation. Nonetheless the ancient and beautiful game of chess will transcend these difficulties. In this, the centenary year of the Irish Chess Union, we at the ICU will passionately continue to encourage players and promote tournaments throughout the country in support of chess in Ireland.
Úna O Boyle, ICU Public Relations Officer