Code of Conduct

Changed on 08-Feb-2018 19:51:50 by John McMorrow authorized by AGM 2016

AGM 2016

Code of Conduct

Chess in Ireland is intended to be a recreational activity primarily for enjoyment. This Code of Conduct has been developed by the Irish Chess Union (ICU) to give its members some guidelines to the expectations it has of the participants. This Code of Conduct shall apply to all chess tournaments rated by the ICU and any non-rated events, run by or on behalf of the ICU. These rules also apply to any activity run under the auspices of the ICU, whether playing, coaching or being a responsible person at an event. This Code of Conduct does not cover every situation and members are reminded that one’s behaviour is also subject to FIDE Rules, Tournament Terms & Conditions and the “Law of the Land” Members contravening these guidelines may be subject to disciplinary action which is set out in the ICU’s “Rules for discipline of members”. This can range from a written warning to permanent expulsion from the organisation or any other appropriate sanction as decided by the Executive Committee.

Guidelines

1. Understand and play by the rules Understanding and playing by the rules is your responsibility. The rules of Chess, as set out by FIDE, exist for good reasons and if everyone learns and abides by them this will ensure the enjoyment of all people involved in Chess.

2. Respect Arbiters, Organizers and other officials Arbiters, Organizers and officials have a difficult task to perform and you could not play the game without them. They are there to enforce the rules of play but, like all people, they cannot always be right. Accept their decisions graciously. You may have the right to appeal their decisions and if you use this right, do so without causing problems. Abuse of Arbiters, Organizers and officials is unacceptable behaviour. Where appropriate Players Appeal Committee decisions are final and binding on all.

3. Verbal abuse Verbal abuse of officials is a serious offence against the rules of Chess. Verbally abusing other players or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is also not acceptable. Loss of temper distracts opponents and other players and is not acceptable.

4. Be a good sport Part of participation in sport is respect for all participants in the game. Your opponents are entitled to proper courtesy. Good manners and respect for others can be infectious. If you acknowledge the achievements of your opponents it is likely they will follow suit. Always introduce yourself to your opponents, shake hands before and after the game and accept a loss gracefully.

5. Be respectful during the game It is important to give each and every opponent proper respect during the game as well as before and after it.

6. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with Chess are entitled to equal treatment and respect. Avoid any remarks that could be construed as offensive or discriminatory. Sometimes even a joke may give offence.

7. We owe a special duty of care to Children in Chess Everyone involved in any way in Irish Chess owes a special duty of care to children who play the game. Anyone who neglects this duty will be in serious breach of this code. Any form of abuse of any child, be it verbal or physical, will be viewed as the most serious breach of this code of conduct and will be firmly dealt with by the Irish Chess Union.

8. Always respect the use of facilities and venues provided Facilities, equipment and venues provided by the ICU and other organisers cost money and need to be respected by all participants in Chess events. Failure to do so will be considered a breach of the ICU code of Conduct.

9. Be mindful of the public image of Chess All members of the ICU need to realise that it is extremely important to maintain the public image of Chess in Ireland. Any member who publicly jeopardises this may be subject to disciplinary action by the executive committee of the ICU.

10. It is not allowed to use outside aid to help your game while it is in progress. The use of any of the following is strictly forbidden: Assistance from another person, unless this assistance is approved by the Arbiter.(usually where a disability is involved) Assistance from printed material. Assistance from any electronic device. A second chessboard to analyse your game It is also forbidden to have any electronic device which could aid a player on his person in the playing area without the Arbiters consent.