Players' Rights and Responsibilities.

by Nimzo

During the last year or so, several questionable actions occurred at various tournaments. A significant factor is that many players, organizers, and tournament directors (TD) are only at best dimly aware of what the USCF rules are. This article, first in a series, will help educate our chess public as to what the rules and regulations are. The following is from the USCF's Officiasl Rules of Chess (4th edition), Chapter 7 (Players' Right and Responsibilities).

All players have the right to expect:

1. That the tournament director is reliable and has a knowledge of the laws of chess, as per USCF standards.

2. That all prizes shall be awarded as advertised.

3. That the director has the USCF rule book on the premesis and available for consultation during the tournament.

4. That any special rules pertinent to that particular tournament shall be announced and/or posted; e.g., time-forfeit procedure, color allocation, tie-break system, smoking policy, etc..

5. That the pairing system used is fair and impartial and that it will be administered fairly.

6. That the starting time of the rounds will be posted and that the rounds will start reasonably on time.

7. That conditions such as lighting, space requirements, noise, etc., be at an acceptable level conducive to good competition.

8. That tournament directors be available at all times in the event of questions or problems.

9. That the round results will be posted in a timely fashion.

10. That upon request, a tournament director will initiate the appeals process.

All players are responsible:

1. To conduct themselves in an orderly fashion.

2. To compete in a spirit of good sportsmanship.

3. To be present at the starting time for each round, if possible.

4. To refrain from analysis of games or audible talking in the tournament room while others are playing.

5. To notify the director well in advance of plans to withdraw from the tournament or miss a round.

6. To promptly report game results in the manner required by the director.

7. To read pertinent information posted for the players, usually near the wall charts, including the list of times when the rounds are scheduled to start.

8. To obey the laws of chess.

9. To conform to the USCF code of ethics. See Chapter 8.

All very interesting--were you honestly familiar with these rights and responsibilities?? Next tournament, ask the TD to see the rule book. Being aware of what the "rules" are is your best defense against corruption and ignorance.

All for now--NIMZO.