Code of Conduct

This page is under construction.  In the meantime, we thought you might want to see what some other clubs have written.

The Village School

       Chess Tournament

         Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct describes behaviors and etiquette to be followed at chess tournaments by Village School Chess Team players and parents.  The Code of Conduct rules does not cover all the rules that govern play at chess tournaments; instead, it is meant to help players and parents understand how to conduct themselves at tournaments.  This is in the interest of enjoyment of tournament competition, good sportsmanship, and fairness to all.

1.      Players, the touch-move rule is in effect at all tournaments.  If it is your move and you touch a piece then that piece must be moved, if it has a legal move.  To claim your opponent has violated the touch-move rule, do so before touching any of your pieces.  Do not try to claim a touch-move violation if your opponent has obviously touched a piece by accident.  If you need to adjust one of your pieces to the center of its square, say to your opponent “I adjust” before touching the piece. 

2.      Players, record your tournament games, both your moves and your opponent’s.  This can make a difference if a question arises and will be a valuable tool to help you improve your play in the future. 

3.      Players, if you have a question or problem during a tournament game tell your opponent you are stopping play then raise your hand and wait for a tournament official.  Do not wait until the game is finished, when probably little can be done to remedy the situation. 

4.      Players, learn to use a chess clock.  At a tournament, if your opponent wants to play with a clock then you have to use a clock.  However, if you both agree not to use a clock, that is acceptable as well. 

5.      Players, practice good sportsmanship.  Greet your opponents and introduce yourself; shake hands at the end of the game.  Also, remember you are participating as part of a team and all team players are important.  Be considerate of your teammates. 

6.      Players, physical confrontations at tournaments will not be tolerated.  Players must also remain at the tournament site throughout the tournament unless accompanied by their parent or assigned chaperone.  Violation of these rules will result in automatic expulsion from the tournament and possible expulsion from the chess team. 

7.      Parents, try to identify the tournament officials before play begins.  Instruct your player to report any problems that arise during a tournament game to the tournament official immediately.  Parents, Do Not attempt to resolve any problems on your own once a tournament game has begun. 

8.      Parents, do not directly observe tournament games from close by; in general, you should take a position away from the games, preferably outside the playing area.  If for some reason you need to be near a tournament game then stand far behind the Village School players(s). 

9.      Players and Parents, verbal comments, facial gestures, and hand signals to players are not allowed during tournament games.  Any interference may result in your player being expelled from the tournament. 

10. Players and Parents, be courteous to other players and keep noise to a minimum while tournament games are in progress.