Hamilton Chess Club Code of Conduct and Rules

We are a non-profit organization, operated by fellow chess enthusiasts who are dedicated to providing a welcoming and friendly environment. It is everyone's responsibility to adhere to the following rules to foster an inclusive, safe and enjoyable environment. 

Code of Conduct

Respect: Treat all members with respect, regardless of their skill, age, gender, ethnicity, etc.

Fair Play: Cheating in any form, including the use of unauthorized assistance is prohibited.

Sportsmanship: Win with humility, lose with grace. Respect your opponent's efforts regardless of the outcome of the game.

Inclusivity: Strive to create an inclusive environment. Do not engage in behavior that discriminates or harasses others.

Punctuality: If you are planning to play in our regular Friday tournaments, you must arrive by 8:00 PM. Casual chess can take place from 6:00 to 11:30 PM. 

Cleanliness: Keep the CJCC building including the tournament rooms clean and tidy. 

Standard Tournament Rules

Below are the most common rules of rated chess tournaments. This is not an exhaustive list; it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with all of the CFC tournament rules. 

Silence: Maintain silence at all times in areas where rated games are being played. Chatting, socialization, and game analysis is absolutely prohibited when rated games are taking place

Touch Move: In any tournament (rated or unrated), the touch move rule applies. If you touch a piece, you have to play the next move with that piece. 

Clock: All tournament games are timed: once you make a move, you must use the same hand to tap the clock so that your opponent's timer starts to run. Running out of time = losing the game.

Notation: All players must record their moves accurately as this will be the primary way that we address disputes. If one player doesn't record the moves or doesn't do so accurately, potential disputes will be addressed using the opponent's notation. In cases of disputes where moves are not recorded correctly, the tournament director will take actions according to CFC guidelines (e.g. disregarding the game, announcing a draw, forfeit, etc.).

Recording Results: It is both players' responsibility to record the results of the game on the scoresheet posted on the whiteboard after each round of the game.

Enforcement

Failure to adhere to the above codes and rules may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to verbal warnings, suspension or permanent expulsion from the club. If you witness anyone that is not abiding by these codes, please notify the executive members and/or the arbiter. 

Executive Members

Club President and Tournament Director/Arbiter: Soroush Bagheri

Club Vice President: Derek Gwynn

Club Treasurer: Michel Vasquez