THE CHESS REFINERY

Fair Play, Electronic Device & Player Conduct Policy

Version 1.0Effective July 19, 2026

Purpose

This policy supplements, but does not replace, the Official Rules of Chess published by US Chess and the FIDE Laws of Chess. Where a conflict exists, the published tournament regulations and the rulings of the Chief Tournament Director (Chief TD) shall govern. It is intended to protect fair play, maintain a professional tournament environment, and minimize distractions. By registering for a tournament hosted by The Chess Refinery, players (and parents/guardians of minors) agree to comply with this policy.

1. Definitions

Electronic Device: Any device capable of communication, internet access, wireless transmission, recording, receiving outside assistance, running chess software, storing chess analysis, or otherwise providing information relevant to a chess game. Examples include, but are not limited to, cell phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches, smart rings, smart glasses, Bluetooth devices, AI-enabled wearables, electronic earbuds, and fitness bands capable of communication.
Playing Hall: The room(s) where tournament games are actively in progress.
Tournament Area: The Playing Hall, skittles room(s), vendor area(s), adjacent hallways, foyers, pre-function/lobby areas, and designated tournament restrooms.

2. Electronic Device Policy

Electronic devices must be completely powered OFF.
Silent, vibrate, sleep, and airplane modes are not acceptable.
Unless otherwise directed by the Chief TD, a powered-off phone may remain face-up on the table or inside a bag that remains at/under the table. Phones may not be removed from the table or approved storage location during an active game without authorization.
Players may not wear or carry prohibited electronic devices during an active game.
The organizer may collect players' phones before play begins. If implemented, phones may be retrieved by players after completion of their game.
Players requiring electronic medical monitoring devices must make arrangements with the Chief TD and/or organizer before play.
Players may not view any electronic device during an active game regardless of ownership. It is irrelevant whether the content viewed relates to chess.
Possession, use, or viewing of an electronic device in a restroom or other designated tournament areas during an active game may result in forfeiture and removal.
No evidence that a chess application was open or outside assistance actually received is required for enforcement.
Approved electronic notation devices (ENDs) may be inspected at any time. Players in FIDE-rated sections may also be required to maintain a paper scoresheet if an END is allowed for use.
Review tournament specific advertising to see if ENDs are allowed.

3. Player Conduct

Players should not leave the Playing Hall while it is their move without TD permission. Restroom breaks should, whenever practical, be taken during the opponent's thinking time. You do not pause the clock to take a bathroom break.
Players leaving the building must first notify a TD.
Players may not discuss their own game or any game in progress with spectators, parents, coaches, teammates, or other players.
Non-verbal communication intended to influence play, including gestures or eye contact, is prohibited.
Food should not be consumed at the board. Water and beverages in secure containers are generally permitted.
Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed while a player has a game in progress.
Please close doors quietly, avoid horseplay, running, excessive noise, and respect the venue by cleaning up after yourself.
Unsportsmanlike conduct is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, refusing to make a move in a lost position, deliberately delaying the game, refusing to resign while intentionally making no effort to continue play, stalling because of an imminent loss of material or checkmate, or any other conduct intended to disrupt the orderly progress of the tournament. Such behavior may result in penalties at the discretion of the Chief Tournament Director.

4. Spectator Policy

Tournaments that include FIDE-rated sections generally do not permit spectators inside the Playing Hall while games are in progress.
Parents, siblings, coaches, friends, and other spectators are not permitted inside the Playing Hall during active play unless authorized by the Chief TD.
Players who have completed their games are considered spectators. You may briefly observe a friend's game before exiting the Playing Hall. Once you leave, you may not re-enter while games remain in progress unless authorized by the Chief TD.
Spectators may not communicate verbally or non-verbally with players who have games in progress.
These restrictions are an important fair play and anti-cheating measure.

5. Post-Game Conduct

After finishing a game, record the result as required, submit notation sheets if required, collect your belongings, and promptly leave the Playing Hall.
Do not power on or use an electronic device while remaining inside the Playing Hall if other games are still in progress.
Analysis of completed games is not permitted in the Playing Hall while games remain in progress.
If you withdraw before the tournament is complete, notify the Chief TD or organizer before leaving. Unreported withdrawals may result in future registration restrictions.

6. Searches, Inspections & Penalties

Players may be requested to cooperate with a reasonable inspection of bags, pockets, outer garments, electronic devices, or other personal property when the Chief TD has reasonable suspicion of a violation. Metal detectors or electronic detection devices may also be used.
Refusal to cooperate may result in forfeiture and removal from the tournament without refund.
Possible penalties include a warning, time penalty, loss of game, removal from the tournament, rejection of future registrations, and/or reporting to US Chess or FIDE.

7. Miscellaneous

Tournament announcements or published event regulations may supplement or supersede portions of this policy.
The Chief TD reserves the authority to address situations not specifically covered by this policy in a manner consistent with fair play, good sportsmanship, and the Official Rules of Chess.

Acknowledgement

By registering for and participating in a tournament hosted by The Chess Refinery, players (and parents or guardians of minor participants) acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this policy.

Revision History

Version	Effective	Description
1.0	July 19, 2026	Initial publication.