Fair Play Policy

(effective June 22, 2026)

1. A player who possesses a device (cellphones or other electronic devices capable of chess analysis or communication) in a bathroom, or outside the tournament area, loses the game and is removed from subsequent rounds in the tournament. 

2. Players may not possess or view, while playing, devices. Devices may be stored in a bag or case that must remain at the playing table and not be opened or carried by the player during play.

3. During play, stored devices must be turned off (no vibrate, silent or sleep mode).

4. Players may not leave the tournament area during play without the Director’s permission. The tournament area consists of the tournament room, kitchen, and bathroom.

5. A player who anticipates possibly receiving an emergency call should notify a Director before game commencement and explain the extenuating circumstance.

6. If a player’s cellphone rings in the tournament room while games are in progress, there is a penalty.

7. The penalty for violating a rule (except rule 1) is one of the following, determined by the Director:
  A. The player loses the game.
  B. The player loses 30 minutes or 50% of remaining time, whichever is less.
  C. If no more than 5 moves have been played, the offender may receive a warning.
   
8. A player who suspects another player of cheating should pause the game clock and discreetly bring this to the Director. The Director will use their discretion to determine if there is reasonable suspicion and a need to act upon it.

9. Players must submit to an inspection for electronic devices if requested by a Director. Refusal to cooperate with a search request warrants loss of game and ejection from the tournament, with no refund (USCF Rule 13I). It may also include suspension or expulsion from the club. Metal-detecting wands may be used to check players entering, exiting or inside bathrooms or anywhere else in or near the tournament area.