Fair Play Policy

The Sligo Chess & Culture Festival is committed to providing a fair, professional and enjoyable playing environment for all participants.

Fair Play measures are in place throughout the festival to protect the integrity of our tournaments and to give players confidence that games are being played under fair conditions. These measures are based on the FIDE Laws of Chess and FIDE Fair Play regulations and guidance.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices are not permitted inside the tournament ballroom unless specifically authorised by the Chief Arbiter.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• mobile phones and smartphones;
• smartwatches and other wearable electronic devices;
• tablets and laptops;
• headphones and earbuds;
• electronic communication devices; and
• other devices capable of storing, transmitting or receiving information.

Players are strongly encouraged to leave unnecessary electronic devices in their hotel room, vehicle or another secure location.

For players who need to bring a device to the venue, electronic-device storage is provided at the entrance to the tournament ballroom.

Players should write their name on one of the labels provided, securely attach it to their device and give the device to a member of staff at the electronics table for storage. Devices can be collected after the player’s game has finished.

Players should allow sufficient time before the start of each round to deposit their devices and complete any Fair Play procedures.

The festival cannot accept responsibility for loss of or damage to devices left in the storage area.

Bags and Personal Belongings

Bags and other personal belongings may be brought into the tournament ballroom but must not be kept at or beside the player’s table.

Designated bag storage areas are provided within the ballroom. Players must leave their bags in these areas before taking their seats.

Electronic devices must still be deposited separately at the electronics storage table before entering the ballroom. Placing an electronic device inside a bag does not comply with the festival’s electronic-device policy.

Once a game has begun, players must not access their bags or other stored belongings without first obtaining permission from an arbiter.

Players who require access to medication or another essential item during play should inform an arbiter.

Tournament officials may inspect bags or other belongings where permitted under the FIDE Laws of Chess and applicable Fair Play procedures.

Tournament Ballroom

Access to the tournament ballroom is restricted to players with games in progress and authorised tournament personnel.

Spectators are not permitted inside the ballroom.

Once a player has completed their game, they should leave the tournament ballroom. Players wishing to follow the remaining games can do so through the festival’s live coverage.

During their games, players must remain within the areas designated for players. A player wishing to leave the designated playing venue must obtain permission from an arbiter where required under the FIDE Laws of Chess.

Fair Play Checks

Players may be selected for random Fair Play checks. Selection for a routine Fair Play check does not indicate that a player is suspected of wrongdoing.

Routine checks may be conducted on a random basis. Selection for a routine Fair Play check does not indicate that a player is suspected of wrongdoing.

The Chief Arbiter or designated Fair Play Officer may also require additional checks where appropriate.

Checks may include the use of electronic detection equipment and other measures permitted under FIDE regulations.

Players are required to cooperate with reasonable Fair Play checks conducted by authorised tournament officials.

Any more detailed inspection will be conducted discreetly and, where appropriate, in a private area. Any inspection of a player’s person will be conducted in accordance with the FIDE Laws of Chess and applicable Fair Play procedures, including requirements concerning privacy and gender.

Electronic Devices Found in the Playing Area

Players are responsible for ensuring that they do not enter the tournament ballroom with a prohibited electronic device.

Turning a device off or placing it on silent does not make it permissible to bring the device into the ballroom.

A player found to have a prohibited electronic device in the playing area will be subject to the penalties provided for under the FIDE Laws of Chess and the tournament regulations.

Players who realise that they have accidentally brought a prohibited device into the ballroom should not attempt to conceal, dispose of or use it. They should immediately inform an arbiter.

Medical and Other Necessary Devices

A player who needs to carry or use an electronic device for medical or other essential reasons should contact the organisers or Chief Arbiter before the tournament or before entering the playing area.

Reasonable arrangements will be made where appropriate.

An authorised device may be subject to conditions determined by the Chief Arbiter.

Live Games and Game Records

All games at the Sligo Chess & Culture Festival are played on DGT Smart Boards.

This allows games to be recorded electronically and, subject to the festival’s broadcast arrangements, transmitted for live or delayed viewing.

Game records may also be used as part of the festival’s Fair Play procedures and may be reviewed where appropriate.

Player Movement and Conduct

Players must comply with instructions from arbiters and authorised Fair Play personnel.

During a game, players should not access unauthorised areas or communicate with spectators or other persons except as permitted by the FIDE Laws of Chess.

Tournament officials may monitor player movement and behaviour as part of normal tournament supervision.

Fair Play measures will be applied in a manner intended to minimise unnecessary disruption to players and their games.

Reporting a Fair Play Concern

Any player who has a genuine Fair Play concern should report it privately to the Fair Play Officer as soon as possible.

Allegations of cheating falling within the FIDE Fair Play complaint procedure must be submitted using the appropriate FIDE In-Tournament Complaint (ITC) or Post-Tournament Complaint (PTC) form.

ITC forms will be available at the playing venue and should be submitted to the Fair Play Officer. Information on ITC and PTC complaints, including the relevant forms, is also available from the FIDE Fair Play Commission.

Players should not confront another player, conduct their own investigation or make public accusations of cheating.

A report or unusual playing performance does not, by itself, establish that cheating has occurred. Complaints will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the applicable FIDE procedures.

Cooperation with Fair Play Procedures

Participation in the festival constitutes acceptance of the tournament’s Fair Play procedures.

Refusal to comply with a lawful instruction or authorised Fair Play check may result in penalties in accordance with the FIDE Laws of Chess, FIDE Fair Play regulations and the tournament regulations.

The Chief Arbiter retains the authority provided by the FIDE Laws of Chess in relation to the conduct of the tournament.

Our Approach

Fair Play measures are intended to protect players and the integrity of the competition, not to inconvenience or stigmatise participants.

Random checks are a normal part of the festival’s procedures and should not be interpreted as an accusation or indication of suspicion.

By combining controlled access to the tournament hall, electronic-device storage, designated bag storage, Fair Play checks, professional arbiting and 100% DGT Smart Board coverage, the Sligo Chess & Culture Festival aims to provide an environment in which players can concentrate on what matters: playing chess under fair and professional conditions.