Code of Conduct

Everyone who wishes to play league chess in Gwent must read and agree to the code of conduct.

Code of Conduct (13/09/2024)

For players playing within the Gwent County Chess Association (GCCA) league

General requirements for players

  1. All players who play chess within the GCCA must read this code of conduct and agree to abide by this document. This must be recorded within each club and the latest copy of players that have signed must be sent to the League Controller.
  2. FIDE playing laws of chess apply unless otherwise stated by the GCCA rules.
  3. Players must always be respectful to their opponents.
  4. Players must not be abusive towards any fellow player or team.
  5. Noise levels from within a club must be kept to a minimum during any matches. This is the responsibility of all players within the room to help enforce this. Any discussions should take place outside of the playing area.
  6. No meals or snacks shall be eaten within the playing area while a game is in play.
  7. Players must not use any means that allows them advice or support during a game. This can include written materials or electronic devices.
  8. Players must not discuss their own game while it is in progress.
  9. Players must not discuss any game from an ongoing match within the playing room and this must be out of earshot of the match.
  10. Once a game has started players should not talk to or distract their opponent in any way
  11. Players are expected to pay their subscriptions to their club covering their registration fees as soon as possible after the start of the season (1st September).
  12. Players must not be intoxicated when playing in a match.
  13. During a match, players must not distract an opponent at any time. 

Additional requirements for club officials

  1. Clubs are expected to pay their subscriptions to the GCCA treasurer by the required deadline of 31st October of each calendar year.
  2. Clubs must ensure that their players understand the GCCA playing rules.
  3. Noise levels from within a club must be kept to a minimum during any matches. This is the responsibility of the home team to enforce. Any discussions taking place must do so outside of the playing area.
  4. Team Captains are expected to provide the opposing team with at least 24 hours’ notice for defaulting a match or requesting a postponement to allow the opposing team to notify their players.


Specific requirements within the GCCA clubs

  1. Cwmbran Chess Club play within a Church Hall and strictly no alcohol is allowed within the premises including car park. 

Complaints procedure

  1. Any complaints/violations made against a GCCA player, team or a club’s conduct must be sent to the league controller either via email or via the GCCA Complaints webpage within no more than 3 days from the date of the match in question.
  2. All complaints/violations reports will be treated are treated in confidence
  3. Both sides in the dispute will be allowed 7 days to submit any information to support their case/defence.

Penalties

The league controller will review the complaint and identify a potential outcome, which may include, but not be restricted to:

  1. No action to be taken.
  2. A formal warning to a player, team or Club.
  3. A game forfeit against an individual.
  4. A full match default.
  5. A playing ban for a player or team for a specified number of games/matches.

Those involved in the complaint will receive a decision within 14 days of the initial complaint.

Appeals

Following the outcome, any appeal against the decision must be sent to the Secretary of the GCCA within 3 days. This will then be discussed and reviewed amongst the GCCA Executive Committee, and an outcome agreed.

Those involved in the complaint will receive a decision within 14 days of the appeal being submitted.

The decision of the GCCA Executive Committee will be final.