Important etiquette advice for parents and coaches of chess players
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Story last updated at 5/24/2009 – 2:09 am
I am often asked by parents and coaches at various chess tournaments about chess etiquette, especially at tournaments. Here are some of the things parents and coaches should know:
• Once the game has started, you may not interrupt, interfere, or talk to your player.
• You may never directly assist any player during a game. If a player raises a hand for assistance, you should immediately summon a tournament director.
• If you witness an illegal move or position, say nothing. It is the responsibility of the players to bring any complaint to the attention of a tournament director.
• You are not permitted to say anything if a player oversteps the time limit on his chess clock. Only the players themselves can claim a win on time.
• When a player loses a game, you must refrain from getting upset or angry or showing negative emotions. Young players need support and encouragement more than ever after a loss. They do not need scolding. Help your player stay calm and relaxed for the rest of the tournament.
• You may help your player find their correct table and board before each round.
• You should supervise your player between rounds. It is not the responsibility of the tournament director or organizer to mind your children between rounds.
• You should keep your player from distracting other players during and between rounds.
• Players should try to conserve their energy between rounds so they can be fresh for the next game.
• You should always encourage young players to practice sportsmanship at all times, especially after losing a game.
• Official tournaments are smoke free.
• You should view your players’ game only from behind them or in the aisle to avoid eye contact with them.
• Keep a distance between yourself and your player. In some large tournaments, you may not even be allowed in the playing room during a game.
• If you see a player or a team playing the wrong opponent, you should notify the tournament director right away.
• Only tournament officials can record information on the wall charts. Parents, coaches, and players should never write on them. However, players may record their results on the pairing charts. If you notice an error on the wall chart, bring it to the attention of a tournament director.
• You should make sure that your players’ results are reported in a timely manner.
• If you detect that a prize has been erroneously awarded after the end of a tournament, bring this to the attention of a tournament director.
These and many more tips can be found in my best-selling chess instructional book “A World Champion’s Guide to Chess.” It is aimed for absolute beginners and novice players. It is also perfect for parents and teachers to introduce chess to young players. You can find it on my Web store at www.PolgarChess.com or at your local bookstores.
Source: http://lubbockonline.com
Thank you Susan.
What can you do then?
“What can you do then?”
It’s easy. TD’s should kickout the bullies and disqualify their teams.
A safe chess tournament is a good chess tournament.
I HAVE A SITUATION EVERY TIME I PLAY THIS ONE KID (AROUND 15 YRS OLD)
HE LIKES TO WONDER AROUND OTHER TABLES WHILE IT IS MY TURN TO MOVE, AND WHEN I MOVE, HIS MOTHER GOES AND TELLS HIM THAT IT IS HIS TURN TO MOVE, 5 TO 10 TIMES EVERY GAME!
I ALREADY TOLD HER SHE’S NOT ALLOWED TO DO THAT BUT SHE JUST WON’T LISTEN TO ME, AND WHEN I TOLD ABOUT ALL THIS TO THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, HE SIMPLY SAID “DON’T WORRY, JUST PLAY YOUR GAME AN BEAT HIM” IF HE DOESN’T WANT TO ENFORCE THE RULES, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
I’M TIRED OF THIS KID, EVEN THOUGH WE’VE PLAYED 6 TIMES, AND I WON ALL OF THE GAMES, HE AND HIS MOTHER’S ATTITUD REALLY BOTHERS ME A LOT!
WHAT WOULD YOU GUYS DO?