25 Must Know Chess Arbitration rules from FIDE

FIDE, the international chess federation, establishes the rules and regulations governing chess competitions worldwide. Here are 25 important arbitration rules from FIDE

1. Respect for Laws and Decisions: Players must adhere to the FIDE Laws of Chess and accept all decisions made by the arbiters.
2. Fair Play: Players must exhibit fair play, sportsmanship, and respect towards opponents, arbiters, officials, and spectators.
3. Appearance and Conduct: Players are expected to dress appropriately and behave in a dignified manner during games.
4. Electronic Devices: Players are prohibited from bringing electronic devices into the playing venue unless authorized by the arbiter.
5. Silence: Players must maintain silence during games, refraining from any behavior that may disturb opponents.
6. Annotating Moves: Players may not annotate their games or analyze positions with others during play unless authorized.
7. Recording Moves: Players are responsible for accurately recording their moves and those of their opponents.
8. Illegal Moves: Players must report illegal moves made by opponents to the arbiter before making their own move.
9. Touch-Move Rule: If a player touches a piece, they must move it if a legal move is possible. If touched, a piece must be captured.
10. Adjusting Pieces: Players may adjust pieces on their own or offer a draw before making a move, but only with the opponent’s permission.
11. Prompt Play: Players must make their moves in a timely manner, and may be penalized for excessive delays.
12. Disturbing Opponents: Players must not distract or annoy opponents intentionally, including through repeated draw offers.
13. Leaving the Playing Area: Players may only leave the playing area with permission from the arbiter.
14. Appeals: Players have the right to appeal decisions made by the arbiter to the Appeals Committee, following proper procedures.
15. Score Sheets: Players must submit their completed score sheets to the arbiter immediately after the game.
16. Clock Handling: Players must handle chess clocks appropriately and notify the arbiter of any malfunctions.
17. Interference: Players must not interfere with other games or disturb neighboring players.
18. Use of Notation: Players are encouraged to use algebraic notation for recording moves, though other systems may be allowed.
19. Player Identification: Players must be able to provide valid identification upon request by the arbiter.
20. Finality of Decisions: Decisions made by the arbiter are final and binding, with no right of further appeal except as specified by FIDE regulations.
21. Refusal to Play: A player who refuses to start or continue a game without valid reasons may be forfeited.
22. Withdrawal from Competition: A player may withdraw from a competition with the arbiter’s permission, subject to certain conditions.
23. Expulsion: Players may be expelled from a competition for serious violations of FIDE rules or unethical conduct.
24. Public Statements: Players must refrain from making public statements during a competition that could harm the reputation of the event or its organizers.
25. Drug Testing: Players may be subject to drug testing in accordance with FIDE’s anti-doping regulations.

These rules ensure the integrity, fairness, and smooth conduct of chess competitions sanctioned by FIDE.