Chapter 01 - Status, principles and aims of FIDE

1.1.	The International Chess Federation or Federation Internationale des Echecs, (referred to in the ensuing text as FIDE for short), is the recognised international federation in the domain of chess, which was founded on July 20, 1924 in Paris. FIDE is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the supreme body responsible for the game of chess and its Championships. FIDE unites national chess federations throughout the world and oversees all International competitions.
1.2.	FIDE is concerned exclusively with chess activities. FIDE is democratically established and bases itself on the principles of equal rights of its members. It rejects discriminatory treatment for national, political, racial, social or religious reasons or on account of gender. It observes a strict neutrality in the internal affairs of the national chess federations. FIDE events (competitions, congresses, meetings) may be hosted only by Federations in whose countries free access is generally assured to representatives of all Federations. The General Assembly may take exceptions for reasons of state of war or severe violence between countries, only on   majority vote.
1.3.	Chess is one of the most ancient, intellectual and cultural games. It is a combination of sport, of scientific thinking and of the elements of art. The purpose and aim of FIDE are therefore the diffusion and development of chess among all nations of the world, as well as the raising of the level of chess culture and knowledge on a sporting, scientific, creative and cultural basis. FIDE supports a close international cooperation of the chess devotees in all fields of chess activity, thereby also aiming to improve friendly harmony among all peoples of the world.
1.4.	FIDE issues the rules of chess and the provisions pertaining to the organization of the World Championships and all other FIDE chess competitions. It awards the international chess titles. The General Assembly issues rules of chess, decides on the regulations for all FIDE-competitions and determines the conditions for the award of international titles. FIDE competitions are in general open to players of both sex. A competition described as a women's event is reserved for women players but women players are entitled to compete in events as described as "men's events"
1.5.	To facilitate the administrative work in FIDE, zones are created, if possible according to regional points of view. Each member-federation is assigned to a zone. The number of zones is not limited, but a zone should be created only if chess or administrative reasons require it. (1980 Congress Resolution: The General Assembly resolved that the following criteria be used in the future when changes in the Zonal division are necessary: a) geographic reasons; b) number of affiliated federations; c) strength of organisation; d) combined number of chess players; e) number of rated players; f) number of titled players; g) encouragement of play among affiliated federations; h) special considerations.)