Chapter 15 - Ethics

15.1.	The game and concept of chess is based on the assumption that everyone involved / concerned observe existing rules and regulations and attaches the greatest importance to fair play and good sportsmanship.
15.2.	It is impossible to define exactly and in all circumstances the standard of conduct expected from all parties involved in FIDE tournaments and events, or to list all sets which would amount to a breach of the Code of Ethics and lead to disciplinary sanctions. In most cases common sense will tell the participants the standards of behaviour that are required. If any participants in a FIDE event has any doubt as to the conduct which is expected of him or her, the FIDE officials present should be contacted or the local organizer who has been put in charge of the event
15.3.	Disputes arising during a game or tournament shall be resolved in accordance with the rules of play in existence at the time and with the tournament regulations.
15.4.	This Code of Ethics is applicable to: FIDE office bearers, member federations, delegates and counselors, affiliated organizations organizers, sponsors all competitors in FIDE registered tournaments. This Code of Ethics shall govern what action may be taken against any person (meaning either an individual or organization) who deliberately or through gross negligence violates the rules and regulations of the game or neglects to observe the precepts of fair play.
15.5.	Breach of Ethics The Code of Ethics shall be breached by a person or organization who directly or indirectly
15.5.1	offers, or attempts to offer or accepts any consideration or bribe with a view of influencing the result in a game of chess or election into FIDE office.
15.5.2	in other respects acts contrary to this Code.
15.5.3	Of particular importance in this respect are the following: Fraud in the administration of any FIDE or national federation office. The same applies where incorrect information is given in order to obtain unwarranted advantages or gain. Office bearers who through their behaviour no longer inspire the necessary confidence or have in other ways become unworthy of trust. Organizers, tournament directors, arbiters or other officials who fail to perform their functions in an impartial and responsible manner. Failure to comply with normally accepted standards of courtesy and chess etiquette. Misbehaviour of a personal nature which is generally unacceptable by normal social standards. Cheating or attempts at cheating during games and tournaments. Violent, threatening or other unseemly behaviour during or in connection with a chess event. Players withdrawing from a tournament without valid reason or without informing the tournament arbiter. Gross or repeated violations of FIDE Laws of Chess or other approved tournament regulations. In any top level tournament, players, delegations or teams must comply with a high standard dress code. Delegations include both a player's seconds and any other individual who the player allows to conduct business on behalf of the players. Players are responsible for the actions of acknowledged members of their delegations. Players or members of their delegations must not make unjustified accusations toward other players, officials or sponsors. All protests must be referred directly to the arbiter or the Technical Director of the tournament. In addition, disciplinary action in accordance with this Code of Ethics will be taken in cases of occurrences, which cause the game of chess, FIDE or its federations to appear in an unjustifiable unfavourable light and in this way damage its reputation. Any conduct likely to injure or discredit the reputation of FIDE, its events, organizers, participants, sponsors or that will not enhance the goodwill which attaches to the same.
15.6.	Breach of Ethics The tournament officials will take all necessary steps to ensure the proper conduct of both games and tournaments according to the Laws of Chess and the tournament regulations. FIDE federations, officials and affiliated organizations acting in contravention to this code can be temporarily excluded from membership or office. Anyone acting in contravention of this code can be excluded from participation in all FIDE tournaments or from specific types of tournaments for a period of up to 3 years. Weight shall be given to the type of violation and to any previous violations in deciding upon the length of the exclusion period. Tournament arbiters who fail to act in accordance with the code of ethics can lose their authorization or refused the right to supervise FIDE tournaments for a period of up to 3 years. In such cases any new authorization will only be granted according to ordinary regulations. Tournament organizers who act in contravention of the code, can be refused the right to organize FIDE events for a period of up to 3 years. In the event of a player or member of delegation creating an unreasonable disturbance or distraction relating to rules, procedures or conditions, at the direction of the Appeal Committee, a player may be fined up to Five Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$5,000) and may be forfeited one or more games, depending on the disturbance. In the case of physically or verbally aggressive or intimidating conduct of a player or a member of delegation towards any other individual involved with an event, FIDE may take any or all of the following actions: fine a player up to Twenty Five Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$25,000). rule that a player has forfeited a game or a match. if the offensive act was committed by a member of the player's delegation, ask such person to leave the event. Refusal by such a person to comply may result in penalties to the player as described.
15.7.	Administrative Procedures
15.7.1	Breach of the regulations of this code by any Federation or FIDE official shall be reported to the FIDE Secretariat.
15.7.2	Breach of the regulations of this code by any person shall be reported to and decided by the FIDE Ethics Committee.
15.7.3	The proceedings shall be recorded in writing. Grounds must be given for any decisions taken and these must also be in writing after the defendant must have been given sufficient grounds to defend himself in writing and orally if necessary
15.7.4	Appeals against a decision taken by any FIDE official can be submitted to the FIDE Ethics Commission. The appeal must be sent by registered mail together with a deposit of Two Hundred Fifty U.S. Dollars (US$250). The deposit will be returned should the appeal to all intents and purposes prove to be justified
15.7.5	Any decisions made by the Ethics Commission may be the object of appeal arbitration proceedings in accordance with the Code of sports-related arbitration of the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland
15.7.6	The time limit for appeal is twenty-one days following the communication of the decision concerning appeal. All recourse to ordinary courts is excluded.