04. Women's World Championship

Regulations for the Women's World Championship
1.	Organization
1.1.	The Women's World Chess Championship cycle shall be organized from February till January of the following year and will include: 4 Women's Continental Chess Championships (CCC) The Women' s World Chess Championship (WWCC)
1.2.	Governing Body: the World Chess Federation (FIDE)
1.2.1.	FIDE shall be responsible for overseeing the preparations, giving directions for all technical aspects related to chess and the Championships, as well as announcement of the dates and venues for the event. FIDE Commerce International Ltd (hereinafter referred to as FIDE Commerce) shall be responsible specifically for the Internet and electronic display system and all commercial aspects of the Women's World Chess Championships.
1.2.2.	FIDE Commerce shall guarantee a minimum prize fund of USD 500,000 per year in accordance with the existing contract between FIDE and FIDE Commerce.
2.	Selection of the Organizers.
2.1.	The responsibility for the Continental Chess Championships shall be given to the respective Continents.
2.2.	Any federation that is a member of FIDE or any sponsor may bid for the right to administer any of the Women's Continental Chess Championships or Women's World Chess Championship. FIDE shall consult the federation where the sponsor proposes to hold the Championship. If the federation refuses or is unable to cooperate, FIDE may still accept a proposal from a sponsor. Before the bidding procedure is announced, FIDE Commerce shall announce the General Sponsors of the Championship. No proposed sponsor at any level of the Women's World Chess Championship specifically Continental Chess Championship and Women's World Chess Championship shall be in conflict with the General Sponsors of the Championships as proposed by FIDE Commerce.
2.3.	At the beginning of January of each year, FIDE shall open a bidding procedure for the Women's World Chess Championship which will be held the following year. By the end of August of the same year, the bidding procedures shall be closed. By its last Presidential Board meeting of the same year, FIDE shall announce the Organizers and the selected venue(s) and any amendment or modification of regulations for the subsequent championships. Where necessary, FIDE may open a bidding procedure earlier.
2.4.	Each applicant shall pay a non-refundable fee of USD 1, 000 to obtain the obligatory bidding form and the necessary information from the FIDE Secretariat. At any time, where the bidding procedure fails, the Presidential Board shall decide, where, when and how the Championship will be organized.
2.5.	Each proposal shall contain the following particulars: the proposed tournament venue; the proposed prize fund in U.S. Dollars. Special rates for hotel rooms and meals for the participants, principals and journalists. A statement that the applicant accepts all the demands made in these regulations; The applicant's name, signatures and authentications; Two bank guarantees shall be provided. One for the proposed prize fund comprising 20% of the sum and the other for the sum of USD 20,000 in respect of other obligations. Not later than three months before the commencement of the Women's World Chess Championship, the Organizers shall provide the full sum covering the prize fund and the organization cost related to FIDE. This shall be deposited into the FIDE bank, failing which the previous bank guarantees issued to FIDE namely 20% of the proposed prize fund and USD 20, 000 bank guarantee shall be forfeited to FIDE. FIDE may exercise the right to reject any bid application if the conditions as stated in Article 2.8 below are not met or the financial offer is unsatisfactory. Taxation conditions in the hosting country in respect of the prize fund.
2.6.	Each proposal shall be accompanied by an invitation to at least one member of the World Chess Championship Committee (WCCC) to inspect the proposed venue and examine the other conditions, with all expenses paid by the bidder.
2.7.	Each proposal shall be delivered to the FIDE Secretariat within the framework announced by FIDE.
2.8.	The proposals shall remain sealed. The FIDE President or her representative shall then open them publicly and the details shall be published.
2.9.	The FIDE Presidential Board shall decide which applicant shall be chosen. The decision reached shall be based on the following criteria, which are to be viewed as a whole: prize fund playing conditions providing visas to all players and officials. Security assistance for all players and officials. chess activity both actual and potential in the country hosting the Women's World Chess Championship. media possibilities potential development of chess worldwide. climatic conditions during the period of the tournament
2.10.	After the Presidential Board has decided who shall be selected to organize the WWCC, the Organizers shall deposit, not later than three months before the start of the Women's World Chess Championship, in escrow, net and free of all taxes, with the FIDE bankers the full sums of money covering the prize fund and all costs related to FIDE as stipends, travel, full board and lodge and other administrative costs for communications etc in accordance with a budget agreed between FIDE and the Organizers.
2.11.	At any time, after the sums specified under Article 2.10, have been deposited in escrow, if the Organizer fails to organize the Women's World Chess Championship or is in breach of the agreement with FIDE for the organization of any of the two events, FIDE shall withdraw her right to organize the event and at the same time, the Organizers shall forfeit the two bank guarantees under Article 2.5f and 30% of the sums of money under Article 2.10.
2.12.	The Organizers shall invite two members of the World Chess Championship Committee (WCCC) to inspect and give consultation on the preparations. Travelling (business class if transcontinental) and accommodation costs are to be borne by the Organizers. The WCCC shall decide on the need for further inspections, if held separately from the World Chess Championship Tournament.
3.	The Women's World Chess Championship Events
3.1.	Women's Continental Chess Championships.
3.1.1.	The Continents through their respective Boards in cooperation with FIDE shall organize 4 Women's Continental Chess Championships, based on the existing structure of the zonal tournament, from which 52 players shall qualify for the Women's World Chess Championship.
3.1.2.	FIDE Commerce shall guarantee a total prize fund of USD 50,000 as part of the minimal prize fund (USD 500, 000) to be distributed annually by the 30th of April at the earliest or one month before the start of the Continental Championship each year among the Continents as follows: 1. Europe -   20,000 USD 2. Americas -   10,000 USD 3. Asia - Oceania -   10,000 USD 4. Africa -   10,000 USD Total   50,000 USD To qualify for the grant of the prize money contributed by FIDE for each Women's Continental Championship, each Continent must show proof of additional sponsorship money it has raised for the prize fund. FIDE shall retain 20% of the prize fund. The Continent shall receive 20% from any additional prize fund at the Continental level.
3.1.3.	Where a Continent decides to use zonal tournaments for qualification to the World Chess Championship, the number of zonal qualifiers shall be restricted to the approved figure by zone, as at 31st December 2000. The extra qualification places for each Continent shall be competed for in the Continental Championship to determine the remaining qualifiers to the World Championship. All the Zonal qualifiers, as well as the number of players eligible by country to participate in each zonal shall participate in their Continental Championship with their full board expenses covered by the host country. The extra players by country as determined by each Continent shall be responsible for their expenses.
3.1.4.	The Continental Chess Championships shall be organized before the end of July of each year. If the Continental tournament cannot be organized then FIDE shall organize the Championship using prize fund allocated to the respective Continent, without it necessarily distributing prizes to the players. The Continents in cooperation with the WCCC will decide on the format and the maximum number of participants per country including qualifiers per country. The number of qualifiers for each continent is: 1. Europe -   29 players 2. Americas -   8 players 3. Asia -   12 players 4. Africa -   3 players
3.1.5.	FIDE may send one of its representatives, a member of the WCCC, as an observer to ensure that the event is held in line with the Women's World Chess Championship regulations, after which he shall present an independent report on the conduct of the Championship to the Presidential Board of FIDE. Traveling cost, board and lodge as well as stipend shall be paid by the organizing committee.
3.1.6.	Continental Presidents in cooperation with the WCCC shall agree on the sum of expenses paid by the organizers to cover travel, full board and stipends to the Arbiters and principals.
3.1.7.	The revised regulations for the Women's Continental Chess Championship for each Continent shall be submitted to the World Chess Championship Committee for vetting before final approval by the Presidential Board.
3.2.	Women's World Chess Championship.
3 2.1.	Playing Schedule and Games
3.2.1.1.	There shall be six rounds of knock-out matches comprising two games for rounds one to five, and four games for round 6.
3.2.1.2.	Participants Round 1: there shall be 64 players Round 2: there shall be 32 players Round 3: there shall be 16 players Round 4: there shall be 8 players Round 5: there shall be 4 players Round 6: there shall be 2 players The original list shall consist of 64 players comprising the following specific names for the Women's World Chess Championship: (in decreasing priority) The Women's World Champion, runner up and semi-finalists of the previous Women's World Chess Championship (4 players). The World Junior Girl Champion of the previous year (1 player). Five (5) best rated players from the best average of the most current FIDE Rating lists of previous July and January of the current year. Fifty-two (52) qualifiers from Women's Continental Championships. Two (2) Nominees of the FIDE President.
3.2.1.3.	The average shall be calculated as follows: rating of previous July plus rating of current January divided by 2. In case of equality two decimals will be taken into consideration. If the numbers are still equal then the number of games from the two periods shall be decisive. That means the player with the greater number of games shall qualify. If the numbers are still equal then the most recent elo published by FIDE shall be decisive. If the recent elo is still the same, the player with the greater number of games in the second period will qualify.
3.2.1.4.	The list of players qualified by average rating, the qualifiers by rights (as mentioned above in point 1 and 2) and 50 players from the reserve list, based on rating as described in 3.2.1.3, shall be published on the FIDE website by February 28th of each year.
3.2.1.5.	After FIDE has confirmed the name of organizers, the participants will be able to download the copy of the Player's Undertaking (or contract which contains player's obligations) from the FIDE website. Participants as nominated in 3.2.1.2 (number 1, 2 and 3) shall have until March 30th to send their signed Undertaking to FIDE as stated in 3.2.4.3. Any participant, specified in the previous paragraph, who fails to return her Player's Undertaking by the specified deadline, will be replaced by the top player from the reserve list. The new participant shall be notified by fax by FIDE and will have one week to return her signed Undertaking to FIDE.
3.2.2.	Conditions of victory
3.2.2.1.	Rounds 1 to 5, each match shall be played over two games and the winner of a match shall be the first player to score 1.5 or more points. A tie shall be broken according to article 3.2.7
3.2.2.2.	For round 6 or final , each match shall be played over four games and the winner of a match shall be the first player to score 2.5 or more points. A tie shall be broken according to 3.2.7
3.2.2.3.	The match is terminated at the conclusion of the game where the winner is known.
3.2.3.	Schedule of the Women's World Chess Championship tournament November 25: Opening Ceremony   1 day November 26-27: Round 1: 2 days play + tiebreaks 2 days November 28-29: Round 2: 2 days play + tiebreaks 2 days November 30 - December 1: Round 3 2 days play + tiebreaks 2 days December 2: Rest day December 3-4: Round 4: 2 days play + tiebreaks 2 days December 5-6: Round 5: 2 days play + tiebreaks 2 days December 7: Rest day December 8-11: Final: 4 days play 4 days December 12: tie-breaks and Closing Ceremony   1 day TOTAL 18 days The Organizer, in consultation with the FIDE President, may vary the schedule.
3.2.4.	Confirmation of Participation / Conduct of Players
3.2.4.1.	Not later than two weeks after the end of the Women's Continental Championships, the qualifiers (as described in 3.14) shall send their signed Player's Undertaking to FIDE. In case of failure, FIDE shall invite the first non-qualified player from the final standing of the particular Women's Continental Chess Championship. The new qualifier will have one week to sign and return to FIDE her Undertaking. The same procedure shall be followed if the nominee will miss the one-week deadline.
3.2.4.2.	By September 15 FIDE will publish on its website the list of qualifiers including the FIDE President's nominees, and the players who have already signed their Undertaking. The FIDE President's nominees (as mentioned in 3.2.1.2 number 5) will have one week to send their Players' Undertaking for participation in the Women's World Chess Championship. In case of failure the FIDE President's nominee shall be replaced by another FIDE President's nominee. By October 15, FIDE shall publish the final list of participants and the pairings for round 1 on its website.
3.2.4.3.	All players mentioned in 3.2.1.2 shall confirm, by fax and registered post, their participation by returning the signed original copy of the Players' Undertaking published on the FIDE website for participation in the Women's World Chess Championship. Players shall be responsible for the arrival on time to the FIDE Secretariat of their signed Undertaking.
3.2.4.4.	If a player fails to appear at the Players' Meeting, the Opening or Closing Ceremony or any approved function of the Championship such as official receptions and press conferences, or conducts herself in a manner contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship or the FIDE Code of Ethics, then she shall suffer the following penalties: 5% of her prize money shall be forfeited to the Organizers and a further 5% to FIDE for each negligence.
3.2.4.5.	A player who returns her undertaking but withdraws before the pairings are announced, will be replaced by a player as described in 3.2.1.5, 3.2.4.1. and 3.2.4.2. as applicable.
3.2.4.6.	Any player who does not play after the pairings are announced shall not be replaced. Players who fail to advise FIDE about their withdrawal before the opening ceremony shall be excluded from participation in the Women's World Chess Championships of the next year.
3.2.4.7.	If the World Chess Championship Tournament and the Women's World Chess Championship are organized at the same period (even if the two events coincide by one day) then the player who has the right to participate in both championships shall decide per 3.2.4.3 in which tournament she will play.
3.2.4.8.	Except with the prior approval of the President in respect of the Women's World Chess Championship all the participants are expected to stay in the officially designated hotel(s).
3.2.5.	Pairings.
3.2.5.1.	For purposes of pairings the players shall be ranked according to the current July published rating list. In case of equality of two or more players, the player with the greater number of games played during the period covered by the July rating shall be the top seeded. The Women's World Champion will be seeded number one.
3.2.5.2.	Pairings shall follow the principle of top half vs. lower half reversed (1-64; 2-63...). Thus the highest ranked player of the top half shall play the lowest ranked player of the bottom half. The second ranked player of the top half shall play the second before last ranked player of the bottom half. And so on.
3.2.5.3.	For the second and subsequent rounds pairings shall follow the same procedure as in 3.2.5.2. with the clarification that if the lower ranked player wins in any match, she shall automatically assume the position of the higher ranked player.
3.2.5.4.	All the participants will start from Round 1.
3.2.5.5.	The draw for colors shall be conducted as follows: Whether the top seeded player in Round 1 receives White or Black in game 1 shall be decided by lot and shall be carried out as part of the Opening Ceremony. In match 2, the higher seeded player shall have the opposite color to the number 1 player, and so alternating through the list. For subsequent games of the same round the colors shall alternate automatically. In Round 2 the winner of match 1 shall have in game 1 the color opposite to the color that the top seeded player had in game 1 of Round 1. The higher seeded player in game 1 of match 2 shall have the opposite color of the color that the highest seeded player had in game 1 of match 1 and the colors shall alternate in sequence accordingly by match. For Rounds 3-5 the same procedure is applicable with the clarification that if the lower ranked player wins in any match, she shall automatically assume the position of the higher ranked player. For the tie-break matches, there shall be a drawing of lots for each such match. If these matches are also drawn, there shall be a drawing of lots to decide who shall receive White in the sudden-death game.
3.2.6.	Time control.
3.2.6.1.	The time control for the first 40 moves shall be 1 hour 15 minutes followed by 15 min till the end of the game and an incremental time of 30 seconds per move from move one.
3.2.6.2.	No postponement shall be allowed.
3.2.6.3.	The games shall be played using the electronic clocks approved by FIDE.
3.2.7.	Tie breaks
3.2.7.1.	If the scores are level after the regular games, after a new drawing of colors, two tie break games shall be played. The games shall be played using the electronic clock starting with 20 minutes on the clock and the addition of 10 seconds after each move.
3.2.7.2.	If the scores are level after the games in paragraph 3.2.7.1, then, after a new drawing of colors, 2 five-minute games shall be played with the addition of 10 seconds after each move.
3.2.7.3.	If, the score is still level, the players shall play one decisive or sudden death game. The player, who wins the drawing of lots, may choose the color. White shall receive 6 minutes, Black shall receive 5 minutes, without any addition. The winner qualifies for the next round. In case of a draw the player with the black pieces qualifies for the next round.
3.2.7.4.	Laws for tiebreak and sudden death game Play shall be governed by the FIDE Laws of Chess, except where they are overridden by the specific provisions of these regulations. Players do not need to record the moves. Instead, an arbiter or an assistant will record the moves. The player whose turn it is to move may consult the score sheet and, if her next move will produce a threefold repetition of position (Article 9.2a of the Laws of Chess), or the 50 moves rule (Article 9.3a of the Laws of Chess), she herself must write the intended move on the score sheet. Illegal moves shall be penalized according to Article 7.4 of the Laws of Chess. After each game there shall be a pause of at least 10 minutes.
3.2.7.5.	The tie breaks shall start at least 2 hours after the end of the last game of the round, according to the decision of the Chief Arbiter.
3.2.8.	Prizes for the Women's World Chess Championship Round 1 losers 32 x $ 2,500 $ 80,000 Round 2 losers 16 x $ 4,500 $ 72,000 Round 3 losers 8 x $ 7,500 $ 60,000 Round 4 losers 4 x $ 12, 000 $ 48,000 Round 5 losers 2 x $ 20, 000 $ 40,000 Total $ 300,000
3.2.8.2.	A payment of 20% from the above prize fund shall be made to the FIDE.
3.2.8.3.	If a match is decided at the tiebreak play phase, the losing player shall receive 20% of the differential between her prize and the prize the winner would receive if she lost in the next round.
3.2.8.4.	Where a match is decided by a sudden death game, the loser shall receive 40% of the differential between her prize and the prize the winner would receive if she lost in the next round.
3.2.8.5.	The winners as in 3.2.8.3 and 3.2.8.4 shall have the sums described deducted from their final prize.
3.2.8.6.	If a player withdraws due to ill health or any other good reason accepted by the Appeals Committee, she shall receive the full prize money to which she was entitled at that time.
3.2.8.7.	If a player withdraws after the start of the first round without having a satisfactory reason for doing so, she shall receive no prize money she was due at that time.
3.3.	The Sixth round (final match).
3.3.1.	Conditions of victory
3.3.1.1.	At the final stage of the Women's World Chess Championship, the Women's World Champion shall be decided by the best of 4 games. The winner of the match shall be the first player to score 2.5 or more points. In case of equal score (2-2) then tiebreaks as described in 3.3.3. shall be decisive.
3.3.1.2.	Drawing of colors shall be done during the Opening Ceremony.
3.3.2.	Schedule (as described in 3.2.3 final round)
3.3.3.	Tie breaks for the Final Match.
3.3.3.1.	If the scores are level after the regular games, after a new drawing of colors, four (4) tie break games shall be played with 20 minutes on the clock and additional 10 seconds after each move for each player.
3.3.3.2.	If the scores are level after the games in paragraph 3.3.3.1, then, after a new drawing of colors, 2 five-minute games shall be played with additional 10 seconds after each move.
3.3.3.3.	If, the score is still level, after a new drawing of colors then one five minute game shall be played with additional 10 seconds after each move. If ther game finishes in a draw, then another one shall follow, with opposite colors for the players until somebody wins one game.
3.3.3.4.	If in the opinion of the Chief Arbiter, a match is taking too much time, he may decide that the players shall play one decisive game. The player, who wins the drawing of lots, may choose the color. White shall receive 6 minutes on the clock and Black shall receive 5 minutes, without any addition. The winner shall be declared Women's World Chess Champion. In the event of a draw, the player with the black pieces shall be declared Women's World Chess Champion.
3.3.4.	Prizes
3.3.4.1.	The Women's World Champion shall receive USD 100,000 and the challenger USD 50,000; payment of 20% from the prize fund shall be made to FIDE.
3.3.4.2.	Where the final match is decided by play-offs after being initially tied: if it is decided in the tiebreak phase, the losing player shall receive her prize plus 20% of the differential between the prize of the winning player and the prize of the losing player. The winning player receives her prize minus 20% of the differential between the prize of the winning player and the prize of the losing player. if it is decided by sudden death games, the losing player shall receive her prize plus 40% of the differential between the prize the prize of the winning player and the prize of the losing player. The winning player receives her prize minus 40% of the differential between the prize of the winning player and the prize of the losing player.
4.	Finance
4.1.	Principals for the Women's World Chess Championship are: FIDE President; Deputy President; Vice President General Secretary Treasurer Chairman of the FIDE Medical Commission or his nominee Members of Appeals Committee; Arbiters; Executive Director Press Officer;
4.2.	Before the end of the tournament, FIDE shall be reimbursed for its direct expenses incurred in the Women's World Chess Championship Organization. Ther shall be a fixed sum agreed between the Organizer and FIDE President before the start of the tournament. Their sum shall include stipends, pre-expenses (inspections) and tournament expenses (traveling and boarding) for the members o f the World Chess Championship Committee (WCCC). The WCCC shall advise and help the Organizers on protocol, budget, infrastructure, media, commentary, bulletin and other technical problems. (if held separately from the World Chess Championship Tournament).
4.3.	FIDE Commerce has exclusive financial rights to the event and is free to exploit them commercially, including entering into advertisement agreements either with the Organizers or Sponsors of the Championship requiring players to wear clothes, aprons or caps with the branding of sponsors on the express approval of FIDE Commerce.
4.4.	The income provided by the Women's World Chess Championship through admission charges, concessions, photography, radio, shall go to the Organizers. The television and Internet Web transmission rights, including video and film rights, shall belong to FIDE Commerce and the income divided as follows: 50% to FIDE Commerce and 50% to the Organizer.
4.5.	FIDE Commerce shall have the exclusive rights for live games on Internet and shall provide the necessary equipment such as electronic boards and clocks to cover the event. FIDE Commerce shall provide to the Organizers the signal for online game display in the different function rooms as designated by FIDE.
4.6.	The Organizers shall draw up as detailed a budget as possible, including provision for contingencies. This shall be subject to the approval of World Chess Championship Committee and the FIDE President.
4.7.	Stipends.
4.7.1.	The following stipends are to be paid to the Principals of the Women's World Chess Championship: a) President or the Deputy President who shall be Chairman of the Appeals Committee USD 7,000. b) Three members of the Appeals Committee USD 7,500 c) Chief Arbiter USD 5,000 d) Deputy Chief Arbiter USD 3,000 e) 1 Deputy Arbiter (Rounds 1 to 5) USD 2,000 f) 2 Deputy Arbiters (Rounds 1 to 4) USD 3,500 g) Press Officer USD 3,000 The following stipends are to be paid to the World Chess Championship Committee Members. (if held separately from the World Chess Championship Tournament): a) Pre tournament expenses USD 10,000 b) Stipends USD 20,000 The Organizers will pay accommodation and full board for two WCCC members who shall arrive at least one week before the start of the tournament.
4.7.3.	A stipend of USD 5, 000 shall be paid to each of the FIDE Treasurer, General Secretary and elected Vice President while the Executive Director and 1 FIDE staff shall received a stipend of USD 3, 000 and USD 2, 000 respectively (the fore-going stipends will not be necessary, if the Championship is held concurrently with the World Chess Championship Tournament).
4.7.4.	If the Championship is held concurrently with the World Chess Championship Tournament, then it will not be necessary to pay any stipend to the following: Chairman of the Appeals Committee, 3 members of the Appeals Committee, Chief Arbiter, Press officer, members of the World Chess Championship Committee and the FIDE officials, specified in article 4.7.3 above.
4.7.5.	With the exception of the stipend due to the members of the Appeals Committee and the Arbiters of the Championships, if the Organizer or Sponsor, at the time of submission of his bid for the Championship, is unable to pay the stipends for the other principals/officials of the Championship, neither FIDE nor FIDE Commerce shall cover these expenses.
4.8.	Arrangements for the Playing Hall.
4.8.1.	The WCCC shall ensure the playing hall and its environs at least to meet the requirements of the FIDE Regulations for the Organization of Top Level Tournaments (FIDE Handbook C.01).
4.8.2.	The playing venue shall be decorated with the FIDE flag, IOC flag, the flags of the host nation and the participating Federations and the FIDE Commerce sponsors' brandings.
4.8.3.	After the World Chess Championship Committee agrees with the Organizers on the Women's World Chess Championship about the arrangements in respect of the tournament hall, facilities, accommodation and meals, transportation, telecommunication, ceremonies, no objections from the participants shall be acceptable.
5.	Interviews, functions and mode of dressing.
5.1.	Interviews with people other than players can be arranged directly.
5.2.	The players are expected to cooperate reasonably with the media. General interviews with them can be arranged through the Press Officer.
5.3.	The players are required to make themselves available for short interviews, of not more than 10 minutes duration, immediately after the game. In general, the winner, or in the event of a draw both players, shall be available for the daily press conference.
5.4.	Players are required to be present at all official functions approved by FIDE President or his Deputy during the Championship including official receptions and the opening and closing ceremonies.
5.5.	Players are specifically requested to note the requirements of FIDE Regulations C.01 (Article 8.1) in respect of their dignified appearance at all times during the Women's World Chess Championship.
6.	Photography and Television.
6.1.	Only photographers and camera crew expressly authorized by the Press Officer may work in the playing venue. While more than 16 players are competing, flash may be used only during the first ten minutes. While 16 players or less are competing, flash may only be used during the first five minutes. In tiebreak games flash may only be used in the first three minutes. In case of sudden death one minute for each game will be allowed. After the time limit for the use of flash has expired, the use of cameras without flash may only be permitted if the Arbiter in charge deems their use to be unobtrusive. Television cameras must be unobtrusive and may only be used if the Arbiter in charge deems their use to be unobtrusive. An official photographer, designated by the Organizers with the approval of the Chief Arbiter shall be allowed to take photos at any time during the round without flash.
7.	Advance Preparations of the Women's World Chess Championship.
7.1.	Principals and their Amenities.
7.1.1.	The Organizers shall provide personal stewards as necessary for FIDE President, his Deputy, the Chief Arbiter and WCCC representatives.
7.1.2.	The Organizers are hosting the Principals throughout the Women's World Chess Championship. Travel FIDE President or his Deputy has the right to first class travel by air, sea or rail, at the Organizers' expense. All other Principals and World Chess Championship Committee members shall be provided with transport by air, sea or rail or, if they prefer, any other mode of transport that is not more costly to the Organizers than air travel. All traveling arrangements are to be made by the Organizers, for the World Chess Championship Committee, business class tickets should be provided in case of transcontinental travel. Any Principal making her own travel arrangements without the agreement of the Organizers does so entirely at her own risk. Accommodation For the FIDE President or his Deputy - a suite in a hotel. For each Principal or WCCC members - a double room with bath, in a first class hotel. Food and Drinks Provision for food and drinks shall be provided for all the Principals on a wholly equal basis. This shall be provided by a specified allowance in local currency per day and/or by set meals. The nature and amount shall be agreed between the Organizers and WCCC. Local Transportation For FIDE President, a chauffeur-driven car. For the other Principals, a number of cars shall be made available; their use will depend on the position of the hotels, playing hall and media center, and on the leisure activities of the Principals. Alternatively, a daily allowance in local currency may be provided, the amount to be agreed between the Organizers and WCCC.
7.2.	Playing Conditions.
7.2.1.	Only the players, Principals and steward (-es)s shall be allowed in the actual playing area except with the express permission of the Chief Arbiter.
7.2.2.	During the playing session (lasting from 10 minutes before the start of the game until the departure of players), the following additional regulations shall be in force: The players are not permitted to bring into the playing venue technical and other equipment extraneous to play, which may in any way disturb or upset the opponent. The Chief Arbiter shall decide what constitutes extraneous equipment liable to offend the opponent. A player may talk only to an arbiter or communicate with a steward, or with her opponent as permitted by the Laws of Chess.
7.2.3.	Organizers shall provide in sufficiency, free of charge, coffee, tea and soft drinks for the players and principals. It is advisable that the same offer shall apply for the press members.
7.2.4.	Score sheets. The Organizers shall provide score sheets according to the specifications provided by the WCCC. At the end of each game the players' original score sheets shall be given to the Arbiter, who shall hand them over to FIDE in due course. Refusal of either player to sign the score sheets shall be penalized according to Article 13.4 of the Laws of Chess. After the players have signed the score sheets, the Arbiter shall countersign to confirm the results. In tiebreak games, the players and the Arbiter shall sign a protocol.
7.2.5.	Players' Meeting. Players are required to attend the Players' Meeting on the day of the Opening Ceremony at a time to be decided by the Chief Arbiter and the Organizers. If he deems it necessary, the Chief Arbiter may call other Players' Meetings.
7.2.6.	Selection of Arbiters
7.2.6.1.	FIDE President shall appoint the arbiters who must have the title of International Arbiter.
7.2.6.2.	In each match, no arbiter may belong to the same federation as either of the players. Exception: if both players are members of the same federation, an arbiter may also belong to this federation.
7.2.6.3.	During play either the Chief Arbiter or the Deputy Chief Arbiter must be present in the playing area.
7.2.6.4.	Immediately after the end of each tournament of the Women's World Chess Championship cycle, the Chief Arbiter shall draw up a report and send it without delay to the FIDE Secretariat.
7.2.6.5.	The report shall be written in one of the official FIDE languages.
7.2.6.6.	The report shall contain the result of each individual game as well as the final result of each match. In addition, the report shall contain a general description of the course of the Women's World Chess Championship. If there were difficulties, conflicts or incidents during the Women's World Chess Championship, they shall be described together with the measures taken to deal with them.
7.2.6.7.	The report shall be supplemented by adding two copies of the bulletins of the Women's World Chess Championship.
7.2.6.8.	The Chief Arbiter may, in consultation with the WCCC, and with the approval of the FIDE President, issue additional written regulations to lay down the exact playing hours and take care of other details not covered by these regulations.
7.2.7.	Appeals Committee. The President or his Deputy shall be Chairman of the Appeals Committee. There shall be three other members all from different Federations. No member of the Appeals Committee shall sit in judgment in a dispute involving a player or party from his Federation except where the dispute is between two players or two parties from his Federation. All protests must be submitted in writing to the Appeals Committee not more than two hours after the relevant playing session, or the particular infringement complained against. The Committee may decide on the following matters: an appeal against a decision by an arbiter, a protest against a player's behavior, a complaint alleging false interpretation of the regulations, a request for the interpretation of specific regulations, a protest or complaint against any participant, or all other matters which the Committee considers important. If possible, the Committee shall reach a decision not more than two hours after the submission of a protest. The appeals process shall include written representations and a written decision. The Committee shall endeavor to find binding solutions that are within the true spirit of the FIDE motto, Gens Una Sumus. Every protest must be accompanied by a deposit fee of USD 500 (five hundred US Dollars) or the equivalent in local currency. If the protest is accepted, the fee shall be returned. If the protest is rejected, the fee may be forfeited to FIDE. The decision of the Appeals Committee arising from any dispute in respect of these regulations shall be final.
8.	Costs
8.1.	All players shall pay their own cost of travel, accommodation and meals for their duration of stay. There shall be no cash advance or pocket money for the players. FIDE may settle players' hotel bills up to USD 1, 000 per round. This shall be done by deducting the amount from the prize money. However if a player agrees to this arrangement, then he shall advise the FIDE Secretariat in writing at least 2 weeks before the start of the World Chess Championship Tournament. Otherwise he shall be expected to settle her account direct with the hotel management.
8.2.	The entry fee of USD 100 per player shall be deducted from the prize of each player.
9.	Opening Ceremony for the Women's World Chess Championship
9.1.	The Opening Ceremony shall take place the day prior to the first round and all participants are required to take part.
9.2.	The program of the Opening Ceremony shall be supervised by FIDE. Cultural program and speeches totalling up to 60 minutes are usualy welcome. FIDE Anthem and the anthem of the hosting country shall be played.
9.3.	The drawing of colors for round 1 shall be carried out as part of the opening ceremony.
9.4.	In order for a player not to attend the opening ceremony, he shall obtain a written permission of the FIDE President.
10.	Closing Ceremony of the Women's World Chess Championship. The Closing Ceremony shall take place not later than one day after the end of the 4th game according to the schedule as per Article 3.2.3. Organizer of the final shall provide two medals: in gold and silver, as well a Cup to the Women's World Champion. FIDE Anthem, Anthem of the Women's World Champion and anthem of the hosting country shall be played.
11.	Commitment of the Women's World Champion The winner of the final match of the Women's World Chess Championship shall be designated as Women's World Champion and shall retain this title until a new Champion is crowned at the next official match for the title organized by FIDE. She is precluded alongside with other qualifiers from the quarterfinal stage of the Championship from playing in a Women's World Chess Championship match that is not officially recognized by FIDE.
12.	Payment of Prize Money and Stipends
12.1.	The prize fund and stipends shall be paid by bank cheque or direct banker's order drawn in United States Dollars on UBS, Lausanne.
12.2.	Upon completion of the Women's World Chess Championship, FIDE shall pay these sums collectible in the payee's home country where requested by her. Where a player, with the agreement of the Organizers, leaves prior to the conclusion of the Championship, she shall receive her prize on departure.
12.3.	FIDE shall not be responsible for any national or local tax to be deducted from the prize money.
12.4.	At any time in the course of the application of these regulations, any grounds that are not covered or any unforeseen event shall be referred to the Presidential Board or the President of FIDE, for final decision.