2026 Central Coast Leagues Club Chess Club Code of Conduct (Members)

Central Coast Leagues Club Chess Club is also known as the Gosford Chess Club.
This Code of Conduct attempts to support and provide guidance to Gosford Chess Club members.

1.     Respect

Respect: Everyone at the Chess Club is expected to display a common level of respect and civility towards all Gosford Chess Club’s members and guests.

Harassment: No harassment, bullying, or discrimination based on age, gender, race, cultural background or skill level or other factor irrelevant to the game. Harassment, for whatever reason, is unacceptable.
Courtesy: Use polite language and avoid offensive gestures or demeaning comments.

Arbiters: We could not play the game or run Gosford Chess Club without them. Players will respect the final decisions of the arbiters and tournament directors. Abuse of arbiters is unacceptable behaviour.

Club Officials (such as members of the Committee): Club officials run the Gosford Chess Club on a volunteer basis, so please treat them accordingly. Abuse of officials is unacceptable behaviour.

2.     Sportsmanship & Fair Play

Greetings: Start and end every game with a handshake, fist bump, or respectful gesture such as a nod.

Graceful Results: Be a gracious winner and a respectful loser; avoid gloating or visible outbursts.

No Cheating: Strict prohibition on the use of engines, mobile phones, or external advice during active play.

Rules of Play: Adhere to FIDE Laws of Chess. This includes the "touch-move" rule (if you touch a piece, you must move it). Players are expected to learn the proper way to record moves, use the clock, offer draws, adjust their pieces, and summon the arbiter.

Calling for an Arbiter: You have the right to pause your own clock and raise your hand during a game to summon an arbiter.  This is the best way to handle distractions or disputes or if you are unsure of rules and procedures during the game.

3.     Playing Environment

Silence: Maintain a quiet atmosphere to allow for concentration.

Distractions: Avoid distracting your opponent by talking, making noises, or other such distractions while games are in progress. If your opponent is distracting you and does not stop when you ask them, consider requesting the arbiter.

Spectator Conduct: Observers must remain silent and never point out mistakes, illegal moves, or flag falls. They must maintain a reasonable distance from the board.

Facility Respect: Treat equipment (clocks, boards, sets) with care and help set up or pack away after sessions. 

4.    Juniors (Under 18s)

Supervision: Juniors should be always supervised by an adult and leave the premises by 10pm.

Duty of Care: Gosford Chess Club members are held to a higher standard when it comes to playing against children. This includes role modelling respectful behaviour, being mindful of language, and being patient with them if they don't understand a rule.

5.     Logistics & Attendance

Punctuality: Arrive on time for scheduled rounds to avoid forfeits.

Communication: Notify organizers as early as possible if you cannot attend a round so pairings can be adjusted.

6.     Bringing the Game of Chess into Disrepute

Consequences: While not every circumstance can be addressed, this code seeks to identify general areas of conduct which are inappropriate and liable to disciplinary action being taken by the Gosford Chess Club. The nature of the disciplinary action may vary depending on the deemed level of misconduct. It may range (but not limited to) an informal reminder, forfeit of a chess game or removal from a tournament. Repeated or serious violations may be seen as a breaching the terms of Gosford Chess Club membership. 

The Central Coast Leagues Club: Gosford Chess Club members are also members of Central Coast Leagues Club and are expected to abide by all rules of the Central Coast Leagues Club which has the authority to remove members from the venue.

External Chess Events: It is expected that Gosford Chess Club players also adhere to the Code of Conduct when representing the Gosford Chess Club at external chess events.

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