CAQ Code of Conduct

Preamble
1)    The purpose of the rules and procedures set forth in this Code of Conduct is to provide articulated and ethical standards to which the conduct of players, tournament directors, spectators and other individuals participating in or otherwise connected with tournaments and events, approved by the CAQ Inc and/ or its affiliates, is to be conformed.

2)    The standards, sanctions, and procedures set forth in this Code of Conduct shall apply only to actions and behaviour that occur in connection with tournaments and events sponsored by the CAQ Inc. or its affiliates.

3)    By applying for CAQ membership, each member of the CAQ Inc. agrees to be bound by this Code of Conduct.

Regulations
The actions and behaviour of players, DOPs, sponsors, and other individuals and entities participating in or otherwise connected with tournaments, events, or other activities sponsored by the CAQ Inc. and/ or its affiliates shall, be in accordance with the spirit of fair play and good sportsmanship, which the CAQ Inc. and its affiliates, sponsors, and members have a right to expect from such participants.

1) PROMOTING AND ENTERING AN EVENT
A. Promotional Literature. The following conditions shall be strictly enforced by the promoter of an event.
The Promoter (Organiser) of an approved CAQ event shall clearly state on all promotional literature and entry forms :
	a) The time controls for all players in the whole of the tournament.
	b) The prize(s) offered, and/ or the method of determination of prizes for the tournament.
	c) The (estimated) starting times for each and every round of the tournament.
	d) The name of the venue and a specific street address for the venue.
	e) The number of rounds in the event.
	f) (optional) Organisers who elect to adhere to all the principles contained herein may include the 'CAQ approved event' logo on promotional literature and entry forms.
	g) Whether the event is to be rated.

B. The Venue
	a) Toilets. Facilities should be available on a ratio of no greater than 'one cubicle per 20 players' per gender. 
	c) Disabled access. Where possible, all reasonable attempts shall be made to secure a venue with wheelchair access. Prior to the use of the CAQ approved logo within literature, organisers who intend to use a venue without such access shall first disclose to CAQ that such a venue was sought and was unavailable.
	d) A separate area should be made available for analysis. This is for  the purpose of allowing players to enjoy a natural part of the game without contravening regulations set out below.

2) CONDITIONS OF TOURNAMENT PLAY
The CAQ requires uniform implementation for the benefit of its members.

A. Organisers
	a) The organiser of the event shall announce the name, AND identify the Director of Play (DOP) no sooner than 10 minutes prior to commencement of play of the first round.
	b) The DOP shall identify him/ herself to the players prior to the commencement of the first round of the tournament. The DOP shall also be available to the players during the entire duration of each and every round.
	c) The DOP may at his/ her sole discretion relax any regulation(s) contained within this code, in whole or in part.

B. Participants
	a) Every participant in the event shall abide by the rules of the event stipulated within entry forms and promotional literature and any written notice within the playing room.
	b) Where a separate analysis room is available, every participant in the event shall remain silent while in the bounds of the playing room (except as noted below in (d)) during the entire duration of each and every round, regardless of whether the participant is playing chess or not. This includes :
		i) When a participant has a query with respect to time controls, or name or rating of an opponent. In the instances of information regarding an opponent, a participant will seek this information from the opponent either, prior to commencement of play, or after the conclusion of the match, or during play from the pairings board.
		ii) When one or both players require clarification on an issue relating to the game. In this instance, one or both players shall step away from the playing area and seek the counsel of the DOP. 
	c) A player may speak during play under the following circumstances :
		i)   When offering a draw.
		ii)  When resigning.
		iii) When claiming an illegal move or alerting an opponent to an irregularity. In this instance, if the opponent disagrees with the claim, then the claim shall be brought to the attention of the DOP for a ruling. At no time shall players continue the discussion within 10 metres of another chess game in session.
	d) Withdrawals. Any player who has completed the first round of any tournament shall not withdraw from that tournament without approval from the organiser or DOP. A player whose withdrawal has not been approved by the organiser or DOP will be regarded as an unapproved withdrawer. In such cases one or more of the following penalties may be applied:-
- listing as an unapproved withdrawer in CAQ newsletters and/or web site 
- and/or suspension from the CAQ 
The secretary may request a verbal or written explanation in determining the appropriate course of action

C. Spectators
Spectators include every one present in the playing area who is neither a player nor an official of the event.
	a) Spectators shall be bound by clause 2b above.
	b) Spectators, especially children, shall not be permitted to touch the  table, board or participants during play. 
	c) In respect of all the regulations, spectators are responsible for the control of any minors under their care whilst in the playing area.

3) Addenda
a) In the event of any dispute in relation to the interpretation, enforcement or relaxation of this code; the DOP's decision shall be final. A participant and or spectator may appeal in writing to the Secretary of the CAQ. The contact details are available at www.caq.org.au and within the newsletter which members receive on admission to the CAQ. On reception of a written appeal, the appeal will be heard at the next natural meeting of the CAQ. The appellant will receive a response in writing.

b) A DOP may expel any player or spectator from the event after two specific verbal warnings have been issued to that person on the same day. At the time of the second warning, the DOP shall advise the offender that expulsion from the event is an enforceable repercussion of a subsequent and third infringement.

c) A person who is expelled from an event in these circumstances may be subject to expulsion from membership to the CAQ. Any expulsion is subject to the terms of the CAQ Constitution.

d) Where any regulation contained within this code runs against a law of Australia and or the state of Queensland, then either or both of the latter two shall prevail.

e) Each member of the CAQ shall receive this code on initial acceptance of membership to the CAQ. Each addition and or variation to this code shall be notified in writing to all members via the CAQ newsletter.