Code of Conduct and Fair Play Policy
Document Number: PC-GOV-003
Effective Date: April 1, 2026
Version: 1.0
1. Purpose and Scope
This Code of Conduct and Fair Play Policy establishes the behavioral standards expected of all individuals associated with Panipat Chess, including members, parents, legal guardians, guests, and any other persons present at Club activities. The policy applies to all Club activities, whether conducted in person at the operating address (A-82 Sushant City Ansal, Panipat, Haryana, India – 132103) or online through digital platforms.
Panipat Chess is committed to maintaining an environment that is safe, respectful, and conducive to learning. The Club’s fair play standards are aligned with the FIDE Fair Play Regulations and the FIDE Code of Ethics, which represent the highest international standards for integrity in chess.
2. Core Values
The conduct of every individual at Panipat Chess shall be guided by the following core values:
Value | Expectation |
Integrity | Act honestly and transparently in all chess-related activities. Never seek an unfair advantage through deception, cheating, or manipulation. |
Respect | Treat all players, instructors, staff, and guests with courtesy and dignity, regardless of their skill level, age, gender, or background. |
Sportsmanship | Accept the outcomes of games gracefully. Congratulate opponents on their victories and learn from defeats without complaint or hostility. |
Responsibility | Take ownership of your actions, both at the board and in the broader Club community. Arrive on time, come prepared, and honor your commitments. |
Fair Play | Compete within the rules. The spirit of fair competition is the foundation of chess, and every game must be decided by the players’ own skill and judgment. |
3. General Conduct Standards
- Respectful Behavior. All individuals present at Club activities must conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner. Shouting, profanity, aggressive gestures, and any form of intimidation are strictly prohibited. Disagreements shall be resolved calmly and, if necessary, brought to the attention of the Executive Director for mediation.
- Punctuality and Attendance. Members are expected to arrive at scheduled classes and events on time. Chronic tardiness or unexcused absences disrupt the learning environment and may result in administrative action, including forfeiture of missed classes without refund.
- Dress and Hygiene. While Panipat Chess does not impose a formal dress code, members are expected to maintain a standard of personal hygiene and dress that is appropriate for a shared learning environment.
- Care of Equipment. Members shall handle all Club equipment, including chess sets, digital clocks, demonstration boards, and computers, with care. Any damage caused by negligence or intentional misuse must be reported immediately and may result in a charge for repair or replacement.
- Supervision of Minors. Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children at all times during Club activities. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or the parent/guardian must be reachable by phone during the duration of the class.
4. Fair Play Policy
This section sets forth the Club’s rules regarding fair play in chess, applicable to all rated and unrated games played under the auspices of Panipat Chess.
- Prohibition on External Assistance. During any game of chess, whether played over-the-board or online, the following are strictly prohibited:
- Consulting, running, or receiving output from any chess engine, analysis software, or artificial intelligence tool (including but not limited to Stockfish, Leela Chess Zero, and similar programs).
- Receiving advice, hints, signals, or strategic guidance from any other person, whether in person, by phone, by text, or through any other communication medium.
- Referring to any book, database, opening explorer, or pre-prepared analysis during a game in progress.
- Using any electronic device in the playing area during an over-the-board game, unless the device is a Club-approved digital clock or the Director has granted a specific exemption for medical reasons.
- Online Fair Play. For games played on Chess.com or any other online platform, members must comply with the fair play policies of the respective platform in addition to this policy. The Club reserves the right to review a member’s online game history for patterns consistent with computer-assisted play. If a member’s Chess.com or FIDE Online Arena account is flagged or closed for fair play violations, this shall constitute prima facie evidence of a violation of this policy.
- Rating Manipulation. Deliberately losing games, colluding with another player to produce a predetermined result, or engaging in any form of rating manipulation (commonly known as “sandbagging” or “boosting”) is prohibited.
- Reporting Suspected Violations. Any member who suspects that another player has violated this Fair Play Policy should report the matter to the Executive Director in writing. Reports will be treated confidentially to the extent possible. The Director will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
5. Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy
- Zero Tolerance. Panipat Chess maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This includes, but is not limited to, conduct based on race, religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin.
- Prohibited Conduct. The following behaviors are expressly prohibited at all Club activities and in all Club-related communications:
- Physical aggression, threats of violence, or intimidation.
- Verbal abuse, derogatory remarks, slurs, or name-calling.
- Unwelcome physical contact.
- Cyberbullying, online harassment, or the sharing of another member’s personal information without consent.
- Any conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment for other members.
- Reporting. Any individual who experiences or witnesses harassment or discrimination should report the incident to the Executive Director immediately. The Director will investigate all reports promptly and take appropriate corrective action.
6. Disciplinary Framework
Violations of this Code of Conduct and Fair Play Policy are addressed through a structured disciplinary framework. The Executive Director is the sole authority on disciplinary matters, and all decisions are final.
Category | Examples | Potential Consequences |
Minor Violation | Tardiness, mild disruptive behavior, failure to care for equipment | Verbal warning; written warning upon recurrence |
Moderate Violation | Repeated minor violations, disrespectful language, failure to comply with Director’s instructions | Written warning; suspension from Club activities for up to 14 days |
Serious Violation | Harassment, bullying, discrimination, threatening behavior | Immediate suspension; possible termination of membership without refund |
Fair Play Violation | Use of chess engine during a game, receiving external assistance, rating manipulation | Immediate termination of membership without refund; game results annulled; report to FIDE and/or Chess.com if applicable |
In all cases, the Director may consider the severity of the violation, the member’s history, and any mitigating circumstances before determining the appropriate consequence.
7. Acknowledgment
By enrolling in Panipat Chess and signing the Membership Agreement (PC-LEG-001), all members (and their guardians, where applicable) acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Code of Conduct and Fair Play Policy.