In an effort to create fair playing conditions for all participants of Chess Nova Scotia sanctioned tournaments, Chess Nova Scotia has developed the following Fair Play and Electronic Device Policy.

For the purpose of this policy, an electronic device is defined as any device capable of electronic communications or capable of aiding a person in the selection of a chess move, including devices capable of replaying music or sounds. Examples are mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, mp3 players, radios, etc.

Failure to abide by any of the following rules shall result in a forfeit loss. A second offence in the same tournament shall result in a forfeit loss and the offender being forced to withdraw from the tournament.

The arbiter shall have the sole and final discretion on the application of the Fair Play and Electronic Device Policy.

Rules:

During Chess Nova Scotia sanctioned tournaments:

[1] A player whose game is in progress is forbidden to refer to any sources of information about chess, written or otherwise, and forbidden to use chess software.

[2] A player whose game is in progress is forbidden to ask for or willingly receive advice from another player or spectator.

[3] Players are forbidden to offer advice to a player whose game is in progress.

[4] Players with electronic devices must observe the following:

[4.A] All electronic devices in the possession of the player must be either:

[4.A.1] Left on the playing table at all times and turned off; or

[4.A.2] Placed inside a container identified by the Tournament Arbiter, turned off or set on silent mode by the player, prior to the start of play.

[4.A.3] The electronic device shall remain inside the container until the player’s game is completed, unless the Tournament Arbiter permits otherwise, in which case the device shall be under the direct supervision of the Tournament Arbiter.

[4.B] Rule number 4 is contravened if a player is found to be in possession of an electronic device in the following circumstances:

[4.B.1] Outside the playing room, without the Tournament Arbiter’s permission, while their game is progress, or

[4.B.2] Inside the playing room without the Tournament Arbiter’s permission, or

[4.B.2.1] If the player’s electronic device flashes, rings or vibrates or makes any discernible light emission or audible sound while outside the container, whether or not the player has completed their game.

[4.C] If a player is found to be in violation of Rule 4, the Tournament Arbiter, at his sole discretion, may:

1) order the player suspended from the tournament;
2) declare forfeiture of the game currently being played;
3) declare forfeiture of any other game played in the tournament.

[4.D] In an egregious violation, the Tournament Arbiter shall provide a written Report of the circumstances of the egregious violation to the Chess Nova Scotia Executive whereupon the Executive shall conduct such inquiries as the NSCA Executive deems appropriate and thereafter, a vote shall be taken by the Chess Nova Scotia Executive and the Tournament Arbiter, to determine whether any action outlined in 4.C. shall be imposed, and, or, whether to suspend the player from any future chess tournaments sanctioned by Chess Nova Scotia. In the case of a tie vote, the Tournament Arbiter’s vote shall not count.

[4.E] The Tournament Arbiter may designate anyone as an Assistant Arbiter, and the Assistant Arbiter shall have the same powers as the Tournament Arbiter, including the powers of implementing Rule number 4.
[4.F] The Tournament or the Assistant Arbiter’s decision on the application of rule number 4 shall be final except that the player shall have the right of appeal to the Canadian Chess Federation National Appeals Committee under Section 12 of the Canadian Chess Federation Handbook.
[5] During play, if a player needs clarification on the rules of chess, or on the Chess Nova Scotia’s Fair Play and Electronic Device Policy, they can consult with the Tournament or the Assistant Arbiter; however a player is not allowed to use an electronic device to research said information.