ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR

• ensure that rules are strictly observed.
• supervise the progress of the tournament.
• enforce any decisions made to resolve disputes.
• impose penalties for any fault or infraction of the rules.
• report any serious incidents to ASPA/CASPA.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS

1. Tournament Directors Guidelines (this document)
2. National Rules (link)
3. Local variations to National Rules (if applicable)
4. Protocols (link)

The TD must be conversant with all these documents to enable satisfactory resolution of disputes.

BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT

Remind the players that, if they have any questions/disputes etc during a game, they must ask for adjudication immediately.

Players with disabilities may need special consideration re seating position, ensuring ease of movement, good lighting etc. Players with specific problems may require the assistance of a scribe/helper. Ensure scribes/helpers do not advise the player with the disability in any way.

RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

The objective is to ensure resolution with fairness to all players involved and with due regard to the rules in force. If the players have failed to neutralize the clock the TD must do so immediately. Petty issues can lead to heated disputes. The TD may need to explain the ruling clearly and tactfully to calm the situation.

The TD must also consider the fairness of the ruling to all other players in the tournament.

RESOLUTION OF RULE BREACHES

It is mandatory to take the Rules to the table. You may also need to take some of the documents listed above to show the relevant rulings.

In many cases the breaching of a rule will be an obvious mistake/omission that can be easily rectified. However, any deliberate attempts at deception amount to cheating and need to be dealt with immediately, firmly and fairly see penalties below.

If acceptable resolution of the problem is not obvious, consult with the State Rules Representative, State President or any other experienced person. Regardless of the advice received, the TD’s decision is final - the players have no right of appeal.

RESOLUTION OF ETIQUETTE BREACHES

See the Etiquette document.

Minor Breaches of Etiquette:

Should be drawn to the attention of the player concerned. Refer the player to the relevant point in the Etiquette document.

Major Breaches of Etiquette:

If the player’s behaviour is offensive or dangerous, penalties for offences should be outlined as below, and enforced if necessary.

SUGGESTED PENALTIES

• Make an adjustment to the score.
• Make an adjustment to the time.
• Declare a game lost by a player and won by the opponent (see “forfeits” below)
• Issue a formal warning that additional penalties will be imposed for further breaches
• Ask a player to leave the room immediately
• Expel a player from the tournament.
• Report the matter to the State Committee for further consideration/action

FORFEITS

Regardless of whether the offending player is winning or losing, record the scores of that game as a win to the opponent. In the AUPAIR program Ctrl-W for the imputed winner, Ctrl-D for the imputed loser.. A forfeited game will not be rated.

PERSONAL ABUSE

TDs need not tolerate personal attacks from players. Appropriate punitive measures might include forfeiting the next game, or exclusion from the remainder of the tournament, or reporting the matter to the relevant State Association for consideration.