US Chess Executive Board Approves Revised Safe Play Policy Effective January 1, 2024

US Chess has revised its Safe Play Guidelines first adopted in 2019 into a Safe Play Policy effective January 1, 2024. The Executive Board thanks the efforts of the Safe Play Advisory Group that was established in June 2023 to suggest revisions to the Safe Play Guidelines. This Advisory Group will continue its efforts to support the commitment of US Chess to provide a safe environment for all chess players.

As a reminder, all certified US Chess tournament directors must complete SafeSport training by June 1, 2024. US Chess has zero tolerance for abuse and misconduct and will continue to revise its Safe Play Policy to meet the needs of its members.

Some of the highlights of the Safe Play Policy can be seen from the outset under Scope:

This Policy applies to all US Chess rated tournaments and sanctioned activities and events. US Chess rated tournaments (over-the-board and online) include all areas with a sufficient connection to the tournament location including the tournament venue, playing area, skittles, parking lot, and hotel. Sanctioned activities and events include, but are not limited to, US Chess delegates meetings; US Chess committee meetings; US Chess executive board meetings; events with a sufficient tie to US Chess that are run by a US Chess Affiliate like chess camps, chess club meetings, etc. US Chess members shall report alleged violations of the Safe Play Policy using the procedures outlined herein.

US Chess requires its Affiliates and State Chapters to comply with this Policy for any US Chess rated tournament, sanctioned activity, and chess-related event they organize. US Chess encourages its Affiliates and State Chapters to adopt and implement this Policy for their own events and activities. Nothing in this Policy prevents an Affiliate or State Chapter from addressing complaints made during a local or state chess event. US Chess recognizes that in some instances, complaints may be addressed immediately and more effectively by the Affiliate, the State Chapter, and/or local law enforcement.

US Chess is committed to providing a safe environment for all chess players. Common standards of decency are reflected in this Safe Play Policy, but they are not designed for the airing of petty grievances. Recognizing that membership in US Chess is a privilege, and not a right, serious complaints involving conduct with a sufficient connection to US Chess will be addressed in accordance with this Policy. This Policy will be implemented and interpreted at the sole discretion of US Chess.

Additional features of the Safe Play Policy include:

· A prohibition for US Chess members who are registered sex offenders from being present or participating in events where minors will be present or registered to compete. The burden is placed on the member to adhere to this requirement or violate the terms and conditions of membership. III. Prohibited Conduct, A. Sexual Misconduct, 3. Criminal Disposition.

· A clear statement that no statute of limitations or time bars will prevent US Chess from investigating, assessing, considering, and adjudicating any relevant conduct regardless of when it occurred. VIII. Authority and Process.

· A reservation of rights by US Chess to suspend any individual who is the subject of an investigation from participation in any US Chess sanctioned tournament, event, or program until said investigation has concluded. VIII. Authority and Process

The Safe Play Hub on the US Chess website remains a resource for you containing information about SafeSport training, the latest version of the Safe Play Policy, as well as information on how to report a violation. Should you have further questions, you can email Ranae Bartlett, Director of Operations.