US Chess to Require Safe Play Training

"The U.S. Center for Safe Sport thanks the US Chess Federation for exhibiting due diligence, strong commitment, and action to protect members of their community, especially youth, and for working with a strong sense of integrity by making this a requirement for their organization."

UPDATE 09.16.2023: Information on how to take the SafeSport training will be released next week.

You can take the training course as soon as you have the information from us. By June 1, 2024, only Tournament Directors who have completed the required training will be able to direct US Chess rated tournaments.

If you wish to work a US Chess National Event that begins October 1 or later, you should take the training as soon as possible after receiving the registration information from us. The course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. You will need to complete the training by one week before the event you wish to work. (The first US Chess National Events affected by this are the U.S. Championship and the U.S. Women's Championship which begin on October 4.)

UPDATE 01.29.2024: We have created a dedicated FAQ page.

Safe Play Training FAQs for TDs

Please click here for our FAQ page.

Beginning October 1, 2023, US Chess will require all US Chess-certified Tournament Directors (TDs) to start taking the authorized core training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport before they can be certified by US Chess. Annual refresher training will then be required to continue their certification. This policy applies to persons who already hold Tournament Director credentials and those who are seeking certification. According to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, “the core training offers a comprehensive 90-minute overview of facts, principles, and strategies to help you provide safe and positive sport environments. Units include:

●        Sexual Misconduct Awareness and Education

●        Mandatory Reporting

●        Physical and Emotional Misconduct (including bullying, hazing, and harassment)"

Tournament Directors and candidate directors will complete the core training online. The required annual refresher training is shorter and also completed online. Both types of training require questions to be answered and scored before advancing to the next topic. By June 1, 2024, only Tournament Directors who have completed the required training will be able to direct US Chess rated tournaments. Any certified Tournament Director, contractor, vendor, or volunteer working a US Chess National Event beginning on or after October 1, 2023 is required to have their training completed one week before the event begins. This includes US Chess National events awarded to third parties. For National events run directly by US Chess, all Tournament Directors must complete the training before a contract will be offered.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport offers a variety of free resources for minor players and their families. US Chess will provide information on how to access the training as soon as our account is fully established at the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

FAQs

Why is US Chess requiring SafeSport training?

●        US Chess adopted Safe Play Guidelines in 2019[1]. Training was always envisioned to be part of the program. Recent safe play violations have highlighted the ongoing need for education and awareness about providing a safe environment for all chess players.

●        US Chess wants TDs to have the tools and information needed to recognize improper conduct, respond effectively, and provide a safe and positive environment.

Who is Required to Take the Training?

●        All US Chess Certified Tournament Directors, regardless of level

●        Any Independent Contractor working at a US Chess National Event

●        All US Chess Employees

●        Certified Chess Coaches

Are there age requirements associated with this training? If so, how does it affect certified TDs?

●        To take the training a person must be at least 13 years old. Furthermore, parental consent is required from ages 13- through 17-years-old due to the explicit nature of the course.

●        Effective Oct 1, 2023, US Chess will suspend Certified TDs who are under 13 years old until they reach the age of 13 and complete the required training. US Chess will no longer accept TD applications for persons who are not at least 13 years old.

When a US Chess National event is awarded to a third party, who must complete the training?

●        The Organizer, their employees and/or contract staff, and all tournament directors

●        Independent Contractors and volunteers working at the event for the Organizer

How Often Is the Training Required?

●        Annually, beginning October 1, 2023

For alleged violations of the US Chess Safe Play Guidelines, to what organization do complainants report the allegations—US Chess or the Center for Safe Sport?

●        US Chess will continue to receive complaints about violations of the Safe Play Guidelines and will apply its internal procedures to reviewing and imposing sanctions, if warranted. As an organization that is outside the formal Olympic movement, US Chess is not eligible for having the U.S. Center for SafeSport review, investigate, and sanction its members.

What is the Cost of the Training?

●        $19 for the core course

●        $9 annually thereafter, provided that your training is current when you take the refresher

Who Pays for the Training?