In an effort to ensure that our events are a welcome and safe environment for all, US Chess has created and implemented the Safe Play Guidelines to provide additional guidance about unacceptable behavior not covered by existing policies within US Chess. The Safe Play Guidelines went into effect beginning Sept. 1, 2019.
Safe Play complaints in the chess community can be submitted via abuse@uschess.org, Safe Play misconduct form, or by calling 800.903.8723, extension 8. They are not submitted to the U.S. Center for Safe Sport.
The following classes of individuals are covered by the guidelines:
- Players
- Tournament Directors
- Other Event Staff
- Contractors
- Spectators
- Official Attendees
Venue staff and guests of the venue are not covered by these guidelines.
The guidelines cover the following types of conduct:
- Sexual Misconduct
- Bullying
- Hazing
- Harassment
- Emotional Misconduct
- Physical Misconduct
The guidelines offer common sense guidance to help both youth and adults avoid situations that might lead to misconduct. Combined with mandatory background screening for regular employees and tournament staff, US Chess has taken steps to grow awareness and implement safeguards to minimize the potential for misconduct. US Chess will be sharing important information for organizers of National Events, such as a list of Tournament Directors who have been screened by US Chess.
As with all allegations of misconduct, these guidelines provide for response strategies during the event or after an event. For offenses that are a violation of local law, law enforcement should be contacted.
