[tournament-org] dealing with spectator intervention

[Geoff Kaniuk]

I agree with Alison that no new rule is needed.  Our default rules in

www.britgo.org/rules/approved

section Disputes is clear on what should be done in normal circumstances.

First of all, players should know that if there is any untoward 
behaviour by opponents or onlookers then they have the right to stop the 
clock and call the referee.  This seems not to have happened in the case 
mentioned so somehow the message needs to be publicised.

Secondly, for repeated behaviour of the kind reported, the referee has 
the automatic right to ask the offender to leave the playing area during 
game play.

If the disputes statement in the handbook were to be strengthened to 
include referee rights it should be kept very general as there are too 
many specific violations that one cannot anticipate.

Geoff

33 Ashbury Close, Cambridge CB1 3RW 01223 710582

On 18/05/2019 12:38, Alison Bexfield via tournament-org wrote:
> I am not sure that we need to go as far as introducing a new rule. I
> think some common sense from players is needed.
> What should be made clear is that if any player has concerns about the
> behaviour of their opponent or of any spectator they should call the
> referee or tournament organiser and discuss their concerns. They can
> stop the clock while they do this. The organiser can then step in as a
> neutral person.
> 
> If there was repeated behaviour as indicated below, then timely speaking
> to the organiser would have allowed some neutral intervention to remove
> the parent. We sometimes have this issue at youth tournaments and the
> organisers keep an eye out and step in if needed.  We usually request
> that parents do not watch their child's game closely as this has the
> effect of putting off the child.
> 
> ---
> Alison Bexfield
> On 18/05/2019 12:13, Gerry Gavigan via tournament-org wrote:
> 
>> Dear tournament organisers,
>>
>> I'm trying to create a set of rules that constrain spectators (e.g. over-enthusiastic parents) presented in a neutral way.  The matter arose after an adult in one of our tournaments resigned after repeated intervention by a parent to the adult's child opponent (it is not clear about the nature of the intervention but the intervention itself was clear to see)
>>
>> So I've drafted something and would be grateful for your reactions and comments
>>
>> Gerry
>>
>> --------------------------
>>
>> proposed new rule
>>
>> --------------------------
>>
>> A person interfering in a tournament game (i.e., one in which they are not playing) may be asked to leave the tournament area.
>>
>> Any such person interfering in a manner directed to one player or team (e.g., operating the clock on their behalf, speaking or gesturing) will be warned that such behaviour renders the beneficiary liable to forfeiting the game. The beneficiary will be informed that a subsequent intervention will result in the game being forfeit.
>>
>> Interfering includes any behaviour, verbal or non-verbal, which has not been invited by both participants in the game or by a tournament official.
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