Mobile Phones

I have checked the FIDE and BCF websites to find any new rules or regulations concerning mobile phones. There are several new rules, all of which have been introduced on a tournament by tournament basis and therefore cannot be applied generally.

Neither FIDE nor the BCF have introduced general rules. The only rule that can be applied is

12.5 It is forbidden to distract or annoy the opponent in any manner whatsoever. This includes unreasonable claims or offers of a draw.

Due to the rules of the Bedfordshire Chess League, we cannot introduce rules without a months notice, followed by an AGM or EGM to ratify the rule. Therefore, all I can do at the moment is to propose the following guidelines.

1. At the start of each match, the captain should request all players turn off their phones.

2. Should a player's phone go off audibly, I suggest the following

   1. First instance, warning only.

   2. Second and subsequent instances, a 5 minute penalty each time.

3. Inform the League controller of the name of the player whose phone goes off. If any player becomes a persistent offender, we may need to apply additional penalties.

These guidelines must be agreed by the captains before each match.

Please note that some players will need to have their phones on, for work etc. These players should turn their phones to vibration only. No action or penalty should be taken against any player whose phone goes off inaudibly. It should not disturb other players.