Playing Area Rules

There has been some concern expressed recently over noise levels at the club, and perhaps a lack of clarity about expectations and ettiquette. We have to balance the needs for concentration and relaxation, which we do by defining part of our space as 'the playing area' (a FIDE term) and the rest as social. The 'playing area' at the club is defined by whichever area is currently in use for serious, graded games. If there are teams playing this is usually the combined area of both the larger rooms, otherwise it is the smaller room.

 Playing Area Rules

1. Complete silence when games are in progress, the only exception being when a player has to whisper something crucial to his opponent.
2. The playing area includes the corridor outside where noise can still be heard.
3. Players and spectators may wander in and out but please do so as quietly and as infrequently as possible, remembering to close the door quietly each time.
4. Any noise from a mobile will lose you the game - it should be turned off completely.
5. If others are still playing when your game finishes, leave the pieces where they stand and leave the room quietly. Do not pack up, analyse or discuss the game until you are well outside the playing area. 
6. Please stay reasonably quiet even when in a social area as the noise can still carry.

Please have a look at the FIDE Rules for further information about conduct of play. We aim to follow these and base our rules on them as far as possible. Without an arbiter present the onus is on the players and other members of the club to ensure everything passes peaceably, so thanks for your help in ensuring this happens.