As announced during the 2019 US Open in Orlando, the US Chess Executive Board adopted “Safe Play Guidelines” for US Chess National Events. Covered events include both US Chess-organized events and events bid out to and organized by member affiliates. The guidelines are in effect September 1, 2019, with additional requirements effective September 1, 2020. (Download the Guidelines) The primary purpose of these guidelines is to offer procedures on what to do when a violation of the Safe Play Guidelines occurs or is alleged. The Safe Play Guidelines do not supplant the Code of Ethics or Code of Conduct adopted by other US Chess bodies; rather, the Safe Play Guidelines provide additional guidance about unacceptable behavior not covered by existing policies within US Chess. 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