Electronic Devices:

Players must turn off and store electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, tablets, etc.) before games begin.
If a player’s phone or electronic device makes a noise during a game, they may be penalized (e.g., time deduction, forfeiture).

Online Assistance & Outside Help:

Any form of external assistance (human or computer) is strictly prohibited.
Players found guilty of cheating will be immediately disqualified and reported to the USCF/FIDE.

Monitoring & Anti-Cheating Measures:

Tournament Directors (TDs) may conduct random inspections and require players to empty pockets before/during a game.
For online events, camera & screen-share monitoring may be required.

Suspicious Play:

If suspicious play is detected, the TD may conduct a review and refer the case to a Fair Play Panel.
A player under investigation may continue the tournament, but prizes may be withheld pending review.

Pairing System:

The tournament will use Swiss System pairings unless stated otherwise.
Pairings are based on official USCF/FIDE ratings. Unrated players will be assigned a provisional rating.

Tie-Break Methods (in order of application):

1) Modified Median-Buchholz – Sum of opponents’ scores, dropping the highest and lowest. 2) Buchholz. 3) Solkoff – Sum of all opponents’ scores. 4) Cumulative Score – The sum of a player’s scores at the end of each round. 5) Head-to-Head – If players met during the event, the winner of their direct game gets the tiebreak advantage.

TD Decisions:

The Tournament Director’s decision is final in cases of disputes.
Players may request a review, but TD rulings are binding once the round has concluded.

Illegal Moves & Touch-Move Rule:

Touch-move applies in all games. If a player touches a piece, they must move it if a legal move exists.
Illegal move penalties:
First offense: Two-minute penalty for opponent (or equivalent in faster time controls).
Second offense: Loss of game in standard tournaments.

Late Arrival & Forfeits:

Players arriving more than 15 minutes late for a game will forfeit unless prior notice is given.
Repeated late arrivals may result in removal from the tournament at the TD’s discretion.

Prize Eligibility:

Players must complete all rounds to be eligible for prizes.
In case of withdrawal, no prize will be awarded unless approved by the TD under exceptional circumstances.

Prize Ties:

If players finish with equal scores, prizes will be split according to tie-breaks.

Pre-Round Withdrawal:

Players who withdraw before pairings are posted will not get any penalties.

After Pairings Are Published:

A player who withdraws after pairings are posted but before the round starts will forfeit the game and may face a $10 fine or be barred from the next event.

Mid-Tournament Withdrawal:

Withdrawing without informing the TD will result in a ban from future events or a fine (up to $20).

Emergency Withdrawals:

Players with legitimate emergencies may request a waiver of penalties, subject to TD approval.