These guidelines were produced by Cyril Johnson, Director of Home Chess, in collaboration with a Senior Disabilities Officer from Leicester Social Services.

1. These guidelines will be used for all B.C.F. events.
2. No one has the right to refuse to play another player against whom they have been correctly paired on the grounds of race, gender, age or impairment.
3. All chess venues must either be accessible to all, or an alternative venue of at least equal quality with full supervision to be available to those who cannot access the nominated venue.
4. A circular to be sent out when all competitors are known, or with any entry forms, asking if any potential competitor has an impairment that will require special circumstances.
5. No chess player to be penalised on a time parameter against the normal rates of play because of their impairment.
6. Any impaired competitor who reasonably requests the placing of their equipment in a particular seat or orientation, has the right to do so, provided that this does not disadvantage their opponent. The event director has to ensure that the needs of both players are catered for.
7. It is strongly recommended that any playing conditions are printed out and placed on all boards before the start of play, including maps of the venue showing the location of toilets, refreshments, bookstalls, emergency exits etc.
8. It is recommended that all events have a first aid kit with the tournament director in case of accident, and that the local hospital/doctor’s phone numbers are known.
9. If a competitor cannot access the refreshments/bookstall, arrangements should be made for their needs to be met.
10. If a competitor cannot press his/her own clock or move his/her own pieces, an assistant should be available if the opponent is not willing to do so.
11. If a player has made a prior request, copies of all notices should be available in large print. If a player is unable to read large print, then the notices must be read to her/him before the start of each round, and on request without disturbing other players.
12. It is strongly recommended that all congresses adopt these guidelines and include on their entry form a section allowing an entrant to indicate any impairment and the nature of that impairment or remedial actions which need to be taken.
13. It is recommended that all team events have the rule that if a visiting team indicates that it has a player with an impairment coming with them giving sufficient notice, that the home team does everything which is reasonable to ensure that that player can participate.
14. If there are any problems, please contact the Director of Home Chess or the Disability Officer.

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