Irish Chess Union (ICU) Code Of Conduct
As an ICU-rated event, the Sligo Tournament is covered by the ICU Code of Conduct (https://www.icu.ie/documents/31). Breaches of the ICU Code of Conduct can be referred to the Executive Committee of the ICU (https://www.icu.ie/documents/10) in addition to any action taken by the tournament itself.
Conduct refers to behaviour not just at the chess board, but also online and in other areas of the hotel venue or local area when not playing.
Women In Chess Foundation (WICF) Advocates
We will have WICF-trained advocates at the tournament to create a safer environment and support any players who may need it. These advocates are trained to identify and respond to potential safety issues, as well as provide emotional support and resources to players who may be experiencing harassment, discrimination, or other forms of mistreatment. By having advocates on-site, we hope to foster a more inclusive and supportive community for all players, and promote the values of respect and fair play in the game of chess.
The designated response person to whom any incidents can be reported is WICF advocate Camille Secher (sechercamille@gmail.com, +353 87 138 0434). There will be two other WICF-trained advocates, Brid Graham and tournament director Craig DuBose.
For those who would like to report an incident online anonymously, you can do so via a Google form at https://forms.gle/aponXsdu5rtqTmgZ8 which will be monitored by Camille Secher. The Google form is only accessible by Camille Secher, Brid Graham, and Tournament Director Craig DuBose to protect confidentiality.
There will be posters scattered around the hotel venue, including in the toilets, with instructions on how to report an incident and will include the Google form address in a QR code.
If you wish to contact the WICF directly, you can email contact@womeninchess.com or Discord at https://discord.gg/Fq7WJSvnQ3.
Incident Report Process
For incidents involving adults, the victim is in control of whether any further action is taken once a report has been made. It is OK if the victim only wishes to confide in a WICF advocate for emotional support and advice.
For incidents involving children, the victim being in control of whether further action will be taken depends on the type and severity of the incident. Our WICF-trained advocates must report incidents of a certain type and severity. They are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances.
As long as the incidents involving children are not of the type or severity described above, the victim is in control of whether any further action is taken once an incident has been reported. It is OK if the victim only wishes to confide in a WICF advocate for emotional support and advice.
Initial Response
Upon receiving an incident report, either direct to an advocate, tournament official, or Google Form, the advocate or tournament official will promptly assess the situation and take initial actions to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals involved. This may include separating the parties, providing support, and collecting information about the incident.
Appointment of an Investigation Team
If the reported incident requires further investigation, the tournament director will appoint an impartial investigation team composed of at least two individuals not directly involved in the incident.
Interviews and Evidence Collection
The investigation team will conduct interviews with the complainant, the accused player, any witnesses, and any relevant staff members. They will also gather any available evidence, such as written communications, photographs, or video footage.
Resolution Process
Based on the investigation, the investigation team will determine whether the reported incident constitutes misconduct or harassment as defined by the tournament’s and ICU’s code of conducts.
Consequences
There are consequences for those who engage in misconduct during our tournament. Our approach to consequences is as follows:
- Bullying: Depending on the severity, a warning or removal from the tournament with a flag on their registration for the following year’s tournament.
- Harassment: Immediate removal from the tournament with a flag on their registration for the following year’s tournament, along with a suggested suspension of 1-5 years.
- Violence/Threats: A minimum suspension of 2 years, with the potential for up to 10 years.
- Sexual Assault: A lifetime ban from our tournament.
Additional consequences may include:
- Issuing a verbal warning to the accused player.
- Issuing a written warning or reprimand.
- Reporting the incident to the relevant authorities, ICU, and FIDE for further action.
Social Media Guidelines
We ask that players and their family members be responsible in their use of social media. The tournament does not tolerate cyberbullying or harassment.
Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy
Our tournament maintains a strict policy against harassment and discrimination, underscoring our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all participants.
Inclusivity and Accessibility Policy
We are dedicated to creating an accessible and welcoming environment for all.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Harassment, discrimination, misconduct, any conduct that brings the tournament into disrepute, or is deemed undesirable by the tournament director will not be tolerated.
Independent Oversight
The Women in Chess Foundation oversees and monitors the tournament’s adherence to anti-misconduct policies.
Monitoring and Surveillance
We reserve the right to review surveillance camera footage in public areas to deter misconduct and ensure the safety of participants.
WICF Definitions Of Misconduct
- Sexual harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive working or learning environment.
- Sexual assault: Any non-consensual sexual act, including rape, forced sodomy, forced oral sex, and unwanted touching.
- Sexual coercion: The use of pressure or threats to compel someone to engage in sexual activity.
- Sexual exploitation: Using a person’s sexuality for another person’s benefit or profit, without the person’s informed and freely given consent.
- Stalking: Repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, or contact that causes fear for one’s safety or the safety of others.
- Physical abuse: Any intentional use of physical force against another person that causes harm, injury, or fear. Examples include hitting, pushing, or restraining someone.
- Emotional abuse: A pattern of behavior that involves controlling, threatening, or belittling another person, causing emotional harm or distress. Examples include verbal insults, manipulation, or isolation.
- Bullying: Repeated and intentional behavior that is meant to harm, intimidate, or humiliate another person. This can take many forms, such as physical bullying, cyberbullying, or verbal bullying.
- Harassment: Unwanted or offensive behavior that is based on a person’s race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristic. This can include physical, verbal, or written behavior.
- Intimidation: Actions that are intended to create fear or a sense of threat in another person. This can take many forms, such as physical intimidation or threats.
- Power imbalance: A situation where one person or group has more power, influence, or control over another person or group. This can arise from a variety of factors, such as social status, wealth, or institutional authority.
- Abuse of power: The use of one’s power or authority to exploit, manipulate, or harm another person. This can take many forms, such as sexual harassment or financial exploitation.
- Coercion: The use of force or threats to make someone do something against their will. This can include physical coercion, such as threats of violence, or emotional coercion, such as threats to harm one’s reputation or livelihood.