“My opponent is not recording his/her moves!”

Situation:  Joe and Tim are paired against each other in Round 3 in the K-8 Section of a VSCA event.  About 15 minutes into the round, Joe raises his hand and tells a Tournament Director, “My opponent is not recording his moves.”

How is this case handled?  First, VSCA Tournament Rules are very clear on this matter.  Section 10.2, Recording of Moves, states:

“Players playing in sections K-5, K-8, and K-12 are required to record their moves (keep score) during play.  An exception is the K-3 section, where players are “encouraged” to record their games, but it is not mandatory.  Rules for handicapped players and other exceptions are specified in the USCF Rule Book.  When a player refuses to keep score tournament directors enforce discipline through the use of warnings and penalties in accordance with guidelines contained in the USCF Rule Book.” 

Click here to see a complete copy of the VSCA Tournament Rules

·         In this situation, the TD will inform Joe’s opponent that he is required to record his moves, or face penalties for failing to do so.  In TD parlance, the TD’s ruling constitutes “a warning” to Joe’s opponent.

·         A common retort by an offending player is, “I don’t know how to record moves” or “I don’t have a pencil.”  These are excuses only and do not alter the TD’s ruling. 

·         If Joe’s opponent persists in not recording his moves, the TD has the authority to penalize the offending player by removing time from his clock – usually from 5 to 10 minutes.  Then, before the next round begins, Joe’s opponent will be forewarned to record his moves or face more severe consequences. 

·         The “accuracy” of how a player records his/her moves comes up from time-to-time; however, this is NOT an issue covered in the USCF Rule Book except in dealing with certain types of game conditions (e.g. claims of draw by repetitive position, illegal moves, etc.).  In other words, a player who claims “Sally is recording her moves incorrectly,” does not have a valid claim as a player’s failure to “properly record” moves works against the offending player.

Lessons Learned:

1. In VSCA events, recording of moves in sections above K-3 is a requirement.

2. All players, regardless of age, should know how to properly record their games.  A K-3 aged player playing in a higher section is subject to the rules of that particular section (e.g. recording of moves, same time controls, etc.).

3. Players who “insist” (verbally or by their actions) on not following established rules can be forfeited or disqualified from an event.
 

Still have a Question about this Scenario??  Click here to email Mike Hoffpauir