Kava Social Chess Club
Kava Social
Chess Club
Code of conduct

Every level belongs at these tables

Attending a club night, an event or the Discord constitutes agreement to the clauses below. They apply to all members, officers included.

  1. Everyone is welcome

    This club is open to all. Harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexuality, gender identity, religion, disability or age is prohibited, in person and online.

    Players of every kind around one board - a knight, a witch, a hooded student, a lion-headed warrior - all welcome at the same table
  2. All levels welcome

    Casual and competitive play are equally welcome. No member is judged for their rating or their style of play.

    A player behind a pawn shield, a knight and a crowned king shoulder to shoulder over one board - every level at the same tables
  3. No chess bullying

    Do not seek out weaker players for easy wins to feel good about yourself. Stronger players are here to teach.

    A knight in heavy armour reaching down to pull a fallen player back to their feet beside the board
  4. Sportsmanship

    Win and lose with respect. Boasting at another player's expense is not permitted.

    Two armoured knights clasping hands across the board at the end of a game
  5. No unsolicited advice

    Do not comment on a game in progress unless both players agree. This includes suggesting moves and discussing the position.

    Two players thinking over a game while a hooded onlooker holds a finger to their lips under a crossed-out speech bubble
  6. Disputes

    Serious disputes have never been part of this club, and the professionalism is something we are known for. Where a rated game is in question, the arbiter decides and the decision stands. Keep it friendly, respectful and classy.

    An arbiter with scales above the board raising a hand between two seated players
  7. Keep debate off the board

    Politics, religion and self-harm are not topics for club spaces, in person or on the Discord.

    Two knights arguing across the board, held apart by a glowing barrier that leaves the game between them
  8. Age

    Club nights are 21 and over. Some events are open to 18 and over; when they are, the event listing says so.

    A room of adult players around one board behind a gated crest, an age token hanging beside them
  9. Alcohol-free

    The venue is alcohol-free and so is the club. Anyone who appears intoxicated will be asked to leave. Repeated incidents result in removal from the club.

    A player with a hot cup over the board while a knight waves off a goblet under a crossed-out sign
  10. US Chess rules

    As a US Chess affiliate, the federation's Safe Play policy and fair play rules apply at club nights and at rated events.

    An arbiter reading the US Chess Federation rulebook over a set board, scales and clocks behind her
  11. Promotion on the Discord

    One self-promotional post per member per day. Anything further requires an admin's approval.

    A herald pinning one Discord notice to the board, a bundle of unposted scrolls chained shut beside it
  12. Reporting

    Raise concerns with an officer. The club director has the final say.

    A hooded member handing a sealed letter across the board to an officer by lantern light

Enforcement

First

Verbal warning from an officer.

Second

Removed from play for the rest of the night. Timeout on the Discord.

Third

Temporary suspension from club nights and the Discord.

Fourth

Permanent removal from the club.

Harassment, cheating and Safe Play violations are not subject to this scale and may result in immediate suspension or removal.

The full rules, and the club chat, live on our Discord.