Code of Conduct and Club Policy
Ibaraki Chess Club aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of age or playing experience, can enjoy chess, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections.
To ensure that all members and visitors feel respected and comfortable, we have established the following guidelines. We ask everyone to read and follow these principles and to treat others with consideration and respect.
Treat all participants fairly and respectfully, regardless of their age, nationality, gender, religion, chess-playing ability, experience, cultural background, or other differences.
Respect others' perspectives and values, and help create an environment where everyone feels welcome.
Please also be mindful of strong fragrances, including perfume and scented fabric softeners, which may cause discomfort to others. We kindly ask that you avoid wearing strong fragrances whenever possible.
2. A Safe and Comfortable Environment
We are committed to creating a friendly, inclusive, and safe environment where everyone can participate with confidence.
Harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidating behavior, and unwanted romantic advances or other unwelcome personal attention are not acceptable.
Please be considerate of others' feelings and circumstances, and conduct yourself appropriately at all times.
3. Solicitation and Promotional Activities
Club events are intended for playing chess, learning, and socializing.
Without prior permission from the organizers, participants must not use club events to solicit or promote religious or political activities, commercial businesses, multilevel marketing schemes, or other profit-oriented activities.
Thank you for helping us maintain an environment where everyone can focus on chess and enjoy their time at the club.
4. Friendly and Inclusive Communication
We welcome participants from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, including those who speak Japanese, English, or other languages.
Differences in language, chess knowledge, or playing experience should never be used as a reason to exclude, belittle, or disrespect anyone.
Please make an effort to welcome newcomers and help everyone feel comfortable joining conversations and activities.
5. Fair Play and Sportsmanship
Chess is a competitive game, but winning is not everything. We also value the opportunity to learn, improve, and grow through playing with others.
Treat your opponents with respect and courtesy, regardless of the outcome of a game.
When playing with beginners or children, please be mindful of their experience levels and offer encouragement and support where appropriate.
Do not criticize, ridicule, or belittle others because of the results of a game.
6. Privacy and Photography
Please respect the privacy of all participants.
Do not share another person's personal information, such as their name or contact details, with third parties without their consent. Likewise, do not publish photographs that identify individuals on social media, websites, or other platforms without their permission.
The organizers may take photographs during club events to document and promote our activities on the club's official website, social media accounts, or other official channels.
If you prefer not to appear in photographs, or if you would like your face to be blurred or otherwise obscured, please inform an organizer before or during the event. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your wishes.
Please also respect personal boundaries. Do not repeatedly ask newcomers or people you do not know well for their personal contact information. Contact details should only be exchanged when both parties are comfortable doing so.
Please follow the venue's rules and help ensure that the facilities remain clean, safe, and comfortable for everyone.
Keep track of your personal belongings, dispose of rubbish appropriately, and take care when handling club equipment and other items.
We also appreciate your assistance with setting up and cleaning up after events, including moving tables and chairs when necessary. As a general rule, please leave the venue in the condition in which it was found.
8. Etiquette During and After Games
During games, please respect your opponent's concentration. Avoid unnecessary conversation or any behavior that may distract or disturb them.
Unless both players have agreed otherwise in advance, do not provide advice or coaching during a game.
Post-game analysis and discussion are welcome. However, please respect your opponent's wishes and do not insist on reviewing a game if they would prefer not to.
Children and minors are welcome at Ibaraki Chess Club.
Parents, guardians, or accompanying responsible adults are expected to take appropriate responsibility for the children's safety and behavior, including providing supervision as necessary.
The organizers will also make efforts to maintain a safe environment. However, parents and guardians should ensure appropriate supervision according to the venue and the nature of each event.
Please encourage respectful behavior and consideration for others in all interactions, both among children and between children and adults.
10. Organizer Decisions and Responses to Misconduct
This policy sets out the basic principles that guide our club activities. Its purpose is to ensure that everyone can enjoy chess in a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.
It is not possible to anticipate every situation or explicitly address every type of behavior.
Even if a particular situation is not specifically covered by this policy, the organizers may take appropriate action if behavior compromises the safety or comfort of other participants or conflicts with the purpose of the club.
Depending on the circumstances, such action may include a verbal warning, a request to change the behavior in question, or restrictions on participation in club events.
We appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a fair and welcoming environment for all.
At Ibaraki Chess Club, we value not only chess skills and competitive results, but also the friendships, connections, and opportunities for learning that chess brings.
A little consideration from each of us helps create a welcoming club where everyone feels comfortable participating.
We look forward to building a community where people can connect, learn, and enjoy chess together.
In preparing our Club Policy, we referred to the “Club Guidelines” of Fukuoka International Chess Club. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to them for their kind permission to use it as a reference.