14B6.  Premature or Prearranged draws. It is unethical and unsporting to agree to a draw before a serious contest has begun.  The same is true of all arrangements to prearrange game results.  In case of clear violations of the moral principles of the game, penalties should be imposed at the director's discretion.  See also 20L.  Manipulating results.

20L Manipulating Results. Collusion to fix or throw games, whether before or during the game, in order to manipulate prize money, title norms, ratings, or for any other purpose is illegal and may result in severe sanctions, including revocation of USCF membership.  Such agreements include arrangements to split prize money no matter what the result of the game.  See also Chapter 6, USCF Code of Ethics.

(Excerpt borrowed from USCF & Clatskanie Chess Club site).

In closing, I am asking that each of us take the time to be sure to provide the opportunity to practice good sportsmanship, fair play, ethical conduct and respect for each other during these events.

Sportsmanship, integrity and honor are an important part of the game.

See you at the tournaments!

For more information click USCF Code Of Ethics.

[center][size=16][b]The Importance of Proper Training[/b][/size][/center] [size=11][b][i]"The Importance of Proper Training"[/i] is written by GM Susan Polgar and appeared in [link=http://www.chesscafe.com/text/polgar47.pdf]ChessCafe.com[/link].[/b][/size] [size=12]The United States produced one U.S. born World Champion in the 20th century. Of course, that champion is Bobby Fischer. Moreover, the United States, a nation with 280 million people, has produced very few grandmasters in the last two decades. As of April 1, 2006, the U. S. only has 59 living grandmasters. This is especially shocking considering the incredible growth of scholastic chess in the country. It is an embarrassment for a country this size to produce so few world-class players. There are a number of reasons for this, but the biggest problem is the lack of a uniform training system. In fact, there is no official system at all, and the USCF has done nothing to solve this problem. Many of our kids are being taught incorrectly because parents often don’t know any better and coaches want immediate results. Disregarding a solid, basic chess foundation may work when competing against other very inexperienced children, but it is not sound. As these players grow a little older, they start to fail miserably, through no fault of their own. They simply were misguided; many then get discourage and quit. This becomes a scholastic chess mill with no long term success.[/size]

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