This Code of Conduct applies to all campers, parents/guardians, volunteers, and staff during all camp activities, including arrival, dismissal, and any scheduled breaks. By registering, the parent/guardian and camper agree to abide by these standards.
Our Core Values
- Respect — for fellow campers, instructors, parents, opponents, and the facility.
- Sportsmanship — chess is a game of skill and character.
- Effort — show up ready to learn, even on hard days.
- Safety — physical and emotional safety for everyone.
Expected Behavior
Campers are expected to:
- Treat all participants, instructors, and staff with kindness and respect, regardless of skill level, age, background, or ability.
- Arrive on time and remain at camp until dismissal.
- Listen attentively to instructors and follow directions promptly.
- Shake hands (or offer a respectful greeting) before and after every game.
- Accept wins humbly and losses gracefully — no gloating, sulking, or blaming.
- Use proper chess etiquette: touch-move rules, not disturbing nearby games, recording moves when asked, and stopping the clock properly.
- Take care of all equipment — chess sets, clocks, boards, scoresheets, and facility property.
- Clean up their area before leaving.
- Use respectful, age-appropriate language at all times.
- Stay within designated camp areas and ask permission before leaving for restrooms or water.
Prohibited Behavior
The following behaviors are not permitted and may result in discipline up to and including removal from camp:
- Bullying, teasing, or harassment of any kind, including based on race, gender, religion, ability, appearance, or skill level.
- Physical aggression — hitting, pushing, throwing pieces, slamming clocks, or any rough behavior.
- Cheating — using phones, books, computers, or outside help during games; getting moves from others; or interfering with another player's game.
- Profanity, slurs, or sexually suggestive language or gestures.
- Vandalism or damage to chess equipment or facility property.
- Theft of equipment, prizes, or others' belongings.
- Leaving the premises without staff and parent authorization.
- Bringing prohibited items to camp, including weapons (real or toy), illegal substances, tobacco/vape products, or any item a reasonable person would consider unsafe.
- Disrupting instruction, games, or other campers' learning.
- Disrespect or defiance toward instructors or staff.
Technology Policy
- Personal phones, tablets, smartwatches, and gaming devices must be silenced and put away during instruction and tournament play.
- Campers may use phones during designated breaks and to contact parents.
- Photography or video recording of other campers is not permitted without staff approval. Parents wishing to photograph their own child should check in with staff first.
- Any device suspected of being used to receive chess assistance during a game may be inspected and held by staff for the remainder of the session.
Dress Code
Campers should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate, modest clothing suitable for an all-day program. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Clothing with offensive language, imagery, or symbols is not permitted.
Discipline Process
We believe most issues can be resolved through coaching and conversation. Our typical progression is:
- Verbal redirection by an instructor.
- Formal warning, with the issue explained clearly to the camper.
- Parent/guardian contact to discuss the behavior and a plan to correct it.
- Suspension from a portion of camp activities (e.g., sitting out a round).
- Removal from camp, without refund, for repeated or serious violations.
Serious violations — including violence, bullying, theft, leaving the premises, bringing prohibited items, or any behavior that endangers others — may result in immediate removal without prior warnings and without refund, at the sole discretion of camp staff.
Parent and Guardian Conduct
Parents, guardians, and other adults attending camp are also expected to model the values above. Specifically, adults must:
- Treat all campers, parents, and staff respectfully.
- Refrain from coaching, signaling, or interfering during games their child is playing.
- Address concerns with staff privately rather than in front of campers.
- Pick up their camper on time at the end of each day.
Repeated or serious violations by a parent/guardian may result in the camper being withdrawn from the program.
Reporting Concerns
If a camper, parent, or staff member witnesses or experiences behavior that violates this Code, they are encouraged to report it immediately to the camp director:
Reports will be handled promptly and as confidentially as possible.
Acknowledgment
By registering my child for the Decatur Chess Club Summer Camp, I confirm that I have read this Code of Conduct, discussed it with my child in age-appropriate terms, and that we both agree to abide by its standards.
Questions about our Code of Conduct? Contact us before registering.
Contact Us