REGULATIONS FOR THE WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH (FWWCM) 2015
1. Organization
1.1 The World Chess Federation (FIDE) is the governing body of the Women’s World Chess Championship. For the purpose of creating the rules and regulations, communicating with the players and negotiating with the organizer, the FIDE President has nominated a committee, hereby called the FIDE Commission for World Championships and Olympiads (hereinafter referred to as WCOC). Upon recommendation by the WCOC, the body responsible for any changes to the regulations of the Women’s World Championship Cycle events is the FIDE Presidential Board.
1.2 The FIDE Women’s World Chess Championship Match (hereinafter referred to as FWWCM) is the match between the current World Champion and her challenger. The 2 qualifiers are GM Hou Yifan (China) as winner of the FIDE Women’s Grand-Prix 2013-2014 and the winner of the FIDE Women’s World Championship 2014 (held in the first half of 2015).
2. Schedule
2.1 Match System: The Women’s World Chess Championship Match 2015 will consist of 10 games and if necessary, tie-break games.
2.2 The FWWCM will be played according to the schedule below in the last quarter of 2015:
| OPENING CEREMONY | One day prior |
| …(2nd day) ………13-10-2015 | GAME 1 |
| …(3rd day) ……..14-10-2015 | GAME 2 |
| …(4th day) …… 15-10-2015 | REST DAY |
| …(5th day) …….16-10-2015 | GAME 3 |
| …(6th day) …….17-10-2015 | GAME 4 |
| …(7th day) …….18-10-2015 | REST DAY |
| …(8th day) …….19-10-2015 | GAME 5 |
| …(9th day) …….20-10-2015 | GAME 6 |
| …(10th day) ……21-10-2015 | REST DAY |
| …(11th day) ……22-10-2015 | GAME 7 |
| …(12th day) ……23-10-2015 | GAME 8 |
| …(13th day) ……24-10-2015 | REST DAY |
| …(14th day) ……25-10-2015 | GAME 9 |
| …(15th day) ……26-10-2015 | REST DAY |
| …(16th day) ……27-10-2015 | GAME 10 |
| …(17th day) ……28-10-2015 | REST DAY |
| …(18th day) ……29-10-2015 | TIE-BREAK GAMES |
| CLOSING CEREMONY | (The closing ceremony shall take place on the day after the FWWCM has been decided or one day thereafter. |
2.3 All rounds shall begin preferably at 15:00. No postponement of any game shall be allowed.
3. Playing Hall & Match System
3.1 The Players shall be entitled to inspect the accommodation arranged for them at the Venue three (3) days before the first game of the FWWCM match and shall be entitled to make reasonable requests regarding such accommodation which the organizer shall use all reasonable endeavors to accommodate.
3.2 The Players – shall inspect the playing hall in the presence of the Chief Arbiter and representatives of FIDE and the organizer, two (2) days before the first game of the FWWCM at 3 pm. The Organizer shall use all reasonable endeavors to satisfy the reasonable requests of the players in relation to the playing hall.
3.3 In the event of a dispute between the Players as to the condition and suitability of the playing hall, the FIDE Supervisor, if any, otherwise Chairman of Appeals Committee, shall decide about such dispute. His decision shall be final and binding.
3.4 Drawing of colors
3.4.1 The draw for colors will be conducted during the opening ceremony. The colors shall be reversed
after game 4. (The player getting the white color in game 1 shall play game 5 with the black color).
3.4.2 For tie-break games, there shall be a separate drawing of lots conducted by the Chief Arbiter of the match.
3.5 Time control.
3.5.1 The time control for each game shall be: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves followed by 30
minutes for the rest of the game with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. 3.5.2 The games shall be played using the electronic clocks and boards approved by FIDE.
3.6 Conditions of victory / Replacements
3.6.1 The FWWCM shall be played over a maximum of ten (10) games and the winner of the match shall be the first player to score 5.5 points or more. A tie shall be broken according to Article 3.7 below. If the winner scores 5.5 points in less than 10 games then the organizer can re-schedule the Closing Ceremony for an earlier date.
3.6.2 If a player refuses to participate in the World Championship Match, she will be replaced as follows: The runner up finalist of the Women’s World Championship 2014 replaces the Women’s World Champion and the next player in the overall standings of the Women’s Grand-Prix 2013-2014 replaces the challenger. Should the overall winner of the Grand Prix 2013-14 also be the World Champion 2014-15, then the Challenger rights will go to the second placed overall in the Grand Prix. In case any or both players refuse to participate when invited, or for any further replacements needed, the rating list of January 2015 will be used to determine their replacements.
3.7 Tie-breaks
3.7.1.a If the scores are level after the regular ten (10) games, after a new drawing of colors, four (4) tie-break games shall be played. The games shall be played using the electronic clock starting with 25 minutes for each player with an increment of 10 seconds after each move
3.7.1.b All tie-break games shall be played according to the Annex 2 of the World Championship Technical Regulations.
3.7.2 If the scores are level after the games in Article 3.7.1a, then, after a new drawing of colors, a match of 2 games shall be played with a time control of 5 minutes plus 3 seconds increment after each move. In case of a level score, another 2-game match will be played to determine a winner. If still there is no winner after 5 such matches (total 10 games), one sudden-death game will be played as described below in Article 3.7.3.
3.7.3 If the score is still level after five matches as described in Article 3.7.2, the players shall play a one sudden death game. The player who wins the drawing of lots may choose the color. The player with the white pieces shall receive 5 minutes, the player with the black pieces shall receive 4 minutes whereupon, after the 60th move, both players shall receive an increment of 3 seconds per move from move 61. In case of a draw the player with the black pieces is declared the winner.
3.7.4 There shall be a pause of 10 minutes between all tie-break game , unless the Chief Arbiter decides otherwise.
3.8 Playing Conditions.
3.8.1 Only the players and stewards shall be allowed in the actual playing area except with the permission of the Chief Arbiter or his Deputy. Both players will have access to the same toilet facilities during the games. There will be no separate rest rooms for the players during the games. Both players shall use the same rest lounge area which shall be on/at the stage and visible by the Arbiter and the spectators.
3.8.2 Before the start of play, the players shall arrive at least ten (10) minutes for security check.
3.8.3 During the playing session the following additional regulations shall be in force:
a) The players are not permitted to bring into the playing area telephone, technical and other equipment extraneous to play, which may in any way disturb or upset the opponent. The Chief Arbiter shall decide what constitutes extraneous equipment liable to offend the opponent.
b) A player may communicate with an arbiter or a steward. In the case of a draw offer, she may also communicate with her opponent as permitted by article 9.1.b of the World Championship Technical Regulations (annex 1).
c) During the playing session, a player may leave the playing area only with the permission of the Chief Arbiter and only if she is accompanied by one of the arbiters.
3.8.4 For any infringement of Article 3.8, the Chief Arbiter shall have the right to impose a fine of not more than 5,000 (five thousand) euro. The player may protest to the Appeals Committee in accordance to the proceedings laid out in Article 7.3.1.
4. Score sheets.
The Organizer shall provide score sheets according to the FIDE specifications.
a) At the end of each game the players’ original score sheets shall be given to the Arbiter, who shall hand them to FIDE. Score sheets and the games will remain the property of FIDE.
b) Unless a player is making an appeal, any player who refuses to sign the score sheets shall be penalized with a fine of 1,000 (one thousand) euro. After the players have signed the score sheets, the Arbiter shall countersign to confirm the results.
c) In tie-break games, the players and the Arbiter shall sign a result sheet.
5. Players’ Meeting.
5.1 The players must personally attend the first Players’ Meeting on the day of the venue inspection at a time to be decided by the Chief Arbiter and the Organizer. If necessary, the Chief Arbiter may request more additional Players’ Meetings in which case the players shall have the right to be represented by their managers.
5.2 If a player fails to appear at the first Players’ Meeting, the Opening or Closing Ceremony or any approved function of the Championship such as official receptions and press conferences, or conducts herself in a manner contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship or the FIDE Code of Ethics, then she shall suffer the following penalty: 5% of her prize money shall be forfeited to the Organizer and a further 5% to FIDE for each breach. In cases of serious misconduct the player may be disqualified from the match and the World Chess Championship cycle.
6. Interviews, functions and mode of dressing
6.1 The players are expected to co-operate reasonably with the media. General interviews with them can be arranged through the Press Officer and the team managers but it is understood that exclusive interviews shall be arranged only after the FWWCM has been concluded.
6.2 Immediately after the completion of a game both players have to take part in post game press conferences, of not more than 20 minutes duration,
6.3 The players must be present at all official functions during the match including official receptions, the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony.
6.4 Players are requested to note the requirements of FIDE Regulations C.01 (Article 8.1) in respect of their appearance at all times during the matches.
6.5 Players are allowed to wear branding of their personal sponsors only if these are not in conflict with the FWWCM sponsors.
7. FIDE Principals
7.1 The FIDE Principals are:
- a) President and Deputy President,
- b) 3 members of the Appeals Committee including the Chairman,
- c) FIDE Supervisor,
- d) 2 Arbiters,
- e) FIDE Press Officer,
- f) Representative of FIDE Medical Commission,
- g) 2 WCOC members.
7.2 Arbiters
7.2.1 Two (2) arbiters of the FWWCM will be appointed by FIDE after consulting both players by providing them a list of five (5) nominees. No arbiter may belong to the same Federation as either of the players. Exception: if both players are members of the same Federation, an arbiter may also belong to this Federation.
7.2.2 During play either the Chief Arbiter or his Deputy shall be present in the playing area.
7.2.3 Immediately after the end of the match, the Chief Arbiter shall write a report and send it without
delay to FIDE and to the FIDE Secretariat.
7.2.4 The report shall be written in the English language and contain the result of each individual game as well as the final result of the match. In addition, the report shall contain a general description of the course of the event. If there were any difficulties, conflicts or incidents, they shall be described together with the measures taken to deal with them.
7.2.5 The report shall be supplemented by adding two copies of the bulletins and the original score sheets of the games shall be sent to FIDE.
7.2.6 The Chief Arbiter may, in consultation with the WCOC, and with the approval of the FIDE President, issue additional written regulations to inform the exact playing hours and take care of other details not covered by these regulations.
7.3 Appeals Committee & FIDE Supervisor.
7.3.1 The FIDE President shall nominate, from within the Presidential Board, three members of the Appeals Committee one of whom shall be Chairman. All protests must be submitted in writing to the Appeals Committee not more than two (2) hours after the finish of the relevant playing session, or the particular infringement complained against.
The Appeals Committee may decide on the following matters:
- a) an appeal against a decision by an arbiter,
- b) a protest against a player’s behavior,
- c) a complaint alleging false interpretation of the regulations,
- d) a request for the interpretation of specific regulations,
- e) a protest or complaint against any participant, or
- f) all other matters which the Appeals Committee considers important.
If possible, the Appeals Committee shall reach a decision not more than two (2) hours after the submission of a protest. The appeals process shall include written representations and a written decision. The Appeals Committee shall endeavor to find binding solutions that are within the spirit of the FIDE motto, Gens Una Sumus. Each protest must be accompanied by a deposit fee of €3000 (three thousand Euros) or the equivalent in local currency. This can also be done if the player makes a written request that FIDE withholds the fee from his prize money. If the protest is accepted, the fee shall be returned. If the protest is rejected, the fee may be forfeited to FIDE. The written decision of the Appeals Committee arising from any dispute in respect of these regulations shall be final.
7.4 FIDE Supervisor
7.4.1 Where necessary, the FIDE President will appoint a FIDE Presidential Board member as FIDE Supervisor who will be above the Organising Committee in all issues involving:
a) fairness concerning treatment of both players in respect of organisational issues, b) equal playing conditions
c) anti-cheating measures
d) fair publicity of both players through the event’s Press Office
7.4.2 The FIDE Supervisor can request from the organizer and at their expense, any additional security arrangement he finds necessary, in logical terms, in order to secure a fair match and equal match conditions for the players.
7.4.3 The Organizer has to implement the decisions of the FIDE Supervisor in all issues involving the above aspects before and during the match. Any decision of the FIDE Supervisor can be appealed by the players only to the Appeals Committee.
7.4.4 If the match is organised in a “neutral” country, the FIDE President will appoint the Supervisor unless both parties agree to a certain member of the FIDE Presidential Board. If the match is organised in the country of one of the players, the opponent may suggest which member of the FIDE Presidential Board she prefers as FIDE Supervisor.
7.4.5 Where the appointment of a FIDE Supervisor is not necessary, his functions and responsibilities shall be assumed by the Chairman of the Appeals Committee.
8. Other arrangements
8.1 FIDE shall ensure the playing hall and its environs meet at least the requirements of the FIDE
Regulations for the Organization of Top Level Tournaments (FIDE Handbook C.01).
8.2 The playing venue shall be decorated with the FIDE flag, IOC flag, the flags of the host nation and the participating countries.
8.3 For security and administrative reasons, all participants with their teams, FIDE officials and accompanying persons are expected to stay in the official hotel.
8.4 After FIDE agrees with the Organizer on the arrangements in respect of the tournament hall, facilities, accommodation and meals, transportation, telecommunication, ceremonies, etc., no objections from the participants shall be accepted.
8.5 During play, the Organizer shall provide, free of charge, snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks for the players and the FIDE Principals. It is advisable that the same offer shall apply for press members.
9. Photography and Television
9.1 Only photographers and camera crew expressly authorized by the Press Officer may work in the playing venue.
a) Flash may be used only during the first five (5) minutes.
b) In tie-break games, flash may only be used in the first three (3) minutes. In case of 5 minutes and sudden death games, flash is not permitted; the use of cameras without flash may be permitted if the Arbiter in charge deems their use to be unobtrusive.
c) Television cameras must be unobtrusive and may only be used if the Chief Arbiter in charge deems their use to be unobtrusive.
d) An official photographer, designated by the Organizer with the approval of the Chief Arbiter shall be allowed to take photos at any time during the round without flash. FIDE reserves the right to use these photos on its website or printed material.
10. Ceremonies
10.1 The Opening Ceremony shall take place one day prior to the first round and the participants are required to take part.
10.2 The program of the Opening Ceremony shall be supervised by FIDE. Cultural program and speeches totaling up to 60 minutes are usually welcome. FIDE Anthem, the Anthem of the hosting country and the anthems of the two players’ countries shall be played.
10.3 The Closing Ceremony shall take place not later than one day after the end of the event and the participants are required to take part. The Organizer shall provide a victory garland, a trophy and a gold medal for the winner and a silver medal for the loser. Anthem of the winner’s country, FIDE Anthem and Anthem of the hosting country shall be played.
11. Travel and Accommodation
11.1 Travel.
11.1.1 The FIDE President has the right to first class travel by air, sea or rail, at the Organizer’s ` expense. The FIDE Deputy President has the right to business class travel by air, sea or rail, at the Organizer’s expense. All other Principals shall be provided with transport by air, sea or rail or, if they prefer, any other mode of transport that is not more costly to the Organizer than air travel. Any Principal making his own travel arrangements without the agreement of the Organizer does so entirely at his own risk.
11.1.2 The Organizer shall contribute an amount of 3,000 (three thousand) euros towards the travel costs of each player’s team.
11.2 Board and Lodging.
11.2.1 For the FIDE President a suite in a first class hotel should be provided. Extra expenses of the FIDE President will be covered by the Organizer.
11.2.2 For the Deputy President a junior suite and for each FIDE Principal a double room (for 2 persons) should be provided in the official hotel of at least 4-stars.
11.2.3 The organizer shall provide the players with free full board and lodging in a two-room junior suite in the official hotel of at least 4-stars. The organizer shall also provide free full board and lodging in a junior suite for the team manager and single rooms to two members of each player’s team.
11.3 Meals
For the FIDE Principals, they shall be given a specified allowance in local currency per day or by the provision of all meals in the restaurant of the hotel. The nature and amount shall be agreed between the Organizer and WCOC.
11.4 Local transportation.
11.4.1 If necessary, transfer from and to the airport will be provided by the Organizing Committee. For the FIDE President, a chauffeur-driven car shall be at his disposal during his stay. For the other Principals, a number of cars shall be made available; their use will depend on the location of the hotels, playing hall and Press Centre, and on the leisure activities of the Principals. Alternatively, a daily allowance in local currency may be provided, the amount to be agreed between the Organizer and WCOC.
11.4.2 For each player, a chauffeur-driven car shall be at their disposal.
11.5 Personnel – The Organizer should provide sufficient personnel to assist in the playing hall, press room, VIP room, and at ceremonies according to the agreement made with the WCOC.
12. Procedures concerning commercial aspects
12.1 FIDE, or its appointed commercial agency, retains all commercial and media rights of the FWWCM 2015, including internet. These rights can be transferred to the organizer upon agreement.
12.2 No proposed sponsor for the FWWCM shall be in conflict with the regulations of the International Olympic Committee.
12.3 The FIDE logo and the head of the corporate logo are displayed below:
12.3.1 The FIDE logo is represented above and will be displayed in a dark blue colour on a white background. The text describing any event must not be larger than twice the size of the word FIDE reproduced in the logo.
12.3.2 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH 2015
The event title of the match is represented above. The corporate logo should include the above on top and the text in any kind of printed or electronic media must not be larger than twice the size of the word FIDE reproduced in the logo.
12.4 FIDE Press Officer
12.4.1 The organizer will be responsible for managing, updating and reviewing the official web domain which will be used for the event: fwwcm2015.fide.com All content will be reviewed and approved by the FIDE Press Officer. All live images, live broadcasting (Internet TV) pictures and all the other content for the full Match details will be carried on the official domain. The organizer shall not develop any other website.
12.4.2 All activities of both FIDE and the organizer shall identify FIDE being the Governing Body of the World Chess Championship and the organizer being the organizer of the FWWCM in close co- operation with FIDE. The organizer shall warrant that the official domain for the event will be managed in a professional way and furthermore that it will be capable of handling the traffic and publicity that is required for such events. Statistics of traffic and full reports on web performance will be provided to both FIDE and the organizer.
12.4.3 The Organizer shall co-operate with the Press Officer concerning the accreditation and hospitality of foreign journalists and the media and the facilities available at the Press Centre. The Press Officer shall be a member of the panel at Press Conferences conducted during the match. In cases of conflicting information and press statements, the views expressed by the Press Officer shall be the authentic version.
13. Prize Fund
13.1 The prize fund of the match, provided by the organizer, should be a minimum of 200,000 (two hundred thousand) euros, net of any applicable local taxes. The prize fund will be divided 60% for the winner and 40% to the loser if the FWWCM ends within the 10 regular games. In case the winner is decided by tie-break games, the winner shall receive 55% and the loser 45%.
13.2 The organizer shall pay to FIDE an amount of 20% over and above the total prize fund, net of any applicable local taxes.
13.3 If the match is played in the country of one of the players, then the opponent shall receive 5% from the Prize Fund. The balance of the Prize Fund shall then be shared in accordance to Article 13.1 above.
13.4 Before the start of the FWWCM, the players shall each receive 50,000 (fifty thousand) euros in accordance to the terms of the contract to be signed with FIDE. This amount shall be deducted from the Prize Fund. The balance of their share of the Prize Fund shall be remitted to the players within ten days after the completion of the FWWCM.
14. Other expenses
14.1 The organizer shall pay to FIDE an additional 5% over and above the prize fund, net of any local taxes, to receive the commercial rights (does not include live broadcast of the event or the games).
14.2 The organizer shall pay to FIDE an additional 15,000 (fifteen thousand) euros over and above the prize fund, net of any applicable taxes, for the budget of the FIDE Commission for World Championships and Olympiads. This budget includes all expenses of FIDE concerning inspections, meetings with the Organizer, stipend of FIDE Supervisor (where appointed), other meetings of the WCOC, etc.
14.3 If required by FIDE, the organizer will provide an electronic device to block all mobile signals around the playing area of the FWWCM. The total cost should be included in the budget of the organizer and will not exceed the amount of 8,000 (eight thousand) euros.
14.4 If the FWWCM is played in the country of one of the players, the organizer shall provide an amount of 3,000 euros to the opponent as compensation for transportation and hospitality for inspection visits.
14.5 The stipends to be paid to the FIDE Principals of the FWWCM are (in euros):
Chairman of Appeals Committee: 7,500
Two members of Appeals Committee: 9,000 (4,500 euros each)
Chief Arbiter: 6,000
Deputy Arbiter: 4,000
Press Officer: 4,000
FIDE Medical Commission: 2,000
15. Selection of the Organizer.
15.1 Any federation that is a member of FIDE or any sponsor may bid for the Women’s World Championship Match (FWWCM). FIDE shall consult the federation where the sponsor proposes to hold the FWWCM. If the federation refuses or is unable to co-operate, FIDE may still accept a proposal from a potential sponsor.
No proposed sponsor shall be in conflict with the regulations of the International Olympic Committee. 15.2 Each proposal shall contain the following particulars:
a) Acceptance of exact dates for the event between 11 and 31 October 2015.
b) Proposed tournament venue.
c) Proposed prize fund for the players (minimum 200,000 euros & should be offered net of any applicable local taxes).
d) The contribution to FIDE (net of any local taxes and not less than 20% of the prize money) as stipulated in Article 13.2 of the Regulations of the FIDE Women’s World Championship Match 2015. e) Commitment to cover all financial obligations to FIDE, in accordance with Article 14 of the Regulations of the FIDE Women’s World Championship Match 2015.
f) Commitment to cover all organizational costs, in accordance with the match regulations.
g) Category of official hotel (minimum 4 stars), and name if possible, with special room rates for visitors including meals.
h) A statement that the applicant accepts the regulations of the match without any reservations.
i) An invitation for at two (2) members of the WCOC to inspect the proposed venue and examine the other conditions, with all travel/hotel expenses paid by the bidder.
j) Any bank guarantees as described in the bidding procedure.
k) The applicant’s name, signatures and authentication.
15.3 FIDE may exercise the right to reject any bid application.
15.4 Each proposal shall be accompanied by an invitation to at least two members of the WCOC to inspect the proposed venue and examine the other conditions, with all expenses paid by the bidder.
15.5 The FIDE Presidential Board shall decide which applicant shall be chosen. The decision reached shall be based on the following criteria, which are to be viewed as a whole:
a) prize fund
b) covering of organizational costs
c) playing conditions
d) providing visas to all players, trainers and officials.
e) security assistance for all players and officials.
f) chess activity both actual and potential in the country hosting the FWWCM. g) media possibilities
h) potential development of chess worldwide.
i) climatic conditions during the period of the tournament
j) taxation conditions in the hosting country in respect of the prize fund.
If a Presidential Board meeting cannot be held, the FIDE President takes the decision in consultation with the WCOC.
15.6 Contract and Payments
15.6.1 After the organizer has been selected, FIDE and the organizer shall sign a contract covering the organization of the FWWCM and the terms of payments.
15.6.2 In the case whereby the organizer has put forward a bank guarantee, the following deadlines shall be strictly adhered to: 50% of the Prize Fund to be paid into the FIDE account by 30 June 2015; the balance of the Prize Fund and all other financial obligations must be paid by 31 August 2015.
The FIDE bank account details:
Bank: UBS
Address: Case Postale, 1002 Lausanne, Switzerland
Bank code / SWIFT: UBSWCHZH80A
Euro account number: 243-342087.63Y
IBAN: CH54 0024 3243 3420 8763 Y
Account holder’s name: Federation Internationale Des Echecs
16. Other: At any time in the course of the application of these regulations, any grounds that are not covered or any unforeseen event shall be referred to the FIDE President, for final decision.
