FIDE Arbiters` Commission: Reflecting on a Productive Meeting
The FIDE Arbiters Commission recently convened for a significant meeting on the 18th and 19th September 2024 during the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad, 10-23 September, 2024. Budapest, Hungary. The two-day gathering comprised of an internal session on the first day, followed by a public meeting on the second day. These meetings were marked by informative discussions, acknowledgments, and presentations that highlighted the dedication and achievements within the Commission.
The internal meeting on the 18th commenced with an interactive session, during which each team leader was tasked with presenting insights about their respective teams. This collaborative exercise allowed for a comprehensive overview of the ongoing efforts and initiatives within the Commission.
The highlight of this internal meeting was the prestigious awarding of the FIDE 100 Awards by the FIDE President. Recognizing outstanding contributions to the field, the awards were bestowed upon esteemed individuals, including FIDE Arbiters’ Commission Chairman Ivan Syrovy, FIDE Arbiters’ Commission Secretary Nebojsa Baralic, Education Team Leader Alex McFarlane and the Team Leader for the Appointment of Arbiters Mahdi Abdulrahim.
Transitioning to the public meeting on the 19th, the atmosphere was one of anticipation and enthusiasm as Ivan Syrovy, leading the proceedings, extended a warm welcome to all participants, both in attendance and those following the event via a live stream.
The team leaders took center stage during the public meeting, showcasing their accomplishments and outlining the progress made in their respective domains. Mahdi Abdulrahim, Jens Wolter, Alex McFarlane, Anantharam Rathinam, Nsakanya Chanda, and Carolina Munoz Solis spearheaded presentations on Tournaments, Titles, Education, Question & Answers, Publication and Social Media, and the Disciplinary Subcommittee (DSC), respectively.
During both meetings were discussed not only achieved successes in many areas during the last year (for more details see Annual report of FIDE Arbiters commission) but also areas where we need to improve.
What we consider as major improvements achieved:
- Changes in Regulations
- Arbiter Stipend Regulations (now in Handbook as B06.6.)
- Appeals Committee Procedural Rules (now in Handbook as 11. Appeals Committee Procedural Rules, point 3.10.1)
- Arbiter Title Application forms (now in Handbook as B06. – Annex 1)
- Eight International Arbiter Certification Seminars
- Many FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar
- The whole process of preparation of Arbiters for Olympiad (4 online sessions plus one meeting with HUN arbiters present).
- Arbiters Manual (new edition 2024)
- Questions & Answers – quick and correct answers on questions received not only from arbiters, but from organisers, players and others.
- Guinness record (ARB was a part of the attempt to make a Guinness record for the most games to be played in one day, on July 20th, 2024).
On the other hand we want to improve in our progress with:
Refresher courses – we realise it is not possible to prepare such a huge project without financial support from FIDE, so each person working on this project gets fair conditions – a stipend . Once the project is finalised, each participant will pay a fee so the financial result should be balanced.
Appointments of arbiters – seeking better cooperation with organisers and the relevant FIDE bodies, to have a list of appointments for positions of principals for the whole year as World events are planned in the FIDE Calendar, to prepare a list of arbiters for FIDE World Events, so each arbiters gets nominated in advance. Our vision is to have a fair system of nominations, to give a chance to each good arbiter in respect of his/her category of arbiter and panel.
A moment of distinction occurred during the public meeting when IA Takis Nikolopoulos was honored with the prestigious FIDE 100 Award by the FIDE President. This accolade served as a testament to IA Takis Nikolopoulos’s remarkable contributions to the advancement of the Commission and its objectives.
In conclusion, the recent meeting of the FIDE Arbiters Commission was a resounding success, characterized by collaboration, recognition, and a shared commitment to furthering the goals of the Commission. The dedication and expertise displayed by the team leaders and members underscored the Commission’s unwavering pursuit of excellence in the realm of chess arbiting. As the commission continues to navigate the evolving landscape of chess administration, such gatherings serve as invaluable platforms for exchange, growth, and mutual celebration of achievements.
The FIDE Arbiters Commission stands poised on the point of new horizons, fortified by the friendship and collective spirit demonstrated during this impactful meeting. With a renewed sense of purpose and unity, the commission looks towards the future with optimism and determination, ready to embark on new endeavours and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the world of chess arbiting.
