1.

Introduction

1.1.

This section describes the Anti-cheating policy and disciplinary measures of FIDE Online Arena (FOA).

1.2.

The FOA Anti-cheating team headed by the Chairman of the Online Commission is responsible for any disciplinary decisions against offenders of this Anti-cheating policy.

1.3.

The FOA Anti-cheating team consists of anti-cheating specialists, chess masters and legal experts, and constantly monitors rated tournaments and individual challenge rated games for violations of this policy.

1.4.

The FOA Anti-cheating team utilizes the ACE-Guard™ anti-cheating system developed by Premium Chess, in order to monitor all activity in FIDE Online Arena.

2.

Actions of cheating

2.1.

Players are not permitted to engage in any unfair game practices such as:

2.1.1. 

The use of software assistance of any kind while a game is in progress.

2.1.2. 

Consulting other people while playing a game.

2.1.3. 

Allowing substitute players to share their account in order to play games.

2.1.4. 

Playing with two or more accounts

2.1.5.

Any other actions to subvert the ratings, titles or reputation of the FIDE Online Arena.

2.2. 

The anti-cheating team reserves the right not to make public indications of the analytical tools that lead to clear evidence or strong suspicion of any of the above practices.

3.

Disciplinary penalties

3.1.

Any player reported to the Anti-cheating team for the first time, receives by e-mail and system message an immediate warning.

3.2.

Continuing reports of cheating may result in a series of disciplinary penalties: 

3.2.1.

A strict reprimand

3.2.2.

Disqualification from a prize tournament or official FIDE competition.

3.2.3. 

Suspension of FOA account for 24 hours

3.2.4. 

Suspension of FOA account for 15 days

3.2.5. 

Suspension of FOA account for 30 days

3.2.6.

Suspension of FOA account for 6 months

3.2.7. 

Suspension of FOA account for 1 year

3.3. 

Penalties are applied immediately upon the decision of the Anti-cheating team and the offender is notified by email and system message.

3.4.

Payments of subscription fees are not refunded for the period of account suspension.

3.5.

Each month, the Anti-cheating team will announce on FOA website and Arena lobby, a report of actions and penalties given.

3.6. 

All suspensions will be reported to the player's Federation.

4.

Appeals

4.1. 

Decisions and penalties against offenders of the Anti-cheating policy are not subject to any appeal or discussion, with two exceptions:

4.1.1.

Official FIDE competitions according to the published regulations.

4.1.2.

Suspension of FOA account for 6 months or more. In this case, an appeal can be submitted to the Online Commission, accompanied by a deposit of 100 euros to the Arena paypal account, which shall be refundable if the appeal is accepted.