General Rules and Regulations

Approved by FIDE Council on 11/12/2025

Applied from 01/03/2026

1.       Complementary to the FIDE Handbook, the FIDE Technical Commission (TEC) has compiled the [TEC Manual](https://tec.fide.com/fide-technical-manual/) containing comprehensive information, including definitions, processes, and clarifications essential for understanding and implementing FIDE technical regulations.

2.         Definitions

2.1     Acceptance is the formal acknowledgment of compliance with specific rules and regulations. It confirms adherence to the established standards, allowing the Product to be officially recognised.

2.2     Bug is a flaw, error, or unintended behaviour in software that causes incorrect results, malfunctions, or deviations from expected functionality. Bugs may affect performance, accuracy, stability, security, or user experience and can be classified as minor, major, or critical based on their impact.

2.3     Accepted Product is a product that received a TAPC and still has a valid TAPC.

2.4     Command Line Interface (CLI) is a text-based user interface used to interact with a computer or software system. Instead of using graphical elements like buttons or menus, users type commands into a terminal or console to perform tasks.

2.5     Compliance refers to the act of adhering to the laws, regulations, guidelines, or standards by FIDE. It involves following specific rules and regulations to meet legal obligations and mitigating risks by adhering to prescribed guidelines and regulations.

2.6     Credible Complaint is grievance or allegation presented with sufficient supporting information, logical consistency, and specificity to be considered believable and worthy of further inquiry.

2.7     Defect is any deviation from the required specifications, standards, or expected functionality of a Product as defined by FIDE regulations. Defects may be functional, compliance-related, performance-based, hardware-related, software-related, or safety-related.

2.8     Equipment Owner refers to an individual or company who possesses and owns a piece of equipment but is neither its original manufacturer nor a vendor who sells it.

2.9     FIDE Endorsement of Accepted Product (FEAP) means that the manufacturer has successfully entered into a commercial agreement with FIDE, and as a result, FIDE publicly expresses approval and support for the Product.

2.10   Manufacturer refers to the maker of the Product and is interchangeably used with the term Vendor throughout this document. This designation applies to the entity responsible for the design, production, and Compliance of the Product with FIDE standards.

2.11   Product refers to any software (including web applications, mobile applications, and drivers), hardware devices, or services for which the manufacturer seeks a SDPC, TAPC, or FECP.

2.12   Self-Declaration of Product Compliance (SDPC) refers to the formal process where an Organiser, Equipment Owner or Manufacturer signs a declaration affirming that their Product fully meets all the technical specifications, rules, and regulations set forth in both the FIDE Handbook and the TEC Manual.

2.13   Software is a collection of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. It encompasses a broad range of digital solutions, including web applications, mobile applications, drivers, and desktop programs.

2.14   TEC Manual is the [FIDE Technical Commission Manual]( https://tec.fide.com/fide-technical-manual/)

2.15   Technical Acceptance of Product Compliance (TAPC) involves a review process to ensure Compliance with the relevant criteria before granting official consent.

2.16   Verification Checklist (VCL) is a structured, itemised list outlining specific criteria, standards, and requirements that a Product must meet, or recommendations that a Product should preferably meet. The checklist systematically confirms whether each requirement is fulfilled, ensuring accuracy, Compliance, and consistency.

2.17   Version refers to Semantic versioning. See [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/), where it is written to describe a version number as MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH, with the following meaning:

2.17.1    A MAJOR version change happens when incompatible changes are made.

2.17.2       A MINOR version change happens when new functionalities are added in a backward compatible manner.

2.17.3    A PATCH version change happens when backward compatible bug fixes are made.

2.17.4    Additional labels for pre-release and build metadata are available as extensions to the MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format.

3.       Acronyms

3.1     AC – Acceptance Cycle

3.2     FEAP – FIDE Endorsement of Accepted Product

3.3     TAPC – Technical Acceptance of Product Compliance

3.4     NRD – New Rules Date

3.5     SDPC – Self Declaration of Product Compliance

3.6     PTC – Pairings and Tie-Break Checker

3.7     RTG – Random Tournament Generator

3.8     VCL – Verification Checklist

3.9     TEC – FIDE Technical Commission

3.10   THP – Tournament Handler Program

3.11   TP – Transition Period

3.12   TRF – Tournament Report File

4.       Classification of Products

4.1     Chess Equipment without electronic components (See section Chess Equipment without Electronic Components under Chess Equipment Technical Specifications, Rules and Regulations):

4.1.1      Boards

4.1.2      Mechanical Clocks

4.1.3      Paper Score Sheets

4.1.4      Pieces

4.1.5      Tables and Chairs

4.2     Chess Equipment with electronic components (See section Chess Equipment with Electronic Components under Chess Equipment Technical Specifications, Rules and Regulations):

4.2.1      Cameras / Video Capturing

4.2.2      Digital Clocks

4.2.3      Electronic Boards

4.2.4      Electronic Scoresheets

4.2.5      Hybrid Tournament Management

4.2.6      Fair Play Detection Software

4.2.7      Publishing Hardware

4.2.8      Publishing Software

4.2.9      Tournament Handler Programs (historically called Pairing Programs)

5.       General Rules and Guidelines

5.1     Only online applications, requests and proposals will be accepted. Online forms or processes can be found at [TEC Online Forms]( https://www.cognitoforms.com/FIDE/TECMenu).

5.2     In all FIDE or Continental Championships, Olympiads, and other FIDE-registered tournaments, the chess equipment provided by the organisers shall adhere to the standards detailed below. See General Regulations for Competitions  for the list and levels of tournaments.

5.3     Manufacturers must register at and maintain their details at [TEC Online Forms]( https://www.cognitoforms.com/FIDE/TECMenu).

5.4     TEC holds the authority to determine if any piece of equipment is appropriate for use in official FIDE competitions, making its assessment in accordance with the technical standards.

5.5     SDPC and TAPC are only possible if the technical specifications and rules are defined in the FIDE Handbook or published in the TEC Manual and updated as necessary.

5.6     All applicable and relevant specifications, rules, and regulations for the Product must be in place and adequate. If at any point during the application process it is found that the required rules and technical specifications for the Product or system have not yet been established, or are not adequate, the application process will be put on hold until such standards are formally defined or updated.

5.7     Manufacturers have the right to request that FIDE establish the necessary rules and technical specifications if they are not already in place. However, it remains solely at the discretion of FIDE whether to comply with such requests and create the needed definitions.

5.8     A testing fee shall be charged for all Products seeking a TAPC or FEAP in accordance with the fee structure published in the TEC Manual, Annexure A – Fees.

5.8.1      A one-time initiation fee will be charged for all Product testing.

5.8.2      An additional fee per Product classification will be charged on top of the initiation fee.

5.8.3      Manufacturers may request preliminary testing of their Product to refine their project before pursuing a full TAPC. This preliminary testing is considered separate from the official TAPC process and may involve associated fees. Once the relevant rules and technical specifications are determined, and the manufacturer is ready to proceed with the acceptance, a new application for the official TAPC must be submitted.

5.8.4      The fees are payable regardless of if a TAPC or FEAP is issued or not.

5.8.5      Manufacturers must refer to the latest version of the TEC Manual for updated fee structures and payment procedures.

5.9     All software must be versioned with at least a major and minor version. See [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/) for details.

5.10   All Products must comply fully with FIDE rules and standards.

5.11   Revocation of a TAPC (For detailed procedures, refer to the TEC Manual):

5.11.1    Automatic Revocation

The TAPC will be automatically revoked under the following conditions:

1. On the effective date of a change in FIDE Rules, Regulations, or Specifications that impacts the Product's compliance.
2. A major version update introduced by the manufacturer for software or drivers associated with Products containing electronic components.
3. A physical parameter change introduced by the manufacturer for non-electronic Products.
4. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to inform FIDE if any condition for automatic revocation is met. Failure to notify FIDE may result in the permanent cancellation of the .

5.11.2    Manual Revocation (By FIDE Decision)

1. If FIDE receives a Credible Complaint about the Product.
2. If a known software bug or driver issue is not resolved within a reasonable timeframe.

5.11.3    Tightly integrated/dependant hardware and software:

1. If the software is installed on different hardware than the original TAPC, TEC have sole discretion to require a re-testing of the Product on the new hardware.

5.12   While TEC will make every effort to collaborate with manufacturers to achieve Product acceptance, if TEC ultimately rejects the Product for acceptance, the producer must remove the SDPC from any official platform where it was displayed. Additionally, the producer will be prohibited from submitting a new TAPC application for a period of one year.

5.13   The Products listed in FIDE Endorsed Equipment constitute the exclusive set of items that hold a TAPC.

5.14   Fair Play and security devices are administered and overseen by the Fair Play Commission.

6.       Self-Declaration of Product Compliance

6.1     SDPC can be requested by an Organiser, Equipment Owner or Manufacturer.

6.2     SDPC can only be obtained for chess equipment without electronic components.

6.3     The party completing the SDPC, as per article 5.1, must complete and submit the specific online VCL (refer to https://www.cognitoforms.com/FIDE/TechMenu).

6.4     Once SDPC is issued, the equipment in question must be clearly marked with the SDPC number provided by FIDE.

7.       Technical Acceptance of Product Compliance (TAPC)

7.1     A TAPC is granted only when all the following conditions are met:

7.1.1      The SDPC form was submitted.

7.1.2      All applicable fees have been paid in full.

7.1.3      All required forms, as published and periodically updated by FIDE, have been properly filled out and submitted.

7.1.4      TEC has conducted all necessary testing.

7.1.5      An English-language datasheet or detailed specifications document is available.

7.1.6      An English-language user manual (when required) is also provided.

7.1.7      TEC’s recommendations receive final Approval from the FIDE Council, or the FIDE General Assembly.

7.2     In cases involving equipment without electronic components, the Chief Arbiter of a tournament may apply for a “Temporary TAPC” before the event begins. This temporary acceptance remains valid only for the duration of the event and for up to one month in total.

7.3     Rules and Regulations for Testing a Product

7.3.1      A minimum of three testers will be appointed to assess the Product. These testers are chosen at the sole discretion of the Chairman of TEC.

7.3.2      The Product must be provided with all required accessories (cables, adapters, sensors, etc.), licenses, functional software to control, operate, and manage the equipment’s features and compatibility.

7.3.3      The manufacturer must pay the fees specified in the TEC Manual to TEC.

7.3.4      The manufacturer must send the equipment to the designated testers at the manufacturer’s own expense.

7.3.5      TEC will, where necessary, inform and collaborate with other FIDE bodies to obtain assistance and expertise during the testing and review process.

7.3.6      The final Product submitted to the tester must be the exact item for which the acceptance will be issued:

1. Equipment without electronic components: The tester must physically have the final version of the Product (e.g., boards and pieces) intended to receive acceptance.
2. Equipment with electronic components: The tester must physically have the final version of the Product loaded with the latest software version intended to receive acceptance (e.g., clocks and digital boards).
3. Software falls under the "equipment with electronic components" category. The tester must have the latest version of the software (e.g., Tournament Handler Programs) that will be made available to the community for acceptance.

7.3.7      The testers will evaluate the Product using the same VCL employed by the manufacturer during the SDPC process. This ensures consistency in the evaluation criteria and alignment with FIDE's standards.

7.3.8      The testers will compile a detailed report, which must be approved by the Chairman of TEC. This report is then submitted to the FIDE Council for final Approval.

7.3.9      Once a TAPC is granted, the manufacturer must:

1. Send a fully functional sample of the Accepted Product to the FIDE Office for archival storage, at the manufacturer’s own cost.
2. Arrange for the testers to return the Product to the manufacturer after testing, including covering all related shipping costs and making all necessary arrangements.

7.4     The following Products are eligible for a TAPC:

The list below is not comprehensive and will be amended from time to time.

7.4.1      Boards, including non-electronic and electronic.

7.4.2      Broadcasting equipment

7.4.3      Chairs

7.4.4      Clocks, including mechanical and electronic.

7.4.5      Pieces

7.4.6      Publishing Hardware

7.4.7      Publishing Software

7.4.8      Score Sheets, including paper and electronic

7.4.9      Tables

7.4.10    Tournament Handler Programs (historically called Pairing Programs)

7.5     A TAPC cannot be issued for Products like:

7.5.1      Administration Systems

If the administration system includes a Tournament Handler, the Tournament Handler can obtain a TAPC.

7.5.2      Chess Openings

7.6     The FIDE Council authorises the issuance of the TAPC based on the recommendation of TEC. Once approved, the Product will be recorded in the FIDE Accepted and Endorsed Equipment Register.

7.7.    Endorsement is only possible for Products that have already obtained a valid TAPC.

7.8     Holding a TAPC does not automatically guarantee endorsement. To receive endorsement, the manufacturer must successfully enter into a commercial agreement with FIDE, approved by the FIDE Council

7.9     In situations where formal acceptance cannot be obtained, FIDE reserves the exclusive right to decide, at its own discretion, whether to endorse the Product or not.

7.10   On the “Applied Date” reflected at the top of this document, the status of all Products that do not have an Endorsement agreement” with FIDE will be changed to TAPC for the current version of the Product in production.

7.11   All TAPC’s are subject to the conditions specified in Annexure A - Acceptance Letter

8.       Usage of Equipment at Tournaments (See General Regulations for Competitions)

8.1     FIDE Level 1 Tournaments (L1):

8.1.1      Endorsed Products are required unless waived by FIDE Council.

8.1.2      If there are more than one endorsed Product, it is the choice of the Organiser which endorsed Product to use.

8.1.3      If there are no endorsed Product, the Organiser can use any Accepted Product.

8.2     FIDE Level 2 Tournaments (L2):

8.2.1      Endorsed Products are recommended. Accepted Products are tolerated.

8.3     FIDE Level 3 Tournaments (L3):

8.3.1      Endorsed and Accepted Products are recommended. Self-Declared Compliant Products are tolerated.

8.3.2      The Chief Arbiter can authorise the use of Equipment lacking the prescribed acceptance level. See General Regulations for Competitions under General Rules and Technical Recommendations for Tournaments.

Annexure A - Acceptance Letter