Expert: Chuck Kinzie - 2/19/2008

Question
Hello! My son recently participated in his first chess tournament. He did really well, considering it was his (and my) first time. At the beginning of the tournament, a few rules were announced, one being that no one aside from the two at the board (and officials)could speak. Spectators must stand a few feet away and remain quiet.

I was dismayed to have observed my son's opponent's coach move pieces on the board and telling his student that "there is one move to get out of checkmate." No official was called to assess the game. Perhaps he thought his experience was enough to qualify him to officiate a game to his favor. After that, his student would side-eye her coach, as he continued to help her by nodding a yes or no to approve/disapprove of her moves. My son is 8 (in novice division) and very soft spoken. He was not aware that the coach was not an official, having his trust in all adults as knowledgeable and correct.

I am beyond frustrated, but come to you for an expert's advice on the situation. A few questions:
-Am I correct to assume the coach was out of line in moving pieces,speaking to his student, and assisting in a non-verbal manner?
-If it was out of line, what is the normal procedure/punishment of spectators?
-If my son thought he had checkmate, and the opponent agreed (could not find a way by herself to get out of checkmate) she was in checkmate...because of the young age/division and lack of watchful officiants, what is done?
-What could I do as a spectator (without causing a scene) should this happen again? It seemed quite common at this event. :(

It is unfortunate that my son now feels negatively about the sport. Any advice to help renew his (any my) love for the game would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Answer
Hello, Nicole!  I'm sorry that your son had to endure such a blatant flouting of the rules and etiquette of chess.  Absolutely NO third party can interfere in a tournament game other than an official tournament director.  To avoid this situation from happening in the future, you should instruct your son that he may stop the clock (if one is being used) and summon the tournament director if he feels that anything illegal is taking place in his game.  Unfortunately, since tournaments are so large and tournament directors are so few, not every game can be monitored by an official.

Fortunately, what your son experienced is a fairly rare occurrence, so I hope that it doesn't sour him on tournament chess.  Even the prettiest grove has a few bad apples in it.

I hope I was of help.  I hope that you and your son enjoy your chess and not let a few "bad apples" spoil your chess experience!