Clock rule

Where in the uscf rules does it say that a clock must be used if there is one available? My kids play in scholastic uscf events and one parent refuses to let her child use a clock and the TD just says oh well. I have the rule book, but can't find the rule. Can any TDs help. Thanks.

In theory a tournament could organize it using whatever rules they want. Afaik the rules only need to conform if you want the tournament rated.

The USCF scholastic rules can be found here: http://www.uschess.org/images/stories/scholastic_chess_resources/us_chess-scholasticregs_feb2018.pdf.

Chapter 18.9 (page 14) states the viable time controls. I donno how they can satisfy the time control requirement if they don't use a clock.

Thanks, IM lovias. The specific tournament I'm talking about is uscf rated. Some tournaments we play in have a separate explict rule that states "If a clock is present at the board, it must be used. Players cannot agree to not use a clock". Where in the uscf rules does it state that a clock must be used?

By the way, where are the regular USCF rules? TY.

So that parent should be able to break the rules for their child but everyone else should have to use a clock?

There are many scenarios clock use avoids:
* The losing child gets upset and doesn't make a move on the board. With a clock, their opponent can just sit and wait for their time to run out. Without a clock, their opponent is powerless to stop them from sitting there indefinitely.
* The child who doesn't use the clock can spend inordinate amounts of time thinking on their moves. This is a common problem in clock-free casual chess, where an opponent takes 5+ minutes on each move even when you're making moves in under a minute.
* Both children may think longer than average without a clock. This delays other players' experiences getting through the tournament in a timely fashion.
* The clock is not necessarily a comfortable requirement for other kids, either. One parent protests because her child isn't comfortable with the clock, but what about all the other kids who don't like clocks but accept the rules?

Fundamentally, it's an issue of fairness and practicality. I can't think of a reason this parent's request wasn't denied by the tournament director.

@tjclemur I'd suggest you raise some of these issues of fairness with the TD. Maybe intimate that your child doesn't want to use a clock, write down their moves, wants to move knights like rooks, will sit in a mate in 1 position without moving, and will be kicking other children under the table ;)

This requirement for a chess clock is sort of implied by section 5, chess clock, and section 42, equipment standards. The actual requirements are for the game to be time limited in some fashion and many of the rules associated with a clock would be unenforceable without it. The TD is given discretion to allow someone not to use a clock, but not every TD will be so generous, so that mom should get used to using clocks.
Also, I don’t think the USCF rules are freely available online, you have to purchase them. Maybe something to do with copyright? -MrC (Local USCF TD)

Thanks for your reply dR. I agree with everything you wrote. But your first sentence gets back to my problem. What rule is being broken by not using a clock? I have read the uscf rules cover-to-cover and I don't see where it says you must use a clock. I understand that each rated tournament has a time control associated with it (G30/D5, etc,) which I guess implies that a clock needs to be used to ensure the game is kept within these limits, but many rated tournament games are played with no clock (especially at the scholastic level). It would seem very simple to add the requirement to use a clock, if available, as a rule. Maybe I will write to the uscf.

Do you know what the rationale is behind this mother not wanting to use a clock? Religious or physical handicaps?

As a TD I personally would not allow this to happen in a rated event, except for one of the two reasons above, and even then I would find a way to satisfy the requirements of a timed game.

Reply to mistercoffee. The mother says it's a distraction or her son (LOL). The thing is, her son is a better than average player and after our discussion with the TD I nicely told her that she was doing her son a disservice and most TDs would rule against her. She continues to do this and I don't care to fight it. I think we'll just stop playing in this particular organization's events.