Richardson/Spens results

[Mike Truran]

vi)
Enforcement of the new Law 11.3.b will be implemented in a milder version to take account of the fact that many amateur players will take part in a tournament after work or other social activities. It may become inconvenient or impossible for them to leave all devices out of the playing venue. The ACC therefore recommends to RTRC to change 11.3.b to match the following policy:
“In tournaments open to amateur players, the prohibition to introduce electronic devices in the
playing venue may, and indeed should be waived. However, under no circumstances a player
shall be allowed to carry a mobile phone or other device capable of processing or transmitting
chess analysis, whether switched on or off, working or not, on his body during play. This includes, but is not limited to, carrying a device in a bag or in the pocket of a jacket. Any player found carrying such a device shall immediately be forfeited his game, with rating points calculated. A second offense during the same tournament shall imply an immediate ban from the tournament, with the player’s name forwarded to the ACC for further investigation.”

Alex, the above is from the FIDE handbook ('standard protection' guidelines for events such as Richardson/Spens). The implication seems to me to be quite clear - if the phone is not 'on his body' there is no reason to default the player. Presumably local rules can make the requirement more stringent, but somehow I doubt that the Richardson/Spens rules would have done that.