Rules why bother if no harm

[donaldheron]

Donald,
The two Laws which cover this are either 11.3.1 or 11.4
11.4 states that players who finish their games are spectators.  If you are analysing a game then you are not a spectator.  I'm sure you would be unhappy if two people walked in off the street and sat down next to you and started playing a game, even if the were quiet.
11.3.1 bans analysis.  Technically it does say on another board but since your game has finished it is no longer your board and is effectively 'another' board.
The naming of the room as the 'playing area' might also give a clue as to which activities are allowed in it.  (11.2.2)
With regard to tables, lighting, space etc., if you read it carefully these are only regulations for FIDE's own tournaments.  They are recommendations for other events.  Indeed different table heights are given at different places in the FIDE handbook.
I hope this helps.

Thanks Alex:  Good reply.  I get the point about if a spectator sat down at a spare board and played some moves but the second point about banning analysis does not apply since I was not analysing - I played no new moves. therefore not analysis.  However point 1 is enough.  Yes it does help.  Don

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Hi Don from a fellow dragon and trainee arbiter
FIDE  (arbiter's manual) " .. not specifically mentioned in the laws of chess"
article 11.2.1 defines the playing area please note the difference between playing area and playing venue

interesting one is 11.2.3.3
" a person who is neither a player nor arbiter (?)  be allowed access to the playing area"
There is something somewhere i have read when a player completes his game he should leave the playing room asap but at the moment i cant find it. The arbiter also has a responsibility to check the boards and clocks prior to the next round and its a big ask for one or even two arbiters. There is an analysis room provided for what you were trying to do and the arbiter also has a responsibility in providing that. There is also the point that distraction could be created by attracting attention.
I know you wouldn't do this but an unscrupulous player could be making moves trying to signal a move or strategy which the arbiter has to also watch whilst other games are coming to a critical conclusion. Its not just because its a FIDE tournament, other tournaments require arbiters discretion in similar matters. Players, unless providing a function such as team captain duties should ideally leave the playing room unless they consciously make an effort not to attract attention, in short no talking, playing games, replaying games, reading books etc.
If a playing isn't playing games it is at the arbiters discretion whether he/she is even allowed to remain to watch other games.  Whilst it may seem to be heavy handed to some, please remember the arbiter needs to be focused. I know, I have caused uproar on many occasions myself with my cohorts Tony Dunlop and Frankie Murray not realising the possible damage we could be doing.

I'm glad you agree that when a game finishes a player becomes a spectator, this is key. Spectators are only allowed in the playing area at the arbiters discretion therefore when the game (not match) is over then that player technically loses that right to be there. It is possible to have less than thirty minutes between rounds to check the boards and sets therefore you appreciate the difficulties arbiters face especially in the SNCL with so many games,

I have my copy of the arbiters manual Don if you wish to borrow it for reference. I hope this helps

PS merry Christmas to you all and a prosperous new year

Thanks very much and yes I would like to see the abiters manual.  Who knows what I might find there.  Don