slurs written on chess board and clock ?

 my future opponent will be playing black, i know its his choice of board and clock, my problem is he has religious slurs written on both. i called and asked the tournament director and said i find this offensive.....his reply in a nut shell was me to forfiet if my opponent refuses to use my set.     whats the official ruling on this?

I think the td gets to rule.

Yes, the TD gets to rule, but there's an appeal process that can be used if you think the TD's decision is wrong. (You have to appeal within 30 minutes of the ruling, and before the player resumes play.) It's only prudent to know the rules on the issue and to really believe that you're right.

If you think that the ruling is worth challenging, I'd suggest you get a copy of the USCF rule book and "self-lawyer up" on the issue. Bring the rule book with you to the tournament, in case the TD "conveniently" can't locate his copy.

What were the religious slurs written on the clock and board if I may ask?

take pictures, you may wish to contest the TD's ruling and will need evidence

sftac

ps.  the option should be a neutral set, not just your (white's) set

As a person who has had to listen to legal jargon and proceedings for most of his life (Mother) I will agree with what is said above. Most institutions have regulations regarding religious affiliation and this should be no different. The easiest argument would be that you feel the opponent is attempting to get an unfair advantage by the use of his board and has written the comments to make games easier for him due to the previous.

Obviously there's no specific rule that says a board or clock can't have religious slurs written on it, but I'd guess that action violates both Rule 20G (Annoying behavior prohibited), and the standards of conduct in the USCF Code of Ethics. (i.e., "The actions and behavior of individuals participating in USCF activities, or in events sponsored by or sanctioned by the USCF, shall be lawful and in accordance with all USCF rules and regulations, and consistent with the principles of fair play, good sportsmanship, honesty, and the respect for the rights of others."

Eh, you could also try the argument that the mere act of writing slurs on the equipment makes it non-standard equipment. Go for the hat trick!

^^

i prefer not to say what the slurs are. and i like the idea of the writings make the equipment non stanard. i play black this friday nite againt another player(both are fine people and my chess friends) i am gunna write racial slurs on my board and see what happens

your opponent's used to this game, you're not

prediction:  he'll win

sftac

I like the idea of using the non-standard equipment basis, but rather than object because of religious slurs, use the introduction to Rule 39

"...simple, functional designs are preferred for use in tournaments so players,...are not distracted by ornateness, unusual design, or other aesthetic values."

Maybe "infidel" or whatever is his board's petname? ^_^

If the board had (even) signatures of GMs on it, you could force him to use your equipment.  I've done that in the case of signatures.

What planet was this TD from??

You come across as an individual itching for a fight...

Now why would you provide your opponent with a handgun?

That looks OK to me, except for the hand hat-pin on the left edge of the table. Those hat pins can really be dangerous!

a hat pin in the right hands.....lol   i aint itching for any fight, did mine already. its to prove a point..thats all friend.

Speaking of itching, if you wanted to get really nasty I suppose you could coat white's pieces with something toxic (poison ivy rubbings comes to mind).

sftac

hmm looks like a beretta 92 or 96 and a 1911?

Guess someone was taking too long to move and the other guy got bored & started carving on the table.