What are USCF rules concerning cell phone disturbances ?

Does this even apply to a FitBit on the wrist?

What about my digital watch?

I agree that phones have no business in a playing hall, everyone hates being distracted when they're concentrating deeply and modern phones can easily be used for cheating. I say ban phones from the venue and forfeit anyone whose phone goes off.

However, banning all electronics seems a little harsh. Some people (myself included) concentrate better when they listen to some music, and I think they should be able to if they follow some rules.

I honestly see no problem in bringing a small mp3 player or similar device that cannot possibly be used to cheat with. Obviously the device must be completely silent and used with earphones with zero sound bleeding.

Discrete?

Anyway...

I agree completely that cell phones should be banned and that the first ring should equal forfeiture.

I also agree with USCF though that TDs should have the power to make exceptions to the rule. The one major exception that I know of is for medical professionals. But most medical professionals are smart enough to have their phones on vibrate.

Ha!  Zing.

I knew someone who programmed his opening repertoire into his mp3 player. Most of the songs were heavy metal, but he could just scroll through and get the moves for any opening in his repertoire. 

And there have been quite a few cases where people have received advice through their headphones from their friends using a computer to analyse the game in the next room.

No, all electronic devices should be banned.

I agree, it would be too easy to use an mp3 player to cheat.

It's amazing how far people will go to cheat at a game. I suppose you're right though, it's just such a shame that I can't relax with some music because some shitheads found a way to exploit it.

My MP3 player picks up FM radio.  A friend with a microtransmitter could easily send moves right into my ear.

Flexible electronics built into clothing will soon be available.  Wireless mini-earbuds are on the way too.  From that point on, the only way to be certain of avoiding cheaters will be to play naked.  Not a pretty picture.

Women's chess will finally garner interest.

Well, luckily the USCF doesn't yet forbid phones in the tourney hall. So, no worries about disrepecting the rules

However, if a player kept pulling out their phone during an event, looking at something, I would make sure to find out what was on the phone. Banning devices from the room doesn't stop anything (other than noise related issues). Most of those who are going to use a device to cheat are not going to do it openly and if they are willing to do it, they will do it with or without a ban.

The main benefit of a ban is that if someone has a device they can just be forfeited by the rules and there doesn't have to be any proof of cheating or attempted cheating. Gets rid of ambiguities at least.

I just played in the National Open (FIDE-rated tournament) and I didn't see anybody get penalized. The offenders are much more often parents than players.

Also note there is often a 5 minute grace period at the beginning of a round (for non-players) to allow for taking pictures of the GMs and family progeny.

It would not surprise me, by the way, if USCF were planning on currently being in a "warning" period, with plans of making things more draconian once people get used to where we're at.

Whoa! Hey!  http://www.chess.com/forum/view/community/grammar-improvement

Next you'll be telling us that Chone Figgins is a great ballplayer.  What have you done with the real ozzie'?

Here in England where I live, we used the FIDE rule last year where the phone ring was automatic forfeit of the game. It happened in one league match that year, and during the AGM it was agreed that it was a waste of time to forfeit the player, as we are supposed to be encouraging chess. When teams are travelling up to 2 hours each way for a league game we decided that warning should be given first to the player. 

Dont get me wrong, it wasnt a waste of time in the fact that the rules are the rules, more the fact that players give up their whole evening for 1 league match, and its a shame that this is how it could end. 

One thing that should be noted, is this is local league chess. In proper tournaments I believe that the player should be forfeited. (If they can find out whose phone it actually was!)

Just another reason i dont play as many tournaments as i would like.  Why have rules if youre not going to follow them?

Im not even talking just about cheating. Its the mind set of "I cant live without my cell phone"  Put the thing down for a couple hours, and actually enjoy life, without constantly staring at something electronic.  

The FIDE rule as it stands is obviously an anti-cheating measure but those planning on going against the rules will do so regardless of what is allowed or disallowed.

That all said, in the US especially, a large number of tourneys are smaller local events with low prize funds and won't generally give many rating boosts for players. While I won't attempt to claim no one cheats at those types of events, I'm pretty confident it is a rare thing.

When I travel I don't always stay at the hotel where the tourney is being held and/or I go to one day events where I drive down and drive back the same day. I always turn off my phone, unless I'm the TD (and then just put it on silent). It is more a matter of the fact that phones are expensive and I don't trust leaving them in the car. I'm sure many other people are the same.