Is it ethical to practice unannounce prizes before round 1 and giving blank amount signing receipts to the winners in the chess tournament?
In a chess tournament, Anyone either natural or juridical person can conduct a chess tournament back-up by sponsors or dependant on registration fee. Either of them, ethics play a crucial role in ensuring fairness and transparency.
First; unannounced prizes lack of transparency: Participants should be aware of the prizes before the tournament begins. Not announcing prizes can lead to misunderstandings and might make participants feel misled and unconcentrated in the games. Competitors compete with certain expectations; knowing the rewards or incentives helps manage their expectations.
In some cases, especially with dependant on registration fee, some have adjustment on the prizes with agreement of all the parties (players and organizers). The same what happen with our 3x3 Chess Team Tournament, there were changes in prizes but did not lack of transpancy. Before the round 1, everything are ok and transparent.
Second, signing blank or undefined documents can lead to confusion, mistrust and potential misuse. Requiring signatures on blank receipts might jeopardize trust between the organizers and participants.
I made 3 years company audited financial statement and underwent auditing, all amount must be stated and supported. In our case, if the signing receipts have blank amount it can be altered for malicious personal interest, let's say from amount received of P5000 can be liquidated to P10,000 etc.
Lastly, Announce Prizes Clearly:
Example of transparency prizes in inter-brgy/inter-town.
Clearly communicate prize structures and amounts before the tournament begins. Ensure all documentation, like receipts, clearly states the amount and purpose before expecting a signature. From an ethical standpoint, maintaining transparency, trust, and clear communication is crucial in any competitive event, including chess tournaments. This ensures a fair environment for all participants and upholds the integrity of the competition.
A well-organized chess tournament can provide significant societal benefits, transparency, social, and cultural growth within the community than personal interest. Through strategic partnerships and community support, this initiative can inspire positive change and foster a sense of unity and shared purpose (not one's interest only). The chess tournament can become a cherished monthly event that delivers lasting benefits to society.
Chess has always been more than just a game to us; it is a journey of self-discovery, a test of character, and a source of endless fascination and joy.
Thanks for reading and good luck to our chess and life journey.
by Coach Gerald Ferriol