FIDE Fair Play Seminar in Famalicão, Portugal

We are pleased to announce the upcoming FPL Seminar in Famalicão, Portugal!

When: July 24–26, 2026
Where: Famalicão, Portugal
Language: English
Organizers: FIDE Fair Play Commission

In chess, integrity is as vital as intellect. While brilliant moves and deep strategies may win games, it is fair play that protects the very soul of the sport. The FIDE Fair Play Commission invites players, arbiters, organizers, and chess lovers from around the globe to the FIDE Fair Play Seminar in Famalicão, Portugal.

This is not just an average chess seminar. This is where psychology meets statistics, law meets technology, and human intuition meets cutting-edge analysis. Whether you’re running tournaments, enforcing rules, or just passionate about clean, ethical chess, this seminar offers a unique chance to understand the many layers of fair play and how to uphold it in the modern game.

🔍 Why Fair Play Matters More Than Ever

As chess becomes faster, more accessible, and more connected than ever before, the threat of unfair practices — from subtle psychological manipulation to tech-assisted cheating — is growing. Fair play is no longer just a noble ideal; it is a skillset.

By learning how to detect anomalies, read body language, manage crowds, and apply data-driven insights, today’s specialists and organizers become the guardians of the game’s integrity. This seminar is your chance to step into that role — or refine it — with guidance from top experts in the field

🧠 What You’ll Learn

The seminar covers a rich syllabus designed to equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools:

• The Legal Side of Fair Play: Understand FIDE’s regulatory framework, from tournament protocols to the latest fair play regulations.
• Recognizing Red Flags: Learn how to detect suspicious behavior, spot inconsistencies, and respond effectively — whether it is a statistical anomaly or strange psychological patterns.
• The Power of Numbers: Delve into Prof. Regan’s statistical methods for evaluating fair play, used in top-level events worldwide.
• Technology in Action: Explore the technical devices and tools that help us monitor games discreetly and efficiently.
• Psychology & Observation: Hone your ability to observe players’ body language, identify unusual behavior, and interpret subtle cues that might indicate deeper issues.

You will also explore real-world scenarios — how to prepare for an event, manage the tournament environment, and work with officials, spectators, and players to promote transparency and trust.

🏅 What You will Walk Away With

Beyond invaluable insights, all participants who successfully complete the seminar and pass the final exam will receive a Fair Play Expert (FPE) seminar norm — a formal credential that counts toward the FPE title.

This seminar is not just about learning; it is about joining a global movement of professionals committed to keeping the game fair, exciting, and respected.

Syllabus:

Fair Play Legal Framework
Anti-Cheating Regulations
Prof. Regan’s Statistics
Technical Devices and Their Usage
Fair Play Theory and Practice at OTB Events

Fees:

Seminar: 150 EUR
Exam: 50 EUR

Contact & Registration:
formacao@fpx.pt | fairplay@fide.com

👥 Meet Your Lecturers

• Bojana Bejatovic – Senior Lecturer, FIDE Fair Play Officer (FPO)
• Vicent Geeraets – Secretary of the FIDE Fair Play Commission

With years of combined experience in top-level fair play enforcement, these officials will guide participants through both the theory and practice of modern fair play monitoring.

📋 Key Info at a Glance

• Dates: July 24–26, 2026
• Location: Famalicão, Portugal
• Fees: 150 EUR (seminar) + 50 EUR (exam)
• Language: English
• Email to register: formacao@fpx.pt | fairplay@fide.com
• Seats are limited — first come, first served!

Accommodation is not included and can be arranged independently to suit your preferences and budget.