Dress Standards in Chess. F.I.D.E. v Magnus Carlsen. A Personal Opinion.

Readers may have seen the recent news regarding the dispute between F.I.D.E. and

Magnus Carlsen concerning dress standards, which resulted in him ceasing to

participate in the F.I.D.E. World Rapid Chess Championship. I understand that the

matter has now been resolved but thought other players might like to know my views

on this subject. I would be interested to know if others are of the same mind or

regard me as a dangerous rebel. Please submit your comments to the person who

operates the website where you saw this article.

This is the old story of 'The Establishment' enforcing their views - usually on younger

or independently minded people - who object to being told what is good for them. I

have been challenging such policies for years and am now into my 70s. I do not

wear, and would not wish to be seen dead, in jeans - especially those which fall

down your backside and display your underpants. But that is simply my opinion, and

why should it be imposed upon others?

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, when I was completing 'A' and 'O' level

studies, the headmaster at my school did not like long hair and sideboards and tried

to impose his views on students. Many of us pushed our opposition to the limit. In

recent years, schools have been suspending pupils for having short hair or having

patterns cut into it. This is all about power, attempting to force ‘unco-operative

individuals’ to conform and enforcing what many consider outdated opinions.

Around 20 years ago, when I was working in the civil service, dictats came down

from on high that all male staff should wear a tie. I was employed in a post which did

not involve face to face contact with the public. Nevertheless, we were informed that

the rule applied to all staff working in the Department for Work and Pensions. The

trade union opposed the policy. I arrived at work one day with a tie knotted around

my waist to hold up my trousers and one around my head. No action was taken as I

was complying with the instructions that had been issued! The policy was withdrawn

soon afterwards.

Cleanliness is another matter, as it affects other people - especially opponents - and

some basic standards are understandable. In this case, involving Magnus Carlsen,

the arbiter was correct in enforcing the policy laid down by the organisers. I am not a

qualified arbiter, but had I been asked to officiate in an event requiring such rules, I

would have decined the offer. Compare this with national and world governing

bodies, authorising events in nations where those in power do not accept basic

human rights for minorities, women, etc.. The word 'hypocrisy' springs to mind.

David G. Mills. 30 th December 2024.

Joint President of St. Andrews Chess Club, Hull.

Former National Civil Service Chess Association Match Captain.