Giving Arbiters the Opportunity: The Gift of Chess and the 240th FIDE Arbiters' Seminar
Every tournament depends on someone who knows the Laws of Chess and applies them fairly. Yet the training that leads to a recognised arbiter title is not equally within reach for everyone. Seminar fees, exam fees and lecturer costs can stop a capable official long before they get started. The Gift of Chess has made it part of its work to remove that barrier. The 240th FIDE Arbiters' Seminar is the fourth we have supported in two years. The seminar ran online from 2 to 11 October and was presented by International Arbiter and FIDE Lecturer Gunther van der Bergh. Participants came from nine federations: Malawi, Botswana, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Togo, Ethiopia and Lesotho. Nine participants passed the examination. By covering the lecturer and examination fees, The Gift of Chess allowed participants to focus on their training rather than the financial barriers. This support matters because many applicants already run tournaments in their countries, often without formal recognition. They need a clear path to qualification. Our approach is simple. We arrange the training, cover the costs and let participants concentrate on learning. Holding the seminar online also means officials from countries as far apart as Lesotho and Bangladesh can learn together, without the cost of travel. The benefits extend well beyond the course. An arbiter who completes the training takes that knowledge home. Local events can be run more consistently, players compete in a fairer environment, and federations benefit from officials who are better prepared to support tournaments as they grow. This is why supporting arbiters sits alongside our work of distributing chess sets. A board and a set of pieces can introduce someone to chess. A well-run tournament gives them a reason to keep playing. Our next FIDE Arbiters' Seminar is planned for January 2027. We look forward to welcoming more aspiring officials who want to develop their skills and take the next step towards international recognition. Interested in joining? Contact us on development@thegiftofchess.org to learn more about the upcoming seminar and registration.
Organized by Erick Takawira @takawirachess