Many are interested in how to convert from National Arbiter (NA) to FIDE Arbiter or become a FIDE Arbiter
What are the requirements for this?
Detail in the text below:
General Conditions for Achieving the FIDE Arbiter Title: To attain the FIDE Arbiter (FA) title a candidate must fulfill certain conditions set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). These conditions are designed to ensure the candidate’s knowledge of the rules of chess and the ability to organize and conduct chess events. The details are given below.
✅ 1. Experience as arbitrator in FIDE-rated tournaments:
At least 3 norms must be achieved by working in FIDE-rated tournaments. Norm is an accreditation obtained by acting as an arbitrator in a tournament that meets the criteria set by FIDE. Normative tournaments must follow FIDE rules. Types of tournaments where norms are available include:
- Swiss tournament
- Round-robin tournaments
- Team tournament
- Blitz and Rapid Chess Tournaments (subject to special conditions)
The norms shall be for various time-regulated tournaments. It ensures a different time control experience in chess.
✅ 2. Participation in FA Seminars and Exams:
The candidate must successfully attend a FIDE Arbiter’s Seminar (online or offline), where lessons are imparted on various FIDE rules, policies and procedures. At the end of the seminar, the candidate has to take the FA exam, which verifies the candidate’s knowledge. The test topics are:
- FIDE Chess Rules
- FIDE Competition Rules
- Rules for obtaining FIDE titles
- Tournament pairings, tiebreak methods, and rating calculations
✅ 3. Basic Knowledge of the English Language:
FIDE operates as an international organization, so the candidate must have sufficient knowledge of one of FIDE’s official languages, preferably English, to communicate and understand FIDE’s documents and tournament rules.
✅ 4. Recommendations of National Federations:
The candidate must be recommended by his/her National Chess Federation, which recognizes the candidate’s skills and experience.
✅ 5. Discipline:
The candidate must maintain good relations with the National Federation and FIDE, and not have any disciplinary action incidents.
- Application Process:
After fulfilling the required conditions the candidate has to apply to FIDE through his National Chess Federation. Proof of norms, seminar completion information and examination results should be attached to the application form. FIDE will review the application and if FIDE conditions are met, FIDE will award the title of Arbitrator (FA).
✅ Key terms in brief:
==============
- Achieving the norm of 3 arbitrators from FIDE-rated tournament events.
- Completed the FIDE Arbiter Seminar Successfully.
- Passing the FA exam.
- Basic English knowledge.
- Recommendations of National Federations.
- Maintaining good relations with FIDE and National Chess Federations.
Achieving the FIDE Arbiter title is important for those who wish to officiate chess tournaments and work at high-level FIDE events. By attaining this title an arbitrator is enriched with both practical experience and theoretical knowledge, which makes him more competent in conducting chess events.
