What is a TD to do in a FIDE-rated event when the USCF rules conflict with a FIDE rule? For example, should a TD call a flag fall?
Alex Relyea
There is no simple answer to that. It depends on the rule, the type of tournament, and what you announced at the start. (For example, I doubt many people are going to use the FIDE swiss pairing rules, with all that business about “upfloats” and “downfloats.”) In the case of the specific rule you mention, FIDE time forfeit procedure must a) be announced at the start, and b) used without exception for all games if it is used for any. You can’t call the flag in some games but require the player to make a claim in others.
Usually, for tournaments in this country, when a tournament is both USCF rated and FIDE rated, USCF rules are followed if there is a conflict.