Can Spectators Writing Moves During Games ?

I read an interesting article in chess cafe - An Arbiter`s Notebook - by famous International Arbiter (IA) Geurt Gijssen regarding spectators writing moves of someone games.

`Question :  Dear, Mr. Gijssen. I sometimes see spectators at chess games standing behind or near the players writing down their opening moves. Or even players of the tournament writing down moves of other players while standing near their boards. Are there any prohibitions for players or spectators in the tournament room from writing down the moves of the games? Regards, Jorge Bocker (Germany)`

Answer  :  I refer to two Articles of the Laws of Chess:

13.7.a Spectators and players in other games are not to speak about or otherwise interfere in a game. If necessary, the arbiter may expel offenders from the playing venue. If someone observes an irregularity, he may inform only the arbiter.

12.5 Players who have finished their games shall be considered to be spectators.

Only in these two Articles of the Laws of Chess are spectators mentioned. I know from my own experiences that it is difficult in some tournaments, especially in open tournaments and league competitions, to separate spectators from players. In closed tournaments only a limited number of persons have access to the playing area and the playing area is easier to control.

Therefore, I shall discuss the question only in cases where spectators have access to the playing area.

I try to keep the spectators at an appropriate distance from the players, but it is quite difficult, especially during time trouble. Sometimes chairs are placed in a circle around the boards to provide some distance for the players involved.

In general, I have no problem with spectators or journalists recording the moves. However, I have a different opinion regarding chess players writing down the moves of other games. This could potentially be seen as notes for their actual game, and, as you know, it is forbidden to use notes during the game - 

(IA Geurt Gijssen)

  

I`m pleased to noted that as a spectators , we are allowed to write players moves during game. It will certainly help bloggers like me to record certain interesting moment during games to be publish in the blog.

source: chesscafe.com