Who has the authority to decide what constitutes unsporting behavior?

The Head Judge has the authority to decide what constitutes unsporting behavior in a tournament setting. This is because the Head Judge is responsible for overseeing the event, interpreting the rules, and ensuring a fair and respectful competitive environment. They have the experience and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding player conduct and can address any issues that arise, including unsporting behavior.

The Head Judge's role includes setting the standard for behavior during the event and enforcing the rules consistently, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the tournament. While the Tournament Organizer may set the overall tone and guidelines for the event, the enforcement of behavioral standards falls under the Head Judge's jurisdiction. Additionally, while any judge at the event may report or call attention to unsporting behavior, it is ultimately the Head Judge who evaluates and decides on incidents. Players involved may report issues, but they do not hold the authority to define or adjudicate unsporting conduct, as this could lead to conflicts of interest and inconsistency in enforcement.