I too often compete in environments where a single confirmed act of cheating bars the player from any future participation. It isn't about the individual, it's

I too often compete in environments where a single confirmed act of cheating bars the player from any future participation. It isn't about the individual, it's about the sport. I think losing access to a sport is a valid punishment for confirmed cheating. In this specific situation, I will admit that being a minor muddies the issue. * The confirmed cheater is more likely to cheat in the future than a normal player, which in my mind puts an asterisk next to all of their future accomplishments. * The act of cheating is such a massive act of disrespect towards their competitors, the competition organizers, and the game itself that it merits such a long term loss of privilege. * Every game has rules. It seems fair to let players and organizers of the game decide on consequences for breaking the rules. * If the punishment for being caught cheating is low, you are changing the risk/reward ratio for cheating in favor of more cheating. This is especially true in a competition like chess where money is on the line.