The Laws and Ethics Committee is the national authority for the game of Duplicate Contract Bridge within England. It has three principal functions. It is the final appeal body for appeals arising under the Laws of the game, although such appeals are only entertained if matters of principle (as opposed to bridge judgement) are involved, and so are relatively rare. It is also the principal disciplinary body of EBU, and from time to time hears complaints against members.

The primary function of the Laws and Ethics Committee with which most members are familiar is the publication of the Orange Book, which contains regulations for the conventions and agreements permitted in different classes of competition, and also various other directives which supplement the Laws of the game. The Orange Book is published at approximately five-yearly intervals, with updates appearing in English Bridge from time to time. The latest version was published in the summer of 2006, and members who play regularly in tournaments have been provided with a copy. Copies are available to any other members free of charge on request. Amendments are made on an annual basis, with the latest taking effect on Aug 1 2008. Click here to go to the latest OB.

Committee Members:

Jeremy Dhondy (Chairman)

Martin Pool (Vice Chairman)

Mike Amos

David Burn

Frances Hinden

Neil Morley

David Stevenson

Max Bavin

Sally Bugden