162.3 Rulings of first instance

It can be difficult to settle satisfactorily a question which requires a Director's ruling - as distinct from a reading and application of the law - in a match which is played privately. There should normally be two distinct conditions fulfilled before any such matter is deemed to have a basis on which to proceed:

162.3.1

The player who suggests that an irregularity may have occurred which could have damaged his side should normally have raised the question (as for example by reserving his rights) before the board is quitted to avoid questions of doubt. The appropriate period for doing so should be deemed to terminate when he removes his cards from their slot at the commencement of the following board (unless the significant information does not come to light until afterwards; and see also #162.2.3).

162.3.2

He should confirm his wish to have a ruling before the players go to compare scores for that set of boards. (If after scoring the set he withdraws his request for a ruling it will not subsequently be renewable.)