162.6 Effect of a ruling of first instance

Any decision obtained by the procedures above is a binding ruling to be acted upon, subject to any appeal (see #162.7). If a score adjustment is awarded on the board no substitute board is played.

Very rarely the ruling will be that the board is cancelled. In this case, unless the ruling states otherwise, the procedure for a fouled board (see #162.8) is followed.

In all cases, the playing of a substitute board is not affected by a procedural penalty (normally 3 IMPs, or 100 aggregate points in the case of the Hubert Phillips) if the individual to whom reference is made deems this appropriate. A breach of Conduct and Etiquette may lead to an increased penalty, the L&EC having approved penalties of 5 IMPs (or the equivalent thereof) in two such cases.