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 pposed 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.

Committee Members:

Steve Barnfield
Max Bavin
David Burn
Jeremy Dhondy
David Martin
Philip Mason
Martin Pool (Chairman)
Denis Robson
David Stevenson

Contact details for the L & E Committee:

John Pain
Secretary to the Laws & Ethics Committee
English Bridge Union
Broadfields, Bicester Road
Aylesbury HP19 8AZ
Fax: 01296-317220
email: lecsec@ebu.co.uk