The EBU Board is pleased to announce the adoption and publication of a new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. We have not had an explicit and formal policy before, although the same values are expressed in our well-established ‘Best Behaviour at Bridge’ policy: that the EBU ‘considers it a fundamental principle that anyone wishing to participate in duplicate bridge, whether as a player, official or in any other capacity, should be able to do so in a safe and welcoming environment, and not be subject to less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religious or political belief or social class than any other person.’
We do not imagine that this new policy will lead to immediate, substantial change in the way bridge is played in England today. However, most other national sports organisations do already have such policies: indeed, Sport England stipulate that any sport aspiring to receive government money must have a Diversity and Inclusion plan. So, the adoption of such a policy brings us up to date with the broader world, as well as incorporating the latest legal framework.
The policy has many applications. For example, at EBU competitions we do already make reasonable adjustments for people with specific disadvantages, such as stationary positions for those with limited mobility. If players feel there are further measures that could be taken to assist them overcoming other hurdles, we welcome discussion and suggestions about these. We will do what we can to ensure a fair playing field.
The Board hopes that the new policy will help build awareness of such issues within the bridge playing community. And in turn, that this will make us a more welcoming environment for everyone who would like to play bridge.
March 31, 2025