2.1 Principles
Disabled players are welcome at EBU tournaments. Occasionally they will have difficulty with the mechanics of the game as normally played. The following regulations are intended to assist when difficulties arise. They apply in all EBU tournaments, and other Tournament Organisers are encouraged to adopt them to apply in their tournaments.
2.1.1 General
2.1.2.1. Over-riding consideration
If it is impracticable for these regulations to be followed in whole or in part, the TD is authorised to specify the manner in which the bidding and play shall proceed.
2.1.2.2. Requirements in advance
Players requiring stationary positions, strong lighting, pre-sorted cards or any other special assistance are requested to notify their needs in advance when entering tournaments, and arrangements will be made for the TDs on site to deal with the practical arrangements.
2.1.2.3. Authority
The L&EC has formally given the DIC the authority to modify any regulation if considered appropriate to accommodate a player with a disability. Other Tournament Organisers are encouraged to give their DICs the same authority.
2.1.2.4. Matches played privately
In the case of a match played privately, the same principles apply. For example, if a player requires longer breaks between stanzas because of a medical condition, the L&EC believe that the opposing captain should be informed in advance and should be prepared for such breaks.
2.1.3 Sorted hands
The TD may arrange that a player receives their hands sorted, for example by asking the corresponding player at the table passing the boards to sort their hand, when returning it to the board.
2.1.4 Commencing play
Any player is entitled to require that the dealer and vulnerability be stated at the commencement of each board.
2.1.5 Bidding
2.1.5.1. Use of bidding boxes
Bidding boxes are to be used where this is possible.
2.1.5.2. No bidding boxes
If the use of bidding boxes by one or more players is not possible, then all players should call their own bids (where this is possible).
2.1.5.3. Alternative approach
The opponents of any player unable to use a bidding box have the option to require that bidding boxes are used in addition to spoken bids, in which case the bidding box of the player unable to use it should be operated by one of the opponents.
2.1.6 Play
2.1.6.1. No difficulty
When all players except dummy can see cards played normally, play continues as normal.
2.1.6.2. Vision problems
When a player, other than dummy, is unable to see cards played normally, then (subject to the option in #141.4.3) all players are to call their own cards as played.
2.1.6.3. Alternative approach
The opponents of a player unable to see cards played normally have the option to require that all cards (but not the cards of one or more players to the exclusion of the others) are called by dummy as played.
2.1.6.4. Naming of cards
Cards must be named in full and in a consistent manner.
2.1.7 Announcements
2.1.7.1 General approach
The TD may be asked for assistance by disabled players. If so the TD can act as follows:
2.1.7.2 Suggested solutions for hearing problems
Since announcements are in a few well-known positions where an announcement is expected, e.g. a 1NT opening, a player with hearing problems can:
(a) Ascertain various details like NT range, style of 2-bids, at the start of the round.
(b) Anticipate an announcement after a bid like 1NT by turning the head, and lip reading, or listening carefully.
(c) Ask for an announcement to be repeated: this action never provides unauthorised information.
(d) Ask for an announcement to be written.
2.1.7.3 Suggested solutions for speaking problems
A player with speaking problems can:
(a) write announcements;
(b) let partner make announcements for both of them.