Club Management Focus: Autumn 2017

Updates made to Best Behaviour at Bridge

The Board has approved an update to Best Behaviour at Bridge. The new version is below, and is online at http://www.ebu.co.uk/documents/laws-and-ethics/articles/best-behaviour-at-bridge.pdf

Whilst we hope that incidents are rare we are aware that there are some people who experience inappropriate behaviour at the table. Unfortunately, too often this is not reported at the time to the TD, and therefore no action is taken. At an opportune moment please remind your members that grumbling to one another, or ‘suffering in silence’, does not help to address the issue. It is only if the perpetrators are consistently reported to TDs at the event that bad behaviour can be eradicated.

At the AGM the Shareholders approved changes to the Bye Laws, and the definition of ‘an offence’ which can be punished under the Disciplinary Rules now specifically includes breaches of Best Behaviour at Bridge.

Best Behaviour at Bridge (additions in bold)

Bridge is an extremely enjoyable game. Courteous behaviour is an exceptionally important part of that enjoyment. The EBU is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity. It considers it a fundamental principle that anyone wishing to participate in duplicate bridge, whether as 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.

This guide serves as a brief reminder of how to behave at the bridge table. We are sure that all players naturally follow this code of conduct but there are times when concentration and pressure can take their toll and it is for these situations that we issue this as a reminder.

• Greet others in a friendly manner prior to start of play on each round.

• Be a good “host” or “guest” at the table.

• Make your convention card readily available to your opponents and fill it out completely.

• Make bridge enjoyable for yourself, partner and opponents.

• Give credit when opponents make a good bid or play.

• Take care of your personal grooming.

• Ensure that your mobile phone is turned off.

• Enjoy the company as well as the game.

Remember that it is rude to criticise your partner or opponents in public, to be less than polite at the table, to gloat over good results or object to a call for the tournament director or to dispute or argue about a director’s ruling, or generally to make any personal and disparaging remark.

Please call the Director if you think you may have been affected by bad behaviour. You will be helping others as well as yourselves.

As in all games that are governed by rules and regulations, bad behaviour will be penalised…

If a player at the table behaves in an unacceptable manner, the director should be called immediately. Annoying behaviour, embarrassing remarks, or any other conduct which might interfere with the enjoyment of the game is specifically prohibited by Law 74A. Law 91A gives the director the authority to assess disciplinary penalties. This can include immediate disciplinary board penalties, and if a future violation is incurred at the same event, disqualification from future competition in that event. Any further violations may result in a disciplinary hearing where player(s) future participation in tournaments will be considered.