The Village Card Club Board of Directors is committed to promoting appropriate player behavior and has adopted a Zero Tolerance Policy as described herein. In accordance with Laws 74, 80F, 81C4, 90A, 91, and 92A (Laws of Duplicate Bridge) this policy outlines what is expected of all players during the game, as well as in the playing area before and after the game.
The purpose of the ZT policy is to create a pleasant atmosphere in our games. We wish to promote appropriate behavior in order to make the game of bridge enjoyable for all. Some examples of commendable behavior which will significantly contribute to a positive atmosphere are:
Some examples of behavior that will not be tolerated are:
All members of the Village Card Club have rights and responsibilities (see appendix/posters for examples). We must all support Zero Tolerance at the club to help minimize problems. If a player behaves in an unacceptable manner, the director should be called immediately. Annoying behavior, embarrassing remarks, or any other conduct which might interfere with the enjoyment of the game is specifically prohibited by ACBL Law 74A.
The Game Director should be called immediately whenever behavior is not consistent with our Zero Tolerance policy. The Conduct and Ethics Committee will not investigate every individual complaint unless the Game Director was first made aware of it during the game in question. However, recurring complaints over time against the same individual regarding a perceived pattern of behavior will be investigated even if not preceded by a report to the Game Director regarding specific incidents.
The director shall make an assessment of the situation. If it is established that there was unacceptable behavior, an immediate 1/4 board disciplinary penalty (3 IMP in team games) shall be assigned to all offenders. This may involve any one or all four players at the table irrespective of who initiated the unacceptable behavior. If both members of a partnership are guilty, the penalties are additive (1/4 board EACH = 1/2 board). A penalty assigned to one or more members of a partnership/team will affect the board score of the total partnership/team. The Board strongly believes that assignment of disciplinary penalties will promote positive behavior at our games.
If the infraction is serious enough to warrant a more severe penalty than provided above or it is the second offense during the same game, the offender, his partner, and/or team shall be ejected from the game. An offender, his partner, and/or team removed from a game shall be deemed to have not played in the game. No refunds will be made and no master points will be awarded to either member of the partnership or any member of the team, even those partners/team members who did not commit the offense.
Warnings are strongly discouraged and will be given only when there is no clear violation or in cases where the facts can not be determined. Offenders are to receive immediate penalties. Regardless of who may have initiated unacceptable behavior, ALL offenses are punishable. Retaliatory behavior is a punishable offense. Frivolous accusations are also punishable.
In accordance with the Laws of Duplicate Bridge, a director’s decision to impose a disciplinary penalty is final. Per ACBL Law 91A, “In performing his/her duty to maintain order and discipline, the director is specifically empowered to assess disciplinary penalties in points or to suspend a contestant for the current session or any part thereof.” However, all such decisions may be appealed to the Conduct and Ethics Committee. The committee may not overturn the director’s decision, but it could recommend that the director reconsider the penalty. If the committee feels that the penalty assessed was not severe enough, it may impose a more appropriate sanction.
If the claimant believes appropriate sanctions were not levied by the director, or the director believes additional sanctions are warranted, either may refer a case, as a written complaint, to the Conduct and Ethic Committee.
There are several issues of concern to the membership which are further highlighted and elaborated on below.
No player should ‘correct’ opponents at the bridge table. Especially unwelcome is bidding, play, or rules advice. After a round is completed, a player may ask others at the table for advice. Additionally many experienced players offer suggestions in a helpful, respectful manner. This should be encouraged where time permits and only when the other player is receptive.
If opponents feel there has been a failure to alert or explain a bid properly, the director should be called immediately. It is the responsibility of the director and only the director to comment on and to determine what actions, if any, should be taken. All instructions are to be given by the director. A player should never argue or publicly disagree with a director at the table. If further discussion with the director is needed, it should be done privately and respectfully with the director away from the playing area. This may be done between rounds, if time permits, or after the game is completed. If an agreement can not be reached during such a discussion and if differing opinions could have impacted the result on the board, the player may request an Appeals Committee to convene immediately after the game.
Revised October 2007