The Village Card Club Board of Directors is committed to improving player behavior and has adopted the ACBL 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 eradicate unacceptable behavior in order to make the game of bridge enjoyable for all. Some examples of commendable behavior, which, while not required, will significantly contribute to an improved atmosphere, are:
Following are some examples of behavior that will not be tolerated:
It is the responsibility of everyone the club to support Zero Tolerance at the club and to help us 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.
1. 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, complaints received from multiple individuals about the same person’s behavior will always be investigated.
2. 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). The Board strongly believes that assignment of disciplinary penalties will improve behavior at our games.
3. 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(s) shall be ejected from the game. An offender removed from a game shall be deemed to have not played in the game; no masterpoints are awarded and no refunds are made.
4. Warnings are strongly discouraged and will be given only when there is no clear violation or in cases where the facts cannot 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.
5. 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 & Ethics Committee. The committee may not overturn the director’s decision, but 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.
6. If the claimant believes appropriate sanctions were not levied by the director, or the director believes additional sanctions are warranted, either may refer the case, as a written complaint, to the Conduct & Ethics Committee.
March 19, 2004, July 14, 2006