The VCC recognizes of primary importance to our games is the playing atmosphere for our members.
In that regard, there are differing views on slow play. While some push for the most efficient game possible with the least waiting time, others feel that to rush anyone is inappropriate. Also, we must consider that as a club with aging membership, with age speed can slow down and it is important for those that start slowing down that they still feel welcome in our club.
Periodically directors should conduct training through announcements at their games, such as setting the expectation that pairs should lead first and put down dummy first, before entering their own personal score and that there should be no discussion of hands before finishing all boards.
The director’s role on this is a delicate one. The purpose of this resolution is to more clearly define for the directors the expectations of the VCC board in this regard. The key for action is to identify those whose slow play regularly cause inconvenience for others. Regularly means arriving 1 or more minutes late on 2 rounds or more. The director should take the following action progressive action, until improvement is seen:
1st - Encourage those with slow play to catch up by walking to the table and politely but firmly request that they catch up. A calm and reassuring tone is very important; avoid being abrasive or demeaning. Be careful to do this to the right pair, not in situations where others caused them to be late. If you do not know for sure, then watch the pair more closely for a while to see.
2nd - Privately meet with the offending pair and request that they improve on their speed of play. After such a meeting make a brief note on the late log sheet that all directors share near their work station. The purpose of the log is a communication tool among directors only, so they can communicate with each other the status of the repetitive slow pairs.
3rd - If the slow play persists, then a penalty of ¼ board is appropriate. Penalty can be assessed only after taking steps 1 and 2, and can be within the same game or in different games within a 6 month period. Give due consideration to the physical ability to do better; for example when they are already late if they record their private score or engage in a conversation about the hand, then they can improve and should be expected to. On the other hand, if they have to visit the restroom often or can’t move well due to physical ability then we must be sensitive to those kind of things as well.
Directors need to manage the clock to not end a round early if someone has gone to the restroom or is still playing. If the entire field is slow, stop the clock until the field catches up.
April 14, 2006