ZERO
TOLERANCE POLICY
Bridge
is fun!!!!!!!
The ACBL Board of
Directors and Management are committed to improving acceptable player behavior
at all times. In accordance with Laws 74, 80B2(f),
81C4, 90A, 91, and 92A (Laws of Duplicate
Bridge) the following
policy outlines what is expected of all players during all ACBL sponsored
events. The ultimate purpose
of the Z-T policy is to create a pleasant atmosphere in our sanctioned events.
We are attempting to eradicate unacceptable behavior in order to make the game
of bridge more enjoyable for all. Below are some examples of commendable behavior.
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Being a good ‘host’ or ‘guest’ at the table.
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Greeting others in a friendly manner.
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Praising the bidding and/or play of the opponents
Having two clearly
completed convention cards readily available to the opponents (This one is a regulation, not just a nicety) The following are some
examples of behavior which will not be tolerated:
-
Badgering, rudeness, insinuations, intimidation,
profanity, threats, or violence.
-
Negative comments concerning opponents’ or partner’s
play or bidding.
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Constant and gratuitous lessons and analyses at the
table.
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Loud and disruptive arguing with a director’s ruling.
If a player at the
table 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 Law 74A.
Law 91A gives the director the authority to assess disciplinary penalties.The
following procedures have been given to the directors for implementation.
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At the start of each event, the director shall make an
announcement that the tournament will be observing ZERO TOLERANCE for
unacceptable behavior. It is requested that the director be called
whenever behavior is not consistent with the guidelines outlined above.
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The director, when called, shall make an assessment of
the situation. If it is established that there was unacceptable behavior, a
penalty 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. The ACBL Board of Directors strongly believes that
assignment of disciplinary penalties will improve the overall behavior at
our games.
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If it is determined that the same offender is
responsible for a second offense in the same event, then the offender(s)
shall be ejected from future competition in that event. An offender
removed from an event shall be deemed to have not played in the event, no masterpoints will be awarded and no refunds will be made. All
previously-obtained results shall, however, remain valid as to their
effect upon other competitors. 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 will also be considered as offenses under this policy.
-
In accordance with the Laws of Duplicate Bridge, a director’s decision to
impose a disciplinary penalty is final.