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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

  • Being a good ‘host’ or ‘guest’ at the table.                                                                                                                                                                                        
  • Greeting others in a friendly manner.                                                                                                                                                                                                 
  • 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.                                                                                             
  • Constant and gratuitous lessons and analyses at the table.                                                                                                                  
  • 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.                                                                           

  1. 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.                                       
  2. 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.                           
  3. 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.                                                                 
  4. In accordance with the Laws of Duplicate Bridge, a director’s decision to impose a disciplinary penalty is final.