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This document is provided courtesy of the
American Contract Bridge League
2990 Airways Blvd. S Memphis TN 38116–3847
901–332–5586 S Fax 901–398–7754

NOTE: to view the latest revision of the handbook,
download the latest version of ACBLScore

ACBL player memo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FORMS pg.12

Accident report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FORMS pg.1&2

Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FORMS pg.3&4

Disciplinary

Hearing notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . FORMS pg.5

Hearing report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FORMS pg.6&7

Prior actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FORMS pg.8

Kit compiled for conduct hearings. . . . . . . FORMS pg.18-32

Knockout teams
Compact KOs assignment for 2nd 12 board match of a session
FORMS pg.10

Compact KOs tally sheet for 2nd half of the session FORMS pg.11

Team Registration forms . . . . . . . . . . .FORMS pg.9

Membership Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FORMS pg.17

Special Supply List (Alert Chart, Forms etc) FORMS pg.15

Supply List (Boards and Expendables). . . . FORMS pg.13

Tournament Assistant Form (For Sponsors) FORMS pg.14

Zero tolerance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FORMS pg.16

FORMS.033 (PAGE 1)

__________________

TOURNAMENT ACCIDENT REPORT

Mail to: American Contract Bridge League Submitted by:________________

Accounting Dept.- Cherie Turman

2990 Airways Blvd.

Memphis, TN 38116-3847

Name of DIC: ___________________________

Home Phone # of DIC: ___________________

Date of Report:_______________________ Accident Date:________________

Accident site address:________________________________________________

Tournament Sanction ________________City, ST:_________________________

Chairperson: _________________________________ Phone #:______________

Injured Party: ______________________________ Player #:______________

Home Phone: ______________________ Business Phone: __________________

Medical Provider's Name:______________________________________________

and Address: _________________________________________________________

Witnesses:

(1) Name: ______________________________

(2) Name: ______________________________

Address: _______________________________

Phone: _________________________________

Description of Accident:______________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

FORMS.033 (PAGE 2)

__________________

ACCIDENT REPORT FORM

Fill out the accident report immediately. Make sure all the sections

of the accident report form are filled out completely. Include any

additional information that might be helpful.

The accident report should be mailed to ACBL headquarters to the

attention of the Accounting Department. The report will then be

reviewed.

Most of the claims that are filed are due to falls at the tournament

site. It would be very helpful if the Directors could be sure all

aisles are kept clear, tears in carpets are fixed, cracks in concrete

are covered and caution signs are put out concerning wet floors.

Please do not advise any accident victim that this report form is a

claim. Also do not promise any accident victim that their accident is

covered by insurance. That decision can only be made by the insurance

adjuster after a claim has been filed.

In addition, notify the Chief Tournament Director, by phone, as soon as

possible. The extension is 331.

FORMS.033 (PAGE 3)

APPEALS FORM

TOURNAMENT______________________ SANCTION #______________

This form is to be used when you want to appeal a director's ruling.

Submit it to a director no later than 30 minutes after the session in

which the ruling occurred. Questions concerning scores, score

corrections, conduct or ethics matters must be submitted on the

appropriate form.

EVENT___________________ DATE___________SESSION____SECTION___BOARD#___

YOUR NAME____________________PLAYER #_____________DIRECTION___PAIR#___

PARTNER______________________PLAYER #_____________DIRECTION___PAIR#___

OPPONENT_____________________PLAYER #_____________DIRECTION___PAIR#___

Was Director Called?____By Whom?______When?___________________________

Director's Name___________________Other Director Involved_____________

Director's Ruling_____________________________________________________

DEALER______ S

NORTH H

VUL_________ D

THE AUCTION

N E S W

S S

WEST H EAST H

D D

C C

SOUTH H

RESULT ______________ C

Your reasons for requesting a review__________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

If the committee judges the grounds given for the appeal are

substantially without merit, it may and should assess a matchpoint

penalty or other discipline upon the appellant and his partner or

teammates. The Committee may defer the matter of discipline to the

Director-in-Charge.

I acknowledge that be filing this appeal, I obligate myself to appear

at the appointed time. I realize that if I fail to appear without

notifying the Director of my decision, I may be subject to

disciplinary action.

Appeals screening will take place immediately following the session in

______________________________________________________________________

Should I subsequently decide not to pursue the appeal, I am required

to notify the Director.

Signature of Player Filing the Appeal_______________________

FORMS.033 (PAGE 4)

__________________

APPEALS FORM (page 2)

I understand that there has been an appeal filed on Board______. Appeals

screening will take place immediately following the session

in_________________________________________________. I further understand

that should I fail to appear at the screening and choose not to appear at

the Committee, then the only facts available to the Committee will be

those presented by my opponents and those known to the Director.

This acknowledges that if I do not appear within twenty minutes after the

session, then I have chosen not to appear.

__________________________________

Signature of Opponent of Appellant

Player's Comments:____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Director's Comments:__________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Committee's Comments:_________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Did the Committee find the appeal to have substantial merit?

(Yes or No)__________ If NO, did the Committee:

Assess discipline(___) or Defer to the D-I-C (___)

Decision of the Committee:____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Chairman's Signature______________________________Player #____________

I have received a copy of "Guidelines for Tournament Appeals Committees".

Names of Committee Members (PLEASE PRINT)

Member_________________________________________Player #_______________

Date Appeal Heard_____________________________ Sanction #_____________

Tournament City, St.___________________________DIC____________________

(Rev.9/03) FORMS.033 (PAGE 5)

__________________

NOTIFICATION OF DISCIPLINARY HEARING

Disciplinary Body:_________________________DISTRICT OR UNIT #_________

City, State:__________________________________________________________

Charging Person:________________________________ Player#______________

Name:___________________________________________ Player#______________

___________COMPLAINANT _____________WITNESS ____________PLAYER CHARGED

This hearing will convene on (date)_______________ at (time)__________

at (place)____________________________________________________________

If you are a complainant your attendance is required. Failure to

appear is grounds for disciplinary action. If you are a witness,

whose testimony in the opinion of this Disciplinary Body is material

to the hearing, you are required to appear. Failure to do so is

grounds for disciplinary action, unless reasonable cause can be shown.

The Committee will investigate the following charges:

______________________________________________________________________

To the player charged: Among your rights provided in the ACBL

Disciplinary Regulations, you have:

1. RIGHT TO COUNSEL. Be represented at the hearing by another person who

may or may not be an attorney.

2. RIGHT TO PRESENT EVIDENCE IN YOUR BEHALF. You may bring witnesses.

3. RIGHT TO HEAR EVIDENCE. You are entitled to be present whenever

evidence is given, to challenge the evidence, and to question

witnesses.

4. RIGHT TO CHALLENGE. You have the right to ask that a particular

committee member be removed for cause. The committee remains the sole

judge of its membership.

5. RIGHT TO QUESTION. You have the right to ask questions of persons

testifying at the hearing. The questions are asked through the Chair

and at the Chair s discretion.

(Rev.9/03) FORMS.033 (PAGE 6)

__________________

REPORT OF THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

OF _________________________________________ REGARDING CHARGES

AGAINST ____________________________________, (ACBL # ________________

INTRODUCTION

The Committee met to hear charges filed by ___________________________

based upon a complaint made by _______________________________________

against ______________________________________________________________

The committee members who heard the charges were:

______________________________________, Chairman Player #_____________

______________________________________ Player # _____________

Also present were [state name, title or capacity of these people]:

______________________________________ Player # _____________

EVIDENCE PRESENTED - [Briefly state the evidence as presented by the

parties.]

______________________________________________________________________

FORMS.033 (PAGE 7)

__________________

COMMITTEE'S FINDINGS OF FACT

[Based on the evidence, state the committee's conclusions as to what

happened, i.e., "on three hands at the ABC Sectional, Mr. XYZ

deliberately changed the results on pickup slips to results which did

not occur at his table."]

______________________________________________________________________

DISCIPLINE

[State the discipline; if more than one action is taken, number each

discipline and state them separately. If the discipline is outside

the guidelines, indicate the reason the committee went outside the

guidelines.]

______________________________________________________________________

The parties to the Hearing were called into the room and informed of

the decision of the Committee and the right of either party to appeal.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________ Location/Tournament____________________

_________________________Chairman s Signature/Date____________________

(Rev.9/03) FORMS.033 (PAGE 8)

__________________

STATEMENT OF PRIOR DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Prior to the fixing of discipline for this offense, the Committee may

consider sanctions which have been imposed upon you. List below all

sanctions (ACBL sanctions include public reprimand, probation,

suspension and expulsion) imposed.

DATE SANCTION OFFENSE

__________________ __________________ __________________

Your failure to respond accurately to the Committee's inquiry about

such prior sanctions, if any, is a separate offense, which may result

in a further charge against you.

Signed: __________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________

FORMS.033 (PAGE 9)

_______________________________________________________________________

Enter the sum total | Enter the sum total

number of masterpoints | number of masterpoints

for ALL team members:______________ | for ALL team members:___________

Enter Team | Enter Team

Captain's Name:____________________ | Captain's Name:_________________

Circle Number of 4 5 6 | Circle Number of 4 5 6

Players on the Team: | Players on the Team:

Take this registration form and the | Take this registration form and the

amount of entry to the seller and | amount of entry to the seller and

exchange it for a Tournament Entry. | exchange it for a Tournament Entry.

The Team Captain is responsible for | The Team Captain is responsible for

the accuracy of the information | the accuracy of the information

submitted on this form. | submitted on this form.

------------------------------------|------------------------------------

For Director Use ONLY | For Director Use ONLY

BRACKETED ===============| BRACKETED ==============

= =| = =

KNOCKOUT = =| KNOCKOUT = =

= =| = =

REGISTRATION ===============| REGISTRATION =============

_________________________________________________________________________

Enter the sum total | Enter the sum total

number of masterpoints | number of masterpoints

for ALL team members:______________ | for ALL team members:______________

Enter Team | Enter Team

Captain's Name:____________________ | Captain's Name:____________________

Circle Number of 4 5 6 | Circle Number of 4 5 6

Players on the Team: | Players on the Team:

Take this registration form and the | Take this registration form and the

amount of entry to the seller and | amount of entry to the seller and

exchange it for a Tournament Entry. | exchange it for a Tournament Entry.

The Team Captain is responsible for | The Team Captain is responsible for

the accuracy of the information | the accuracy of the information

submitted on this form. | submitted on this form.

------------------------------------|------------------------------------

For Director Use Only | For Director Use Only

BRACKETED ============== | BRACKETED ==============

= = | = =

KNOCKOUT = = | KNOCKOUT = =

= = | = =

REGISTRATION ============== | REGISTRATION ==============

FORMS.033 (PAGE 10)

TABLE # | TABLE #

============== | ==============

= = | = =

= = BRACKET # __________ | = = BRACKET # _________

= = | = =

============== | ==============

This is your assignment ticket for | This is your assignment ticket for

the second 12-board match of this | the second 12-board match of this

session | session

___________________________________ | __________________________________

IF YOU WIN | IF YOU WIN

the current 12-board NS:________ | the current 12-board NS:________

match go to: | match go to:

EW:________ | EW:________

IF YOU LOSE | IF YOU LOSE

the current 12-board NS:________ | the current 12-board NS:________

match go to: | match go to:

EW:________ | EW:________

___________________________________ | __________________________________

TD Use Only | TD Use Only

TABLE # | TABLE #

============== | ==============

= = | = =

= = BRACKET # __________ | = = BRACKET # _________

= = | = =

============== | ==============

This is your assignment ticket for | This is your assignment ticket for

the second 12-board match of this | the second 12-board match of this

session | session

___________________________________ | __________________________________

IF YOU WIN | IF YOU WIN

the current 12-board NS:________ | the current 12-board NS:________

match go to: | match go to:

EW:________ | EW:________

IF YOU LOSE | IF YOU LOSE

the current 12-board NS:________ | the current 12-board NS:________

match go to: | match go to:

EW:________ | EW:________

___________________________________ | __________________________________

TD Use Only | TD Use Only

FORMS.033 (PAGE 11)

___________________

Compact KO Tally Sheet for the Compact KO Tally Sheet for the

2nd half of the session 2nd half of the session

Bracket ___________ Bracket ___________

WorL? Table Tm# or Capt WorL? Table Tm# or Capt

:___________ :___________

____ _______ ____ _______

:___________ :___________

............................... ................................

:___________ :___________

____ _______ ____ _______

:___________ :___________

................................ ...............................

:___________ :___________

____ _______ ____ _______

:___________ :___________

................................ ...............................

:___________ :___________

____ _______ ____ _______

:___________ :___________

................................ ...............................

:___________ :___________

____ _______ ____ _______

:___________ :___________

................................ ...............................

:___________ :___________

____ _______ ____ _______

:___________ :___________

................................ ...............................

:___________ :___________

____ _______ ____ _______

:___________ :___________

................................ ...............................

:___________ :___________

____ _______ ____ _______

:___________ :___________

................................ ...............................

FORMS.033 (PAGE 12)

___________________

AMERICAN CONTRACT BRIDGE LEAGUE PLAYER MEMO

If you want an incident, condition, or situation brought to the

attention of the Recorder, please fill out this form as completely as

possible and give it to any Tournament Director.

TOURNAMENT_________________________ EVENT______________ DATE__________

SECTION_____________ SESSION________________ BOARD #__________

NAMES (Please print legibly)

Yours_________________________ ACBL #__________ Direction___ Pair #___

Partner________________________ACBL #__________ Direction___ Pair #___

Opponent_______________________ACBL #__________ Direction___ Pair #___

Opponent______________________ ACBL #__________ Direction___ Pair #___

Was Director consulted?___ When?___________________ By whom?__________

Tournament Director's name?___________________________

Dealer_______

Vul._________ S

AUCTION D

N E S W

S S

H H

D D

C C

Notes to auction:

How can you be contacted at this tournament/event?_________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

How can you be contacted at home or at work, if necessary?_________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Please explain your concern in this matter:________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

FORMS.033 (PAGE 13)

___________________

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR SUPPLY LIST

Director___________________________________________TD#_________________

Address________________________________________________________________

City/St________________________________________________________________

Date Prepared___________________ By _______________________Weight______

Date Shipped____________________ Cases______________Cartons____________

Receipt#________________________ Carrier ______________________________

ITEM | AMOUNT | PKR | CKR |ITEM | AMOUNT | PKR | CKR

BOARDS 1-36| |FORMS KIT |_____KIT|_____|_____

White |____sets|_____|_____|SCORE CORR Form |_______C|_____|_____

Yellow |____sets|_____|_____|CONV CARDS SS1 |_______M|_____|_____

Green |____sets|_____|_____|SWISS INSETS SS3 |_______M|_____|_____

Orange |____sets|_____|_____|CONV CARDS SS4 |_______M|_____|_____

Blue |____sets|_____|_____|GOLF PENCILS |___Gross|_____|_____

Pink |____sets|_____|_____|SCOTCH TAPE |___Rolls|_____|_____

| |MASKING TAPE |___Rolls|_____|_____

___________|____________________|COMP PAPER(WIDE) |___Boxes|_____|_____

TABLE CARDS|1-18 |RUBBER BANDS |______LB|_____|_____

Sect A |______ea|_____|_____|EXTRA DECKS-NEW |_____DOZ|_____|_____

Sect B |______ea|_____|_____|KO REG (T133) |_______M|_____|_____

Sect C |______ea|_____|_____|_________________|____________________

Sect D |______ea|_____|_____|PICKUP SLIPS 102A|

Sect E |______ea|_____|_____|White |_______M|_____|_____

Sect F |______ea|_____|_____|Yellow |_______M|_____|_____

|______ea|_____|_____|Green |_______M|_____|_____

|______ea|_____|_____|Orange |_______M|_____|_____

Blank-4 clr|______ea|_____|_____|Blue |_______M|_____|_____

HOWELL | |Pink |_______M|_____|_____

3-4-5-6-7 | | |

Tables |____sets|_____|_____|_________________|____________________

___________|____________________|SWISS TEAM SUPPLIES

ENTRY FORMS|(200 to a pad) |Reprt Slips T-10A|_______M|_____|_____

502-A | |White |_______M|_____|_____

BLANK | |Yellow |_______M|_____|_____

White |_____pad|_____|_____|Green |_______M|_____|_____

Other |_____pad|_____|_____|Orange |_______M|_____|_____

Other |_____pad|_____|_____|Blue |_______M|_____|_____

Sect A |_____pad|_____|_____|Pink |_______M|_____|_____

Sect B |_____pad|_____|_____|_________________|____________________

Sect C |_____pad|_____|_____|Entry Blnks 502-T|(50 to a pad)

Sect D |_____pad|_____|_____|White |_____pad|_____|_____

Sect E |_____pad|_____|_____|Yellow |_____pad|_____|_____

Sect F |_____pad|_____|_____|Green |_____pad|_____|_____

|_____pad|_____|_____|Pink |_____pad|_____|_____

|_____pad|_____|_____|

Additional information and/or instructions_____________________________

______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Rev 6/02

FORMS.033 (PAGE 14)

___________________

Tournament Assistant

Acceptance of Employer Responsibilities

Unit/District ______________ accepts all employer responsibilities for

all tournament assistants (If any) hired to work by this Unit/District

at the___________________________Tournament,

Sanction Number ______________;City________________________;State_____

Dates_________________.

Unit/District___________affirms that ACBL has informed us that their

attorney has advised that tournament assistants should not be

considered independent contractors. ACBL is not employing them, and

is permitting them to work with ACBL tournament directors only on the

basis that Unit/District_________ has accepted full employment

responsibility for the tournament assistants whom they have hired

including, but not limited to FICA, Federal, State and Local income

tax withholding and workers' compensation coverage.

___________________________________

Signature of Unit/District Official

___________________________________

Unit/District Position

FORMS.033 (PAGE 15)

___________________

Tournament Director Special Supply List

Director's Name: _________________________________________ TD# ______

Address to send to:____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

AMOUNT

MATERIAL REQUESTED: DATE SUBMITTED______________ REQUESTD

ACBL Alert Chart (AC1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

ACBL Alert Pamphlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

Zero Tolerance Posters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

ACBL General Convention Chart (T16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

Guidelines for Tournament Appeals Committees. . . . . . . . . _______

Guidelines for Unit and District Disciplinary Hearings. . . . ._______

Notification of Hearing (Conduct) (T175). . . . . . . . . . . ._______

Conduct Hearing Report Form (T176). . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

Guide to Planning Sectional/Regional (T135) . . . . . . . . . ._______

Caddy Pamphlet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

Instant Scorer (S21). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

Duplicate Decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

ENVELOPES:

Regular Business Reply (4x9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

Medium Business Reply (7x10). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._______

OTHER: _______________________________________________ _______

_______________________________________________ _______

Tournament Director's Badge (name required) . . . . . . . . . ._______

Rev. 01/01

FORMS.033 (PAGE 16)

___________________

Behavior Violation Notification

Tournament_________________ Date___________Sanction Number____________

Name of Offender____________________ ACBL#________________

Offense: (Circle)

Negative Comments about Play Badgering Intimidation

Gloating/Gamesmanship Profanity Threats

Gratuitous Lessons and/or Analyses Rudeness Violence

Loud and/or disruptive Arguing with Director Insinuations

Bickering Frivolous Accusations

Other ________________________________________________________________

Describe behavior if necessary________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Penalty_______________________________________________________________

Warning_______________________________________________________________

Report to Director-in-Charge immediately after the session at

___________________________

Name of issuing tournament director

____________________________ACBL#____________

FORMS.033 (PAGE 17)

___________________

American Contract Bridge League ACBL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

2990 Airways Boulevard

Memphis, TN 38116-3847

______________________________________________________________________

One Year Three Years

____ Non-LM $32.00 $90.00

Education Foundation Opt 2.00 6.00

____ Life Master $29.00 $82.00

Education Foundation Opt 2.00 6.00

____ Household $58.00 $164.00

Education Foundation Opt 4.00 12.00

____ Student (25 & Under) $12.75

____ New Member $24.00

NOTE: ACBL membership/service fees are subject to change at any time ACBL

membership/service fees are not tax deductible.

____ Renewal ACBL Player #_______________________

____ Male Complete this application and forward with correct dues

amount to ACBL. Make all checks payable to

____ Female ACBL. Please consider an additional $2.00 for the ACBL

Educational Foundation.

Name _________________________________________________________________

Street Address _______________________________________________________

City ________________________________State ____Zip ___________________

Date of Birth Month ________________________Day ______Year __________

Home Phone Area Code ______ ________________________

Work Phone Area Code ______ ________________________

Email Address ________________________________________________________

Credit Card # ____________________________________ Exp Date __________

(Visa, Master Card and Discover ONLY)

Name on Card _________________________________________________________

THIS FORM MAY BE USED FOR NEW MEMBERS IF AN INSTANT MEMBERSHIP FORM

(WITH PLAYER NUMBER) IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FEE IS $24 FOR ONE YEAR.

INSTANT MEMBERSHIPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO PLAYERS IF THEY HAVE

PREVIOUSLY BEEN A MEMBER.

FORMS.033 (PAGE 18)

___________________

MATERIALS INCLUDED IN THIS FILE

This is a compilation of material needed for a conduct committee.

Included is the Checklist for Disciplinary Committees, Guidelines for

Disciplinary Proceedings, Disciplinary Sanction Guidelines and one

copy of each form needed (Notification of Conduct Hearing Form,

Conduct Hearing Report Form and Statement of Prior Disciplinary

Actions). If more copies of the Conduct Hearing Report Form are

needed they can be found on pages 5-7.

The Code of Disciplinary Regulations is not included because of its

length. If you need to print a copy, it can be found in

the Techfiles under file name CDR pages 1-21.

REPORTING DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN BY A COMMITTEE

DIC's at Sectional and Regional tournaments must have a report on any

disciplinary action taken by a committee at their tournament in the

mail to the office the day after the committee action.

When a C&E committee imposes discipline exceeding the tournament, a

report must either be sent in a separate, letter-style envelope (NOT

WITH THE TOURNAMENT REPORT) attention Chief Tournament Director or

faxed (901-398-7754) to the CTD.

According to our legal counsel, the office cannot take action without

written (or faxed) notification of the committee's findings.

(Office Policy - November, 1993)

FORMS.033 (PAGE 19)

___________________

CHECKLIST FOR DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE CASES

I SETUP

1. Chairperson selected

2. Committee members selected

3. Time and Place of hearing set

4. Reference material gathered (some may be provided by the Tournament

Director or ACBL Headquarters)

a) ACBL Code of Disciplinary Regulations

b) Guidelines for Disciplinary Proceedings

c) Disciplinary Sanction Guidelines

d) Handbook for Appeals Committees

e) Forms for recording and reporting proceedings and actions

II PRELIMINARY ACTIONS

1. Accused person(s) served with notice of hearing and rights (signature

of receipt or verification of mailing).

2. Witness(es) served with notice of hearing (signature of receipt or

verification of mailing).

3. Prepare and gather any necessary evidence or affidavits

4. Record(s) from previous hearing(s) if applicable (appeals)

III HEARING

1. Recording of proceedings arranged (when desired) and initiated

2. Introduction of participants and description of proceedings

3. The hearing

4. The deliberations

5. The verdict

6. The discipline

7. Disciplined member apprized of sentence and rights (see Code)

IV AFTER

1. Records gathered and forwarded to ACBL

2. Records kept by Chair (or otherwise kept safe)

(Rev.9/03) FORMS.033 (PAGE 20)

___________________

APPENDIX A

GUIDELINES FOR DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

(Handbook for Disciplinary Committees)

Since disciplinary hearings differ both in purpose and process from

appeals committee hearings, this handbook, while useable as a stand-alone

document, serves best when used as a supplement to the applicable parts

and sections of the ACBL Handbook for Appeals Committees.

Tournament disciplinary committees hear complaints of conduct and ethics

(C&E) arising at that tournament. Unit and district disciplinary

committees usually hear initial complaints of conduct and ethics while

district appellate committees hear appeals from C&E decisions of lower

jurisdictional bodies. Jurisdiction is outlined in the ACBL Code of

Disciplinary Regulations (CDR).

The purpose of these guidelines is to help the appropriate body provide

fair hearings for all ACBL members charged with wrongdoing under the CDR.

Disciplinary proceedings are not criminal trials and do not involve

personal liberty or property rights. Rather, they involve the privilege

of playing bridge at an ACBL-sanctioned event. These guidelines are

suggested procedures, except for those in which it is specifically stated

that they are mandatory, as required by the CDR.

I. COMMITTEE COMPOSITION

A. SELECTION

Serving on a disciplinary committee is a most difficult (and important)

responsibility. For most cases, committee members need not be expert

players. However, it is important that each member of the committee have

a reputation for integrity, honesty and unimpeachable ethics to avoid any

claim of a prejudiced decision. Generally, the chairperson should have

considerable experience in disciplinary matters and be sensitive to the

due process considerations affecting the disciplinary process. An odd

number (usually 5) is best to avoid the possibility of deadlock on any

single issue.

B. BIAS

Every committee member must be completely unbiased as to the

personalities and issues involved. Common sense should prevent most

incorrect appointments. No committee member should be a regular partner,

close friend, spouse, significant other or known enemy of any party, or

have a business or financial association. Any committee member who has

dealings with a party that might give even the appearance of impropriety

should excuse him or herself from further service. Committee members

should conduct themselves appropriately, and avoid social contact with

any party either before or immediately after the hearing.

II. PERIOD OF LIMITATIONS

A complaint concerning a single incident must be filed within 60 days of

that incident. A complaint concerning a pattern of actions must be filed

within five years of the earliest action referenced in the complaint. A

complaint involving the conveying of information by unauthorized means,

pursuant to Law 73.B.2 is not subject to any period of limitations.

FORMS.033 (PAGE 21)

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III. THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

A. The Committee

Each unit and district should have a committee whose purpose is to hear

disciplinary matters. Where such a standing committee does not exist, it

must be formed on a case by case basis. All members of the committee

should be well-respected members of the bridge-playing community. The

committee as a whole should represent diverse.

If a Disciplinary Committee member feels unable to act impartially at a

hearing, he or she should ask to be excused. If there is an appearance

of possible partiality (See I.B), the committee should either excuse the

member from the hearing or discuss the matter with the parties involved,

to determine if they object to the presence of that person on the

committee. The committee as a whole is the sole determiner of the

eligibility of committee members.

B. Charger

The person delegated to bring charges must not be the Disciplinary

Committee Chair or other member of the disciplinary committee.

C. Presenter

An individual who makes or assists with an impartial presentation of

evidence to a disciplinary committee. A presenter may be the recorder,

tournament director or other party. The presenter may act as an aide to

the disciplinary committee to insure a fair and complete presentation of

the evidence for the committee to consider.

There are occasions when the person delegated to bring charges (or the

committee chair) will determine that, in the interests of a full and fair

hearing, it will be appropriate to have an impartial party help organize

and present evidence. In these instances, the committee chair should

request that a presenter be selected if the person responsible for

charging has not previously selected a presenter.

Except for simple, straightforward cases, it is suggested that

consideration be given to selection of a presenter.

D. Advocate

A person selected by the Unit, District or ACBL Management to represent

the organization by prosecuting the complaint. An advocate is the

representative of the complainant. As such, the advocate is not neutral

or unbiased. The advocate is free to aggressively prosecute a complaint.

IV. PRE-HEARING PROCEDURES (DISCIPLINARY AND APPELLATE)

Subsequent to the scheduling of a disciplinary hearing or an appeal, it

is mandatory that the parties involved receive timely written notice of

the date, time and place of the hearing, are furnished with written

charges, and are advised of their right to be represented by counsel (who

need not be an attorney), to produce evidence on their behalf and to be

present during the entire hearing. Suggested forms are available at the

ACBL web page at www.acbl.org under Governance. The chairperson of the

committee must verify that appropriate notices have been sent.

FORMS.033 (PAGE 22)

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Since discussions and considerations at hearings of appeals of

disciplinary sanctions are based primarily on the facts determined by the

committee imposing the sanction(s), it is extremely important that

detailed records be kept of all proceedings and testimony given at

disciplinary hearings.

While tape recording is not mandatory, it is most desirable. The

chairperson should attempt to provide for the best record keeping

permitted by circumstances. At the very least, one or more members of

the committee should be charged with the task of keeping good written

records. The Chairperson should ensure that any such records are sent to

ACBL Headquarters, along with the written report of the hearing, for

safekeeping in the event of future need.

The Disciplinary Committee may hold a pre-hearing conference to narrow or

frame procedural questions that relate to the matter before it. At this

conference the committee also may direct the disclosure of evidence,

permit the taking of depositions, and permit the presentation of

affidavits for use at the hearing. In addition, when more than one party

is charged in the same situation, or when one party is charged in several

situations, the proceedings may be consolidated.

V. HEARING PROCEDURES

The complainants and the people charged and/or their counsels are

entitled to be present while all evidence is given. Other individuals

may remain at the hearing only at the discretion of the chairperson.

After calling the hearing to order, the chairperson should clarify to all

parties that the chair is in charge and that no one is to speak unless

recognized by the chair. After introducing all individuals present to

each other, the chairperson then explains how the hearing will proceed.

The chairperson should begin the hearing by reading the complaint. At

tournament, a tournament director who might also be a witness in the

case, presents most cases to the committee. At a Unit or District

hearing, the case will usually have been referred to the committee after

review by the President or a designee, who may be the recorder. In the

absence of a person to officially present the case (such as the

recorder), the chair will provide an opportunity for each side to present

its case. The committee should hear the evidence, first in support of

the complaint and then on behalf of those charged, followed by rebuttal

by either side, as necessary. (See discussions on evidence in the

Appeals Committee Handbook.)

Next, witnesses may be questioned by the party (or counsel) who calls

them, by the other party (or counsel), the presenter, and by the

committee members. At his or her discretion, the chair may sequester one

or more witnesses; that is, allow them to attend the hearing only while

giving testimony and caution them against discussing the case until the

hearing is completed.

FORMS.033 (PAGE 23)

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After hearing all testimony the committee considers the case in a closed

session; these deliberations are privileged. The standard for

determining guilt is that the evidence must be clear and convincing (See

VII). A simple majority decision prevails, unless the unit or district

bylaws specify otherwise.

If the committee arrives at a decision of guilt, the next step is the

determination of what discipline to impose. The CDR should be consulted,

along with the list of ACBL Sanction Guidelines (See CDR Appendix C). The

committee should examine the previous record of the guilty party before

determining discipline. This information may be obtained by having the

guilty person fill out the provided form listing previous disciplines

and/or consulting with ACBL Headquarters prior to or after the

determination of guilt.

Before a disciplinary committee at a tournament can refer a matter to a

higher disciplinary body for further discipline (when it feels such

additional discipline is warranted), the referring committee must impose

a maximum discipline permitted by a tournament disciplinary committee (90

days suspension or 90 days probation or both).

VI. POST-HEARING PROCEDURES

When the disciplinary body imposes sanctions, it is mandatory that such

disciplinary body furnish the person(s) against whom the sanctions were

imposed with written notice of the sanction, stating its effective date.

The disciplined party or parties and the complainant if any are to be

notified of the right to appeal the ruling to the District Appellate

Committee (providing the name and address of the Chairman) if the

disciplinary body is a unit, district or tournament disciplinary

committee. (Note: Other disciplinary bodies should check the CDR to

properly advise the disciplined party or parties.)

It is also mandatory that the disciplinary body send a full report of the

hearing (See Hearing Report Form at www.acbl.org) along with a copy of

the letter sent to the disciplined party or parties to ACBL Headquarters

at the same time.

VII. EVIDENCE

To find a person guilty requires a simple majority of the committee. Each

committee member, in deciding which way to vote, uses as a standard that

the evidence be clear and convincing. It is not necessary that the

evidence be beyond a reasonable doubt. If a reasonable person has a firm

conviction that the evidence favoring guilt is more likely to be true

than the evidence favoring innocence, then that committee member should

find the charged person guilty as this meets the standard of clear and

convincing.

FORMS.033 (PAGE 24)

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VIII. MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING

In assessing any of the following sanctions, the committee should

consider the definition of member in good standing which is: "an ACBL

member shall be deemed to be in good standing when such member is not

currently on suspension, indefinite probation or serving probation that

resulted from a suspension, the initial term of which was in excess of

ninety days".

(Rev.9/03) FORMS.033 (PAGE 25)

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ACBL DISCIPLINARY SANCTION GUIDELINES

The following range of discipline for conduct and ethics violations is

provided as a guide to a disciplinary committee not a mandate. This is

not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible infractions but

rather to set forth examples. The committee is free to impose on a guilty

defendant whatever punishment it deems is appropriate from options

described in the CDR. However, a disciplinary committee, which imposes a

sanction which is outside the range recommended by these guidelines, must

explain why it chose the sanction imposed. Part A of these guidelines is

intended to apply to the typical case involving a single incident and a

defendant who has no previous disciplinary record. If this is not the

case, the committee must read Part B of these guidelines before deciding

on an appropriate discipline.

PART A CONDUCT

C1 OFFENSE: Poor personal hygiene or dress (CDR 3.7)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Reprimand to 30 days Probation

C2 OFFENSE: Rudeness in conversation, gesture, or general behavior (CDR

3.7)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Reprimand to 30 days Probation

C3 OFFENSE: Publicly belittle partner or opponent on bid or play (CDR

3.7)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Reprimand to 30 days Probation

C4 OFFENSE: Influence or attempt to influence an entrant to withdraw from

an event to improve one's likelihood of winning more masterpoints (CDR

3.12)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Reprimand to 90 days Probation

C5 OFFENSE: Harass a tournament director or tournament official

(CDR 3.11)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Reprimand to 90 days Probation to 30 days

Suspension

C6 OFFENSE: Deliberately fail to follow instructions given by a

tournament director or official including leaving a session without

permission of the tournament director or game director. (CDR 3.1 &

3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 90 days Probation to 30 days Suspension

C7 OFFENSE: Fail to report a known incorrect score (CDR 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 90 days Probation to 30 days Suspension

C8 OFFENSE: Publicly made obscene comments (CDR 3.7)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Reprimand to 120 days Probation

C9 OFFENSE: Intimidate or harass another player or ACBL official

(CDR 3.11)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 90 days Probation to 30 days Suspension

FORMS.033 (PAGE 26)

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C10 OFFENSE: Publicly accuse another player of unethical behavior

(CDR 3.4)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 90 days Probation to 180 days Suspension

C11 OFFENSE: Threat of abusive or violent contact with another person

(CDR 3.7)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 90 days Probation to 180 days Suspension

C12 OFFENSE: Abusive or violent contact with another person

(CDR 3.7)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 90 days Suspension to 1 year Suspension

C13 OFFENSE: Knowingly submit false information or deliberately distort

facts to an ACBL official or committee (CDR 3.13)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 90 days Probation to 1 year Suspension

C14 OFFENSE: Failure of Complainant to appear at hearing (CDR 3.14)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 30 days Suspension

C15 OFFENSE: Appeal a decision from a disciplinary body with no

reasonable basis (CDR 3.15)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Reprimand to 90 days Probation to 90 days

Suspension

C16 OFFENSE: Initiate disciplinary action against another player with no

reasonable basis (CDR 3.15)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 30 days Suspension to 90 days Suspension

C17 OFFENSE: Initiate and maintain legal action against the ACBL

(including a District or Unit) without first exhausting

administrative remedies (CDR 3.10)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 1 year Suspension

C18 OFFENSE: Misappropriate ACBL, Unit or District Funds (CDR 3.9)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Indefinite Suspension pending return of

funds

ETHICS

E1 OFFENSE Deliberately ask for or give information about a board in play

after both parties played it (CDR 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Reprimand

E2 OFFENSE Deliberately ask for or give information about a board in play

prior to one or both parties playing the board (CDR 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE:30 days Suspension to 1 year Suspension*

FORMS.033 (PAGE 17)

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E3 OFFENSE Unsportsmanlike and frivolous psyching (CDR 3.2) RECOMMENDED

DISCIPLINE: Reprimand to 30 days Suspension*

FORMS.033 (PAGE 27)

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E4 OFFENSE Play a convention, system, or treatment knowing it is illegal;

Purposefully fail to disclose partnership agreements with intent to

deceive (CDR 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Reprimand to 30 days Suspension*

E5 OFFENSE: Bid or play with the specific intent to achieve a poor result

on that hand (CDR 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE:90 days Probation to 90 days Suspension*

E6 OFFENSE: Intentionally change a score or any information that could

result in awarding incorrect masterpoints (CDR 3.1)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE:180 days Suspension to 1 year Suspension*

E7 OFFENSE: Accidentally gain access to information and then act on it

(CDR 3.1 & 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE:90 days Probation to 180 days Suspension*

E8 OFFENSE: Hesitate with an intent to deceive; use intonations and

mannerisms that may deceive opponents or help partner (CDR 3.1 & 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE:1 year Probation to 180 days Suspension*

E9 OFFENSE: Deliberately try to see from where an opponent plays his

cards (CDR 3.1 & 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE:90 days Probation to 90 days Suspension*

E10 OFFENSE: Actively and deliberately try to see an opponents' cards

(CDR 3.1 & 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE:90 days Suspension to 1 year Suspension*

E11 OFFENSE: Actively seek advance information about a board in play

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 2-year Suspension to Expulsion*

E12 OFFENSE: Prearrange a deal or part thereof including one card (CDR

3.1 & 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 2-year Suspension to Expulsion*

E13 OFFENSE: Intentionally gain access to hand records (CDR 3.1 & 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: 2-year Suspension to Expulsion*

E14 OFFENSE: Prearranged partnership collusion by means of signaling to

exchange information (CDR 3.1 & 3.2)

RECOMMENDED DISCIPLINE: Expulsion*

*If a committee imposes a suspension, then it should also disqualify the

pair or team from the event. This will mean the pair or team will lose

its place in the event, any masterpoints earned in the event and any

other benefits it may have earned from playing in the event. Should this

disqualification take place after the correction period for the event has

expired, other pairs and teams do not move up - the place formerly held

by the disqualified contestant (pair or team) remains vacant.

FORMS.033 (PAGE 28)

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PART B

There are three major reasons why the suggested guidelines in Part A

might not be appropriate. First, the single violation might be either so

slight or severe as to make the suggested sanction inappropriate. Second,

the defendant might be convicted for several violations (such as a

pattern of behavior). Third, the defendant might have a previous record.

1. When the defendant s single violation is either extremely slight or

severe, the committee should apply its sound, unemotional judgment.

For example, either the experience or mental intentions of the

defendant might be a consideration. Please explain on the Hearing

Report Form why the violation was considered atypical.

2. When the defendant is convicted of several violations, such as a

pattern of behavior, the committee should impose a sanction as if each

violation was a separate offense. The Committee should note the

separate violations and/or explain the pattern.

3. When the defendant has a prior record, the nature of the previous

offense is not particularly important. The number of prior convictions

is important. The reason is that the defendant was already sanctioned

for the specific prior violation(s). The committee should pay close

attention to how the prior conviction(s) reflects on the defendant s

ability to behave according to ACBL standards and explain on the

Hearing Report Form the reasons for its decision.

(Rev.9/03) FORMS.033 (PAGE 29)