| Zero Tolerance - The ACBL Board of Directors and Management are
committed to improving acceptable player behavior at all times. In
accordance with Laws 74, 80F, 81C4, 90A, 91, and 92A (Laws of Duplicate
Bridge) the following policy outlines what is expected of all players during
NABCs and other ACBL sponsored events, as well as in the playing area before
and after each session.
The ultimate
purpose of the Z-T policy is to create a much more pleasant atmosphere in our
NABCs. 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, which, while not required, will significantly contribute to the
improved atmosphere:
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
list 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 tournament directors for implementation.
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.
The director,
when called, shall make an assessment of the situation. If it is established
that there was unacceptable behavior, an immediate ¼ 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 (¼ board EACH = ½ board!). The Board of Directors
strongly believes that assignment of disciplinary penalties will improve the
overall behavior at our tournaments.
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. In the case of a serious offense and in the case of multiple
offenses (three) during a tournament, a disciplinary committee may be convened
to determine whether the offender(s) should be allowed to play in other events
at the tournament and/or whether additional sanctions may be appropriate.
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 is final; however, all such decisions may be appealed. An appeals
committee may not overturn the director's decision, but could recommend that the
director reconsider the imposition of a penalty. It should be noted that the
committee may feel that the penalty assessed was not severe enough and may refer
the matter to a disciplinary committee.
A Zero Tolerance
Report Form shall be available for players to report incidents which occur away
from the table; and for directors to document complaints and action taken. The
DIC shall provide a summary report of all behavioral penalties to the Tournament
Chairman and/or Recorder. See
ACBL Zero Tolerance Form
Also see
Proprieties,
Etiquette,
Slow Play
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