American
Contract Bridge League  Zero Tolerance Policy
The ACBL Board of Directors and Management are committed to improving acceptable player behavior at all times.
In accordance with the Laws of Duplicate Bridge, the following policy outlines what is expected of all players during ACBL sponsored events -- as well as in the playing area before and after each session.
The ultimate purpose of this policy is to create a much more pleasant atmosphere in our games. 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. NEVER!
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 or anyone for that
matter.
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 the ACBL’s ZERO
TOLERANCE POLICY 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 (or 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. Â 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.
Be cool! Bridge is fun.