Bristol Bridge Club

Bridge is an extremely enjoyable game. Courteous behaviour is an exceptionally important part of that enjoyment, so we include here the guide to best behaviour as provided by the EBU. We ask all members to follow these guidelines, and to comply with our Code of Conduct as set out below.

We are sure that all members set out with the full intention of behaving well, but there are times when concentration and pressure can take their toll and it is for these situations that we issue this as a reminder:

• Greet others in a friendly manner prior to start of play on each round
• Be a good “host” or “guest” at the table
• Make your system card readily available to your opponents and fill it out completely
• Make bridge enjoyable for yourself, partner and opponents
• Give credit when opponents make a good bid or play
• Take care of your personal grooming
• Ensure that your mobile phone is turned off
• Enjoy the company as well as the game
• Remember that it is rude to criticise your partner or opponents in public, to be less than polite at the table, to gloat over good results or object to a call for the tournament director or to dispute or argue about a director’s ruling, or generally to make any personal and disparaging remark. 

If you are affected by bad behaviour at the Club, we have a zero tolerance policy so please call the Director immediately to obtain their support. You will be helping others as well as yourselves. 

Penalties for bad behaviour

Annoying behaviour, embarrassing remarks, or any other conduct which might interfere with the enjoyment of the game is specifically prohibited by EBU Law 74A.  Law 91A gives the director the authority to assess disciplinary penalties.  This can include immediate disciplinary board penalties and may lead to disqualification from the current event. In addition, any violation may result in a disciplinary hearing where player(s) future participation in tournaments will be considered. 

Our Code of Conduct

Clause 26 of the Club’s constitution sets out the general expectation that members will conform to the standards of fair play, courtesy and personal deportment.

(a) Directors’ rulings

Tournament directors routinely settle disputes and clarify the rules of contract bridge when they are in charge of playing sessions at the club. Players are expected to comply with such rulings at the time, but are permitted to appeal against such rules and interpretations in accordance with the EBU’s procedures.

(b) Manners and Conduct

Players are expected to behave in a polite and courteous manner to other players, tournament directors and staff at all times when they are playing at the Club, or representing the Club at bridge events and tournaments taking place elsewhere. In particular, members are expected to be welcoming and friendly towards new members, and to those less experienced than themselves (all players were new and inexperienced once, even if it was long ago).

(c) Dress code

Although the Club has not defined a specific dress code, members and guests are expected to deport themselves in such a way as is likely to be accepted by their fellow players.

(d) Complaints

Appendix A of the Club’s constitution deals with complaints against other individuals playing or otherwise involved with the activities of the club (including but not limited to tournament directors, players, guests and staff). Other complaints will be dealt with in the same way as the club deals with suggestions.

For further details, please read the Club Constitution and Bye-Laws.