Inside the Boardroom

With

Barbara Nist

Washington, D. C. Summer 2002

Chris Pesce, Seattle and Rich Atwater, Tacoma won the Red Ribbon Pairs.

With a scorching 74.78% game in the third quarter the pair ran away from the field.

The NABC started off with the Hall of Fame banquet. Our own Paul Soloway was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Paul has had to wait for the honor as he was “too young” to be nominated.

Washington was considered a success though the attendance was lower than locals expected, at 14,650 tables, it was in line with managements projections. Although we had considerable distances to walk, the entire tournament was under one roof. With the temperature and humidity, this was definitely a blessing. There were a number of ethnic restaurants within walking distance and on the days the temperature cooperated, may of us enjoyed eating outside. The locals provided and extensive tour package with players returning in time to play bridge daily.

2003 ACBL President

Al Levy, District 24; Long Island, New York; was elected President for 2003. This

is the first time a President has been elected during the summer meeting. It was felt that the late November or December election didn’t give a new President much time to prepare before starting his/her term.

Financial Report

Under new management, with a considerable reduction in staff and overhead, it is projected that we will have a surplus of approximately $400,000. in the calendar year of 2002. At this time there are no fee increases projected for the 2003 budget.

New Bulletin

Starting with the January 2003 issue, we will be receiving a new Bulletin. While some players will have to adjust to the new size, 8 ½ X 11, I believe the overall upgrade in the magazine will be well worth the change. The magazine will be glossy, full color, 76 pages in length, include both the Play Bridge magazine and on page 17 your masterpoint record updated monthly. Once a year the ACBL Products catalog will be included. All this for a savings of approximately $50,000. annually.

International Membership

ACBL members residing outside of Zone 2 (US, Canada, Bermuda, Mexico) shall pay an additional amount per year for the Bridge Bulletin postage for delivery outside the Zone.

Electronic Communication

Where possible management is encouraged to correspond electronically. Please make sure that updated email addresses are sent to ACBL as there are considerable financial savings available.

Membership Data Fee

The new reduced fees for membership data will be $.02 per name with a $12 minimum through the first 2,000 names and $.01 per name for any names over 2,000 plus the cost of materials (labels, envelopes, etc.)

Non-Member Fee Increase

Effective January 1, 2003 at all NABC’s entry fees for non-members and unpaid Life Masters will be $2.00 per player per session higher than for ACBL members and Life Masters who have paid their service fee. Charity events and events limited to players with fewer than 20 masterpoints are exempt from this requirement. Again this is to be expressed as a discount for members. There is an increasing number of international players attending our tournaments, winning our masterpoints, and not paying to support our organization.

Fees

A motion from the Board of Governors to reduce family membership fees was deferred until fall when more information regarding financial impact will be available.

A motion to increase entry fees for just the Long Beach 2003 NABC to cover the cost of the convention space was defeated. As we were projecting a surplus this year it was decided that rather than raise entry fees for just one NABC we would pay the one time charge of about $75,000.

Director-in-Charge Transportation

Regardless of location, any Unit desiring a Sectional will be provided a director-in-charge for the current fee. The current cost of $110. per tournament to cover travel expenses was determined to be sufficient. Our Fairbanks people will be able to continue having their tournament as well as all others in the district currently considered “too small” to warrant travel expense.

Free Plays

NABC fee plays were awarded for members of the Laws Commission and C & C committee. One two-session entry per person was awarded as a token of our appreciation.

Conditions of Contest

Several minor changes were made in the conditions of contest. Complete explanations are available on the ACBL webpage.

STaC directors will be allowed to play even if hand records were used as long as the director did not duplicate the hands.

Unseeded KO’s are amended as follows. There are no seeding rights. Should a seating disagreement arise:

A: At the start of a match there is a coin flip. Winner selects either seating rights or which half.

B: If there was no disagreement at the start of the match, but there is one at the half; the team that is behind has the seating rights. If the match is tied there will be a coin flip.

Mid-Chart Addition

A transfer opening bid at the two-level or higher showing a weak bid in the suit being transferred to or a type or types of strong hand has been added to the chart.

Tournament Events and Restrictions

The complete chart been clarified and is available on the webpage.

Masterpoint Chart

The complete masterpoint chart was redone and had its first reading. NABC events were changed to reflect competitiveness and field size.

Significant increases were made in scoring across the field.

The complete chart is available on the ACBL webpage.

No Trump Announcements

No changes will be made to the new no trump announcement. Announcement of all no trump ranges will be required.

Simplified Club Games

A committee will prepare a set of rules and regulations for a relaxed club game. Over 95% of our players never attend a tournament so really have no need to play the sophisticated rules that are required in the Laws of Duplicate Bridge. Suggestions from club owners would be appreciated.

99er Sectional

Any Unit not running at least two 99er Sectional tournaments per year is encouraged to grant approval to any club within its jurisdiction that applies for a sanction to run such a tournament.

299er Sectional

With Management approval, a sponsoring organization may run a limited sectional with a maximum of 299 Masterpoints or less using local directors.

WBF

ACBL will request that legitimate residents as well as citizens be eligible for participation in the 2003 Bermuda Bowl and Venice Cup. Complete explanation of the eligibility requirements available on the ACBL webpage.

Coffin Trophy

There is a new Women’s Board a Match Team Trophy starting with the Fall 2002 NABC.

Anyone wishing to purchase a trophy may do so for a fee of $50,000 plus the trophy. The award is for 20 years and will then be retired.

Volunteer Dinner

The Board of Directors and spouses/significant others are encouraged but not required to attend the dinner given at each NABC to honor the volunteers. One-half of daily per diem will be deducted from each Board member who attends the dinner.

Complete minutes of the Board of Directors meeting will be available on the ACBL webpage.

Looking forward to seeing you in Everett August 12^th through 18^th.

Sincerely

Barbara L. Nist

National Director

District 19