ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES

(Appendix to the Dudley Report from Memphis)


The ACBL Board of Directors and Management is 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 areas 

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 a nicety.)



The following lists some example 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.

	Gloating.

	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 92A gives the director the authority to assess

disciplinary penalties.



The following procedures have been given to the tournament

directors for implementation:



1.  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 outlines above.



2.  The director, when called, shall attempt to determine the

facts.  If it is established that there was unacceptable

behavior, an immediate 1/4 board disciplinary penalty (3 IMP

in team games) shall be assigned to the offenders.  This may

involve any one or all four players at the table irrespective

of who initiated the unacceptable behavior.  If both members

of the partnership are guilty, the penalties are additive

(1/4 board EACH = 1/2 board!).The Board of Directors strongly

believes that assignment of disciplinary penalties will improve

the overall behavior at our tournaments.



3.  If it determined that a second offense has occurred in the

same event, then the offender(s) shall be ejected from the

further 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.  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.



4.  Warnings are strongly discouraged and will be given only

when there is no clear violation or in cases where 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.



5.  In accordance with the Laws of Duplicate Bridge, a

director's decision to impose a disciplinary penalty if final;

however, all such decisions may be appealed.  An appeals com-

mittee 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.



6.  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.