BCCM Policy on Language

The BCCM has members from many different countries who speak a variety of languages. Occasionally a pair at the bridge table discusses a hand after play in their native language rather than using a language understood by all at the table. Sometimes this has led to criticisms of impoliteness, as the discussion excludes two of those at the table.

In a social context with four people gathered together, it might well be considered disrespectful to exclude two of them from the conversation by speaking a different language if there were an alternative. A bridge game is a different context. This distinction applies even though clearly the club has a social element, because the matter being discussed is normally one of private interest.

It is common to discuss the bidding or play of the hand briefly with one’s partner after the hand has been played. This is not a matter of general discussion or general interest.  Partners may wish to discuss the play in their own language. Even when all four players speak the same language, partners talk over the hand together with no particular wish to involve their opponents.

Once players have taken out the cards for a new board, then there should be no substantive discussion by any of the players in whatever language. Occasional small talk is acceptable provided it conveys no information about the hand. Therefore, it becomes a problem when players speak in a language not understood by others at the table after the cards have been taken out.

In conclusion, it is club policy to sanction brief discussion of the hand after play in the language of choice of any and all partnerships. However, after cards are taken out for a new board, continuing discussion about the previous hand must cease, and any other brief comments should be in a language understood by everyone at the table.

ZERO TOLERANCE AND CLUB POLICIES

INTRODUCTION.

The Bridge Club of Chiang Mai is committed to ensuring acceptable player behaviour at all times in accordance with the latest edition of the WBF Laws of Bridge.

The Bridge Club welcomes all players regardless of race, creed, religion, political affiliation, sexuality, national origin, gender, disability or their proficiency at Bridge.

The Bridge Club of Chiang Mai exists to provide for its members, visitors and friends an opportunity to play Bridge in a competitive but friendly and welcoming environment at all times.

Members are encouraged to greet visitors; be friendly and welcoming at the Bridge Table as well as commending their bidding and play.  Members are also encouraged to have and use Convention Cards.

DISPUTES AND MISCONDUCT.

The Club will strive at all times to resolve disputes in a fair and amicable way.  The Club will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour such as:

• Badgering, rudeness, insinuations, intimidation, profanity, threats or violence
• Negative comments concerning opponents’ or partner’s play at the table or elsewhere
• Constant and gratuitous lessons and analyses at the table
• Loud or disruptive arguing about any subject, during or after the sessions and especially
  as a result of a Director’s ruling
   

The Session Director will, in the first instance, apply the Laws of Bridge and the rules of the Club.  Members can appeal a Director's decision relating to the procedural rules and laws of Bridge after the session and not later than 30 minutes after the results are posted.  Appeals should be made to the Director who will notify the Committee.

In the event of serious misconduct, as judged by the Session Director, which cannot be resolved at the table, the Director will report the matter to the Club Committee via the Chairperson.

The Club Committee has the authority to warn, discipline, suspend or expel any player who is judged to be in violation of this Zero Tolerance Policy or the club policies.  The Committee will meet promptly to make a ruling on warnings, suspensions or expulsions.  Any such ruling will be taken by a super majority vote of the Committee (currently 5 votes).  There is no appeal to a Committee's decision to expel if that decision is based on serious misconduct on the part of the expelled member.

A player who is expelled is not entitled to any award or refund of dues paid.

Any expulsion will be for the duration of the current Committee’s term.  Thereafter the player can apply again by letter or email to the Chair for re-admission.   To re-admit an expelled member, a super majority vote in favour of re-admission is required.  In the event the vote denies re-admission, then the original expulsion is extended for the duration of that current Committee’s term.

In all such matters, the decisions of the elected Committee of the Bridge Club of Chiang Mai are final.

Rev.  June 2013