Concerned about falling attendances at Bridge Clubs, the EBU in May 2006 announce an initiative "Best Behaviour @ Bridge", instigating a code of practice aimed at improving the atmosphere in bridge clubs.

The current laws of bridge state

LAW 74 ‐ CONDUCT AND ETIQUETTE
A. Proper Attitude
1. A player should maintain a courteous attitude at all times.
2. A player should carefully avoid any remark or extraneous action that might cause annoyance or embarrassment to another player or might interfere with the enjoyment of the game.
3. Every player should follow uniform and correct procedure in calling and playing.

Note that "another player" includes partner. If you do have a disagreement over system or that you think your partner has dome something really stupid (you never do anything stupid do you!?), remember that a) (s)he probably had a reason and b) this should be discussed away from the bridge table.

Breach of this law means that the Director is empowered to apply law 91

LAW 91 ‐ PENALIZE OR SUSPEND
A. Director’s Powers
In performing his duty to maintain order and discipline, the Director is empowered to assess disciplinary penalties in points or to suspend a player or contestant for the current session or any part thereof. The Director’s decision under this clause is final (see Law 93B3).
B. Right to Disqualify
The Director is empowered to disqualify a player or contestant for cause, subject to approval by the Tournament Organizer.

The EBU have provided guidance for TDs at their events

Bad behaviour may be brought to the TD’s attention by someone other than the players concerned.

Note that it usually only ‘public’ behaviour that is penalised. Arguments, swearing or offensive remarks between members of a partnership or team are usually considered to be a private matter unless either:
• the player insulted complains to the TD; or
• the player causes offence to, or inconveniences, other players at the same or nearby tables.

Offensive remarks, swearing, etc. can still be subject to disciplinary action or referral to the L&EC if they take place away from the playing area (e.g. in the bar after play has completed) but penalties would usually only be applied if the person directly insulted complained (it would have to be exceptional for a third party complaint to result in any action).

It should be extremely rare for a first offence of any kind to merit immediate disqualification. When given a warning or penalty for a first offence, the TD should be clear if the next offence will lead to expulsion from the event, or if any actions will be reported to the L&EC with a request for further disciplinary action.

The EBU have also codified what they feel is 'best practice'  - to quote from the White Book

We are sure that all players naturally follow this code of conduct, 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 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.
Please call the Director if you think you may have been affected by bad behaviour. You will be helping others as well as yourselves.
As in all games that are governed by rules and regulations, bad behaviour will be penalised.
If a player at the table behaves in an unacceptable manner the Director should be called immediately. Annoying behaviour, embarrassing remarks, or any other conduct which might interfere with the enjoyment of the game is specifically prohibited by Law 74A. Law 91A gives the Director the authority to assess disciplinary penalties. This can include immediate disciplinary board penalties, and if a future violation is incurred at the same event, disqualification from future competition in that event. Any further violations may result in a disciplinary hearing where the player’s future participation in tournaments will be considered.

(Although it may appear that congratulating partner over a good result is 'gloating', a genuine complement to partner is not a misdemeanour.)

Many players who played 20 years ago, have taken a break and now have rejoined the bridge-playing ranks have commented on how much better the game is for following the EBU guidelines.

Durham aims to be a friendly club - rudeness by players on the premises will not be tolerated.