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FVBC Rules-Regulations 20250609.docx 

I.          BRIDGE PLAY RULES

1. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the game.

• WHY? Volunteer players are checking you in, collecting fees, and setting up boards for play. When you arrive late, our volunteers are then late to meet their partners and prepare for play. The Board asks you to be considerate.
• If you are going to be late call 406-260-6832 and notify the game director and check-in volunteers.
• If notification does not reach the game director, the first offense will be a warning and second offense may be a denial to play.

2. Cell phones are to be turned off or silenced upon entering the FVBC facility.

• The game director may penalize a player should their cell phone ring/vibrate noisily, or they answer their cell phone during play.
• Players must coordinate with the game director if there is a need to leave their phones on during play.
• Purses on the purse shelf/bookcase are not to be handled by anyone but the owner. If a phone rings/vibrates in a Purse on the rack, the game director shall immediately call for the owner to silence their cell phone. Game penalties may be applied.

3. This Bridge Center maintains a welcoming and positive bridge-playing experience.

All players are expected to:

• Be Friendly. Greet others before the play on each round.
• Bridge Center play is both social and competitive. Find a balance with praise.
• Be a good “host” or “guest” at the table.
• Be respectful to your partner, opponents, and Directors, especially new players.
• Be courteous and quiet until everyone has finished play.
• All players should have a completed convention card readily available.
• Players desiring to mount an item on any Center wall, whether personal or bridge related, must first obtain permission to do so from the Board.  Items hung without permission will be removed.  This does not include the office area, which falls under the responsibility of the Club Manager.

Players will not tolerate:

• Badgering, rudeness, insinuations, intimidation, profanity, threats, or violence.
• General negative comments about the Bridge Center and the play of others within earshot of other players (e.g., they are playing too slow).
• Negative comments concerning opponent’s or partner’s play or bidding.
• Constant and gratuitous lessons and analysis at the table.
• Arguing with a director’s ruling. (Do not argue. File an appeal per ACBL).
• Congregating or lingering near tables while other players are still playing.

4. The Club Manager is responsible for the management and scheduling of the Game Directors.

5. The Game Directors:

• Will follow ACBL Guidelines for setting up and managing game play.
• Will follow and comply with ACBL Zero Tolerance Policy.
• Will treat all players with courtesy and respect.
• Will be recognized for their ACBL certification and treated with the respect they have earned.
• Inappropriate behavior will be addressed immediately and one-on-one.
• The director’s ruling is final.
  • The director’s penalties for behavior will be applied before the game is finalized.
  • A director may expel a player who violated the ACBL ZT policy during gameplay.
  • Appeals of a Directors’ ruling will be completed at the end of the game.

II.         MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS AND EXPECTATIONS

1. Benefits:

• Membership:  Fees will be set by the board annually.
• Members receive a discounted playing fee.
• Members may purchase/use Play punch cards.
• Members have one (1) vote during the annual membership meeting.
• Members may attend and provide member comments during all the Board meetings.
• Members may be nominated for election to the Board of Directors.
• Members have access to the “Members Only” page on the website.

2. Expectations

• Coffee and modest snack items are provided during play
• Active Ethics are practiced at the Bridge Center
• When available, there are free lessons before play (~11:45-12:15)
• Participation on temporary and standing committees and Bridge Center needs (facilities maintenance, laundry, landscaping, semi-annual kitchen cleaning, check-in volunteer, etc.) is highly encouraged.
• The Bridge Center, as a 501(c)(3), is prohibited from participating in political/religious activities.
  • Players are to refrain from promoting political stands by either what they wear or discuss while in the Bridge Center.
• Players are to refrain from wearing strong fragrance in the Bridge Center.
• Players are prohibited from smoking/vaping in and around the Bridge Center.

III.        SERVICE ANIMALS:

Only certified service animals shall be allowed inside the FVBC Bridge Center.

IV.        VIOLATION OF BRIDGE CENTER RULES:

The Board may:

• Suspend player from playing at the Bridge Center.
• Suspend a member’s voting rights.
• Revoke the member’s membership in the Bridge Center.

V.         NON-PROFIT DONATIONS:

1. Cash: The Bridge Center may accept donations of cash under their 501(c)(3) status and the donor shall receive an IRS receipt statement for their donation.
   • Restricted donation will only be accepted for the Building Reserve or in support of Bridge Center Education activities.

2. Donations-in-kind: Board approval is required before accepting any donation-in-kind.

VI.        BRIDGE CENTER PUBLISHED POLICIES:

• Conflict of Interest Policy (FVBC Board)
• Whistleblower Policy (FVBC Board)
• FVBC Reserve Policy
• FVBC Alcohol Policy (Pending?)