NSW BRIDGE ASSOCIATION

Conduct and Etiquette at Bridge

Courteous and considerate behaviour increases the enjoyment of Bridge by creating a playing environment that is pleasant and harmonious. The New South Wales Bridge Association (NSWBA) is committed to ensuring acceptable behaviour is maintained at the bridge table at all levels of competition including regular club duplicates, congresses and State Championships. As part of this commitment, the NSWBA has established the Congress Disciplinary and Ethics Committee (CDEC) to investigate incidents at congresses held under its auspices.

We all know bridge requires deep thought and concentration, and players owe it to each other and to themselves to maintain conditions which are conducive to best play. In order to demonstrate best behaviour at the bridge table, players are asked to adopt the following Code of Practice.

• Greet others in a friendly manner at the start of each round
• Introduce yourself to players you don't know
• Be a polite partner and polite opponent
• Make every effort to make bridge enjoyable for your partner and your opponents
• Help players who are inexperienced and seem a bit lost
• Thank your opponents as they leave your table 

Bad behaviour cn be penalised. Law 74 specifically prohibits:

• Annoying behaviour and embarrassing remarks
• Any other conduct which might interfere with the enjoyment of the game

Remember it is unacceptable

• to criticise your partner or your opponents in public
• to argue with the director
• to gloat over good results
• to intimidate or upset your opponents

If you believe a player's behaviour falls below an acceptable standard, you should discuss this with the Tournament Director after the session. S/he can advise you on how to lodgE a complaint if the incident is worth pursuing. If playing in a club event, this will be with the club committee. If playing in a congress held under the auspices of the NSWBA, this will be an issue for CDEC. You should ask the Congress Organiser for a copy of "CDEC Complainant Guidelines" for reporting. Alternatively, you can download a copy of the Guidelines from the NSWBA website, http://www.nswba.com.au/CDECComplaint/

First Floor, 162 Goulburn Street, East Sydney 2010.

Telephone: 02 9264 8111 E-mail: oftice@nsvvba.com.au Web: vvww.nswba.com.au

NSW BRIDGE ASSOCIATION

Conduct and Etiquette at Bridge

Courteous and considerate behaviour increases the enjoyment of Bridge by creating a playing environment that is pleasant and harmonious. The New ..........