Zero Tolerance

Zero Tolerance is ACBL policy.

Commendable behavior includes (but is not limited to):

• 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 is also a regulation.

Unacceptable behavior includes (but is not limited to):

• Badgering, rudeness, insinuations, intimidation, profanity, threats or violence.

• Negative comments concerning opponents’ or partner’s play or bidding.

• Gloating over good results.

• Constant and gratuitous lessons and analyses at the table.

• Loud and disruptive arguing with a director’s ruling.

If you experience someone exhibiting discourteous behavior or being other than civil, please call a tournament director immediately. If you feel that there was a very serious breech of discipline, in addition to the resolution by the tournament director at the table, please discuss the problem directly with the Director-in-Charge of the tournament.

Should it become necessary to call a tournament director, you may simply state: “This player is interfering with my enjoyment of the game.” The director will then attempt to determine the facts. If he establishes there was unacceptable behavior, an immediate 1/4-board disciplinary penalty (3 IMPs in team games) shall be assigned to all offenders.

This may involve any one or all four players at the table, regardless of who initiated the unacceptable behavior. If both members of a partnership are guilty, the penalties are cumulative (1/4 board each = 1/2 board or 3 IMPs each = 6 IMPs).

If it is determined that a second offense has occurred in the same event, the offender(s) shall be ejected from future

competition in that event. An offender removed from an event shall be deemed not to have 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 determine whether the offender(s) should be

permitted to play in other events at the tournament and/or whether additional sanctions may be appropriate.

While the director may issue a warning, directors are strongly encouraged to give penalties and a warning should be

given only when there is no clear violation, where the facts cannot be clearly determined or when there are mitigating

circumstances Offenders should receive an immediate penalty. Regardless of who may have initiated unacceptable

behavior, all offenses are punishable. Retaliatory behavior is a punishable offense. Frivolous accusations also are

considered as offenses under this policy.