Bridge players are expected to act with courtesy, dignity and politeness, prioritising a friendly atmosphere over winning.
Core Etiquette and Behaviour:
Players are expected to arrive 15 minutes before the start of play.
Mobile phones are to be switched off [preferred] or to silent during the session.
N/S – Acknowledge E/W as they come to your table. Introduce yourselves [if needed] and thank them after the match.
Do not criticise your partner or opponents. Wait till after the session for “post mortems”.
Do not speak or behave in a way which could cause distress embarrassment or offence to any player eg staring at opponents, shouting, gloating or impolite gestures.
Keep table chat to a minimum. Avoid loud conversations which may disturb other tables.
Play at an even consistent tempo to avoid giving unauthorised information.
Technical or Procedural Conduct:
Provide System cards, if required/expected.
Announce 1C/1NT and alert all non-natural bids.
State your line of play clearly if you claim a hand, rather than throwing cards in.
Call “Director, please” and not Director’s name. Accept Director’s rulings politely and without argument.
Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour:
Giving unwanted tuition or advice at the table.
Using body language to express dis/approval or dis/agreement of bid or play.
Intimidation, harassment or verbal abuse.
Consistently playing slowly and disrupting the game pace.
Acting or speaking in any negative way towards less experienced players.
All players are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct.
Breeches can be reported to the Director or a Committee member and may result in a warning or further disciplinary action as determined by the committee.
Jan van den Broek [President] on behalf of Committee