The Official Handbook of the American Bridge Association · The Official Handbook of the American Bridge Association Revised December, 2000 Gloria Christler Executive Secretary. Executive

The Official Handbook of the American

Bridge Association

Revised December, 2000

Gloria Christler Executive Secretary

Richard

Executive

The American Bridge Association, Inc.

Foreword

Many, many years ago, the philosopher, Heraclitus, stated, “Nothing endures but change”, but the American Bridge Association (ABA) has endured. This revised edition of The Official ABA Handbook contains updated information regarding new policies and procedures instituted since the earlier edition of the Handbook published in 1994. It is not intended to be exhaustive, but it does include information thought to be pertinent to the needs, interest and concerns of members of the Association as they carry out their responsibilities as outlined in the ABA Constitution, By-Laws and other governing documents.

Members are to be reminded that this is not a governance document. It is for

informational purposes primarily indicating how policies and procedures of the ABA are to be implemented. The ABA Constitution and By-Laws set forth policies, which regulate the operation of the Association.

Statements in this book are in accord with policies adopted by the Executive

Board and the membership of the Association. They set forth purposes and programs of the association and outline the administrative structure and supporting elements desirable in a well-run organization, for promoting these programs. This Handbook is to be used in conjunction with the existing constitution and regulation promulgated by the ABA Executive Board and other administrative bodies at the Section, Unit, and Club/Independent Club level.

In order for the Handbook to continue as a handy one-volume reference, the

format is designed to permit changes, deletion, or additions readily. Also the new size of the Handbook, hopefully, will make more user friendly and convenient to carry. This handbook is the result of an extensive examination of the1994 Handbook, Administrative Regulations, Bulletin, Updates, Executive Board and membership minutes to ensure that all pertinent information is presented in an unbiased and intelligence manner. If for any reason information contained in this Handbook is not in agreement with the directives and policies of the American Bridge Association as set forth in the Constitution and By-Laws, those reflected in the Constitution and By-Laws will prevail.

The aim of this work is to make available current, accurate, and

authoritative information to the membership. The writer has taken advantage of this opportunity to subject the entire ABA to a thorough revision, and has entirely rewritten some information, either because the subject could not profitably be expanded or made more explicit or because policy changes or additions resulted in inconsistencies.

Furthermore, to facilitate use, this document is organized into six parts as follows:

Part I Organization Part II Administration Part III Tournament and Convention Planning Part IV Tournament Rule, Regulations and Procedures Part V Master Point Awards and Tables Part VI Appendices Specifically, Part I deals with the organization structure of the ABA

beginning with The Member, followed by The Club, The Unit, The Section and The National. In Part II are found personnel, policies, programs, regulations and other items that assist in the administration of the ABA. Part III contains policies that govern our tournaments and conventions, and information to assist Clubs/Units, and Sections in planning tournaments. Part IV reflects in great details those regulations, procedures and guidelines related to sanctioned games and tournaments. This part has been enriched by a great number of tables that are of constant interest and importance to bridge players as well as directors. Additionally, there is Part VI, the appendices, which contain:

1. Historical Excerpts 2. The ABA Constitution and By-Laws of the American Bridge

Association, Inc. 3. Code of Disciplinary Conduct 4. Hosting ABA National Tournament Manual

The Part, which previously contained sample forms has been deleted. Forms

will be placed on the ABA Website for the convenience of Clubs and the membership to download and print when needed.

Again, the primary purpose of this Handbook is to serve as a source of

information on the organization’s operation. We are of the firm belief that informed members will strengthen the organization. We hope it will serve the needs for which it was designed.

Finally, without special help from Sara Pearson who gave many, many

hours of her time and expertise; Robert Friend, who is never to busy to help wherever needed, Charlie Green, Harold Bichham, Worth Christler, my real strength, I could not have finished this task. Thanks are extended to each of them.

Gloria Christler Executive Secretary December 2000

Richard

Executive

Table of Contents

i-1

Part I - Organization..........................................................................1

The Member....................................................................................................2

Your Player Identification Number ...........................................................2

Membership, Lapse of Membership and Award Points ............................2

Members-At-Large.....................................................................................2

City Points ..................................................................................................2

National, Sectional and Regional Points ....................................................3

Guidelines for Writing Checks...................................................................3 Non-Negotiable Checks ..........................................................................3

The Club .........................................................................................................4

The Club Secretary ....................................................................................4

Club Game Regulations .............................................................................6

Club Entitlement to Sanctioned Events .....................................................9 Rules Governing the Holding of Regional Events ..................................9 Regulations Governing "C" Regional Events ........................................9 Regulations Governing "B" Regional Events ......................................10 Schedule of Authorized Regional Events .............................................10

Closed Clubs.............................................................................................10

The Unit........................................................................................................12

The Unit Secretary ...................................................................................12 Submitting Memberships .....................................................................12 Other Duties and Functions .................................................................12

Master Point Coordinator........................................................................13 Duties ....................................................................................................13 Guidelines for Preparing City Game Reports......................................13 Discrepancies ........................................................................................14

Unit Events ...............................................................................................14

Procedures for Barring a Member from the ABA...................................14

The Section ...................................................................................................16

The Section Vice President (SVP) ............................................................16 Duties ....................................................................................................16 Other Section Duties.............................................................................16

Membership ......................................................................................16 Leadership Seminars ........................................................................17 Maintain a file of Clubs, Units..........................................................17

Table of Contents

i-2

Section Meetings.......................................................................................17

Scholarship Program ...............................................................................18

Communication Network.........................................................................18

Director-in-Training ................................................................................18

Talent Search ...........................................................................................18

Mediation .................................................................................................18

National Assignments...............................................................................19

Allowances................................................................................................19

The Section Secretary...............................................................................19

Sectional Events .......................................................................................19

Part II - Administration....................................................................1

The National Organization..............................................................................2

The Board of Directors...............................................................................2

Fiscal Policies .............................................................................................2

Labels .........................................................................................................3

Logo............................................................................................................3

National Tournament Allowance Regulations ...........................................3 President .................................................................................................3 National Vice President ..........................................................................3 Executive Secretary ................................................................................3 Administrative Assistant ........................................................................4 Treasurer ................................................................................................4 Section Vice Presidents...........................................................................4 Parliamentarian......................................................................................4 Chair of the National Tournament Authority........................................5 Chair of the National Tournament Committee......................................5 Chair of Staff Development & Certification ..........................................5 Supervisory Director ..............................................................................5 Floor Manager........................................................................................5 Chief Scorer............................................................................................5 Directors .................................................................................................5 Logistics & Supplies ...............................................................................6 Caddy Coordinator ................................................................................6 Caddies ...................................................................................................6 Tournament & Convention Manager.....................................................6 Assistant Convention Manager ..............................................................6 Flash Editor ............................................................................................6

Richard

Executive

Table of Contents

i-3

Clerk-Typists............................................................................................6 Machine Operator.....................................................................................6 Photographer..........................................................................................7 Awards Coordinator...............................................................................7 Awards Assistant Coordinator...................................................................7 Bulletin Editor ........................................................................................7 Public Relations Director .......................................................................7

Non-National Tournament Travel Regulations .........................................7 Request to Travel Form..........................................................................7 Travel Expense Statement ......................................................................8 Transportation........................................................................................8 Lodging ...................................................................................................8 Meals.......................................................................................................8 Questions ................................................................................................8 Per Diem .................................................................................................8

Petty Cash...................................................................................................8

Purchasing Policy.....................................................................................10

Reimbursement Policy .............................................................................10

Secretarial Service....................................................................................10

Special National Personnel.......................................................................11 Chief Negotiator/Meeting Planner .......................................................11 General Counselor................................................................................11 Internal Auditor ...................................................................................11

Issuance of Contracts ...............................................................................11

Rules of Conduct ......................................................................................12

Rules of Conduct Sanctions......................................................................12

Withholding of Pay...................................................................................14

National Committees................................................................................15

Committee Reports ..................................................................................15

ABA/ACBL Liaison Committee...............................................................15

National Appeals & Ethics Committee ................................................15 Basic Principles.....................................................................................15 The Committee .....................................................................................15 Hearings................................................................................................16

American Edition of the Laws of Duplicate Bridge .........................17 free play ................................................................................................17

Proprieties - Rules and Regulations ..............................................................18

Table of Contents

i-4

Procedures................................................................................................20

National Elections Committee .......................................................................22

Mail Balloting...........................................................................................22

Electioneering...........................................................................................23

National Publications/Public Relations.........................................................23

Policy for the ABA Bulletin......................................................................23

National Programs........................................................................................24

Awards Program......................................................................................24

Scrip Award Program..............................................................................24

Scrip Schedule (Per Game) ......................................................................27

Benefit/Scholarship Games ......................................................................28

Area of Responsibility For All Officials Concerned ................................28 National Executive Secretary: ..............................................................28 Club/Unit President/Secretary .............................................................29 Chief Scorer..........................................................................................30 Game Director ......................................................................................31

Bridge Education/Teacher Certification..................................................33 Sanction-Free Games............................................................................33 Identification/Recommendation of Teachers for Certification ............33

Interdenominational Service....................................................................34

Merit Awards Program/Life Memberships ....................................................34

Life Membership ......................................................................................34

Merit Award.............................................................................................35

New Clubs and Players..................................................................................36

Scholarship Awards Program........................................................................36

Eligibility for Scholarships.......................................................................37

Forms........................................................................................................37

Procedures................................................................................................38 Local/Unit Scholarship Chair and Committee.....................................38 Duties of the Local Committee .............................................................38 Duties of Section Scholarship Chair.....................................................39 Duties of Section Committee ................................................................39 Duties of the National Scholarship Chair and Committee...................39

Application for an ABA Scholarship .......................................................40

Richard

Executive

Table of Contents

i-5

Recipients .................................................................................................40

Applicants.................................................................................................40

Official transcripts ...................................................................................40

Part III - Tournament and Convention Planning .............1

Tournament Planning ................................................................................1 Approximate Playing Time for All Games.............................................1

Planning Regional/Sectional Tournaments................................................1

Hosting a National Tournament ................................................................3

Spring & Summer Nationals .....................................................................3 letter of invitation ...................................................................................3 Site Selection Team.................................................................................4 The Site-Selection Committee Investigates ............................................4 The Negotiating Team ............................................................................4 The NTA .................................................................................................5 The Host Group......................................................................................5 Host Group Stipend................................................................................6

Financial Report .................................................................................6

General Planning Committee.....................................................................6 General Chair .........................................................................................6 Assistant Chair .......................................................................................6 Committee Secretary ..............................................................................6 Budget and Finance ................................................................................6 Children's Program................................................................................6 Entertainment.........................................................................................6 Hospitality ..............................................................................................7 Kits..........................................................................................................7 Partnerships............................................................................................7 Public Relations ......................................................................................7 Registration ............................................................................................7 Tours.......................................................................................................7 Souvenir Journal ....................................................................................7 Transportation........................................................................................7

Caddy Instructions.....................................................................................7 Pre-Game................................................................................................8 During the Game ....................................................................................8 After Each Round...................................................................................8 During the Game ....................................................................................9 During the Next-to-Last-Round .............................................................9 During the Last Round.........................................................................10 After the Game .....................................................................................10

Table of Contents

i-6

Part IV Tournament Rules, Regulations and Procedures ...............................................................................................1

Tournament Regulations, Procedures and Guidelines ..............................1

Organization and Administration of Tournaments...................................1 National Tournament Authority and Operations ..................................1

NTAO Structure .................................................................................1 NTAO Responsibilities .......................................................................1

National Tournament Committee ..........................................................2 NTC Responsibilities ..........................................................................2

Staff Development & Certification.........................................................3

ABA/ACBL Policies ...................................................................................3

Allowances..................................................................................................4 Director/scorer........................................................................................4 Mileage....................................................................................................4

Ground Transportation ......................................................................4 Increases in National Staff Allowances ..................................................4

The Chief Scorer ........................................................................................5

Director-In-Charge (DIC):.........................................................................5

Sanctions.....................................................................................................7

Special National Tournament Regulations ................................................7

Spring & Summer Nationals .....................................................................8

Tournament Regulations, Procedures, and Guidelines....................................9

Schedules ....................................................................................................9 Field Classification ...............................................................................10 National Sectional & Regional Field Classification ..........................10 Guidelines For Classifying Flights .......................................................10 National Flight Classification ...............................................................11 Player Classifications............................................................................12 Dividing Games Into Fields ..................................................................13 Guidelines for Dividing and Classifying Fields ....................................15 Guidelines For Dividing Fields Into Sections .......................................15 Special Fields Classification .................................................................16

Special Provisions for a Single Field Classification .................................16 Special Provision 1................................................................................16 Special Provision 2................................................................................16

Certification and Staff Development........................................................17 Evaluation Criteria For Certified Directors ........................................18 Level I - Associate Regional..................................................................18

Table of Contents

i-7

Director-In-Charge (DIC) ....................................................................19 C" Games - All four type Benefit Games ........................................19\ B" Regional - Two Sessions .............................................................20\ A" Regional (Weekend) Events .......................................................20\ Sectional Events ................................................................................20

DICs at all levels of certification must..................................................20 Director's Examination Grading Standards ........................................21 Sanctioned Events for DIC Directors...................................................22 Special Notes Regarding the DIC .........................................................23

Ineligible Directors ...........................................................................23 Submission of Sanctions ...................................................................23

Preparation Of Application For Sanction Form......................................24

Schedule of Sanction Fees ........................................................................26 Standardized Entry Fees ......................................................................27 Tie Breaking Procedures - Pair/Individual Events ..............................27 Tie Breaking Procedures - Team Events..............................................27 IMPS to VP Conversion Scale ..............................................................29 Victory Points - 20 VPS ........................................................................30 Victory Points - 30 VPS ........................................................................31

Special Games ..........................................................................................32 Calendar of Special Games ..................................................................33

Nationwide Events ............................................................................33 Other Special Games to Be Scheduled During the Year ..................33

Annual Membership Game ..................................................................34 Benefit & Scholarship Games ..............................................................34 Bridge Education/Membership/Club House Acquisition.....................35 ABA Headquarters Fund Game...........................................................35 Special General Fund Benefit Game ....................................................36 Host Group Games ...............................................................................36 Pro/Am Game .......................................................................................36 Side Games ...........................................................................................37 Special Club Benefit Game...................................................................37 Nationwide Open Pairs.........................................................................38

Ordering Hand Records ...................................................................38 Duplicating Procedures ....................................................................41 Arrangement of Sections.....................................................................42

United Negro College Fund Game .......................................................43

Game Setups.............................................................................................44 Non-Mixed Events ................................................................................45 Individual..............................................................................................45 Pair Events............................................................................................46 Stratified Games ...................................................................................46 Stratified Pairs......................................................................................47

Conditions Of Contest ......................................................................47

Table of Contents

i-8

Three-Tier Stratified Pair Game..........................................................48 Modified Round Robin T/4 ..................................................................49

Number of Boards to Be Played .......................................................50 Regular Round Robin T/4 ....................................................................51 Team of Four Events ............................................................................52 Swiss Teams..........................................................................................53 City Swiss Teams ..................................................................................54

Procedures For Scoring Each Match ...............................................54 Stratified Swiss Team Games ...............................................................55 National Knock-Out (KO) Teams ........................................................55 Section Knock-Out (KO) Teams ..........................................................64 Grade “A” (KO) Teams – 8 Team Flights..........................................69\\ Head-to-Head and 3-Way Matches ......................................................73

Breaking Ties Within 3-Way Matches .............................................74 Second Chance KO...............................................................................75 Morning Knock-Out (KO) Teams........................................................79

Policies & Conventions from the ACBL Manual.....................................83 Alerts and Unauthorized Information .................................................83 Bidding..................................................................................................84 Calling the Director ..............................................................................85 Convention Cards.................................................................................86 Conversion of American Bridge Association Master Points to ACBL Master Points for Purposes of Seeding.................................................86 Kibitzers ...............................................................................................86 Leads: ...................................................................................................86 Scoring ..................................................................................................87

Suggested Procedures for Tournament Recorders..................................87

Part V -Master Point Awards and Tables ...............................1

Master Point Awards National Events.......................................................2

Base Award Percentage Key for Fields Overall Placement.......................3

Overall Awards Percent .............................................................................4

Base Award Awards and Field Percentages ..............................................4

Base Point Award Scales National Tournament Events ........................5

Restricted Games Other Than Side Games Limited to Two Fields...........5

Flighted Team Games (KO Excluded).......................................................6

Basic Master Point Award Schedule..........................................................7

Graded Events............................................................................................9

Grade Classifications and Base Awards ..................................................10

Table of Contents

i-9




National K.O. Teams - 32 Team Flights...................................................14

National K.O. Teams - 16 Team Flights...................................................14

National K.O. Teams - 16 Team Flights – 2nd Chance .............................15

Sectional K.O. Teams - 16 Team Flights..................................................15

Grade A K.O. Teams - 8 Team Flights ....................................................15

Sectional Modified Round Robin.............................................................16

A – Regional Modified Round Robin.......................................................17

B - Regional Modified Round Robin........................................................18

Regular Round Robin Teams of Four......................................................19

Defeated Team Bonus...............................................................................20

Base Award Percentage Key for Divided Fields...................................20

Overall Awards (Non-Flighted) ...............................................................21

Base Award Percentage for Flights (Except KO) ...................................22

Open Clubs – City Master Point Awards ................................................23

Open Clubs – City Master Point Awards ................................................24

Closed Clubs – City Master Point Award................................................25

Closed Clubs – City Master Point Awards ..............................................26

Abbreviations ..................................................................................27

Part VI - Appendices ..........................................................................1

Historical Excerpts.....................................................................................2 Foreword ................................................................................................2 First National Championship Tournament............................................3

Annual Meeting: .................................................................................3 Roster of Officers: ..............................................................................4 Tournament Committee: ....................................................................4 District Representatives......................................................................4

Origin of Tournaments...........................................................................4 Sectional Tournament ........................................................................4 Grade "A" Tournament ...................................................................4\\

Origin of Games .....................................................................................4 Mixed-Team-of-Four ..........................................................................4

Table of Contents

i-10

The Belsaw Cup ..................................................................................5 The Side Games ..................................................................................5 The Early Bird Games........................................................................6 The Midnight Games ..........................................................................6 The Pro-Am Games ............................................................................6 The Second Chance Knockout............................................................6 Morning Knockout Teams..................................................................7 Stratified Games .................................................................................7 The Northwest Section........................................................................7 History of the Spring Nationals ..........................................................7 The College Bowl ................................................................................8

The ABA National Headquarters...........................................................9

National Presidents ..................................................................................10 Interesting Facts About the National Presidents .................................10

National Executive Secretaries.................................................................11 Interesting Facts About National Executive Secretaries......................11

CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN BRIDGE ASSOCIATION, INC. ....1

Article I – Name of Organization...............................................................1 Section l - Name ......................................................................................1

Article II - Objectives.................................................................................1 Section 1 - Objectives and Purposes.......................................................1

Article III - Membership............................................................................1 Section 1 - Individual Membership...................................................1 Section 2 - Group Membership ..............................................................1

Article IV - Government ............................................................................1 Section 1 - Governance of the Association .............................................1 Section 2 - Composition of the Board of Directors.................................1

Article V - Officers .....................................................................................1 Section 1 - National and General Officers..............................................1

Article VI – Honorary Titles ......................................................................2 Section 1 - Honors...................................................................................2

Article VII – Election of National and General Officers ...........................2 Section 1 - Election of National Officers ................................................2 Section 2 - Election of General Officers .................................................2

Article VIII - Tournaments........................................................................2 Section 1National Tournaments ........................................................2

Article IX - Meetings..................................................................................2 Section 1 - Meetings at National Tournaments ......................................2 Article X – Administrative Organization ...............................................3 Section 1 - Sections .................................................................................3

Table of Contents

i-11

Section 2 - Units ......................................................................................3 Section 3 - Clubs .....................................................................................3

Article XI - Amendments ...........................................................................3 Section 1 Constitutional Amendments ...................................................3

By-Laws of the American Bridge Association .....................4

Chapter I - Membership ............................................................................4 Section 1 - Types .....................................................................................4

Individual .............................................................................................4 Group (Chartered Affiliates) .................................................................4

Section 2 - Individual Membership ........................................................4 Persons residing within a 35 mile radius................................................4 Persons residing beyond the 35 mile radius ...........................................4

Section 3 - Group Membership ..............................................................4 Chartered Clubs....................................................................................4 Independent Clubs ................................................................................4 Chartered Units ....................................................................................5

Section 4 - Rights of Membership ..........................................................5 Individual .............................................................................................5 Chartered Units ....................................................................................6 Independent Chartered Clubs ................................................................6 Closed Clubs ........................................................................................6

Section 5 - Obligation of Membership..............................................7 Individual .............................................................................................7 Affiliated Clubs ....................................................................................7 Affiliated Units.....................................................................................8

Section 6 - Non-Member Players.......................................................8 Section 7 - Suspension and Loss of Membership ...................................8

Chapter II - Dues........................................................................................9 Individual dues.........................................................................................9 Club Dues: ...............................................................................................9 Unit Dues.................................................................................................9

Chapter III - Board of Directors................................................................9 Section 1 - Membership ..........................................................................9 Section 2 - Authority...............................................................................9

Financial ..............................................................................................9 Between Business Meetings................................................................10 Policy Making ....................................................................................10

Section 3 - Meetings, Quorum and Voting ...........................................10 Section 4 - Board Responsibilities ........................................................10

The Board Chair .............................................................................11 Section 5- Suspension and/or Removal from Office.............................12 Section 6 - Executive Committee ..........................................................12

Composition .......................................................................................12

Table of Contents

i-12

Authority............................................................................................13 Meetings & Quorum...........................................................................13

Chapter IV - National Officers ................................................................13 Section 1 - Terms of Office ...................................................................13

National Officers ................................................................................14 National President and National Vice President ...............................14 Executive Secretary and National Treasurer ....................................14

Section 2 - Eligibility for Office ............................................................14 Membership .......................................................................................14 Prior Service.......................................................................................14

Chapter V - Nominations and Elections ..................................................14 Section 1 - Terms of Office ...................................................................14 Section 2 - Eligibility.............................................................................14 Section 3 - Nominations ........................................................................14 Section 4 - Filling Vacancies .................................................................15

Chapter VI - Duties of National Officers .................................................15 The President .........................................................................................15 The National Vice President ...................................................................16 The National Executive Secretary ...........................................................16 The National Treasurer ...........................................................................17 Annual Reports ......................................................................................17

Chapter VII - Section Vice Presidents and Section Governance ...........1 Section 1 - Terms of Office .....................................................................1 Section 2 - Filling Section Vice Presidential Vacancies ......................1 Section 3 - Duties of the Section Vice President .....................................1 Section 4 - Duties of the Section Committee...........................................2

Composition .........................................................................................2 By-Laws...............................................................................................2 Duties...................................................................................................2

Chapter VIII - Standing Committees/Positions .........................................3 Standing Committees................................................................................3 Standing Positions ....................................................................................3 Ad Hoc Committees .................................................................................3 Standing Committees................................................................................3

Chapter IX - Committee Functions ...........................................................4 Section 1 - The National Tournament Authority ...................................4

Structure...............................................................................................4 Function ...............................................................................................4

Section 2 - The National Tournament Committee .................................5 Structure...............................................................................................5 Function ...............................................................................................5

Section 3 - The Appeals and Ethics Committee .....................................5 Structure...............................................................................................5

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive

Table of Contents

i-13

Function ...............................................................................................5 Section 4 - Budget and Finance/Auditing...............................................6

Structure...............................................................................................6 Function ...............................................................................................6

Section 5 - Staff Development/Certification ...........................................6 Structure...............................................................................................6 Function ...............................................................................................6 Duties...................................................................................................7

Section 6 - Membership and New Players ..............................................7 Structure...............................................................................................7 Function ...............................................................................................7

Section 7 - Recommendations.................................................................7 Structure...............................................................................................7 Function ...............................................................................................7

Section 8 - Publicity/Public Relations.....................................................8 Structure...............................................................................................8 Function ...............................................................................................8

Section 9 - Merit Awards........................................................................8 Structure...............................................................................................8 Function ...............................................................................................8

Section 10 - Scholarship..........................................................................9 Structure...............................................................................................9 Function ...............................................................................................9

Section 11 - Time and Place....................................................................9 Structure...............................................................................................9 Function ...............................................................................................9

Section 12 - Elections Committee .........................................................10 Structure.............................................................................................10 Function .............................................................................................10

Section 13 - Position Responsibilities ...................................................10 Convention Manager ..........................................................................10 National Supervisory Director (NSD)..................................................10 The National Chief Scorer ..................................................................10

Chapter X - Annual Reports ....................................................................11

Chapter XI - Meetings..............................................................................11 Section 1 - Summer Nationals ..............................................................11 Section 2 - Spring Nationals .................................................................11 Section 3 - Agenda ................................................................................11 Section 4 - Quorum...............................................................................11

Chapter XII - Tournaments .....................................................................11 Section 1 - Authorized Sponsors...........................................................11

National Games ..................................................................................11 Sectional Games .................................................................................12 Grade .................................................................................................12

Table of Contents

i-14

Grade .................................................................................................12 Units ..................................................................................................12

Chapter XIII - Rules of Order .................................................................12

Chapter XIV - Amendments ....................................................................12

CODE OF DISCIPLINARY CONDUCT ...............................1

Article 1 - Disciplining Bodies....................................................................2

Article 2 - Grounds for Discipline..............................................................2

Article 3 - Disciplinary proceedings...........................................................3

Article 4 - Jurisdiction................................................................................4

Article 5 - Sanctions (Disciplines) ..............................................................4 Exclusion.................................................................................................4 Reprimand..............................................................................................5 Censure ...................................................................................................5 Suspended Sentence with Probation ..........................................................5 Suspension ..............................................................................................5 Expulsion ................................................................................................5 Reduction of Forfeiture of Master Points or Tournament Rank...........5

Article 6 - Disciplinary Reports .................................................................6

Article 7 - Suspension Pending Hearings ...................................................7

Article 8 - Appeal Procedure......................................................................8

Article 9 - Stays of Execution of Discipline Pending An Appeal................8

Article 10 - Jurisdiction of Disciplinary Bodies .........................................9

Article 11 - Appeals to the Sections............................................................9

Article 12 - Appeals to the ABA Board of Directors................................10

Article 13 - Disciplines Involving Units or Sections .................................10

Article 14 - Procedural Principles for Hearings by Units, Sections, and National Committees................................................................................10

Article 15 - Procedural Principles on Appeals to Appellate BodiesAppeals from Club, Unit, or Section Decisions......................................................11

HOSTING ABA NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS ............................................1

Acknowledgements.....................................................................................3

Table of Contents .......................................................................................4

Hosting a National Tournament: ...............................................................6 A letter of invitation ...............................................................................6

Table of Contents

i-15

Site Selection Team.................................................................................6 The Site-Selection Committee Investigates ............................................6 The Negotiating Team ............................................................................7 The NTA .................................................................................................7 After notification ....................................................................................7

National Administrative Responsibilities...................................................8

Duties and Responsibilities of the Host Group ..........................................8

Criteria for a Superior Tournament Chair ...............................................9

Some On-Site Tournament Responsibilities ............................................10

Sources of Revenue...................................................................................10

Awards Ball..............................................................................................11

Vendors ....................................................................................................11

General Planning Committee...................................................................11 General Chair .......................................................................................11 Assistant Chair .....................................................................................12 Committee Secretary ............................................................................12 Budget and Finance ..............................................................................12 Children's Program..............................................................................12 Entertainment.......................................................................................12 Hospitality ............................................................................................12 Kits........................................................................................................12 Partnerships..........................................................................................12 Public Relations ....................................................................................12 Registration ..........................................................................................13 Tours.....................................................................................................13 Souvenir Journal ..................................................................................13 Transportation......................................................................................13

Special National Tournament Regulations: ............................................13

Pre-Nationals Game .................................................................................15 Guidelines .............................................................................................15

Caddy Instructions ..................................................................................16 Pre-Game..............................................................................................16 During the Game ..................................................................................16 After Each Round.................................................................................16 During the Game ..................................................................................17 During the Next-to-Last-Round ...........................................................17 During the Last Round.........................................................................18

Part I - Organization

I - 1



I - 2

The Member The individual ABA member has always played a key role in the Association. The views and needs of the membership are paramount. The ABA structure is designed to receive and accommodate membership concerns. This philosophy is exemplified in Chapter 1, Section 4, “Rights of Membership," By-laws of the American Bridge Association, Inc. Also see Chapter 1, Section 2, "Individual Membership," By-laws of the American Bridge Association, Inc. Your Player Identification Number: Each ABA member is assigned a unique player identification number. (It should also be referred to in all correspondence to the National Office). In addition to the base number, the player number has a prefix. The prefix identifies the Section and city or area. For example: 2A00001, the prefix 2 indicates the Southern Section. The "A" stands for the City of Atlanta. The 00001 is the player's unique permanent number. In the event the player changes location, the base number is retained. It may be necessary to change the prefix to show the new Section/city. Membership, Lapse of Membership and Award Points: Dues are payable the first day of January of each year and continue in force until the last day of December of the same year. No membership shall become invalid until the last day of January of the ensuing year. Dues paid are not returnable or transferable. Dues for new members, joining during the last quarter, will be applied to the following year. A free membership, for persons meeting the criteria, will be granted for the first dues year. In the event that a member meets the criteria after having paid the first year’s dues, the free membership may be applied to the following year. Local Clubs/Units cannot charge more than the National Membership dues for local dues. If more money is needed, this is considered an "assessment,”, and should not be included in club/unit dues. Clubs cannot charge more than the National dues.2 Members-at-Large: Persons, living more than 35 miles from an ABA Club, may join the Association as a "Member-at-Large". These persons may pay National dues and $5 Sectional directly to the National Office. The National Office will remit the $5 sectional dues collected to the SVP. Members residing within the 35-mile radius of an ABA club must renew their membership through the Club/Unit.

City Points: City Points shall be recorded only for the three-month period in which the member is financial. Example: A player, renewing in April, would

2 National dues are $25, effective January 1, 2001.

dorothy

The prefix identifies the Section and city or area. For example:

dorothy

A free membership, for persons meeting the criteria, will be granted for the first dues year.

dorothy

Also 1st time members may join directly


I - 3

not have points recorded for January, February, and March of that year. Note: New Members are exempt from this provision. National, Sectional and Regional Points: All National, Sectional and Regional points won in the current year are valid for recording until December 31 of the succeeding year. Permanent records are maintained for players attaining the rank of Life Master and above. After three (3) years of lapsed membership, the records of players below the rank of Life Master are expunged from the files. A member must play in the field based on his/her total points, unless (s)he is playing in a higher field. Total Points = Total Awarded Points + Total Unawarded Points. Points remain unawarded until a player meets his/her financial obligations with the ABA (payment of dues, bad checks, etc.). Because points have not been awarded does not mean they were not earned. In fact, they will be awarded once the member has met his/her obligations. Therefore, the playing field is determined by the Total Points (not Awarded Points). If a player is uncertain of his/her point holding, the National Office can provide this information. If a person plays below his/her designated field, (s)he becomes ineligible to win points and awards.

Guidelines for Writing Checks: All checks sent to the National Office are to be made payable to the American Bridge Association. Checks may be presented for entry fees at National Tournaments. The following guidelines will prevail: 1. Only persons, who are members of the ABA, may use their personal checks.

The registrar may require the presentation of a current ABA membership card before a personal check is accepted.

2. Personal checks for the exact amount of the tournament entry fee may be

presented to the registrar. 3. Checks for amounts larger than the tournament entry fee must be presented

to the Treasurer of the ABA. Only the Treasurer of the ABA may cash checks for amounts larger than the tournament fee.

4. An administrative charge will be made to cover the cost of processing a non-negotiable check. As of the date of this publication, the charge is $25 for each insufficient check. This amount may be changed by the Board of Directors at any time a change in cost is sufficient to warrant it.

5. A non-negotiable check must be redeemed within thirty (30) days after

being notified by the National Office. Failure to do so will result in automatic suspension of membership and playing privileges in any ABA event until the indebtedness has been satisfied. The Executive Secretary

Richard

National


I - 4

shall notify all Section Vice Presidents and Officers of automatic suspensions resulting from failure to redeem non-negotiable checks.

The Club The Club is the building block for the structure of the ABA. It is the nucleus of the local group. Membership in the ABA is obtained through Clubs. Any individual desiring to affiliate is required to submit his/her membership through an ABA Club if (s)he resides in the area of its jurisdiction (a 35-mile radius). It is the Club's responsibility to inform individuals of dues obligations. Payment to the Club for annual dues should be made in full. Clubs may participate in recruitment and educational programs. On occasion they may host Grade A, Sectional or National Tournaments. Most importantly, the Club provides the setting for weekly games. It is the first administrative layer. Thus it is in direct interface with its members. The Club Secretary: The Club Secretary performs a vital and responsible role in ABA. The Club Secretary is the direct liaison with the Unit. If a Unit does not exist, the Club Secretary is the channel for information to and from the Section and National. Basically, this involves the processing and transmittal of memberships and City Game points. If the Club Secretary serves as Point Coordinator, this will involve the recording of all master points as well. 1. When a player moves or changes his/her name for any reason, Form -

Change of Address (See Part VIII - Forms) must be completed by the Club Secretary. This form should be sent to the Unit Secretary, as quickly as possible, for updating the Unit files and transmittal to the Section and National Offices. Where there is no Unit, the Club Secretary transmits Form 174A to the Section and National Offices promptly.

2. Club Secretaries receive most of the pertinent correspondence from the

National Office. The Secretary is responsible for seeing that it is distributed to, or shared with the appropriate persons. An up-to-date file should be kept of all ABA correspondence. This file should be passed on so the office of the Secretary may have a smooth transition from one person to another.

3. The Secretary is to record minutes of all Club meetings. 4. The following guidelines are intended to facilitate the task of the Club

Secretary.


I - 5

Submitting: Memberships are submitted on Form PSA 404A. One original and three copies are prepared. Form PSA 404A is to be processed by the Club Secretary as follows: a. Prepare Form PSA 404A:

(1) The name of the Club is to be inserted on the line provided, followed by the City, State and Zip Code.

(2) The full name of the Club Secretary is to be inserted on the line provided. This information is necessary for updating the Secretarial Roster in the National Office. Do not put the Unit Secretary's name on this line.

(3) The full name of the Unit Secretary is to be inserted on the line provided. This information is necessary to update the Secretarial Roster in the National Office. Do not put the Club Secretary's name on this line.

(4) Insert the name of the Section Vice President (SVP) on the line provided.

(5) Always indicate, on the line provided, the date the listing is prepared. When contacting the National Office concerning Form PSA 404A, it is expedient to have the name of the Club and the date indicated on the membership listing in question.

(6) It is not necessary to list names of members in alphabetical order (last names first). However, to avoid confusion, indicate Mrs., Ms., Miss, Mr., Dr. or Attorney. Nicknames and abbreviations should not be used. The name of a married woman's husband should not be listed in place of her given name, i.e., Mrs. James Kelley should be listed as Kelley, Mary (Mrs.) Where a lady has a name normally thought of as being a masculine name, please be certain to indicate Mrs., Miss or Ms. i.e., White, Willie (Miss).he address must include the zip code. If a member lives in an apartment, list the apartment number. Unless this is done, the listing will be returned to the Unit/Club Secretary. The ABA Bulletin is mailed second class. The Post Office will not deliver to addresses without zip codes.

dorothy

PSA 404 -- This whole area nees to be modified to reflect the new procedure


I - 6

(7) The ABA Player Identification Number must be listed for all members. Please check your records carefully to see you have the correct numbers. Do not leave this space blank. Indicate new members i.e. "new". If you do not know the number, indicate "unknown".

b. A check, for the appropriate amount3, must accompany each

membership listing. Make all checks payable to the American Bridge Association.

c. The appropriate Club charter fee for each Club must accompany the

initial membership listing each year. d. Where there is a Unit, membership dues must be submitted through

the Unit Secretary. Forward the original and two copies to the Unit Secretary with the appropriate ABA dues, Section dues and Unit dues for each member listed. Retain one copy for the Club's record. The Club will remit three checks: One each for the total amount due for ABA/Section/Unit dues. Please be sure to remit the annual Club charter fee with the initial Form PSA 404A.

e. Where there is no Unit, forward the original copy of Form 404A to the

Executive Secretary along with a check for the appropriate ABA dues and charter fee. Mail Section dues for each member listed and one copy of Form 404A to the SVP. Retain one copy for the Club's record.

Club Game Regulations

1. Any chartered ABA Club may hold regular Club games for ABA master points in accordance with the City Master Point Award Schedule (see Part VI).

2. Each ABA Club should hold at least one Club game during a month. 3. Each Club must sponsor at least one regional tournament (excluding Grade

"C" Regionals) and/or one Scholarship Game or one Headquarters Game each year.

3As of this printing the charter fee is $30. National Membership dues are $25. Units, composed of 3 or more Clubs, will pay a charter fee of $50.

Richard

Executive

Richard

Secretary

Richard

Secretary

Richard

Secretary

Richard

Secretary

Richard

Secretary

Richard

Secretary

Richard

National Office


I - 7

4. Where a Unit exists, each ABA Club may hold a maximum of one Club game a week. If no Unit exists, each Club may hold a maximum of three games per week.

5. Club games may be of any type listed under the Schedule of Authorized

Regional Events (See below). 6. The minimum number of tables required for a Club game is three (2-1/2 for

Pair games, 2 for Individual games). 7. Club game directors are not required to be certified, but should be equipped

with a Director's manual, rule book, and a copy of these regulations. 8. Whenever possible, the director should not play unless (s)he is required to

complete the movement. 9. All Club games are single sessions. 10. Sanctions are not required for Club games. 11. Card fees in Club games are established by the respective Clubs, but should

not exceed the fee for a "C" Regional. 12. Club games may be staged with a sweepstake feature. NOTE: ABAers are

not permitted to bet on the outcome of any ABA game or individual participating in an ABA tournament.

13. Players in Club games are not required to be ABA members. 14. Any ABA member in good standing may, on presentation of the ABA

membership card, play in any Open Club game provided the fee is paid. 1. An Open Club game is one for which full master point awards, in

accordance with the City Master Point Award Schedule, are made. 16. Club games may be restricted to Club members if advertised as such, but

ABA master points will be awarded in accordance with the City Master Point Award Schedule for Closed Clubs (See Part VI).

17. Where there is no Unit, Club game results are forwarded to the Executive

Secretary four times per year: Jan. – Mar. due April 15; April – June due July 15; July – Sept. due Oct. 15; Oct. – Dec. due Jan. 15. If there is a Unit, the results should be forwarded to the Unit Point Coordinator.

18. Once the year is closed out, there will be a $25.00 fee for processing late

City Point Reports.

Richard

National Office

Richard

Executive Secretary


I - 8

19. Club games should not be held in the same city on the same night unless

ABA membership in the city is greater than 300 for the previous calendar year or there are more than six (6) Clubs in the area.

20. Where there are more than six (6) Clubs in a city, the local Unit will resolve

possible conflicts on meeting nights for Club games. 21. The Club game meeting day/night for all Clubs should be registered with

the SVP by the local Unit. The SVP will forward copies of schedules to the Executive Secretary.

22. In order to stimulate attendance, special prize awards are recommended for

successful participation in a series of Club games during the bridge year. 23. Scrip award certificates are recommended as alternative awards at all Club

games. 24. Whenever feasible, scores in all one-session Club games should be

completed and posted immediately following the game and become final after an appropriate protest period.

25. Payment to a Club game director is discretionary with the Club. However,

payment to the director does not disqualify the director from winning the game.

26. The minimum number of boards that can be played in a single-session Club

game is eighteen (18). 27. Traveling score sheets are recommended standard procedure in a Club game

where a computer is not used. 28. Wherever possible, suitable material for keeping a private score should be

distributed in a Club game so that, at least, one member of a pair can keep a complete and legible score.

29. Howell, Straight Mitchell, Mixed (Scrambled) Mitchell or three-quarter

movements are recommended for Club games. 30. Half-tables should be avoided, but when necessary and/or practical, the

Rover or Bump Mitchell Movement may be used. 31. New Players should be afforded an opportunity to play and develop among

their peers in local Club games. Therefore, Clubs may use the same tournament option for their weekly games. (See Part V – Dividing Games Into Fields.)

Richard

Executive Secretary.

Richard

National Office


I - 9

Club Entitlement to Sanctioned Events 1. Rules Governing the Holding of Regional Events:

a. Each chartered ABA Club must sponsor at least one (1) sanctioned event each year (excluding "C" Games). A Certified Director must direct this sanctioned event. See board policy re: scholarship and headquarters requirements under Part V - Benefit/Scholarship/Headquarters Games. This is a condition for charter renewal.

b. Each Club is entitled to sponsor more than one sanctioned event during

the month as long as the Club follows the regulations. For example: Each Club is entitled to ten (10) "C" Regionals per year. If a Club holds a "C" Regional during the month, it may hold a Scholarship, Benefit, its "B" Regional or any other entitlement in the same month. It may not hold more than one "C" Regional during a month.

c. Chartered Clubs, desiring to sponsor an ABA sanctioned tournament,

must secure an approved sanction (Form PSA 505) for each event in advance of the scheduled date. Application must be made in accordance with procedures established by the SVP.

d. Each approved sanction is issued for a specific event to be played on a

given date and may not be altered. Should a change of date/event become necessary for any reason, a new sanction must be secured from the SVP.

e. Each approved sanction is issued in the name of a specified club and is

non-transferable. 2. Regulations Governing "C" Regional Events:

a. Each chartered Club is authorized to sponsor ten (10) "C" Regional Games (one-session events) each year. All these events may be the same type, e.g. ten Open Pairs, ten Non-Mixed Pairs, all Team games, or in any combination of the events authorized under the "B" Schedule. NOTE: The Modified Round Robin and the Swiss Team are not authorized to be played as a single-session "C" Regional events. (The Swiss Team may be played as a one-session Club game.)

b. All "C" Regional games are coordinated through the local Unit and in

accordance with procedures established by the SVP.


I - 10

c. All "C" Regional games must be staged on the regular club playing night. However, the Unit may grant permission for a club to stage a "C" Regional at another time in connection with a special feature.

d. Clubs may schedule a maximum of one (1) Grade "C" Regional per

month (not to exceed 10 per year). However, two or more clubs, located within a twenty-five mile (25) radius, may not schedule a "C" Regional event on the same day.

e. "C" games should not be scheduled in conjunction with Grade "B" or

higher sanctioned events. f. Units/Independent Clubs, scheduled to host national tournaments, are

authorized to sponsor one (1) "C" game per month, beginning one year prior to the date of the national tournament.

3. Regulations Governing "B" Regional Events:

a. Where there is a Unit (or Independent Club), each Club is entitled to, at least, one (1) Grade B Tournament Weekend.

b. All "B" Regional games are coordinated through the Unit in accordance

with procedures established by the SVP. c. Each tournament will consist of one (1) or more events as listed under

the Authorized Regional Schedule (See below). d. Only one (1) of each type event is authorized annually. e. Each two-session event must be scheduled to start and be completed on

the same day. f. In addition to the Schedule of Authorized Regional Events, each club

may also sponsor special benefit games. (See Part V - Special Games.).

4. Schedule of Authorized Regional Events:

Individual: Open, Men's & Women's Pairs: Open, Mixed, Men's, Women's, Non-Mixed Teams: Open, Mixed, Men's & Women's, Non-Mixed,

Modified Round Robin, Swiss. Only Units may sponsor the Full Round Robin.

5. Regulations Governing Units/Independent Clubs Owning Bridge Houses: See Part V - Bridge Education/Membership/House Acquisition

Closed Clubs: The ABA does not encourage Closed Clubs. However, it recognizes the right of individuals to form such clubs. Where they do exist, the following guidelines apply:


I - 11

1. Closed Clubs must use the City Master Point Award Schedule for Closed

Clubs (See Part VI) to issue points to their members. 2. Should a Closed Club give a sanctioned tournament, all ABA members, in

good standing, must be admitted to the tournament, providing they meet the conditions of play (Payment of tournament fees, playing in the appropriate field, etc.).

3. Where a unit exists, the Closed Club must be part of the Unit. The local

Unit may not deny a Closed Club admission to the Unit on the grounds that it is a Closed Club.

4. A Closed Club must meet all requirements of the Association for being a

Club in terms of having the required number of members to establish and maintain a Club.

5. Closed Clubs must pay the same assessments to the Unit as an Open Club.


I - 12

The Unit Basically, the Unit is the coordinating body for the local Clubs. (For example: It regulates the local tournament schedule.) With a minimum of two Clubs in a metropolitan area, a Unit is optional. With three Clubs in a metropolitan area, a Unit is mandatory. The ABA Constitution mandates all members, within the jurisdiction of the Unit, have the right to elect Unit officers, who, together with the representatives of each Club, serve as an Executive Board. The Board conducts the everyday business of the Unit; however, the general membership retains control over major policy and finances.

The Unit Secretary: The Unit Secretary is the direct liaison with the Section. All membership dues and master points are funneled through the Unit Secretary, except where a Master Point Coordinator exists on the Unit level. The following guidelines are intended to facilitate the task of the Unit Secretary: 1. Submitting Memberships: Upon receipt of Form 404A (Membership

Listing) from affiliated Clubs, the Unit Secretary:

a. Checks forms for accuracy and completeness.

b. Updates files, noting changes of address, etc. All changes and/or corrections should be noted in red or highlighted in some manner.

c. Retains Unit dues and one copy of Form 404A for the records.

d. Mails Section dues and one copy of Form 404A to the SVP or his/her

designee.

e. Forwards original copy of Form 404A, with the appropriate dues and the club charter fee to the Executive Secretary.

2. Other Duties and Functions:

a. Submits Change of Name/Address Form(s) to the SVP and Executive Secretary after updating Unit records.

b. Receives copies of all pertinent correspondence from the National

Office. (The Secretary is responsible for distributing or sharing materials with the appropriate persons.) A copy of pertinent information should be forwarded to the Unit President. An up-to-date file should be kept on all ABA correspondence. This file should be passed on so that the office of the Unit Secretary may have a smooth transition from one person to another.

Richard


Richard

National Office

Richard

Executive Secretary

Richard

National Office


I - 13

c. Records minutes of all Unit meetings.

d. Keeps a listing of each member's name and ABA player identification number.

e. Attends or designates someone to attend the Secretaries' Seminar held

at each Summer National.

f. Shares information gathered at the Secretaries' Seminar with Unit Officers.

Master Point Coordinator: The Master Point Coordinator plays a vital role within the Association. Often the Club or Unit Secretary performs this function, but it may be delegated. In any case, records of the Point Coordinator are extremely important and should be accurately maintained at all times. 1. Duties:

a. Maintains a file of point ledgers received monthly from the Executive Secretary.

b. Distributes master point certificates in a timely manner.

c. Forwards all inquiries regarding master points on Form 202 to the


d. Prepares City Game Report. 2. Guidelines for Preparing City Game Reports:

a. Establishes an appropriate deadline for the affiliated Clubs to submit Form PSA 101 in order that the fifteenth of the month deadline, referred to in paragraph 3 below, may be met.

b. Compiles a single listing of the names and points from the forms submitted by the affiliated Clubs. Make one report for the entire Unit. This consolidated City Game Report Form, PSA 101, is to be typed or printed in triplicate. (The City Point Program distributed by the Executive Secretary may also be used to prepare the City Point Report). The original and one copy are mailed to the National Office. The Unit Secretary retains one copy. City points will appear on the player's master point certificate (May, October, January).

c. Submits Form PSA 101 every three months (no later than April 15th

for the period January, February, and March,; no later than July 15th for the period April, May, June; no later than October 15th for the

Richard


Richard

National Office

Richard

National Office

Richard


Richard

Executive

Richard

National Office

Richard

National Office


I - 14

period July, August, September; and no later than January 15th for the period October, November, and December).

3. Discrepancies: Any discrepancies between the Point Coordinator's records

and the records of the National Office should be forwarded to the National Office immediately on Form 202. Written communication about points is necessary for corrections to be made.

Please do not issue master point certificates to players when you have a question concerning the certificate. The National Office is prepared to answer any questions and promptly rectify any discrepancies.

Unit Events: 1. Each Unit is entitled to one (1) Grade A Weekend Tournament each year. 2. Each Grade A Tournament may consist of one (1) or more events as listed

under Schedule of Authorized Regional Events (See Part I – Club Entitlement to Sanctioned Events.) In addition, the Unit may hold a Full Round Robin and the Knock-Out Team Game.

3. A Unit may hold "C" games only in connection with a Unit Meeting

(maximum of four [4] per year).4 4. Each Unit may sponsor a Membership Game each year during the month of

January. Only players, who are financial for the current year, will be eligible to play and win Master Points. The point awards are the equivalent of a One-Session Sectional Event.

Procedures For Barring A Member From The ABA: Where there is a hierarchy, the appeal process should follow the hierarchy, i.e. Club-Unit-Section-National. This provides an opportunity to have local problems resolved at the local level, without involving National bodies, except in cases where an involved member cannot reach a mutually satisfactory solution with local authorities and elects to appeal to the Section and National Committees. 1. Whenever a Unit deems it necessary to bar a member from participation in

ABA activities for a period of time, a report of such action must be filed with the Section and National Appeals Committees and the National Office.

4 For the exception, see Regulations Governing “C” Regional Events in Part I – Club Entitlement to Sanctioned Events.


I - 15

The penalty may not take effect for fifteen (15) days after the hearing by the Unit.

2. During this fifteen-day period, the person against whom the action is

proposed has an opportunity to appeal the Unit's decision to the Section and National Appeals Committees.

3. The Chair of the Section Appeals Committee (first) and National Appeals

Committee (upon appeal from the Section Appeals Committee) must notify the Unit within five (5) days that (s)he has received the appeal, the date when the appeal will be acted upon and the fact that the Unit must hold all punitive action in abeyance until the appeal is resolved.

4. The National Appeals Committee must recommend an expulsion from the

Association of six months or more to the Board of Directors. Also see Appendix C - Code of Disciplinary Regulations.


I - 16

The Section The ABA Section is a geographic and administrative subdivision of the Association. It comprises all the individual Clubs and Units in a large, defined area of the country. The Section is headed by a Vice President, assisted by a Secretary/Treasurer and a Section Committee. The Committee is comprised of delegates from Clubs and Units in the Section. Together, with the Section Officers, they govern the Section between annual meetings. The Section Vice President (SVP): The SVP is the Chair of the Section Committee. All applications for Club/Unit charters are subject to review by the SVP. The SVP coordinates the schedule of all sanctioned ABA events within the Section. The issuance of sanctions is the responsibility of the SVP. In some Sections, this job is delegated to a Section Tournament Chair. However, the SVP retains the ultimate power to decide which games Clubs/Units within his/her Section can hold. 1. Duties: All requests for sanctions for Grade "A", Grade "B" and Grade "C"

Regional events are to be submitted to the SVP by the sponsoring organization in accordance with deadlines established by the Section. In general, requests for a date in any calendar year must be submitted in the previous year via Form PSA 505. Where there is a Unit that body will serve as the coordinator of the local schedule and will in turn clear such schedules with the SVP.

2. Other Section Duties:

a. Membership: Membership recruitment and expansion within the Section are a very vital part of the responsibility of the SVP. A source of funds is the Sectional games. Each SVP is expected to use this resource to promote the growth of bridge within the Section.

The Chair of the New Player/Membership Committee should be

utilized as a resource person to assist with membership growth. Each SVP should submit names of members to serve on the New Player/Membership Committee to the National President. They then become resource persons within the Section and are readily available for program needs.

Once a new club is established, someone within the Section, should be

assigned the responsibility of keeping in close contact with the fledgling group. New Clubs often falter because there is no one close at hand to help with problems involved with just being new to duplicate bridge.


I - 17

A Section Membership Committee may be one avenue open to the SVP to promote growth and expansion within the Section. The low-density areas of the Section may require particular attention. Often it can be very difficult to find persons to travel to far places to establish ABA clubs. However, a SVP should attempt to solve these problems.

Membership, within a Section, can often be revitalized by a major

project within the Section. A National Tournament often serves this purpose. However, between National Tournaments, the SVP and membership recruiters should plan a major project around which the membership can rally and direct their efforts.

b. The SVP should conduct leadership seminars with Club/Unit officers to

better understand their problems, objectives and assist them in finding solutions.

c. The SVP should maintain a file of Clubs, Units, financial members and

officers within the Section. This file is vital to the membership program and can also flag attention to "fading clubs" which may need to be reinforced.

Section Meetings: To stimulate attendance at the annual Section meeting, the SVP may wish to consider some of these recommendations from former SVPs: 1. Publish the agenda in advance so members know what topics are to be

covered. 2. Include the meeting date and time on tournament announcements mailed to

players. 3. Designate a time before the evening session on the last day of the

tournament. 4. Specify a meeting time, e.g. the July 4th weekend, when the Section Open

Pair Game is held. 5. Have gimmicks to get people into the meeting early. 6. Have brief, informative reports from committee chairs and Section Officers.

A written copy of the report should be given to the SVP and the Secretary. 7. Begin meetings on time. This encourages persons to attend meetings on

time.


I - 18

8. Hold regular, administrative meetings with Section Committee Representatives.

9. Meet and confer with new officers of Clubs/Units in order to acquaint them

with the importance of attendance at Section meetings.

Scholarship Program: The SVP should be familiar with the scholarship regulations as established by the National Scholarship Committee. These annual scholarship applications are another important part of the responsibility of the SVP. A scholarship committee can relieve the SVP of the necessity of personally handling applications; however, the SVP should insure that deadlines of the National Scholarship Committee are met and that each Club/Unit within the Section has the opportunity to submit a candidate for consideration for scholarship aid.

Communication Network: In some Sections, the SVP designates an Editor to prepare a regular newspaper (newsletter), with input from him/her, to keep Section members apprised of events at the Section and National level. Periodically, the SVP and/or the Editor send articles about the Section to the ABA Bulletin.

Director-in-Training: One of the prime concerns of the SVP is that of finding enough qualified, certified directors to meet the needs of the Section. The Chair of Staff Development and Certification (SDC) can assist in mounting any required special program for a particular Section. The SVP may wish to attempt a co-pay program in which a trainer or director might be invited to work during a Sectional weekend and in conjunction conduct a training session. This would help defray the expense of bringing a director-trainer to an area if no one is relatively close.

Talent Search: One of the most rewarding experiences for a SVP is to find persons who have a special talent to help with duties of the office. Such persons should be good at tournament promotion, membership recruitment, bridge instruction, committee work, social and entertainment activities, educational programs, etc. These jewels should be carefully cultivated because they help a Section/Unit/Club to grow and to develop.

Mediation: Disputes, not resolved by Units, are expected to be mediated at the Section level before being referred to any National committee. The SVP should plan to have appropriate committees staffed to handle problems at the Section level. No player/Unit should be permitted to by-pass the Section Level for a National Level decision.


I - 19

The SVP is expected to adjudicate disputes within the framework of the Sectional/National Constitutions and the ABA Code of Disciplinary Conduct. This includes (but is not limited to) interpreting and enforcing provisions of the ABA Constitution and By-laws.

National Assignments: A SVP may be requested to serve on a National Level Committee at the pleasure of the President. These services afford an opportunity to participate more fully in the affairs of the Association.

Allowances: The annual allowance from the National Organization to each SVP is $800, payable in quarterly installments of $200, a $200 travel allowance for each National Tournament, and a room allowance of $200 for the Spring National and $300 for the Summer National. Unless otherwise provided for, the only reimbursement for travel and room by the National Organization is for National Tournaments (Per diem is paid for official Board of Directors' meetings.). Some Sections provide free card plays, telephone reimbursement, complimentary hotel rooms, etc, and defray the additional expenses of SVP attendance at National Tournaments. This practice varies from Section to Section.

The Section Secretary 1. With the growth of the Association, the Section Secretary has become an

important adjunct to the SVP. In some Sections, the Secretary also serves as the Treasurer.

2. The Secretary shall record minutes at meetings of the Section and publish

them according to the Section's rules. (S)he should transmit clear copies of all Section meeting minutes to the National Office, National President, Chair of the Board, all Section Representatives, Unit Secretaries and Club Presidents. The Secretary may be empowered to receive membership fees/sanction fees/other funds from the Executive Secretary/Section/Units/Clubs and transmit them to the Section Treasurer.

3. The Secretary shall have other duties as required by his/her Section. Sectional Events 1. Each Section is entitled to two (2) Sectional Tournaments each year. 2. Each Sectional tournament may consist of one (1) or more events as listed

in Schedule of Authorized Regional Events (See Part I – Club Entitlement to Sanctioned Events.). In addition, the Section can hold the Knockout Team Game, and a special one session General Fund Benefit Game (This event pays 150% of the normal sectional master point award.).

Richard

National Office

Richard

Executive Secretary/


I - 20

3. Each event is limited to two (2) sessions of play and, with the exception of

the Knockout Team Game, must be scheduled to start and be completed on the same day. Early arrivals, early birds, and side games award masterpoints in accordance with the Basic Master Point Award Schedule for Sectional & Regional Tournaments (See Part IV).

4. Each section is granted one exclusive holiday sectional weekend The

holiday weekends currently designated to each section by the NTA and approved by the Executive Board are as follows:

a. Martin Luther King Birthday (January) Southern Section b. Memorial Day (May) Eastern c. 4th of July (July) Great Lakes d. Labor Day (September) Midwest & Northwest e. Columbus Day (October) Mid-Atlantic f. Veterans Day (November) Western g. Thanksgiving (November) Southwest

The second sectional tournament may be held on any weekend that does not conflict with another section’s exclusive holiday weekend. Usually the section vice presidents tries to schedule the second sectional so as not to conflict with another major sectional and nearby Grade “A” weekends.

5. Sectional tournaments may not exceed five (5) days and must encompass a

weekend (Friday and Saturday). 6. If a section elects not to sponsor the second sectional weekend it may

allocate the remainder of the authorized new sectional rated events, to Units/and or Independent Clubs within the section. Note: This means that games held during the primary weekend cannot be repeated in the rotation of games to the Units/Independent clubs.

Part II - Administration

II-1

Part II Administration


II-2

The National Organization In accordance with Article IV, Section I of the Constitution and By-laws of the American Bridge Association, Inc., "The government of the Association shall be vested in the members at the Business Meeting and in the President and Board of Directors between sessions." Business meetings of the membership must be held during each Spring and Summer National Tournament. Between business meetings of the membership, the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee has all the power of the membership, except that it may not alter or countermand any policy decision already adopted by the membership.

The Board of Directors: The Board of Directors is composed of the National President, the National Vice President, the Executive Secretary, the National Treasurer, and all SVPs. In addition to the Board of Directors, the National Organization Structure includes all Officials and Committee Chairs appointed by the President (See Chapter IX - "Committee Functions" in the By-laws of the American Bridge Association, Inc.)

Fiscal Policies: 1. The National Office Account shall contain signatures of the Treasurer and

Executive Secretary, but only the Executive Secretary's signature shall be required on checks on this account.

2. The Executive Secretary shall provide a complete and detailed account of

expenditures to the Board twice a year. 3. Copies of the General Fund check register are to be sent to the elected

officers quarterly. 4. The President shall have a revolving office expense allowance of $750. 5. The Conduit Account (The account used to deposit money received by the

National Office until it is transferred monthly to the appropriate funds.) shall contain the signature of all officers, but only two signatures are required-- the Executive Secretary and the Treasurer.

6. Two signatures are required for the General Fund Account. 7. The Treasurer shall deposit funds received from the National Office and

reconcile the accounts of the Association on a monthly basis.

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive


II-3

8. The Treasurer and Executive Secretary shall prepare reports on the fiscal

affairs of the Association. 9. At the end of each fiscal year, after all records have been reconciled, they

are to be housed permanently in the National Office. This would make records available for the preparation of annual audits.

10. Board of Directors expenses is to be charged to the General Fund. 11. All Board actions are to be conveyed to the affected committees by the

Board Chair. 12. The Board of Directors minutes shall include how all Board of Directors

members voted on the issues.

Labels: ABA labels, for non-commercial use, may be sold to ABA members upon request and receipt of funds for said labels.

Logo: Copyrighting the ABA logo has been approved with all legal rules, regulations and procedures involved in the processing. Permission to use the logo must be secured from the Executive Secretary. National Tournament Allowance Regulations: National Tournament Allowances are paid to the following: 1. President: Transportation to the site of the tournament (mileage or lowest

airfare including ground transportation), a complimentary two-bedroom suite and per diem for each day of the tournament including setup and after tournament days required for official ABA business.5

2. National Vice President: Transportation to the site of the tournament

(mileage or lowest airfare including ground transportation), per diem and a complimentary two-bedroom suite and per diem for each official Board Meeting.

3. Executive Secretary: Transportation to the site of the tournament (mileage

or lowest airfare including ground transportation), a complimentary one-bedroom suite, per diem for each day of the tournament including setup and

5"Complimentary" means the person does not pay for the room. If there are not enough complimentary rooms for entitled persons, the Association will pay the cost of the room through the Master Account.

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive


II-4

after tournament days required for official ABA business and a tournament allowance.

a. Administrative Assistant: Transportation to the site of the tournament

(mileage or lowest airfare including ground transportation), per diem for each day of the tournament including setup and after tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

b. Clerk6 Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare, common

carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel), per diem for each day of the tournament including setup and after tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

a) Clerk (helps with press sheets, typing, and printing for Officers &

Committee Chairs): Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare, common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel) per diem for each day of the tournament including setup and after tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

b) Board Secretary: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare,

common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel) per diem for each day of work on board-related tasks, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

4. Treasurer: Transportation to the site of the tournament (mileage or

lowest airfare including ground transportation), complimentary one-bedroom suite, per diem for each day of the tournament including setup and after tournament days required for official ABA business, and a tournament allowance.

5. Section Vice Presidents: Transportation allowance ($200 Spring and

Summer), Room Allowance ($200 Spring and $300 Summer), ground transportation, and per diem for attending Board Meetings.

6. Parliamentarian: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare,

common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel), per diem for attending Board Meetings and a complimentary room.

6One clerk is provided at the Spring National Tournament and two clerks are provided at the Summer National Tournament.


II-5

7. Chair of the National Tournament Authority: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare, common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel); per diem for each day of the tournament including setup and after tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

8. Chair of the National Tournament Committee: Transportation to the

site of the tournament (airfare, common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel), per diem for four (4) meetings in the Spring and seven (7) meetings in the Summer and a complimentary room.

9. Chair of Staff Development & Certification: Transportation to the site of

the tournament (airfare, common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel). Payment is based on Seminars (Limited to two (2) in the spring and three (3) in the summer. Seminar pay determined by the Board of Directors (currently $100 per seminar). Per diem is limited to two (2) in the spring and three (3) in the summer. Room will be paid for three (3) days in the spring and five (5) days in the summer. May be hired as a Director.

10. Supervisory Director: Transportation to the site of the tournament

(airfare, common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel), per diem for each day of the tournament including setup and after tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

11. Floor Manager: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare,

common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel); per diem for each day of the tournament including setup and after tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

12. Chief Scorer: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare,

common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel); per diem for each day of the tournament including setup and after tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

13. Directors: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare, common

carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel); per diem for each day assigned to work (including the staff development day before the tournament if authorized) for the position, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.


II-6

14. Logistics & Supplies: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare, common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel); per diem including setup and after tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

15. Caddy Coordinator: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare,

common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel); per diem (including days needed for setup), tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

16. Caddies: Will be compensated in accordance with fees recommended by

the NTA and approved by the Board.7 17. Tournament & Convention Manager: Transportation to the site of the

tournament (airfare, common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel); per diem including setup and after tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

18. Assistant Convention Manager: Transportation to the site of the


19. Flash Editor: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare,

common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel); per diem including setup and after tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

a. Clerk-Typists (3): Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare,


b. Machine Operator: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare,

common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel); per diem including setup and after

7As of the publication date, these fees are $16 per Section worked; $24 per two (2) Sections.


II-7

tournament days required to close the operation, tournament allowance and a complimentary room.

20. Photographer: The duties of the photographer, effective January, 2001,

are to be performed by the Bulletin Editor. The allowance for spring is $500 and summer$750. Per Diem is $15 per day.

21. Awards Coordinator: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare,


22. Awards Assistant Coordinator: Transportation to the site of the


23. Bulletin Editor: Transportation to the site of the tournament (airfare,

common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel) and a complimentary room.

24. Public Relations Director: Per diem8, room and transportation (airfare,

common carrier, or mileage, not to exceed supersaver airfare available 30 days prior to date of travel).

Non-National Tournament Travel Regulations: These regulations do not cover travel to and from National Tournaments. 1. Request to Travel Form: This form must be completed including

appropriate signatures and on file in the National Office prior to departure. A copy of the agenda, announcement or official permission for travel must be attached to this form. The completion of this form:

a. Provides official approval for travel on behalf of the ABA. b. Provides for the encumbrance of the estimated travel expenses against

the travel budget of the approving unit.

8The per diem is not part of the $500 Committee expense money.


II-8

c. Provides documentation of approval to travel should the traveler be involved in an accident or injured while on the trip.

2. Travel Expense Statement: This form should be completed in its entirety

and submitted immediately after the trip. It provides the official report of the actual travel expenses incurred on the trip.

3. Transportation: The choice between the use of a personal vehicle or

common carrier will be made after a careful analysis of the distance, travel time and overall cost factors of the trip have been considered. Reimbursement for the most economical mode of transportation will be authorized. Mileage reimbursement is included under ground transportation and will be found on the Travel Expense Statement. Personal auto and long-term parking facilities at the airport should be used unless the cost exceeds taxi fare.

4. Lodging: Reimbursement will be made, at reasonable rates, for actual

lodging expenses incurred. Receipts must document all lodging expenses. 5. Meals: Reimbursement will be made for the actual cost of meals, limited to

current rate of per diem. 6. Questions: The Executive Secretary will answer any questions concerning

travel regulations. Per Diem: 1. Per diem will be granted when approved authorized travel for ABA

business by an official exceeds 12 hours.

2. If there are co-chairs of a committee receiving a per diem allowance, the co-chairs are to share the per diem.

3. There is a two-year limitation on payment of retroactive per diem.

Petty Cash: A Petty Cash Fund has been established in the National Office to provide a method to secure low-cost items when it is not practical to requisition such items through the National Office or Supplies and Logistics. (These regulations do not apply to the Tournament and Convention Manager or the Chair of Supplies and Logistics.) To control expenditures, made through the petty cash fund, the following rules and regulations have been established:

Richard

Executive


II-9

1. Officials are permitted to expend personal funds for official "small purchases" to acquire materials that are not available from the National Office or Supplies and Logistics and to obtain reimbursement from petty cash provided the official has the approval of the individual's unit head. Prior approval must be obtained by completing a Petty Cash Voucher (Form available in the National Office.)

2. Cash purchases are limited to $25 per purchase. Repetitive purchases on

the same day from the same vendor, or in immediate subsequent days, totaling more than $25 may be considered as an evasion of the $25 limit and will require a written explanation and possibly disallowance of reimbursement.

3. Reimbursement will not be made for items that may be secured from the

National Office or from Supplies and Logistics. It is the individual's responsibility to determine whether or not the needed materials are available at either these two places.

4. Cash purchases of $25 or less, made by an official, are subject to Petty Cash

Regulations. It is the responsibility of the individual making the purchase to be familiar with the rules and regulations regarding such purchases. Individuals, who require information regarding these directives, should contact the National Office.

5. Petty Cash Reimbursement: To obtain reimbursement from the Petty

Cash Fund, an official must submit a receipt in the form of an original vendor's invoice marked "paid" or a "Petty Cash Voucher" signed by the vendor. The following requirements should be met when the receipt is in the form of a vendor invoice:

a. The receipt should be an original. It should not be a carbon copy or a

photocopy.

b. The receipt should be marked "paid" and carry the signature of the vendor's representative and the name of the vendor. It should be a formal receipt not merely a slip of paper on which the information has been written.

c. The receipt should show the date of purchase, quantity, description,

unit price and extension of each item purchased. Cash discounts, if allowed, should be taken.

d. In those instances where only cash-register receipts are obtainable from

the vendor, the cash-register receipt may be submitted for reimbursement provided the vendor's name is machine pre-printed thereon and provided a complete “Petty Cash Voucher” accompanies


II-10

the cash-register receipt. In such cases, it is not necessary to obtain the signature of the Vendor's representative.

e. Periodically the Executive Secretary will distribute a list of petty cash

purchases by a particular unit. It is the unit head's responsibility to maintain data concerning petty cash transactions that have not been posted to his/her budget account during the interim.

Purchasing Policy: Any contractual services, supplies, materials or equipment that are required for use by an official (or employee) of the ABA (The Tournament and Convention Manager and the Chair of Supplies and Logistics are exempted from this policy because their purchase of supplies and equipment are covered under their job descriptions.) in the performance of their individual official duties will be purchased from funds budgeted for such purposes by the official's unit. The head of each unit has the primary responsibility for controlling the unit's budgets, including the establishment of priorities in meeting the needs of staff members, within the limitations of the unit's operating budget for the fiscal year. No official of the ABA is authorized to make purchases or to obligate the ABA in any manner without having the written approval of the official's unit head and the National President or the Board of Directors or their designated representative secured in compliance with the rules prescribed in this document. All officials of the ABA are prohibited from securing items or supplies on a "charge" basis in the name of the ABA. Charging purchases of services, supplies, materials or equipment to the ABA without appropriate written authority conflicts with ABA fiscal policies governing purchases. Any employee who does not comply with this policy will be held personally liable for the cost of the items involved. Supplies, materials or equipment may be secured in compliance with the Purchasing Policy from a vendor by the use of personal funds to be reimbursed from Petty Cash or from a vendor with the appropriate written authority, reimbursement is made through the Executive Secretary.

Reimbursement Policy: All approved ABA expenses are reimbursable with the proper documentation.

Secretarial Service: During National Tournaments, the National Office will provide basic clerical assistance (typing, photocopying, etc.) to officials having to submit reports to

Richard

Executive

Richard

Secretary

Richard

National Office

Richard

National Office

Richard



II-11

the Board of Directors. At least one day’s notice should be given for the use of such services. Special National Personnel 1. Chief Negotiator/Meeting Planner: If needed, the Board of Directors is

empowered to hire/appoint a Chief Negotiator or Meeting Planner for selecting National Tournament sites.

2. General Counselor: The Board of Directors is empowered to hire a

General Counselor on a case-by-case basis. 3. Internal Auditor: The President shall appoint an internal auditor to

conduct an annual review of the financial status of the ABA.

Issuance of Contracts: Whenever a contract is issued by any official(s), a copy must be forwarded to the Executive Secretary within thirty (30) days. This guideline is very important for contracts issued for National Tournaments. The information is necessary in order that the National Office can prepare preliminary budgets to insure funds will be available to cover the costs of the contracts. Copies of all contracts are to be forwarded to the Board of Directors.

Richard

Executive Secretary

Richard

National Office


II-12

Rules of Conduct These Rules of Conduct are to extend the Proprieties, Rules and Regulations of the American Bridge Association to identify those sanctions that are peculiar to officials and employees of the organization. Where and when applicable the Proprieties, Rules and Regulations reflected elsewhere in this Handbook and for the Constitution and By-Laws of the ABA are equally relevant to the officers and employees as members of the organization. This extended list of sanctions is most necessary in those instances where the individual involved is acting as an agent of the ABA and the organization may suffer a share of culpability. Also punitive actions can be extended to include discharge of an employee and/or withholding salary as an option.

Rules of Conduct Sanctions Rules 1st Offense 2Nd

Offense 3rd

Offense Remarks

1. Failure to Perform Assigned Duties

Warning 6 Mo. Suspension 6 Mo. Probation

1 Yr. Suspension Demotion

4th Grounds for Discharge

2. Insubordination

3 Mo. Suspension

6 Mo. Suspension 6 Mo. Probation


3. Negligence Warning 3 Mo. Suspension 6 Mo. Probation


4thOffense may result in Discharge

4. Falsifying Time Sheets, Records, Reports or any other information

1 Yr. Suspension 3 Yr. Probation Demotion


Discharge Expulsion

5. Theft 2 Yr. Suspension 3 Yr. Probation Demotion

Discharge Expulsion

6. Intoxicated on the job

6 Mo. Suspension 1Yr. Probation


Discharge Expulsion

Willingness to obtain professional help may soften these actions


II-13


Offense 3rd

Offense Remarks

7. Rude, Discourteous Behavior

6Mo. Suspension 1 Yr. Probation


Discharge 3 Yr. Probation

May be considered for Expulsion

9. Willful Damaging of Equipment or Property


1 Yr. Suspension 1 Yr. Probation

Demotion Possible Expulsion

In all instances fines to help defray costs might be in order

10. Willful Violation of Safety Regulation


6 Mo. Suspension 1 Yr. Probation


4th grounds for considering discharge

11. Organized Gambling or Bookmaking at ABA Sanctioned Events

30 Day Suspension 30 day Probation



4th offense may be ground for considering expulsion

12. Sleeping while at Work

Warning Letter



4th offense may result in discharge

13. Using or Selling Narcotics or other Unauthorized Mind Altering Chemicals



Discharge Expulsion

Willingness to obtain professional help may soften these actions

14. Repeated Instances of Payment Default

Warning Fine to Cover Incurred Costs

1 Yr. Suspension 2 Yr. Probation Fine to Cover Incurred Costs

Discharge Indefinite Suspension

Non-Negotiable Check more than 30 Days old will result in automatic suspension


II-14


Offense 3rd

Offense Remarks

15. Unauthorized Removal or use of ABA Owned Equipment


Demotion 1 Yr. Probation

Discharge Indefinite Suspension

4th Offense may be considered as Theft

16. Failure to cooperate with an internal Investigation relating to performance of Duties or Other matters relating to ABA Business


Discharge Depending Upon the gravity of the issue this may be considered Insubordination

17. Sexual Harassment

6 Mo. Suspension 1 Yr. Probation Formal Apology to the individual offended

Discharge 2 Yr. Suspension Formal Apology to the individual offended

18. Brandishing Firearms or any other Weapon

2 Yr. Suspension 2 Yr. Probation Discharge

Expulsion

Withholding of Pay: The ABA is authorized to withhold paychecks or deduct from paychecks amounts owed by officials/employees of the ABA for any fine, fee, penalty or other financial obligation(s) to the ABA.


II-15

National Committees Committee Reports: Committee reports are to be sent to the ABA Bulletin for publication. If a committee report includes a policy statement, that report must be sent to the Executive Secretary. After review in the National Office, approved reports will be forwarded to the ABA Bulletin by the Executive Secretary, if a report is disapproved it will be returned to the author with comments and recommendations. ABA/ACBL Liaison Committee 1. This committee shall have a budget of $500. 2. Information about the ABA Tournament Schedule will be supplied to the

ACBL by the ABA Bulletin Editor.

National Appeals & Ethics Committee 1. Basic Principles:

a. The Appeals Committee is usually called upon to adjudicate cases that require considering testimony about matters of bridge judgment and fact for a ruling and/or consideration of the way a rule is applied rather than a decision based solely on a point of law or regulation.

b. The objective of the Appeals Committee is to provide a forum for a fair

hearing and a final decision.

2. The Committee:

a. A Protest/Appeals Committee, formed for the purpose of hearing an appeal/protest, is composed of one to five (5) individuals.

b. Individuals, appointed to serve on the committee, are expected to be

impartial. If a committee member feels (s)he may not be able to act impartially or there is an appearance of possible partiality, (e.g., the committee member is a frequent partner of one of the parties), the member should ask to be excused or the matter should be discussed with the parties to determine if there is an objection.

c. Any party can challenge a member for just cause. The challenger must

state the objections to the committee. The committee will meet

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive

Richard

omit


II-16

privately to decide the issue. The committee is the sole judge of its membership and there is no appeal from its decision, regarding the composition.

3. Hearings:

a. The chair shall call the hearing to order and take the following action:

(1). Determine that the appeal form is completed and both parties (appellant and respondent) are represented.

(2). Clarify that (s)he is in charge; that no one is to speak until

recognized. Upon recognition, an individual should address only the committee.

(3). Introduce all parties as required. (4). Explain how the committee will proceed.

b. The tournament director will proceed first to relate the facts and explain and interpret applicable laws and regulations. Appellants, respondents or committee members, when recognized by the chair, may ask questions of the tournament director. This is the limit of the tournament director's participation in the appeal.

c. The appellant parties then present their side of the appeal. d. Next the respondents present their side of the appeal. e. Either side may be questioned by the committee or by the other side

when recognized by the chair. f. After all evidence has been received, the chair should conclude the

testimony phase. The committee then entertains final comments. g. The chair dismisses all parties and the tournament director. The chair

should specify to the parties whether or not they are to remain available.

h. The chair will conduct the deliberations and poll panel members on a

final decision. A majority shall prevail. i. The chair will notify the parties and the tournament director of the

committee's decision. This may be done orally and/or in writing. Whenever appropriate, the chair should explain the decision to the parties.


II-17

4. The ABA will acquire the latest American Edition of the Laws of Duplicate

Bridge as promulgated by the National Laws Commission for use by the National Appeals & Ethics Committee and Protest Committee. This same action should be followed at all levels of the ABA.

5. A free play will be offered to each member of a protest committee if the

meeting or meetings exceed 60 minutes, without breaks.


II-18

American Bridge Association Proprieties - Rules and Regulations

These organizational rules and regulations dealing with conduct and deportment have been established for the benefit and protection of the members of the American Bridge Association. It is not intended that these directives restrict or impose on the privileges of anyone, but rather that they ensure the rights of all ABA members by outlining actions for those committees of the organization involved in the adjudication of reported infractions. However, when extenuating circumstances are found, a committee may modify the penalty and/or disciplinary action reflected in these rules.

Rules-Regulations

1st

Offense

2nd

Offense

3rd

Offense

1. Engaging in predetermined illegal means of communicating information, oral or mechanical, during the action or play!

Expulsion Article 5.6

2. Deliberately taking unusual and

unwarranted action during a contest in an effort to improve the score of a specific individual, pair or team.

1 year suspension 1 yr probation

Expulsion

3. Unauthorized altering or changing,

in any way, a score with the express purpose of realizing personal gain.

6 mo sus 6 mo prob

2 yrs sus 1 yr prob

Expulsion

4. Purposeful hesitations when it

would compromise partner into a specific action.

6 mo sus

2 yr sus 1 yr prob

Expulsion 3 yrs prob & sus

5. Comparison of scores with other

individuals prior to the end of the events (session).

6 mo sus

2 yr sus 1 yr prob

6. Refusal to comply with reasonable

instructions or directions from ABA officials in the performance of assigned duties.

3 mo sus 6 mo prob

6 mo sus 6 mo prob

2 yrs sus 1 yr prob


II-19

Rules-Regulations

1st

Offense

2nd

Offense

3rd

Offense

7. Organizing gambling or bookmaking on any ABA sanctioned games.

30 day sus 30 day prob

3 mo sus 3 mo prob

1 yr sus 1 yr prob

8. Unauthorized departure from a

game in progress without permission. (Legitimate emergencies excepted.)

30 day sus 10 day prob

3 mo sus 3 mo prob

1 yr sus 1 yr prob

9. Brandishing a firearm or any other

weapon.

2 yrs sus 2 yrs prob

Expulsion

10. Fighting, instigating a fight, or

otherwise engaging in intimidating tactics.

2 yr sus 2 yrs prob

Expulsion

11. Deliberate falsification of facts

presented in a hearing by the ABA Board of Directors, or a duly authorized committee of the organization, in an effort to impede or alter the decision-making process.

1 yr sus 1 yr prob

Expulsion

12. Stealing of ABA or other members'

possessions.

6 mo sus 6 mo prob

Expulsion

13. Abusive language and disorderly.

Behaving in a threatening or violent manner. Extreme rudeness in conversation, gesture or behavior toward any person.

6 mo sus 6 mo prob

1 yr sus 8 mo prob

Expulsion 3 yr prob

14. Willful destruction or damaging of

ABA property or that of another member.

6 mo sus 3 mo prob

1 yr sus 1 yr prob

Expulsion

15. Drunk and/or disorderly

6 mo sus 6 mo prob

1 yr sus 1 yr prob

3 yrs sus 3 yrs prob

16. Immoral, improper, or indecent

conduct.

3 mo sus 3 mo prob

6 mo sus 6 mo prob

2 yrs sus 1 yr prob


II-20

Rules-Regulations

1st

Offense

2nd

Offense

3rd

Offense

17. Making false statements that are malicious or derogatory concerning any member of the organization.

3 mo sus 3 mo prob

6 mo sus 6 mo prob

2 yrs sus 1 yr prob

Procedures

1. The individual is guaranteed due process before discipline is imposed.

2. Right of notice for formal disciplinary hearings. Accused individuals

receive a written specification of the charges a reasonable period in advance of the hearing.

3. If the accused desires (s)he is entitled to have a professional or layperson to counsel him on his/her defense.

4. The accused is entitled to be present whenever any evidence exercised in the case against him/her is given to allow challenge of the evidence, and/or to question all witnesses.

5. Committee members are expected to decide disciplinary cases entirely on the evidence presented at the hearing. If the accused has a record of, and a reputation for similar infractions, they must be made a formal part of the case record and brought out at the hearing if they are to be considered.

6. Hearsay evidence is admissible but must be made a formal part of the proceedings.

7. When a committee has reached a conclusion as to guilt and penalty, the accused should be notified. If discipline is imposed, the committee should make a written record that is limited to a statement of the charges, a list of all involved, a summary of the testimony and details of the committee's findings and/or sentence, for forwarding to the ABA Board of Directors and National Appeals Committee.

8. When a committee recommends a sentence, which it cannot implement itself, a far more complete record of the hearing should be prepared for forwarding to a formal disciplinary body of the ABA.


II-21

9. Note: In those cases where more than one member is involved in the

infraction, the investigating committee will have to determine the degree of involvement in setting the level of the disciplinary action, if any.


II-22

National Elections Committee

Mail Balloting: 1. The Elections Committee will send ballots via the Summer issue of the

ABA Bulletin to all members who are financial as of 1 March of each election year.

2. Completed ballots will be mailed not later than June 15. 3. Any member, who has not received a ballot by 1 June, should contact the

Chair of the Elections Committee for a replacement ballot. 4. If duplicate ballots, from the same individual, are received by the Elections

Committee, both ballots will be invalidated. 5. Ballots must be postmarked by date published in the ABA Bulletin by the

Elections Committee and returned to the Post Office Box in the designated city. A stamped, addressed envelope will be provided for returning the ballot.

6. Balloting and mailing instructions will be included with the balloting

materials to be received in June. Please follow the instructions carefully. 7. When the ballot arrives, it will contain the necessary form and instructions

for voting. The Ballot is a scanable form, which contains the names of candidates for elected offices, including unopposed offices. Candidates are numbered beginning with 1. Mark your choice for each office opposite the proper box number.

Match candidate’s number with the corresponding numbered box on the Ballot. Mark your choice for each office with a #2 pencil. Do not use ink or ball point pen. Do not make stray marks on the form.

8. Place the filled-in Ballot Form inside the plain white envelope and seal it.

Place the envelope now containing the Ballot in the envelope which has the Ballot Number printed on the outside and a space for the signature and ABA Membership Number. Be sure the signature and Membership Number of the ABA member is placed in the space provided on this envelope before placing it in the self-addressed, stamped, return envelope. Once the envelopes are separated, the sealed Ballot will be removed for counting. These procedures are designed to protect the right to privacy and how a member voted.

Richard

1 June,

dorothy

Should be May 15th

dorothy

who are financial as of 1 March of each election year.


II-23

9. Results of the balloting will be reported at the First Session of the Annual Meeting following the balloting.

Electioneering: Unless one is representing himself, officers and members of the staff at National Tournaments are prohibited from electioneering.

National Publications/Public Relations

1. ABA Bulletin

At each National Tournament, the Editor is to make available all excess photographs from the previous tournament for SVPs to select and use in a collage for display at their Sectional Tournaments or given to members.

2. Policy for the ABA Bulletin

The ABA Bulletin is published to give information to the membership. This would include the Constitution and By-laws as well as Procedural Manuals; schedules of National Tournaments; sites, hotel costs and dates of Nationals and reasonable projection of future Nationals.

The Bulletin will also include annual reports from the National officers: President, Vice President, Executive Secretary, and the Treasurer. Reports from standing committees will also be published.

Regional and Sectional tournament results, Section point races, Friend and Williams races. Top ten standing for rankings below Diamond, Nationwide Game results, and Milestones. “In Memoriam” will also be published. Stories which enhance the Bulletin reports on the National Tournaments including winners; reports on the C.G. Fredd and Victor Daly Knockouts; and articles on bridge play and bidding will also be regular features. Letters to the editor titled: “We Get Letters" will be published. The editor is privileged to make unbiased and objective editorial comments or footnotes, when appropriate. An item or letter shall be signed by the writer. Anonymous letters will not be published. If any "charges" are made, the writer is required to send two copies of the article. The Bulletin Editor will send one copy to the subject for comment, which will be published with the article in question. Refusal to comment by the subject does not mean the article will not be published The Bulletin will be published quarterly March 1, July 1, October 10, and December 10. Deadline dates are January 15, May 15, August 25, and

Richard

Executive


II-24

October 25 for officers and committee chairs responsible for the above stated information. For all others, the deadline will be the one published in the previous Bulletin. First class copies of the Bulletin will be sent to the following: Board of Directors, past presidents, past editors, contributors, foreign addresses, and certain committee chairs. Election Ads will not be accepted. Each candidate for office will be allowed to submit a one/half page profile, indicating his/her qualifications, past experience and contributions to the ABA along with a "vision of the future”.

National Programs Awards Program Trophies and/or scrip are awarded to all first and second place winners except for Modified Round Robin team games, where trophies and/or script are awarded to first place winners only in each flight. In addition, Section winners receive awards. A player always receives the higher of two possible awards. Awards for the KO Teams are not paid for the final and semi-final rounds. This means a five-session KO will receive scrip certificates for a three-session event. A three-session (Grade A) or four-session KO (Morning KO and Sectionals) will receive scrip certificates for a two-session event. This will have no affect on the MPA or playing fees. While it may be more economical to purchase trophies locally, Clubs and Units will find it convenient to purchase scrip through the National Office. Scrip Award Program Scrip may be purchased from National Office. Scrip Awards are paid such that first place winners are reimbursed their entry fee (Up to three rounds of a knockout team.). 1. Scrip certificates are in denominations of one dollar ($1), five dollars ($5)

and ten dollars ($10). 2. Each ABA affiliate is responsible for supplying scrip to eligible tournament

winners who request this type award.


II-25

3. Each ABA affiliate must accept scrip in payment for tournament entry fees and dues for all levels of membership throughout the ABA.

4. Each ABA affiliate is responsible for proper supervision of its officers,

members, and directors in distributing, awarding, and refunding scrip. 5 Torn or damaged certificates should be returned at the Nationals where an

even exchange will be made at no charge. If certificates are mailed, prepaid postage will be required for the issuance of new certificates.

6 Worn or damaged certificates:

a. All worn or damaged certificates, which are no longer usable, are to be destroyed in the presence of the ABA Board of Directors and the event recorded in the minutes, along with the value of the destroyed scrip.

b. The Treasurer is to verify the amount and condition of scrip before it is

destroyed. c. The Treasurer is to give the Executive Secretary a receipt for the

damaged scrip and is to make a report of the amount of scrip to be destroyed to the Board of Directors.

d. The Executive Secretary is to deduct the value of the destroyed

certificates from the total scrip holdings. 7. Each ABA Unit (and Independent Club) is required to purchase and keep on

hand a minimum of twenty-five dollars ($25) worth of scrip for every Club under its jurisdiction. The purchaser will be liable for selling and reclaiming scrip to/from Clubs in its area.

8. There will be a handling fee of ten percent (10%) for every request for

refund. Only ABA Units and Independent Clubs should present scrip for refunding.

9. It is suggested that purchases of scrip and requests for refunds be made

during the Spring and Summer Nationals where the certificates may be picked up in the National Office. However, if necessary, scrip may be ordered by mail. The purchaser must prepay postage and insurance costs.

10. Sections/Units/Clubs with excessive scrip on hand may sell to other

Sections/Units/Clubs through personal negotiations. There are no restrictions on the amounts of these transactions

Richard

Executive


II-26

11. Money is not given to individual players in exchange for scrip. Persons accepting registrations must give players their change in scrip when they are paying fees with scrip.


II-27

Scrip Schedule (Per Game) Game Types

1st Place

2nd Place

Section

C Regional

$2.00 -4.00

½ of 1st place

B Regional-2-Sessions

$8.00 - 10.00

½ of 1st place

B Regional Mod RR

$8 .00 - 10.00

None

A Regional-2-Sessions

$10.00 -12.00

½ of 1st place

A Regional Knockout

$10.00 -12.00

½ of 1st place

A Regional Mod RR

$10.00 -12.00

None

Sectional-1 Session

$6.00 -8.00

½ of 1st place

2.00

Sectional-2 Sessions

$12.00 -16.00

½ of 1st place

Sectional Knockout

$12.00 -16.00

½ of 1st place

Sectional Mod RR

$12.00 -16.00

None

Sectional Side Game

$6.00 – 8.00

½ of 1st place

$1.00

National-1-Session

$10.00

$5.00

$4.00

National-2-Sessions

$20.00

$10.00

$4.00

National Side Game

$7.00

$3.50

$2.00

National Knockout

$30.00

$15.00

National AM KO

$20.00

$10.00

2nd Chance

$15.00

$7.50

New Players $9.00 $4.50 $3.00

All first place awards are based on the entry fee for the event, i.e. – Entry Fee = $8.00 – 1st place scrip award = $8.00 All Independent Clubs and Units are encouraged to keep an ample supply of scrip on hand. Scrip can be purchased from the National Office.


II-28

Benefit/Scholarship Games Each chartered Club and Unit may sponsor the following four (4) Benefit-type games each calendar year: ABA Benefit, ABA Headquarters (2), ABA Scholarship (2), Special Club Promotional Benefit. Awards for Benefit-type games are at the option of the sponsoring group. 1. Each chartered ABA club must sponsor at least one sanctioned event and/or

scholarship or headquarters game (excluding "C" Regional Games) each year as a conditional of charter renewal for the upcoming year. In the event the sanctioned game is not a scholarship or a headquarters game, a club donation of a minimum of $25 must be made to the Scholarship Fund and the Headquarters Fund.

2. Host clubs are permitted to keep 60% of the benefit game fees for expenses.

(Except for Scholarship and Headquarters games, which will remain at 50%) 9

3. The Executive Secretary and/or club officials should notify the scholarship

and headquarters committee chair of all donations to the Scholarship and Headquarters Fund so they may be acknowledged in a timely fashion.)

4. Nationwide Scholarship and Benefit Events: The ABA Board of

Directors authorized five Nationwide events to be conducted annually. The Nationwide Scholarship games are the last Friday (Evening) and Saturday (Daytime) in September. The Nationwide Benefit is scheduled for the second Friday in June. The Nationwide Headquarters is scheduled for the first Wednesday in March (Daytime Event) The National Open Pairs Game is scheduled in December. The Chief Scorer is responsible for the management of these events. (See Calendar of Special Games in Part V – Special Games).

Area of Responsibility For All Officials Concerned

1. National Executive Secretary:

a. Determines charge for hand records (payable to the American Bridge Association by the Clubs/Units) to offset administrative cost of purchasing and mailing.10

9This does not apply to the Nationwide Games. Nationwide Benefit and Scholarship Games must send 50% of the gross proceeds to the National Office.

10As of the date of this publication, the cost is $8 for one set of hands and $10 for two sets of hands.

Richard

Executive Secretary

Richard

National Office

Richard

Executive


II-29

b. Receives applications from all ABA chartered Clubs/Units for hand

records and payment. c. Receives comprehensive reports of Nationwide events from the

Designated Chief Scorer. d. Processes it in accordance with the established procedures of the ABA

National Office in order to determine:

(1) that the established percentage of entry fees for each game was duly reported and remitted.

(2) that 100% of all monetary contributions are reported and remitted. (3) that each game met the minimum table requirement for

participation nationally and/or locally.11 (4) that each donor's name and city are noted. (5) the accuracy of the National MPA prior to posting same on

individual player records.

e. Prepares and forwards to the ABA Bulletin Editor an official list of the ten (10) overall winners of the Nationwide event including names, cities and Master Point Awards.

2. Club/Unit President/Secretary:

a. Applies to the National Office or the Chief Scorer for hand records prior to the announced deadline date enclosing the proper fee.

b. Secures the site for the Nationwide event and properly advertises

date, site, time and fee. c. Secures a qualified non-playing director. d. Designates officer to be present at the game site with the unopened

hand records. 11If a game has 7 or more tables, it will be considered for Nationwide participation. If a game has less than 7 tables, participants will BE LOCALLY RATED WITH SECTIONAL POINTS. SIX (6) OR SIX AND ONE-HALF (6-1/2) TABLES WILL GET THE FULL AWARD. LESS THAN SIX TABLES WILL GET 60% OF THE SECTIONAL AWARD. If a game is not part of the Nationwide processing, half tables will be accepted.


II-30

e. Assumes responsibility for seeing that a check, in the required

amount (40% of the gross receipts plus donations, except for Scholarship and Headquarters Games where 50% of the proceeds must be submitted), made payable to the American Bridge Association, is given to the DIC by the close of the game or within three (3) calendar days after the game.

3. Chief Scorer:

a. Prepares and distributes the necessary instructions, including uniform guidelines, field requirements and playing conditions for conducting and processing these annual events.

b. Publishes procedural information for Clubs/Units planning to

participate. c. Publishes exact date and approximate starting time for all games. d. Receives from the Executive Secretary two (2) weeks prior to the game

date, the official listing of Clubs/Units participating in the specified Nationwide event.

e. Orders sets of duplicate hand records as required. Mails hand records to

the designee of each Club/Unit sponsoring the Nationwide event with cover letter specifying pre-game instructions for all officials concerned.

Note: Hand records are to be received by the designee of the

sponsoring Club/Unit one (1) week prior to the starting date of the game

g. Receives from each participating Club/Unit within seven (7) days after

game date the following:

(1) Official and signed game recap sheet complete with the proper names, ABA identification numbers and individual match point scores.

(2) A check or money order, payable to the American Bridge Association, amounting to the required percentage (50%) of the entry fees plus 100% of all donations.

h. Checks to ensure that:

(1) The match pointing is accurate. (2) The sum of the individual scores equals the check-balance.

Richard

Executive Secretary

Richard

National Office


II-31

i. Prepares and forwards the following to the National Office by registered, certified or special delivery mail within three (3) weeks.

(1) Consolidation of all monetary reports. (2) Report of each Club/Unit denoting:

(a) Winners. (b) ABA identification numbers. (c) Match point scores. (d) Rank - local or nationwide. (e) Master point awards.

(3) A listing of the ten (10) overall winners (regular and handicap) and

master point awards.

(4) One list showing local and/or nationwide rankings and master points for each Club/Unit winners.

Note: Factor all scores that are being considered for the ten (10) overall nationwide rankings. Factoring will ensure that at least 0.01 difference exists between competitive scores.

j. Advises a Club/Unit when the submitted reports do not meet the criteria

established for the game. k. Posts the correct match points for both nationwide and local standing. l. Submits a voucher for services rendered at the rate of $10 for each

game processed plus petty cash expenses (telephone calls and postage). m. Ensures that a copy of the official financial report for each Nationwide

event, noting all pertinent data including irregularities, is forwarded to: the Executive Secretary, National President, Treasurer, NTA Chair, and Chairs of the Scholarship, Benefit and Budget Study Committees.

4. Game Director:

a. Receives the unopened hand records at least one (1) hour prior to game

time. b. Requires two players to witness the opening of the envelope containing

the hand records. c. Sets up the game according to the pre-game instructions and playing

conditions.

Richard

Executive


II-32

Note: Deviation from the game instructions is not permitted. d. Completes the scoring at the game site, if possible. e. Forwards the following to the Designated Chief Scorer within seven (7)

days following the tournament (by registered, certified or special delivery mail):

(1) Completed recap sheet with:

(a) DIC's signature (b) Full name of each participant (c) ABA identification numbers for all participants (d) Posted scores for each board (e) Match point awards for each board (f) The total match points won by all players (check total must

balance). (g) The final ranking of all players.

(2) Completed game report accompanied by a check for the required

proceeds of 50% for Nationwide Benefit and Scholarship Games plus donations.12

(3) Information concerning unresolved protests.

f. Keeps all pick-up slips and registration blanks until the game points

have been issued and there are no further questions about the tournament (a minimum of three (3) months).

Note: To qualify for nationwide ranking, all games in the Eastern and Central Time Zones must start between 8:00 and 9:00 P.M. All games in the Pacific Time Zone must start between 6:30 and 7:30 P.M.

12Nationwide Benefit and Scholarships have a 60% sanction fee. Other Benefit Games have a sanction fee of 40%. All Scholarship Games have a sanction fee of 50%.


II-33

Bridge Education/Teacher Certification

1. Background The concept of a formal bridge education program for the ABA was presented initially by Mr. Joseph Williams of Los Angeles. His proposed format contained a sequentially structured plan designed to improve and upgrade the playing skills of ABA members, and to certify bridge instructors. In order to certify teachers, Mr. Williams' plan included a Bridge Teachers' Academy. The Academy was to serve as a means of identifying, training, and recognizing instructors who could meet certain basic standards.

The implementation of the education program occurred during the administration of Mrs. Geraldine Wilson in 1986. A modified proposal was presented to the Board of Directors on August 11, 1986 in Los Angeles, California. Under program guidelines, local Units would sponsor a minimal number of education events (seminars, workshops, lectures, etc.) to be eligible for sanction-free games the succeeding calendar year. Another primary activity was the certification of bridge teachers who had at least three years of teaching experience.

The First Annual Teachers' Seminar, was held Thursday, August 13, 1987 at the Adams Mark Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. Thirty-four people were present. By April, 1988 there were 51 certified teachers in the Academy. In 1987 the Cincinnati Bridge Unit and the Metropolitan Bridge Unit of St. Louis were the first two Units to qualify for sanction-free events.

2. Sanction-Free Games:

Units (Clubs, where there is no Unit) shall be eligible for a one-session, sanction-free Grade A game if, during a calendar year, the Unit sponsors a minimum of six (6) major education events. This Grade A game may not be held in conjunction with the allotted Grade A weekend and shall be scheduled during the next calendar year only. Units (Clubs, where there is no Unit) shall be eligible for a sanction-free, double-rated "C" game, if, during a calendar year, the Unit sponsors a minimum of two (2) series of new players' classes, and 30% of the participants renew membership for the following year. This double-rated "C" game shall be an additional event and shall be scheduled during the next calendar year only.

3. Identification/Recommendation of Teachers for Certification: SVPs shall:


II-34

a. Assume responsibility for establishing Regional Teacher Seminars

within each Section. Applicants for teacher certification must meet the following criteria:

(1) Attendance/participation in at least two Regional Seminars (2) A minimum of one year of supervised bridge teaching experience

or any professional teaching experience (3) Written endorsement from the SVP and Unit President (Club

President where there is no Unit).

b. Recommends the Section Education Chair to serve on the National Committee and coordinate the respective Section's Education Committee's Programs.

c. Submit funds received for teacher certification to the Executive

Secretary.

d. See Bridge Education/Membership/Club House Acquisition in Part V – Special Games.

Interdenominational Service 1. The Interdenominational Service may be scheduled at both National

Tournaments. 2. All offices are to be closed during the service. 3. Money received from the services shall be donated to a philanthropic or

religious organization.

Merit Awards Program/Life Memberships

The ABA Merit Awards Program is designed to recognize individuals who have rendered long and faithful service to the Association, oft-times inconspicuously. The Board of Directors upon recommendations submitted by the Merit Awards Committee administers the program.

1. Life Membership: Life Membership is awarded to individuals who have been ABA members for at least twenty (20) years (Northwest Section – at

Richard


Richard

National Office


II-35

least 10 years) and who have a record of outstanding service at the local, sectional and national levels. National Officers, including Section Vice Presidents, are ineligible for nomination until they leave office.13

a. Individual members, clubs or units should complete a nomination form

for the candidates of their choice.

b. All completed nominations should be submitted to the Section’s representative on the Life Membership/Merit Award Committee.

c. Each Section will develop a procedure to evaluate applications and prioritize candidates that have been recommended by the respective Section.

d. Each Section may submit the name of only one candidate annually to the National chairperson. (It is not mandatory that a Section participates, however.) The Section Vice President must sign the nomination form as verification that the candidate is the Section’s choice.

e. Completed nomination forms and accompanying letters of recommendation should be mailed to the National chairperson postmarked no later than July 15 of the year being considered.

f. The National Life Membership Committee will review all applications at the site of the Summer Nationals. Candidates will be ranked, utilizing a point scale that is based on records of service. The four highest scoring candidates will be recommended for Life Membership. In addition, each National President will receive Life Membership upon leaving office.

g. Life Members will receive an engraved plaque, and will be exempt from National, Section, and local dues for life.

2. Merit Award: Sections should identify a candidate that has rendered meritorious service WITHOUT COMPENSATION the PREVIOUS YEAR. Each section is guaranteed one merit award per year. A total of eight (8) merit awards are available annually. If a Section does not submit a recommendation in a given year, the count will be reduced to reflect the number of nominations received. Sections may submit the name of only one Merit Award annually.

a. Any person, including non-ABA members, is eligible for nomination.

13Presidents are given a Life Membership at the close of their term of office.

Richard

engraved plaque,


II-36

b. Candidates must have made, within the previous year, an outstanding

contribution to the association. The service should be of an efficient, impacting, and time-consuming mature without compensation. Such service could have been performed at any level of the organization.

c. The sponsoring Section must complete a nomination form.

d. After Sectional endorsement, the nomination form, accompanied by a one-page letter of support and candidate’s photograph, should be forwarded to the National chairperson. ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY July 15 of the year being considered.

e. Merit Award recipients will receive a certificate of appreciation from the Association and a check in the amount of 100.00

New Clubs and Players: 1. Approve distribution of a New Members' Kit containing information about

the ABA, Official ABA Handbook and ABA Constitution and By-laws to newly formed clubs.

2. Send all new members a kit, which includes information about the ABA, a

copy of the ABA Constitution/By-Laws and a New Members' Handbook. 3. See Section on Membership Dues for special dues provision.

Scholarship Awards Program

The late Ms. F. Alberta Peterson first proposed the idea of a Scholarship Fund at a general meeting of the ABA more than three decades ago. After the Board of Directors accepted the idea, the job of implementing the details was assigned to the Women's Committee. In the beginning, money was raised for the fund through Unit-sponsored Scholarship games and a Midnight game held at the Summer Nationals. Eventually the Midnight game was incorporated into events of the Summer Tournaments under the administration of Ms. Pauline Taylor, President and Mrs. Annease Comer, Chair, Scholarship Committee. Several years ago, a Nationwide Scholarship game was established. It is held the last Friday in September, with all players throughout the nation competing against each other playing computerized hands. Presently, the Scholarship


II-37

Program is funded through proceeds from the Nationwide Scholarship Game and other Scholarship Events. Awarding ABA Scholarships is now one of the major projects of the Association. The number of scholarships has increased from one new recipient per year per Section to two new recipients a year per Section. Stipends have been increased almost threefold, from a total of $1,000 to $2,400 for each of the eight Sections of the Association. Scholarship awards have been increased to $800 per recipient. In 1978, the F. Alberta Peterson Scholarship Committee was established to operate independently of the Women's Committee. It is now composed of Scholarship Committee Chairs.14 Note: Also see Benefit and Scholarship Games in Part V – Special Games.

1. Eligibility for Scholarships: Any undergraduate student who has

successfully completed one or more years of college, or one or more terms in a post-secondary trade or vocational school, may apply for an ABA Scholarship by:

a. Completing the ABA application form.

b. Requesting an official transcript is sent to the local Unit or Independent

Club Scholarship Committee Chair.

c. Submitting three (3) completed ABA reference forms. The applicant may secure the official ABA application and reference forms from the local Unit Chair. These items are to be returned to the Unit Chair prior to the date of the Sectional Tournament. Because dates vary from Section to Section, each Section will set a deadline for this requirement.

d. Scholarships are renewable, for up to three years upon request, with

evidence of successful completion of study for each of the previous years. A second transcript is not necessary for renewal. An official transcript, signed by the school registrar, must accompany the renewal form. Should it be necessary to submit grades before final grades are recorded, the applicant may submit a letter indicating a grade for each course taken, verified by the instructor's signature.

2. Forms: The application and reference forms are self-explanatory. It is

suggested that pertinent information concerning the applicant be determined

14It is strongly recommended that the President keep continuity on this committee.


II-38

from written statements of persons completing the reference forms. Committee members are encouraged to seriously consider these statements when making their selections.

a. Generally, all applications should be distributed prior to the Spring

National. They should be received and reviewed by the local Unit Committee prior to the Sectional Meeting where the candidates for awards for the Section are to be selected.

b. Materials, turned in by the candidates, are to be sent to the National

Scholarship Committee Chair to be received, no later than, July 15th. The members of the National Scholarship Committee will review materials from the candidates. This committee is to make recommendations for payment of stipends to the Board of Directors at a time scheduled by the Board Chair during the tournament week.

c. Stipend checks are sent directly to the Awardees by October 31 of each

year. d. Stipend checks will not be mailed until confirmation has been received

by the National Scholarship Chair to verify Awardees have reported to the University/College for the fall semester. The Executive Secretary must be advised, on or before September 15, of the status of Awardees.

3. Procedures:

a. Local/Unit Scholarship Chair and Committee: There is no limit to the number of applications that may be submitted to the Section Committee from local Units. However, Units should be aware of the number of initial and renewal scholarships available for their Section (see Part I - Section).

b. Duties of the Local Committee:

(1) Receives applications and reference forms from Section Chair. (2) Distributes forms to applicants upon request. (3) Receives completed forms and official transcripts from applicants. (4) Checks applications for completeness and determination of

eligibility. (5) Submits completed, eligible-candidate materials to the Section

Chair for selections to be made at the Section Meeting.

Richard

Executive


II-39

c. Duties of Section Scholarship Chair:

(1) Receives application and reference forms from the National Chair. (2) Distributes forms to local chairs upon request. (3) Receives completed forms and official transcripts from local chair. (4) Checks applications for completeness and determination of

eligibility. (5) Submits completed, eligible candidate materials to the Section

Scholarship Committee for final recommendation.

d. Duties of Section Committee: (1) Secures application and reference forms from Section Chair. (2) Distributes forms to Unit Scholarship Chair. (3) Receives completed forms, transcripts or grade reports from Unit

Chairs. (4) Makes Section selections of candidates for ABA Scholarship

Awards. (5) Submits Section selections, with completed forms and official

transcripts to the National Scholarship Committee Chair, to be received no later than one week prior to the week of the National Tournament.

e. Duties of the National Scholarship Chair and Committee

(1) Secures a supply of needed scholarship forms. (2) Distributes forms to the SVP. (3) Receives completed forms from Section Scholarship Chairs. (4) Attests to the acceptability of the recommended candidate’s forms. (5) Submits all accepted requests to the Board of Directors of the ABA

and requests scholarship stipends are paid. (6) Reports recommendations of the National Scholarship Committee

to the Board of Directors.


II-40

(7) Receives a response to the National Scholarship Committee's report from the Board of Directors.

(8) Publishes information about the Scholarship Program in the ABA

Bulletin. (9) Indicates time, due dates, amount of stipends and procedural

information to the SVP. (10) Answers questions that might be raised concerning ABA

Scholarships. (11) Furnishes information concerning past scholarship recipients to the

"Follow-up" Committee.

4. Application for an ABA Scholarship: Note: All applicants must request an official transcript from the school registrar that includes grades through the most recently completed term.

5. Recipients (Clubs, Units, Sections) of scholarship donations should

acknowledge receipt to the donor and send a notice of same to National Office.

5. Applicants are not required to send a return self-addressed stamped

envelope with their application. 6. Official transcripts are now used instead of "Grade Reports" for all

scholarship applications/renewals. 7. Information. Information on the Scholarship Games is found in Part V -

Special Games.

Part III – Tournament & Convention Planning

III

PART III - TOURNAMENT AND CONVENTION

PLANNING


III-1

Tournament Planning The following information shall serve as a guide to assist ABA chartered Clubs/Units/Sections to successfully plan and conduct bridge tournaments. It is also intended to inform and/or remind tournament-planning officials of their responsibilities to the Association and to provide players with an enjoyable and well-managed tournament.

Approximate Playing Time for All Games: This information is intended for use by all sponsoring groups (Clubs, Units, Sections), and particularly the DIC, to make certain that sufficient time is allowed for successful completion of each scheduled event. The playing time (hours) is approximate and should be considered as the minimum requirement. Sufficient time to complete the schedule is one of the most important considerations in tournament planning.

Gam

e T

ype

Min

imum

B

oard

s P

er

Sess

ion

per

R

ound

N

umbe

r P

lann

ed

Sess

ions

/ R

ound

s

App

rox.

P

layi

ng

Tim

e P

er

Sess

ion

(Hrs

) P

er

Gam

e

Individual

22

1 or 2

3-1/2 to 4

x # of Sessions

Pair

24

1 or 2

3-1/2 to 4

x # of Sessions

Regular Team of Four

8-32

8

6

1 to 1-1/4

7-1/2

34-128

7

7

1 to 1-1/4

7-3/4

130-256

7

7 or 8

1 to 1-1/4

7-3/4 to 9

Mod Round Robin

5 Teams

12

4

1-1/4 to 1-1/2

6-1/2

6 Teams

10

5

1-1/4 to 1-1/2

7-3/4

7 Teams

8

6

1 to 1-1/2

7-1/2

8 Teams

7

7

1 to 1-1/2

7-3/4

Planning Regional/Sectional Tournaments 1. Decide in advance the type of game(s), entry fees, playing site and date(s)


III-2

before the application for sanction approval is initiated. Plan ahead. Section Vice Presidents are to submit a copy of their proposed schedule to the Chief Scorer for rating and approval of events prior to publishing schedule.

2. Select a suitable playing site. Location, lighting and comfort are prime

factors in sponsoring a successful and enjoyable bridge tournament. Information on nearby eating-places should be made available to the players.

3. Submit all sanction requests to the Unit/Club Tournament Committee for

screening and then forward to the SVP for approval. Avoid, if at all possible, any conflict in playing dates with other tournaments scheduled within the local Unit/Section.

4. Make final arrangements for the playing site only after receipt of the

approved sanction, officially numbered and signed by the SVP. 5. Record the assigned sanction number, as a safety precaution in the event the

sanction is lost or misplaced. In compliance with tournament procedures, the sponsoring Club/Unit must have available at the site of the tournament an approved sanction for each scheduled game. The DIC must have this authorization to conduct the tournament.

6. Advertise and announce the complete weekend of events at least six (6)

weeks in advance of the scheduled date(s). Particular emphasis should be placed on the registration and starting time of each game. A timely advertisement in the ABA Bulletin may attract out-of-towners to the tournament.

7. Refer to approximate playing time for all games to assure that all planned

activities, such as entertainment, hospitality, awards presentations, etc., do not interfere with, or otherwise jeopardize, the time necessary to complete the games as scheduled. Note: When it is apparent a conflict will occur between the tournament schedule and other planned activities, the latter should be altered or eliminated to make certain that the necessary time to complete the tournament remains intact.

8. Enlist the services of a qualified director (Consult most recent updated list

of certified directors issued by the SDC and refer to Director-in-Charge (DIC). Allowances for fees, travel, hotel and per diem should be agreed upon in advance.) (See Ineligible Director in Part V – Director’s Examination Grading Standards.)

9. Consult with your DIC to insure that a sufficient amount of supplies and


III-3

equipment are on hand at the site of the tournament.

Equipment: Duplicate boards Table markers & guide cards Card tables & chairs Master point award charts Supplies: Registration blanks Pick-up slips Recap & press sheets Pencils Private score cards Bidding Boxes15

10. At the conclusion of the tournament prepare and submit to the DIC a check

or money order, payable to the American Bridge Association, for the full amount of sanction fees for all events (See Schedule of Sanction Fees in Part IV - Tournament Regulations, Procedures and Guidelines for the percentages). If, for any reason, the check or money order cannot be given to the DIC at the conclusion of the games, the sponsoring group must forward the sanction fees to the National Office not later than ten (10) days after the tournament. (See Preparation of Application for Sanction Forms in Part V - Tournament Regulations, Procedures and Guidelines.)

Hosting a National Tournament:

Spring & Summer Nationals: 1. Spring National Tournaments will start on Monday after Easter and end on

Saturday. The Summer National tournament will begin on Friday and end on Saturday of the following week

2. The Spring and Summer National Tournaments will be sponsored by the

National Organization, and, whenever possible, hosted by a local host group. When there is no local host group the National Organization will appoint a Planning Committee which will chair major committees, i.e., Kits, Souvenir Journal, Awards Ball, Publicity, Raffle, and Midweek Activities

Step 1: A letter of invitation expressing an interest in hosting a National

Tournament is sent to the National President.

15Bidding boxes are required for Flight A in the Nationals. They are optional, but strongly recommended for all other events and flights.


III-4

Step 2: Site Selection Team: The President, Vice President and NTA Chair make up the Site Selection Team. The Board of Directors and the Site Selection Committee review summer rotation procedures (visit each Section every eight years if possible). The Site Selection Team should notify the local club/unit when their city is being considered as a site for a national tournament. Representatives from the local host groups are to be included in the site selection process whenever it has already been agreed upon that they are willing to host the tournament.

Step 3: The Site-Selection Committee Investigates:

Location Parking Housing Playing Space Security Transportation Cost Food Sources

a. ABA member density: For the Spring Nationals: A large bridge

population within a three-hour drive is preferred. A reasonable alternative is a site that will attract a large number of players from outside the area. Sites with a small immediate bridge population and sites that are not easily accessible should be avoided.

b. Cost to membership c. Facilities: A single site for housing and playing space is preferred.

A second choice would be two playing sites and two or three hotels within one block. The least acceptable alternative would involve more than three hotel sites, but without mandatory busing.

d. Popularity of Area: Sites in the top 20 as tourist attractions are best, although any of the top 50 cities is acceptable.

e. Transportation: The most favorable sites would have major airport(s) in close proximity. A second choice would be a popular location that draws well regardless of availability by air/inclement conditions. The least acceptable alternative would be a location requiring more than one mode of transportation.

f. Checks on the availability of tournament supplies, i.e., tables, computer software and hardware scoring materials.

g. Determines if the invitation comes from an individual, a group, or a city.

h. Recommends acceptance or rejection of the invitation to the Board of Directors.

Step 4: The Negotiating Team (President, Vice President and Hotel

Negotiator), in conjunction with the Site Selection Committee, begins its negotiations with the hotel re:


III-5

Room rates Staff rated rooms Gratuities Complimentary space Parking rates Complimentary rooms Basic Services (Basic services include water,

proximity of lavatories to playing areas, elevators, peak use of elevators, etc).

The Site Selection Committee also checks local shopping centers for the availability of moderately priced food and personal services such as barber and beauty shops.

Step 5: The NTA begins planning its activities:

a. The playing schedule is established and approved by the Board of Directors.

b. The list of eligible directors is reviewed. c. Contracts for services are distributed. d. Consultation is begun with the appropriate departments. e. Advertising is started extolling the strengths of the selected

location

Step 6: After notification by the National President of its selection, the Host Group:

a. Selects a local tournament chair. b. Appoints necessary committees.

Finance Budget Social Partnerships Kits Awards Ball Souvenir Journal

c. Defines committee responsibilities. d. Sets time lines. e. Keeps in close contact with appropriate National Officers,

especially the President. f. Selects key political persons to greet the membership. g. Requests minimum adjustment in the tournament schedule to

accommodate social activities. h. Meets with the Board of Directors on the Sunday following

the preceding national tournaments. (key factor) i. Requests space from the Tournament and Convention

Manager for necessary booth space at tournament site. j. Sponsors the Awards Ball. k. Provides a financial report to the national body within two

months after the conclusion of the tournament.


III-6

Step 7: Host Group Stipend:

The hosts group for the Spring and Summer National, effective 2001, will receive a $3000 stipend from the National Organization and all monies from funding-raising activities (kit sales, raffles, T-shirts and other paraphernalia), but will not share in any revenue from the tournament to defray the cost of hosting the tournament. (No host group games are awarded).

Step 8: The Host Group will not receive its check until all of its

obligations to the National have been met. This includes a financial report due within 60 days of the Tournament.

General Planning Committee: - ABA National Tournaments: Each position or committee usually functions as follows (These are recommendations): 1. General Chair: Defines scope and sequence of all committees, constantly

touches base to check on efficiency and progress, reports to the National President and suggests changes when and where necessary.

2. Assistant Chair: Functions in place or in cooperation with the General

Chair. 3. Committee Secretary: Keeps an accurate record of all proceedings; sends

notices; writes letters, etc., under the direction of the Unit President or General Chair.

4. Budget and Finance: Oversees all money-raising activities. Keeps books;

secures or receives and okays vouchers; supervises Chair of Fund-raising Projects and monitors spending of funds.

5. Children's Program: Plans, coordinates and supervises children's activities, including caddy parties, during the tournament. Submits a cost analysis to the Budget and Finance Committee, pre-registers participants, recruits and supervises chaperons for all activities. Secures a local adult attendant for activity room during the entire convention. Provides baby sitters for those too young to participate in regular program.

6. Entertainment: Coordinates the major social functions, including the

Awards Ball. Secures competitive prices for services needed; submits cost estimates to the Budget and Finance Chair. Investigates alternative ways of conducting established programs including the printing and distribution of


III-7

invitations. 7. Hospitality: Consists of the Club Presidents/or their designees. Functions

the entire week. Coordinates the hospitality nights so approximately equal refreshments will be provided each night even though the clubs are hosting the nights. Plans the menu, refreshments, etc. Provides host and hostesses when needed. Investigates possibilities of coke or beer fountains from local distributors.

8. Kits: Secures materials for stuffing kits. Investigates cost of kits.

Supervises the organization and distribution of materials for stuffing kits. 9. Partnerships: Provides a registration form to be printed in the Bulletin

prior to the Spring and/or the Summer Nationals. Assign members on a rotating basis so the partnership desk is well covered before and after game times. Matches partners.

10. Public Relations: Begins immediately. Works continuously with Club

Publicity Chair; submits daily, weekly and/or monthly reports to local and national news media including newspapers, radio, and TV. Sends announcements, feature articles and personality profiles to the Bulletin. Works closely with ABA National Publicity Director in making contact with local news media for coverage during the tournament.

11. Registration: Responsible for selling kits. Must have someone at the desk

at all times. Keeps close check on the number of kits sold and a money record.

12. Tours: Works with the Convention Bureau. Informs tour companies.

Makes appointments with business and industry, i.e. Ford Motors Company, Cranbrook, Grayline, etc. Makes requests for transportation with that committee.

13. Souvenir Journal: Sets and publicizes prices for ads. Solicits ads from all national affiliates; secures publisher; assembles book; sets a deadline; delivers materials to publisher; keeps in close contact with General Chair, Budget and Finance Chair and the General Membership.

14. Transportation: Sees that adequate economical transportation is provided

for our guests to the various functions sponsored by committees.

Caddy Instructions:

In order to have a well-run tournament, Caddies must be trained. The following instructions will be helpful in that process.


III-8

Note: The Caddy Coordinator will give special instructions for the Knock-Out Team and Swiss-Team-of-Four events. 1. Pre-Game:

a. Report to the Caddy Coordinator in the Caddy Room/Supply Room at least 1 hour prior to game time - 12 noon for all 1pm starts and 7 for all 8pm starts.

b. The Caddy Coordinator will distribute badges and assign Sections for

that Session. c. Immediately "dress" all Section tables as follows: Put 4 private score

cards and 16-20 pick-up slips of the proper color on each table in the Section. The color of the pick-up slips to be used will match the color of the plastic table marker on the table. Place these items in the right-hand corner of the North player.

d. Put the board case for the Section on Table #1.

2. During the Game:

a. After the DIC has finished announcements, pick up Entry Blanks from all tables in the Section. Be sure players have filled these out with their name, address and ID number (Some players will use stickers. Their name, address and ID number will appear on these).

b. Arrange entry blanks in order with all N-S entries in one group, with #1

on the top and the rest following in numerical order. Do the same with E-W entries.

Special Note: In any Team-of-Four event, there will be only one entry on

each table. c. Take all entry blanks to the Section Director for checking.

3. After Each Round:

a. Collect pick-up slips from each table in the Section. Completed pick-up slips, which are to be collected, will usually be found face down near the plastic table marker with an "X" on the back. (One per round, per table.)

b. Arrange pick-up slips in order by board number (the top center number)


III-9

with the number 1 and 2 on top, 3 and 4 next, etc. Check each round to insure slips are in order.

c. If a slip does not have a number, show it to the North player only (the

one who keeps the score). Ask him/her to correct it.

d. When one or two tables are still playing after others have completed

play, move on, get score slips from other tables and then go back for slow ones.

e. If there are other problems, the Section Director will help. Do not ask the players under any circumstances.

f. Mark the Section letter and round number on the back of the last slip.

(Ex. A-9 would be the 9th round from Section "A".) Place them near the Scorer's sheet (not on it). Place the ticket, face up if (s)he is there, but face down if (s)he is not. If the Scorer finds an error, (s)he may send the ticket back to the table for correction. Show the slip to the North player only. As a general practice, the Scorer will tell the Caddy if (s)he wants the Caddy to wait for possible corrections after turning in slips or (s)he will call the Caddy when needed.

4. During the Game: The Scorer or one of the other Directors, may ask the

Caddy to special jobs. For this reason the Caddy should try to remain out of the way and quiet, but readily available, so as not to disturb players or Scorers.

5. During the Next-to-Last-Round:

a. During this round, normally the 12th round, the Scorer will probably want slips as fast as they are completed. The Caddy should return to the Section as soon as (s)he has picked up the previous round. As tables finish playing both boards, and one slip is turned facedown, pick up that ticket and take it to the Scorer. If the Caddy is able to pick up more than one pair of tickets (these are called "doubles") on a single trip through the Section, this is fine. Do not wait for tables to finish, but complete each trip as quickly as possible.

b. Place the doubles on the table in front of the Scorer (not on his score

sheet), with the odd number on top and with each pair separate. (If there is a continuous series of tickets, they may be placed in one pile. For example: If the Caddy picks up 1 and 2, 3 and 4 and 25 and 26, (s)he should place 1, 2, 3, 4 in one pile (with 1 on top) and 25 and 26 in a separate pile). Place tickets so the Scorer can read them.


III-10

6. During the Last Round:

a. As soon as all slips from the next-to-last round are picked up, return to the Section to pick up "singles". On the last round the Scorer will want each score slip as soon as it is completed. Bring these in as quickly as possible, without waiting for any other table to finish.

b. Use a private score card to check off slips that have been picked up.

Put a check opposite the table number as slips are picked up. Two checks opposite each table number means all the slips are collected. However, be sure to check with the Scorer to ensure all slips are collected. Do not start any other work until (s)he verifies all slips have been picked up. (Exception: If one or two tables are very slow, you may start your other work while waiting for these tables to finish, but only if the Scorer agrees those are the only tables missing).

c. Picking up doubles and singles is extra work, but is essential to allow

the Scorer to get a fast start on the sheet. (S)he and the players will appreciate the Caddy's best effort during these rounds.

d. When bringing singles to the Scorer, place each group in one pile, in

order and with the lowest number on top (Example: 1, 5, 19, 23, with 1 on top). This can be done while walking from the Section to the scoring table.

7. After the Game (when the last slip is in), the Caddy's final duties involve

picking up supplies. The following should be picked up:

a. Boards: Boards must be picked up and put away as follows so they will be in proper order for the next session.

(1) Be sure to get all boards from all tables. (2) Turn the top card in the South hand (opposite the arrow) face up in

each board. (3) Put boards in order with #1 on top and all arrows pointing in the

same direction. a. Put boards in the Section's carrying case in numerical order. (The

Section letter will be on the case with board #1 at the front and with board numbers up so they can be easily seen by thumbing through.)

c. Pick-up slips, pencils, private scorecards: Clear all tables of unused pickup slips and private score cards. Also pick up all pencils.


III-11

d. Table markers: Unless otherwise instructed, pick up the plastic table markers after each Session. Put them in order, with #1 on top with all arrows pointing in the same direction. Be careful with #6 and #9 to preclude their being misidentified.

Part IV – Tournament Rules, Regulations, and Procedures

IV-1

PART IV TOURNAMENT RULES,

REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES


IV-1

Tournament Regulations, Procedures and Guidelines:

Organization and Administration of Tournaments: 1. National Tournament Authority and Operations:

a. NTAO Structure:The National Tournament Authority and Operations plans and manages tournaments. It is made up of an appointed Chair and the following:

Chair of Staff Development and Certification (SDC) Supervisory Director (SD) Tournament & Convention Manager Chief Scorer Executive Secretary (Consultant)

b. NTAO Responsibilities: The Chair:

(1) Prepares and publicizes necessary instructions, uniform

guidelines and playing conditions for all ABA sanctioned tournaments at all levels.

(2) Prepares an estimated operating budget, including income and expenses to conduct National Tournaments. Presents it to the Board prior to the tournament by July 1 for the coming year.

(3) Reports actual results at the conclusion of the tournament explaining variances from the budget.

(4) Recommends a Chief Scorer and Supervisory Director (SD) for appointment to these positions.

(5) Approves the list and number of Directors to whom contracts will be sent to work National Tournaments (Submitted by the SD.)

(6) Approves the number and level of Directors to be assigned to work each session of the tournament (Submitted by the SD.)

(7) Approves the number and type of employees to assist the Chief Scorer (Submitted by the Chief Scorer.)

(8) Approves the number of Caddies to be assigned to work each session (Submitted by the SD)

(9) Supervises the activities and budget of the Supplies and Logistics Office.

(10) Recommends pay levels and modifications thereto, and classifications of Directors, and modifications thereto, to the Board for approval (Submitted by the SD with input from the Staff Development Chair.)

(11) Recommends pay levels and modifications thereto for caddies (Submitted by the SD after consultation with the Caddy

Richard

Executive


IV-2

Master.) (12) Provides the Site Committee with necessary space requirements

to efficiently conduct National Tournaments, including playing area and office space for the working staff.

(13) Meets with the NTC Chair to determine if the playing schedule or other proposals submitted by the NTC creates technical, time, undue hardship on the working staff, or budgetary problems. Works with the NTC Chair to eliminate such problems prior to submission of schedules or other proposals to the Board.

(14) Hears appeals of Directors' disciplinary actions at the National Tournaments to determine the correctness or appropriateness of the action before they are submitted to the Appeals and Ethics Committee.

2. National Tournament Committee (NTC):

NTC Responsibilities: The Chair:

(1) Meets with committee members to produce the schedule of games and starting times for National Tournaments, normally one year in advance.

(2) Meets with the NTA Committee to determine if the schedule creates any technical, time or budgetary problems, or working hardships on the staff; if so, works with NTA Committee to resolve the problem(s). If agreement cannot be reached, both positions are presented to the Board for final decision and approval.

(3) Creates and modifies the list of authorized games for all levels. (4) Creates and modifies the point award scales for each type

game, for all levels. (5) Sets registration field classifications for all tournaments at all

levels. (6) Sets scrip and/or trophy awards for winners for all events. (7) Considers all recommendations submitted by members

pertaining to its area of responsibility and recommends appropriate action.

(8) Attends all NTA meetings; discusses all committee actions with NTA for purposes set forth in Item 2 above, and submits all actions to the Board for final decision.

(9) Reports to the Board when scheduled by the President. (10) Provides copies of all proposals to be submitted to the Board

for action, to each Board member and NTA chair in sufficient time to allow study and seek clarification on issues, prior to the next meeting for the purpose of enabling them to come to the


IV-3

meeting prepared in advance to vote his or her reaction with a minimum of delay.

3. Staff Development & Certification is responsible for training and

certification of directors at all levels of tournament directing:

a. The National Staff Development and Certification Chair (SDC):

(1) Serves as Chair of the National Staff Development and

Certification Committee. (2) Assumes responsibility for training directors including

DICs. (3) Assumes responsibility for working with the National

Tournament Staff. (4) Assumes responsibility for publishing director's criteria in

the ABA Bulletin and FLASH, (5) Approves director certification. (6) Meets with NTA at the end of the Summer Nationals to

evaluate, promote and upgrade the national staff. (7) Submits all promotion and upgrades to the National Office.

b. Section Chair's Duties:

(1) Keeps accurate and updated files for each director in the Section.

(2) Keeps in close contact with subcommittee members. (3) Notifies SVP of all major changes. (4) Gives seminars and tests for all aspiring directors. (5) Sends progress reports quarterly to SDC. (6) Make recommendations for promotions to SDC.

c. Subcommittee Duties:

(1) Observes and trains aspiring and certified directors. (2) Submits all promotions and/or upgrade recommendations, in

writing, to the Section Chair indicating name, address, telephone number, ABA number, and level of certification.

(3) Keeps a record of directors in the area. (4) Sends the Section Chair a progress report quarterly.

ABA/ACBL Policies: 1. Conventions and Laws: The ABA adopted and enforced the ACBL

conventions and laws at ABA tournaments effective January 1, 1993


IV-4

2. Seeding: An ABA player in ACBL events will be seeded on a 2:1 master point holding basis plus ACBL points. This means that for every two ABA points, ACBL will give one seeding point. The ABA points plus ACBL points will then be added together for seeding purposes.

3. Seeding: An ACBL player with 5,000 or less ACBL points participating in

ABA events will be seeded on a 1:2 master point basis, plus ABA points. This means that for every one ACBL point, ABA will give two seeding points. The ABA points plus ACBL seeding points will then be added together for seeding purposes. ACBL players having 5.001 to 9,999 points will be raised to 10,000 points plus ABA points for seeding. ACBL players having 100,000 or more points will have these points added to any ABA points held by the players for seeding.

Allowances: 1. Director/scorer will be paid at a director's rate. Scorers will be paid

according to the scorer rate. 2. "Mileage" is a per mile figure. This should not exceed the super saver

airfare plus a ground transportation allowance. 3. "Ground Transportation:" The Ground Transportation Allowance for all

official ABA travel is $30 per round trip when flying. 4. Increases in National Staff Allowances:

a. Director salaries to be reviewed every two years. Pay increases may be granted if the organization is fiscally sound.

b. Increases are limited to a maximum of $3 - $5 (effective 1998)

c. Increases within a level will be granted only upon a satisfactory

performance evaluation by the SDC. Evaluation includes review of games directed; attendance at seminars; error-free sanctions, etc.

d. The NTA, SDC and Subcommittee on Allowances should review salary

increases and submit a recommendation to the Board of Directors and Budget Study Committee for final approval.

e. These salaries are for directors working National Tournaments.

Salaries at Club, Unit and Section events should be negotiated between the Director and the sponsoring organization.

f. The NTA Chair is responsible for working out a schedule to


IV-5

compensate the Chair of Logistics and Supplies for additional work. The Chief Scorer will hire certified directors and/or others, that the Chief Scorer feels are qualified, as scorers. Director-In-Charge (DIC): The DIC (Chief Director) of a sanctioned tournament is directly responsible to the ABA for the successful completion of the scheduled game(s). Therefore, it is important that (s)he conducts each tournament in accordance with the procedures and guidelines established for each type of game. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Reports to the game site one (1) hour prior to registration. The DIC

should checks with the sponsoring officials to insure that sufficient amounts of supplies and equipment are on hand to conduct the scheduled game(s).

2. Receives sanctions from the sponsoring group authorizing the schedule

of games. The host group must provide the DIC with an approved sanction for each scheduled event.

3. Supervises the registration to determine if and how the game(s) can be

divided into one or more field classifications. (See Dividing Games into Fields in Part V- Schedules).

4. Closes registration fifteen (15) minutes before game time in order to

organize players into fields, sections, flights, etc. 5. Sets up the game, numbers tables, distributes boards and scoring materials.

Gives players clear-cut instructions for play of the first round. 6. Keeps the game moving. Does not permit the game to drag due to

continuous slow play, absence of the director from the playing area or lack of attention to time.

7. Starts the game not later than fifteen (15) minutes after the announced

starting time. Note: During the time between the close of registration and the completion of Round one, late entries should be accepted and permitted to play providing they do not cause a change in the movement or necessitate a replay of boards. Participants must not be inconvenienced by late arrivals,

8. Informs players of conditions of play prior to announcing the change

for the start of Round Two (the normal movement of boards/players, the number of rounds, conditions of play and any other information that will provide a well-run tournament).


IV-6

9. Rules on an infraction. When the director is called upon to rule on an

infraction, (s)he should listen carefully to both sides to understand the facts as stated. The director should refer to the current American edition of "Laws of Duplicate Bridge" and assess the penalty as prescribed.

When ruling on violations of the Ethical Code, for which there is no prescribed penalty, the director must rule within the spirit of the law to bring about a normal result on the board, if possible. Players must be informed of their right to appeal rulings.

10. Appoints an Appeals Committee. The DIC must appoint a qualified

committee to act on appeals. 11. Gives players information. Before the change is called for the last round

of play in the first session, the director must announce the starting time of the second session; inform players of the approximate time scores will be posted for inspection and the protest period expiration time.

12. Prepares recapitulation sheet. Results should be checked and posted after

each round of play. After scores are posted, results should be accurately match-pointed and individual scores totaled. The sum of the individual scores must be in check-balance.

Before posting the completed recap sheet for inspection, check to insure the following information is noted:

a. Complete name of game b. Date played. c. Sanction level (C, B, or A Regional, Sectional, etc.) d. Field classification e. Section designation f. Average score per session, TOP per board g. Expiration of protest period h. Scores are accurately match-pointed and totals balanced. (Even

computer operators make mistakes.) i. Scores ranked (In-Section, where applicable, and overall) j. Seating instructions, where applicable k. Signature of scorer/director

Note: The recap sheet should be posted for players to inspect not later than two

(2) hours after the final round of play each session. 13. Checks scores: Tournament directors shall not accept score tickets unless

verified by opponents' valid initials or mark. Tickets so marked may not be


IV-7

changed later on, regarding the number of tricks taken, except after investigation by the director of the reason for the change. In no event shall a score change be made after the end of the next round. No score from the last round played may be changed after it has been initialed and picked up. Scoring errors by directors must be corrected whenever they are reported.

14. Reports the results. The DIC is responsible for reporting accurate results

of all sanctioned tournaments to the National Office. Each tournament report must contain the following:

a. Sanction Request Form: The official sanction application must be

completed by the DIC as required. b. Press Sheets: The following information must be noted on official

press sheets.

(1) Full names of players and ABA identification numbers. (2) Complete Overall and In-Section rankings. (3) Special provisional rankings as required.

(c) ABA Sanction Fees: A check or money order, payable to the

American Bridge Association, for the full amount of the sanction fees should accompany each tournament report. (See Schedule of Sanction Fees in Part V Schedules). Note: Scrip may also be used in payment of sanction fees.

15. See Criteria for Director's Certification under Director's Certification. Sanctions: When a sanction is returned, a copy of the cover letter should be sent to the SVP. Special National Tournament Regulations: 1. Game starting times will be 1:30 & 8 pm except for the first session of the

Championship Knockout Teams, which will start at noon. Special morning activities, such as the Knockout Finals or Membership meeting may necessitate a 2 pm starting time.

2. No games should be scheduled during the ABA Interdenominational

worship service. 3. No midnight games should be scheduled prior to the Membership Open

Meeting.


IV-8

Spring & Summer Nationals: 1. Spring Nationals Tournaments will start on Monday after Easter, effective

1999 and end on Saturday. 2. The Summer National tournament will begin on Friday and end on Saturday

of the following week, effective 1999.


IV-9

Tournament Regulations, Procedures, and Guidelines Schedules

Field Classification

National, Sectional & Regional Field Classifications

Guidelines for Classifying Flights National Flight Classification

Player/Master Point Classifications Changes in Player Classification Dividing Games Into Fields Special Provisions for a Single Field Classification Evaluation Criteria For Certified Directors

Level I - Associate Regional Director-in-Charge Director's Examination Grading Standards

Certification and Staff Development Evaluation Criteria for Certification, Decertification, Upgrade and Downgrade of Directors

Sanctioned Events for DIC Directors Special Notes Regarding the DIC

Ineligible Directors Submission of Sanctions

Preparation of Sanctions Tie Breaking Procedures - Pair/Individual Events Tie Breaking Procedures - Team Events IMPS to VP Conversion Scale Schedule of Sanction Fees Standardized Entry Fees Special Games

Pre-Nationals Pro/Am Game Side Games Nationwide Open Pairs Game United Negro College Fund Game


IV-10

Field Classification

There are five (5) categories of "Field Classification" authorized for Championship events. Each field classification is determined by the master point holding of the majority of the players in the field. Every game (pair, team, individual, etc.) must be classified into one or more of the following depending on the number of fields in the event. In keeping with the above, there are eight (8) categories of "Field Classification" authorized for Sectional, Regional, Early Bird, Midnight and Side Games:

National, Sectional & Regional Field Classification

Master Point Holding

Field IV 2000 - Up

Field III 1200-1999

Field II 600-1199

Field I 100-599

New Player Asterisk

0 –99 0-24

Combined 0/2000 - U/2000

Combined 0/1200 - U/1200

Combined 0/600 - U/600

Combined 0/100 - U/100 Note: Specific guidelines for dividing the game into fields and classification must be followed by the DIC. Caution: Players may play in a field higher than their individual master point holding, but never lower. Players violating the rule are automatically disqualified and are not eligible for trophy or MPA. New Player Field: 0-24 Master Points: Whenever there are at least three (3) full tables of new players (0-24) registered at any level of pair game competition, a separate field must be set up for them provided there are at least nine (9) tables registered in the event. If less than three (3) full tables of new players are registered, or if less than nine (9) full tables are registered in the event, new players are combined with the lowest classified field or in the one field, whichever is the case. Whenever at least two and one-half (2-1/2) tables or five (5) pairs) of new players are combined with another field and none places in the overall, only the highest-scoring new player pair will be awarded 10% of the first place overall MPA.

Guidelines For Classifying Flights: Each Flight must be classified on the basis of the average MP holding per team


IV-11

National Flight Classification Average Point Holding

Field IV 2000 - Up

Field III 1200 - 1999

Field II 600 - 1199

Field I 100 - 599

New Players 0 - 99 Note: If a Flight cannot be determined by the average master points of the teams, then the classification of the majority of the players in that Flight will be the deciding factor.


IV-12

Player Classifications

There are ten (10) categories of "Player Classification" authorized under ABA tournament regulations. 1. These classifications are the direct result of master points earned in ABA events. Master point awards for all ABA events will be valid for recording 90 days from the date of the event. To receive credit for master points earned, a player must become a member of the ABA within the 90-day period. 2. Player Classification is determined on the basis of earned Master Points (even though some points are not recorded because of late sanctions, unpaid dues, etc.) Grand Master

Platinum Diamond Gold Diamond Silver Diamond Diamond

20,000 – UP 10,000 – 19,999 5,000 – 9,999 2.500 – 4,999 1,200 – 2,499

Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin

Ruby 600 – 1,199 Pin

Senior Life Master 300 – 599 Certificate

Life Master 100 – 399 Pin

Master 25 – 99 Certificate

Asterisk 0 – 25

Changes in Player Classification A Change will automatically occur in a player’s classification each time his/her master point holding reaches a new level. Therefore, it is important that a player be aware of his/her point holding when registering for sanctioned events. Caution: Anyone playing in a field below his/her classification is automatically disqualified. Master points or trophy awards are forfeited for all members of the partnership or team involved. A player, whose points have not been credited to his/her record, may not play in a lower field on the basis that the master point certificate, indicating a higher level, has not been received. Exception: If a player enters a tournament, even though (s)he may earn enough master points to change levels during the tournament. To assist players in keeping up with points won, the DIC should post master point award charts at all sanctioned events. A player who is not currently financial in the Association must play in the proper field according to his/her master point holding (awarded + unawarded).


IV-13

Dividing Games Into Fields Type

of Game

Number of Tables

New Player

Three (3) full tables or five pairs

Whenever there are at least three full tables of New players (0-24) registered, a separate field must be set up for them provided there are, at least, nine tables in play.

Pair

Single Field 13 or less tables

Table Requirement/Classification - If the total number of tables is thirteen (13) or less, the field may not be divided. The master point holding of the majority of players will determine the classification of the field. Example: If the field contains more Field III players than any other classification, it becomes a Field III. If most of the players are in the 0/100 category, and the Field III and Field IV players are equal in number, the field becomes a Field IV, favoring the higher classification. This game may be divided into two (2) strata, even if there are only 4 tables in one tier.

Pair

Single Field 11-13 tables

Special Provisions for a Single Field Classification: 1. Single fields may utilize O/2000 and U/2000, O/1200 and U/1200, O/600 and U/600, or O/100 and U/100 classifications without actual physical separation of the players if there are least five and one-half (5-1/2) tables in each respective group. Example: In a 13-table game, single field, there must be at least 5-1/2 tables of 0/100 or 5-1/2 tables of U/100. In such a case, the DIC must clearly announce at the start of the game that the players are competing against players in their group classification. Overall awards will be given to winners in each group. This provision WILL NOT decrease the master point award of either classification. Note: If the 5-1/2 table minimum cannot be met as prescribed under Special Provision #1, Provision #2 may apply, also the 60% rule.


IV-14

Dividing Games Into Fields Pair

Single Field 11-13 tables

2. The highest scoring New Players (0-24 NMP) pair is eligible to receive a special master point award of 20% of the overall first place. Their scores will be compared with similar pairs for the purpose of master point awards. If such a pair receives a Section, Session or Overall award, that pair will receive the greater award, not both. This ruling will apply only if there is no field division in the game and there are at least five (5) such pairs for comparison.

Pair

Multiple Fields - 14 or more tables

Table Requirement and Classification: If the total number of tables registered is fourteen (14) or more, players may be divided into two (2) separate fields - 0/100 and U/100 - if the following minimum table requirements exist in each field. For example: 1. O/100 - 6 tables 2. U/100 - 6 tables

Pair


U/100: If the total number of tables registered in the U/100 field is fourteen (14) or more, the players may be divided into two (2) classified fields, 25-99 and 0-24, if the following minimum table requirement exists in each field. 1. Masters - 6 tables (25-99) 2. New Players - 6 tables (0-24)

Pair


0/100: If the total number of tables registered in the 0/100 field is fourteen (14) or more, the players may be divided into two (2) classified fields - 0/600 and U/600 - if the following minimum table requirement exists in each field: 1. O/600 - 6 tables 2. U/600 - 6 tables


IV-15

Dividing Games Into Fields Pair


0/600: If the total number of tables registered in the 0/300 is fourteen (14) or more, players may be divided into two (2) classified fields - 0/600 and U/600 - if there are at least seven (7) tables in each field in a one-session event and fourteen (14) tables in a two-session event. One Session Event Two-Session Event (a) 0/1200 - 7 T (c)0/1200 - 14 T (b) U/1200 -7 T (d)U/1200 -14 T

Pair


0/1200: If the total number of tables registered in the 0/300 is fourteen (14) or more, players may be divided into two (2) classified fields - 0/600 and U/600 - if there are at least seven (7) tables in each field in a one-session event and fourteen (14) tables in a two-session event. One Session Event Two-Session Event (a) 0/2000 - 7 T (c) 0/1200 - 14 T (b) U/2000 -7 T (d) U/1200 - 14 T

Guidelines for Dividing and Classifying Fields:

The specific guidelines for field division must be adhered to in all pair games sanctioned at the Sectional and Regional levels. Guidelines For Dividing Fields Into Sections: If the total number of tables in a field is eighteen (18) or more, the field may be divided into sections provided no section contains less than nine (9) tables. Warning: If the fields are improperly divided, point awards for both fields are reduced to 60 percent of the original award.

Guidelines For Dividing Teams Into Flights: Teams are divided into Flights, A, B, C, D, etc., on the basis of the MP holding of the highest four (4) members registered on the same team. Add the MP holding of the highest four (4) members. The result is the MP holding per team. Where there are two or more flights, excess teams will be added to the lower flight. Thus, with 33 teams, A will have 16, B-17 or 18 with 34, etc. Remember 5 excess teams constitute a third flight.

Team

Guidelines For Classifying Flights: See chart Field Classification in Schedules – Part V.


IV-16

Team (Other than MRR)

15 or less tables

The field may not be divided. The master point holding of the majority of players will determine Field classification. Example: If the field contains more Field III players than any other classification, it becomes a Field III. If most of the players are in the 0/100 category, and the Field III and Field IV players are equal in number, the field becomes a Field IV, favoring the higher classification.

Note: In a Single Session, each member must play at least 40% of the boards in play. In a Double Session, each team must play one Full Session from start to finish to qualify for awards. If this requirement is not strictly adhered to, the offending player(s) will be, and the entire team may be, disqualified. Additionally, each player must be listed on the original entry in a regular Single- or Double-Session Event. Additions cannot be made after play begins. The Special Fields Classification is as follows: U/600, 600-1499 and 0/1500. It will begin with the Swiss Teams and can be used for pair games scheduled opposite the KO Teams.

Special Provisions for a Single Field Classification

Special Provision 1: DIC To Select the Division Point

At least 5-1/2 Tables of O/2000, O/1200, O/600,or O/100 11-13 Tables At least 5-1/2 Tables of U/2000, U/1200, U/600, or U/100

Special Provision 2: May Apply When Provision 1 Requirements

13 or Less Tables

When there is no field division and there are at least five pairs of New Players (0-24 points), the highest scoring pair in the New Player group is eligible for a MPA of 20% of the overall first place award.


IV-17

Certification and Staff Development

The Certification and Staff Development Committee is charged with the responsibility of developing directors in the eight Sections. The Section Chairs meet with the National Chair at National Tournaments to discuss what is happening in their Sections as well as to exchange ideas for improving directing in the ABA. The following chart showing the evaluation criteria for directors is being published in order that aspiring directors will know what is expected of them,. The levels of director certification are clearly defined and the competencies for each level are spelled out so the director can work on his/her deficiencies. Each aspiring director should take every opportunity to work in tournaments as a backup if there are no paid slots available. Aspiring director should contact their Section Representative to upgrade skills. The ABA needs competent directors.


IV-18

Evaluation Criteria For Certified Directors Score

Item

Level I - Associate Regional - 88 Points

3 5 3 5 2 5 5 2 5 4 5 5 5 4 3 4 4 5 5 3 2 4

1. Being at game site one (1) hour prior to game. 2. Paying ABA membership dues no later than January

30th of each year. 3. Match pointing up to a 12 top - complete sheet within

30 minutes. 4. Match pointing and proper use of traveling score sheets. 5. Dressing and balancing recap sheet from travelers. 6. Knowing the Rules and Law Book (latest American

edition) 7. Factoring. 8. Using the proper procedure for protests and the Protest

Committee. 9. Adding late pairs/tables. 10. Giving proper instructions. 11. Correcting errors (posting scores, ranking, match

pointing) on recap manually 12. Determining the best movement for the players. 13. Knowing the correct number of boards to be played. 14. Knowing when to call the skip rounds. 15. Knowing what supplies are needed. 16. Ranking overall positions. 17. Keeping the game moving. 18. Knowing how many tables are needed for a legal event. 19. Running the following types of games properly:

Straight Mitchell, Scrambled Mitchell, and Howell. 20. Preparing master sheets for all types of games directed. 21. Assisting Club team games. 22. Completing recap sheets (club games) no later that the

following day.


IV-19

Director-In-Charge (DIC)

1 - "C" Games - All four type Benefit Games - 105 points

5 4 4 5 3 3 5 5 5 5 3 5 2 5 5 2 3 2 5 5 5 5 5 4 5

1. Seeding. 2. Dividing fields into two or three Sections. 3. Twinning and distribution of boards. 4. Knowing how many tables needed for a legal event. 5. Knowing how to use the Handicap Chart. 6. Detailing press sheets. 7. Properly completing sanction forms. 8. Assessing correct sanction fees. 9. Rearranging Sections correctly after selling entries. 10. Posting using pick-up slips. 11. Assigning Directors and Caddies. 12. Handling stationary East/West pairs. 13. Making Section rankings. 14. Knowing all responsibilities of the Director as stated in

the Official ABA Handbook. 15. Following tournament regulations. 16. Using hand records. 17. Selling entry procedures. 18. Using the proper hand record movement (equity of

seeds) 19. Knowing how to direct Team-of-Four games; one (1)

session events. 20. Knowing a Director must not play. 21. Classifying games for point awards. 22. Match pointing from pick-up slips and completing

recap sheet within one hour. 23. Correcting errors (posting, ranking and match pointing

errors computer and manually). 24. Knowing tie-breaking procedures (pair games). (See

Tie Breaking Procedures in Schedules – Part V) 25. Knowing Crossover and Carry Overs.


IV-20

2 - "B" Regional - Two Sessions- 127 Points

105 4 5 5 5 3

1. Implementing all the above. 2 Using tie-breaking procedures - Team Games. (See Tie

Breaking Procedures in Schedules – Part V) 3. Making Modified Round Robin assignments. 4. Making Swiss Team assignments and pairings. 5. Scoring Open Team Board-a-Match and IMPS to

Victory Points (VP). (See IMPs to VP Conversion Scale in Schedules – Part V)

6. Publishing Leader Boards. 3 - "A" Regional (Weekend) Events - 132 Points 127 5

1. Implementing all the above. 2. Knowing all DIC responsibilities including: Payrolls,

Contracts and Staffing. 4 - Sectional Events 157 Points 132 5 5 5 5 5

1. Implementing all the above. 2. Making brackets - Knockout Teams. 3. Setting up the National Swiss Teams. 4. Setting up Knockouts. 5. Scoring 25 tops. 6. Knowing the procedure for qualifying events.

DICs at all levels of certification must: 1. Keep control of the game and players. 2. Give and require respect at all times. 3. Carry the law book.


IV-21

Director's Examination Grading Standards Test

HPS

LPS

Percent

Borderline Points

Failing

Level 1

88

70

79.54

61-69

60 & Below

DIC - A

105

90

85.71

81-89

80 & Below

DIC - B

127

108

85

101-107

100 & Below

DIC - C

132

113

85.61

106-112

105 & Below

DIC - D

157

142

90.45

135-141

134 & Below

HPS - Highest Possible Score LPS - Lowest Possible Score 1. All directors must complete two (2) manually scored recap sheets

(Mitchell and Howell) within a timed period. 2. Unauthorized DIC directors will not have sanctions processed by

the National Office. 3. Only ABA Certified Directors may be in charge of sanctioned

events. 4. Certified Directors have a letter to indicate the type of game(s) the

person may direct and a number to indicate the classification of the Director:


IV-22

Sanctioned Events for DIC Directors

Certifications 1

"C" and all four Benefit Games

#1

Associate Regional

2

"B" Two session and all A Events

#2

Associate Regional B

3

"A" Weekends and all B Events

#3

Associate Regional B - 1

4

Sectionals and all C Events

#4

Associate Regional A

#5

Associate National

#6

National

NOTE: Directors must meet all evaluations for the level of

promoted/upgraded certification.

Tournament Regulations, Procedures and Guidelines

IV-23

Special Notes Regarding the DIC

Ineligible Directors: In order for the ABA to grow and enhance its credibility as a competitive bridge organization, players must have confidence in the tournament officials. All sanctioned events require a non-playing director with the appropriate certification so bridge players will continue to support and enjoy our Association. 1. The penalty for a Director violating the policy is $25 for the first

offense; $50 for the second offense and a six- month suspension thereafter.

2. Effective July 1, 1992, the sponsoring organization is to be penalized $25 for each violation of employing an ineligible Director.

3. The Executive Secretary will impose penalties, already in place, for persons who violate the DIC rules.

Submission of Sanctions: The Board of Directors has ruled as follows: The sponsoring group and the DIC are equally responsible for submitting the results of completed sanctioned events. Failure to comply with the "ten day regulation" will result in the following penalties: 1. First failure to comply (first offense): Send a letter of reprimand to

both the DIC and to the Sponsoring Group. 2. Second failure to comply (second offense): Fine the DIC and the

Sponsoring Group twenty-five dollars ($25). 3. Third failure (third offense): Suspend the DIC for six (6) months. 4. The above penalties are automatic and are to be carried out by the


Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive


IV-24

Preparation Of Application For Sanction Form

The following information should be contained on all sanction forms received by the National Office: 1. Date the sanction was prepared. 2. Sanction Number 3. Name of Organization 4. Location - indicate city and state 5. Type of Tournament (Open Pairs, Team, etc.) 6. Classification of Tournament (Sectional, "A" Regional, etc.) 7. Scholarship or Benefit 8. The beneficiary and address of beneficiary, if Special Benefit game 9. Number of Sessions planned 10. Date(s) of the event 11. Signature of the Club or Unit Official requesting the Sanction from the SVP 12. Official position in Club/Unit of person signing above 13. Signature of SVP 14. Signature of the DIC - the person responsible for running the tournaments. (In cases Where there are two or more directors, the name of the Chief or Head Director should be included here. The DIC will submit the completed sanction along with the press sheets to the Executive Secretary within ten (10) days). 15. Number of players in each Field 16. Total number of players 17. Amount of entry fee per person 18. Amount of sanction fee (See- Schedule of Sanction Fees in Schedules – Part V) 19. Starting time first session

Richard

Executive


IV-25

20. DIC's ID number 21. ABA number and name of players due master points 22. Tournament Report. The DIC will be responsible for mailing sanction forms (PSA 505), press sheets and checks for sanction fees to the National Office within the ten (10) day period required by regulations. 23. The DIC will make every effort to secure the check for sanction fees to be mailed along with the completed results. However, if he is unable to obtain said cheek within the stipulated time, it should not hinder the mailing of the sanction forms and the press sheets for the completed game. 24. Sanction Check List:

a. Has the SVP signed the sanction? b. Has the breakdown of the field been indicated (FIELD I, II, III, IV

or Over/Under if the Field is divided)? c. Are player names and numbers, due master points, clearly

indicated? d. Are the game results correctly ranked and point awards indicated

for twenty-five percent (25%) of the Pairs, Individuals or Teams (Knockout Teams excepted)?

e. Does the date on the sanction agree with the date of the event and date on the press sheet?

f. Has the DIC signed the sanction? g. Have the correct sanction fees been computed in accordance with

the scale of fees on the face of Form PSA 505? Has the fee been entered in the appropriate place on PSA 505?

h. Has the sponsoring group (Club, Unit, Section) been notified of the sanction fees due for this event?

i. Have sanction forms and press sheets for the completed event(s) been forwarded to the National Office within ten (10) days?

Note: The Application for Sanction Form must be filled in completely before the National Office can process the sanction and the appropriate master points awarded.


IV-26

Schedule of Sanction Fees Game Fee

City Swiss Team (minimum fee $3.00) 10% Grade C Regional (minimum fee $5.00) 10% Grade B Regional (except Swiss & Round Robin) 10% Grade B Regional Swiss & Round Robin 15% Grade A Regional (except Swiss & Round Robin) 10% Grade A Regional Swiss & Round Robin 15% Sectional (except Swiss & Round Robin) 15% Sectional Swiss, Round Robin and KO Teams 20%

National Event 25% Annual Membership Game 10% Benefit Games (except Nationwide Games, Scholarship and Headquarters)

40%

Scholarship & Headquarters Games 50% Nationwide Benefit, Scholarship and Super Open Pair Games

60%

Note: The tournament report must be submitted to the National Office not later than ten (10) days after the end of the tournament with or without the sanction-fee check. If submitted without fees, a copy of the notice, sent by the DIC to the sponsoring group regarding the sanction fees, must be included. NOTE: All entries must be included in computing gross proceeds. For example: 40 players are participating in a Grade "B" Regional at a fee of $10 per person. The sanction fee shall be 10% of $400 = $40. If the gross receipts are less than $400 by virtue of free plays, the $40 sanction fee remains the same - the amount to accompany the game report sent to the National Office. NOTE: If players must pay for dinners, etc. as part of the entry fee, then the total entry fee is included when computing the sanction fee. If the dinner, etc. is not part of the entry fee, then there is no sanction fee charged. Example: If a player must pay $15 to play in an event, but $5 of that fee is for a dinner, then the sanction fee is based on $15. If a player pays an entry fee of $10 and can pay an additional $5 for the dinner, if (s)he wishes to participate, then the sanction fee is based on $10. The final recap sheet and entry blanks must be turned over to the sponsoring Club/Unit for its record. Recap sheets should not be destroyed until proof of master point awards have been received by the local secretary or point coordinator (minimum 90 days). Disciplinary action will be taken against tournament officials for violations of requirements and guidelines for various game types and/or irresponsible conduct.


IV-27

Standardized Entry Fees The Board of Directors adopted the following fee schedule for all sanctioned events effective January 1, 1994. Entry fees charged must fall within the range stipulated for each grade.

Game Level Entry Fee "C" Regional $2.00 - $4.00 "B" Regional $4.00 - $5.00 "A" Regional $5.00 - $6.00

Sectional $6.00 - $8.00

National

$10.00 - Major Games $8.00 - Side Games $7.00 - New Players

Nationwide Benefit and Scholarship Games

$8.00

Super Nationwide Open Pairs $8.00

Tie Breaking Procedures - Pair/Individual Events Every board, which each tied contestant played, is counted in breaking a tie, irrespective of whether the tied contestants played the same or different boards, or in different Sections. One point is awarded for each match point score above average, 1/2 point for average, 0 points for below average. The tied contestants with the greatest number of points take prior rank.

Tie Breaking Procedures - Team Events Two Teams a. Head-to-head competition. The result of the

match between the teams involved (excluding a Dead Tie) will determine the winner for the trophy award.

b. Total net Victory Points or IMPs. c. Number of boards with plus IMPs netted

against the number of boards with minus IMPs. Tie boards count 1/2.

Dead Tie If the match resulted in a Dead Tie, the highest net total IMP's or Swiss Points will break the tie for trophy award.

More than two teams

The highest net total IMP's or Swiss Points will break the tie for trophy award.


IV-28

If the above methods fail to produce an undisputed winner, the game is declared a tie. All teams involved will receive First and Second Place Trophy Awards, as the case may be. Note: Ties are broken for trophy awards only Swiss Points are based on the results of all matches of opponents who met the teams involved in the tie. These results are reflected on the Swiss Team Worksheet. Example: Team #'s 1, 4 and 7 are tied 1/2/3. The results of their opponents are shown in the table below:

Team #1

Opponents

Matches

Won

Team #4

Opponents

Matches

Won

Team #7

Opponents

Matches

Won

2 4

1

7

1

7

4

7

7

7

4

7

7

7

8

1

9

3-1/2

9

3-1/2

9

3-1/2

11

2

10

1-1/4

11

2

14

5

14

5

14

5

17

4-1/4

16

2

16

2

21

3

Totals

29-3/4

27-1/2

31-3/4

Using the above example, Team #7, having the greatest number of Swiss Points, would receive the First Place Award. Team #1 would get the Second Place Award. However, the point awards for all three teams are equal. If the above methods fail to produce an undisputed winner, the game is declared a tie. All teams involved will receive first or second place trophy awards, as the case may be.

Net IMPs vs Victory Point Conversion: Matches consisting of six boards or less are often prone to one board skewing the results. For this reason, for matches of six boards or less, IMPs will be converted to Victory Points as follows:


IV-29

IMPS to VP Conversion Scale

2 or 3 Boards per Round

4 Boards per Round

IMP Difference

VP's

IMP Difference

VP's

0

7-7

0

8-8

1-3

8-6

1-3

9-7

4-6

9-5

4-6

10-6

7-9

10-4

7-9

11-5

10-12

11-3

10-12

12-4

13-15

12-2

13-15

13-3

16-18

13-1

16-18

14-2

19 - Up

14-0

19-21

15-1

22 - Up

16-0


IV-30

Victory Points - 20 VPS The twenty-point Victory Point Scale, shown below, is approved for all matches up to 36 boards in ABA sanctioned events of Regional rating or higher. No other VP Scale may be used.

6-8 Bds

9-11 Bds

12-15 Bds

16-20 Bds

21-27 Bds

28-36 Bds

10-10

0

0

0

0-1

0-2

0-3

11-9

1-2

1-2

1-3

2-4

3-6

4-8

12-8

3-4

3-5

4-6

5-8

7-11

9-14

13-7

5-7

6-9

7-10

9-13

12-17

15-21

14-6

8-10

10-13

11-14

14-18

18-24

22-29

15-5

11-13

14-17

15-19

19-24

25-32

30-38

16-4

14-16

18-21

20-24

25-31

33-41

39-48

17-3

17-19

22-25

25-29

32-38

42-50

49-59

18-2

20-23

26-30

30-35

39-46

51-60

60-71

19-1

24-27

31-35

36-41

47-55

61-71

72-84

20-0

28+

36+

42+

56+

72+

85+


IV-31

Victory Points - 30 VPS

The thirty-point Victory Point Scale, shown below, is approved for all matches up to 36 boards in ABA sanctioned events of Regional rating or higher. No other VP Scale may be used.

6-8 Bds

9-11 Bds

12-15 Bds

16-20 Bds

21-27 Bds

28-36 Bds

15-15

0

0

0

0-1

......0-2

0-2

18-12

1

1

1-2

2-3

3-5

3-6

19-11

2

2

3-4

4-6

6-8

7-10

20-10

3

3-4

5-6

7-9

9-12

11-15

21-9

4

5-6

7-8

10-12

13-16

16-20

22-8

5-6

7-8

9-11

13-16

17-21

21-26

23-7

7-8

9-11

12-14

17-20

22-26

27-33

24-6

9-10

12-14

15-18

21-24

27-31

34-41

25-5

11-13

15-17

19-22

25-29

32-37

42-50

26-4

14-16

18-21

23-26

30-34

38-44

51-60

27-3

17-19

22-25

27-31

35-40

45-52

61-71

28-2

20-23

26-30

32-36

41-47

53-61

72-83

29-1

24-27

31-35

37-41

48-55

62-71

84-95

30-0

28+

36+

42+

56+

72+

96+


IV-32

Special Games In order to carry out certain programs, Special Games have been designated in order to provide funding for these events. The following have been designed in order to meet this need of the Association. We have also developed a Calendar of Special Games to assist you in planning your tournament events. Calendar of Special Games Annual Membership Game Benefit & Scholarship Games Bridge Education/Membership/House Acquisition ABA Headquarters Game Special General Fund Game Pro/Am Game Special Club Benefit Game Open Pairs Game United Negro College Fund Game


IV-33

Calendar of Special Games

Nationwide Events

January

Annual Membership Game

March First Wednesday

Nationwide Headquarters (Daytime)

June

Second Friday

Nationwide Benefit Game

September Last Friday

Last Saturday

Nationwide Scholarship Game Nationwide Scholarship Game (Daytime)

October

Independent Club/Unit Selects the Date

United Negro College Fund Game

December

Second Friday

Super Open Pairs Other Special Games to Be Scheduled During the Year

ABA Headquarters Fund Game Bridge Education/Membership/House Acquisition Games

Club/Unit Benefit/Scholarship Games Pre-Nationals

Special Club Benefit Game


IV-34

Annual Membership Game Authorization

One single session game per year

Purpose

To encourage players to join the Association for the incoming fiscal year.

Point Award

Pays points for a one-session Sectional game.

Sanction Required

Independent Club/Unit must get a sanction from the SVP.

Sanction Fee

10%

Date of Game

This game must be held during the month of January.

Special Requirements

Only players who are financial for the incoming year will be eligible to play and win master points in this game.

Benefit Games Authorization

Two single session game per year

Purpose

Proceeds are to be used for the National ABA Benefit Fund or National ABA Scholarship Fund.

Time

The regular Benefit and Scholarship Games may be scheduled at any time. Nationwide Benefit Game is held the first Friday in June. Nationwide Scholarship Game is held the last Friday in September.

Grade "B" - Pays points for a two-session game at the local level. The Nationwide Game pays national points for the overall winners and Sectional points for the local winners.


IV-35

Sanction Fees Due

Club/Unit sponsored Benefit - 40% Club/Unit sponsored Scholarship & Headquarters- 50% Special Sectional ABA Benefit – 40% Nationwide Game - 60% If a Club/Unit does not hold a Scholarship and Headquarters benefit game each year, it must submit a $25 donation for the Scholarship and Headquarters Fund each to the National Office before it can receive the next year's charter..

Donations

All donations are to be submitted to the National Office.

Bridge Education/Membership/Club House Acquisition

Authorization

Two single session games per year

Purpose

The proceeds are to be used for Bridge Education/Membership/Club House Acquisition.

Sanction Level

Grade "A" – Pays 150% of normal point award

ABA Headquarters Fund Game Authorization Two single session games per year

Purpose Proceeds are to be used for the National ABA Housing Fund

Time To be scheduled at the discretion of the Club/Independent Club

Sanction Level Grade "B” pays 200% of the normal point award. Grade “A” pays 150% of the normal point award

Sanction Fees Due

Club/Independent Club sponsored game - 50%. Clubs, not holding the ABA Headquarters Fund Game, must submit a $25 donation to the National Office in order to have their charter renewed for the next year.

Donations All donations are to be submitted to the National Office.


IV-36

Special General Fund Benefit Game Authorization Two single session games per year

(One per sectional weekend) Purpose Proceeds are to be used for the

National ABA Housing Fund Time To be scheduled at the discretion of

the Section Vice President during Sectional Weekend.

Sanction Level Section - Pays 150% of the normal point award.

Sanction Fees Due 40% Donations All donations are to be submitted to

the National Office.

Host Group Games Host Group Games are eliminated effective January 1, 2001. In lieu of Host Group Games, the host group will be given a $3,000 stipend, which is to be used to defray host group cost. Host groups will be allowed to keep the proceeds from ancillary fund raising activities, i. e., raffles, T-shirts, etc.

Pro/Am Game Authorization Is to be held at the Summer Nationals only.

Restrictions Each partnership in this game consists of a higher-ranked player called a "Pro" and a lower-ranked player called an "Am." Point holdings for the Pro and the Am will be determined by the NTAO.

Playing Fees Fees for this game may differ from the normal playing fees for a National Tournament Event.

Time of Game This is normally scheduled as a morning game. A continental breakfast is usually served to participants.

Special Regulations

Pre-registration may be required for this game in order to accommodate all the Ams wishing to play. This announcement will be made prior to the game registration.

Sanction Level This game awards National Master Points.


IV-37

Side Games Side Games are to be held with each event at the Nationals. (ABA Bulletin, July, 1990)

Special Club Benefit Game Authorization

One (1) single session game yearly.

Purpose

The proceeds are to be used to make a contribution to a non-profit organization or institution. It may not be used to benefit the Club/ Unit.

Sanction Level

Grade "B" pays 200% of the normal point award. Grade “A” pays 150% of the normal point award.

Sanction Fee

20% to the National Office for processing.

Special Processing

The Donation is to be sent directly to the non-profit organization or institution, with a copy of the check attached the Sanction Form when the game is submitted to the National Office for processing.

NOTE: This game should not be confused with the ABA Benefit game, which is sponsored to raise funds for the National Benefit Fund, which is allocated annually to organizations or institutions chosen by the National President.


IV-38

Nationwide Open Pairs Type of Game

Open Pairs/Handicapped

Date of Game

2nd Friday December

Entry Fee

$8.00

Sanction Fee

60%

Point Award

National Points to those in the Nationwide Overall. Sectional Points to all other qualified participants.

Movement

Straight Mitchell regardless of the number of Sections in play at any one site.

Time of Game

Eastern & Central Time Zones - 8-9pm Pacific Time Zone - 6:30-7:30pm

Results Due to the Chief Scorer

By the deadline printed on the directions enclosed with the hand records.

Donations

100% to the National Office

Field Division

The field may not be divided on the basis of player classification. However, the DIC should seed players in each section for balance.

1. Each game must contain at least six and one-half tables to participate in the Nationwide competition. 3. For other restrictions and directions see Stratified Pairs in Part V – Game Set-Ups

Ordering Hand Records 1. Requests for hand records must be received by the Designated Chief Scorer

not less than two (2) weeks before the scheduled event. This gives the Designated Chief Scorer time to mail out the hands to the Club/Independent Club/Unit.

2. A check in the amount of $8 for one set and $10 for two sets, payable to the

ABA, must accompany the request for hand records. 3. It is the responsibility of the Club/Independent Club/Unit to secure a


IV-39

sanction from the Section Vice President whenever the Nationwide event requires a sanction.

4. Overnight fees are charged to Clubs who order hand records after the

deadline, which require special mailing.. 5. Clubs/Independent Clubs/Units may pay for the hand records for the whole

year at one time or pay for them at the Nationals. (Once the Nationals are over, hand records must be ordered from the Designated Chief Scorer.

NATIONWIDE GAMES

1. This is a handicap Event. The entry fee is $8.00 per player. Nationwide

overall winners will receive 25 master points. Local winners will receive sectional points. New fields and handicap points to be awarded to each player are:

Field Avg 60 Avg 84 Avg 132 3000+ 0 0 0 1500\2999 0.5 0.5 1 600\1499 1 1.5 2.5 100\599 2 3 5 25\99 4 6.5 10 0\24 7 9.5 15.5 2. Copies of 36 hands are sealed in the enclosed envelope. The seal is not to

be broken until GAME TIME and must be witnessed by two or more PLAYERS designated by the host club.

3. Distribute the hand records in accordance with the attached schedule, based

on the number of tables in each section, additional tables may be added after the hands are distributed, but not after the first round is called and play begins.

4. All pairs in all games to facilitate comparisons will play exactly TWENTY-

FOUR (24) hands. Half tables are now permissible in nationwide competition. The scores for sit-out pairs will be factored accordingly.

5. The straight Mitchell movement MUST be used in all games regardless of

the number of sections in play. 6. THE FIELD MAY NOT BE DIVIDED ON THE BASIS OF PLAYER


IV-40

CLASSIFICATION. However the director should seed the players in each section for balance.

7. Each game must contain at least six and one half tables (6 ½) to participate in the nationwide competition. Each game with at least five and a half (5-1/2) tables will qualify as a regular Benefit game and Sectional points will be awarded accordingly. Each game with less than five and a half (5-1/2) but at least three (3) tables will be awarded sixty percent (60%) of Sectional master points.

8. All games with six and one half (6 ½) tables or more, must employ a

Certified ABA non-playing director. 9. Follow these mailing instructions:

a. The results must be mailed to reach the Chief Scorer by not later than seven (7) days from the date of the event. Reports that fail to reach the Chief Scorer by midnight of the deadline date will not be considered in determining the nationwide winners. DO NOT SEND RESULTS OR MONIES TO THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY.

b. The following must be included:

1. The completed recap sheet or computer printout with: (a) Director’s signature (b) Full name and handicap for each participant (Non members do

not get a Handicap). (c) The posted score for each board. (d) ABA ID numbers for all participants. (e) Match point awards for each board. (f) The total match points won by all players. (g) The final ranking of all players.

2. The completed game report must be accompanied by a check, payable to the ABA,

3. Sixty (60%) percent of the GROSS RECEIPTS plus 100% of any donations.

4. Information concerning unresolved protests should accompany the

tournament report.

5. The local director should keep all pickup slips and registration blanks until the points for the game have been issued (a minimum of three months).

Richard

EXECUTIVE


IV-41

6. Completely fill out the enclosed Nationwide Game Report and send with the results.

10. To qualify for the nationwide ranking the following time schedules must be

followed: All games in the Pacific Time Zone must begin at 6:00 pm. Games in the Central Time Zone must begin at 7:00 pm. Games in the Eastern Time Zone must begin at 8:00 pm.

11. The cost of hand records is $8.00 for one set and $10.00 for two sets. This

includes postage for hand summaries. REMIT WITH GAME RESULTS. 12. The National Chief Scorer’s name and address can be found on the inside

cover of the ABA Bulletin and also in the instructions included in the hand-record package.

Duplicating Procedures:

1. Boards are distributed as in a normal Mitchell game with no relays or bye

stands. 2. Inform the players that they will not play the hands that they will prepare.

Move the East/West DOWN one table. This is to insure that seeded players play each other on the first round.

3 Instruct the players to sort the cards into suits for each board. 4. Distribute the hand record sheets making sure that the number on the sheets

are the same as the boards on the table. Caution the players to check and MAKE SURE THE ARROWS ON THE HAND RECORDS AND THOSE ON THE BOARDS ARE POINTED IN THE SAME DIRECTION.

5. If you have more sections than sets of hand records, instruct one or more

sections to duplicate for another section. 6. When the boards have been prepared, pick up all hand record sheets and

keep them where the players cannot see them until the game has ended. 7. When all the above has been accomplished at all tables, the boards move to

the next lower table and the East/West pairs move to the next higher numbered table as in a straight Mitchell movement and play begins for the first “PLAYED ROUND.”

IMPORTANT – The instructions for skips refer to the number of “PLAYED ROUNDS.”


IV-42

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS One Section

#TABLES # RDS BDS PER RD BDS IN PLAY SKIP/NON-SKIP 6 ½ 6 4 28 NO SKIP 7 6 4 28 NO SKIP 7 ½ 6 4 32 AFTER 3RD RD 8 6 4 32 AFTER 3RD RD 8 ½ 8 3 27 NO SKIP 9 8 3 27 NO SKIP 9 ½ 8 3 30 AFTER 4TH RD 10 8 3 30 AFTER 4TH RD 10 ½ 8 3 33 NO SKIP 11 8 3 33 NO SKIP 11 ½ 8 3 6 AFTER 5TH RD 12 8 3 36 AFTER 5TH RD 12 ½ 12 2 26 NO SKIP 13 12 2 26 NO SKIP 13 ½ 12 2 26 NO SKIP 14 12 2 28 AFTER 6TH RD 14 ½ 12 2 30 NO SKIP 15 12 2 30 NO SKIP


IV-43

United Negro College Fund Game Type of Game

One- or two- session game

Date of Game

Month of October

Entry Fee

Fees are to be determined by the sponsoring organization. The proceeds (after expenses) from the game go to the local UNCF group. The game will be awarded to the Unit or Independent Club, if a Unit does not exist.

Sanction Fee

A processing fee of 10% of the gross must be included when the game is sent to the National Office. The sponsoring organization will submit a UNCF Form to the National Office within ten (10) days of the game.

Point Award

If the Unit sponsors the game, Grade A Points will be awarded. Clubs, within the Unit, may also hold a UNCF Game, but their game will receive "C" Regional Points. If the Unit does not hold the UNCF Game, ay club within the Unit may hold a two-session game. In this case the game will receive the point award for a two-session Grade B Game.


IV-44

Game Setups The following schedules are game setups for authorized ABA sanctioned events. Non-Mixed Events Individual Pair Events Stratified Games Stratified Pairs Three-Tier Stratified Pair Game Modified Round Robin T/4 Regular Round Robin T/4 Team of Four Events Swiss Teams City Swiss Teams Stratified Swiss Team Games National Knockout (KO) Teams Sectional Knockout (KO) Teams Grade “A Knockout Teams Second Chance Knockout (KO) Teams Morning Knockout (KO) Teams


IV-45

Non-Mixed Events

Non-Mixed Pairs

Although a field(s) will consist of both men and women, Each pair must be of the same sex.

Non-Mixed Teams

Although a field(s) will consist of both men and women, all members of each team must be of the same sex.

Scoring: The following methods are authorized for scoring Standard Team-of-Four Games:

(a) Board-a-Match (b) IMPs converted to VPs (See the chart in Schedules – Part V)

Individual Game Type

Open

Sanction Level

"C" Regional or higher

Table Minimum

Four (4)

Board Minimum

Twenty-two (22)

Number of Sessions

One (1) or more (as scheduled)

Guidelines for Dividing and Classifying Fields: (See chart in Schedules – Part V) Note: Directors should be prepared to select a movement that provides the best game for the number of players registered. Minimum Table Requirements: If either field in a scheduled Men's & Women's Individual contains less than sixteen (16) players, the fields are combined and the event is played as an "Open" Individual game.


IV-46

Pair Events

Game Types

Open, Mixed, Men's & Women's

Non-Mixed

Sanction Level

"C" Regional or higher

Table Minimum

Five and one-half (5-1/2) tables

Board Minimum

Twenty four (24) per session

Number of Sessions

One (1) or more (as scheduled) Whenever practical, twenty-six (26) boards are recommended. However, twenty-two (22) boards are permitted when eleven (11) tables are in play. Note: In games with half tables, pairs sitting out a round must have their final scores adjusted. Factor up only. Note: If either field in a scheduled Men's & Women's Pairs contains less than eleven (11) pairs, the fields are combined and the event is played as a "Non-Mixed Pairs." Guidelines for Dividing and Classifying Fields: (See chart in Schedules – Part V).

Stratified Games

Stratified Games were introduced in order to give lower-point holders the opportunity to play against higher-point holders and still have the results of their play matched against their peers. In a Stratified Game, the contestants are playing boards in one large field. However, their final scores are compared against players/teams in their own classification as well as against the full field to determine their order of finish within their classification and for the overall game.

For example: In a 16 table Stratified Pairs Game, players will be competing in one 16-table game. The field may be divided O/1200, U/1200, and 0-99. There will be three (3) sets of winners coming out of this 16-table game.

If a pair in the U/1200 field scores higher than a pair in the O/1200 field, that pair will receive the higher point award, but not both. This also holds true for any 0-99 pair. This means that in a Stratified Game, pairs have an opportunity


IV-47

to compete against more experienced players and still have an opportunity to win the overall event or to win points by having their score matched against their peers to determine sub-field finishes.

The same is true for Stratified Team Games. These games give players in a field that does not have sufficient teams to warrant its own Section an opportunity to play in an event and still win points in their own field. For example: If there are 26 teams registered in an O/600 and U/600 Swiss Team, but the U/600 field does not have the required minimum number of teams to have its own field, the director may run this game as a Stratified Swiss Team. In this way, the teams will play in the same game, but there will be two (2) sets of winners. There will be O/1200 winning teams and an U/1200 winning teams. Instructions for running a Stratified Swiss Team are found under Stratified Swiss Team Games, below.

Stratified Pairs

Game Type Open Sanction Level C or Higher Minimum Boards

Number of Sessions One (1) or more

Conditions Of Contest 1. The event may be composed of two-four flights. The primary purpose of the event is to expose players below 1200 Master Points to Field IV players without penalizing their chance for winning in their respective fields. 2. The four flights will correspond to current fields and are given as follows: Flight A - Field IV (1200 and Up) Flight C - Field II (100 - 599) Flight B - Field III (600 - 1199) Flight D - Field I (O - 99)

3. Master points will be awarded as follows: Overall Awards: Calculated based on total tables and field classification of

each flight. Field I, II and III players will receive either the award for their finish in their respective field or the award for their finish in the overall event, whichever is higher. Overall event awards will be based on an Over 600 master point award schedule.

Section Awards: Each Section is ranked as though it were an open event. Those who rank within the Section will receive Section Awards based on the Section size.


IV-48

4. New Procedures for Stratifying Pair Games: Directors are now allowed to go below the six-table-rule in stratifying games. If the table count is at least three and less than six (5-1/2), then the 60% rule applies. (The 60% rule: When a game does not have the required number of tables (5-1/2), but it has at least 2-1/2 tables, it may be held, but the point award is 60% of the award normally given that type game. This rules does not apply to games such as the Swiss Team where accommodations are made for games with less than the minimum required number of tables.)

Three-Tier Stratified Pair Game The applicable point scale will be selected according to the point holding of the majority of players in the two higher fields. The point award will be 60% of the regular award for that field. Players will be awarded the overall placement, or field placement, whichever is higher, but not both. This means there must be a minimum of 14 tables--3 of which must be U/100 to qualify for this game. The game may be played with less than 3 tables of U/100, but there must be at least 5-1/2 tables in the lowest tier, since it is only the U/100 group that qualifies with only 3 tables. This raises the minimum number of tables to 16-1/2. (The lower field tables cannot be counted to meet the table requirement.)


IV-49

Modified Round Robin T/4

Game Type

Open

Sanction Level

Sectional, "A" and "B" Regional and Sectional - Each Unit/Club may sponsor one (1) Modified Round Robin Event per year. Each Section may sponsor two (2).

Team Minimum

Five (5) per Flight

Team Maximum

Nine (9) per Flight

Board Minimum

Six (6) to twelve (12) per round depending on the number of teams per Flight.

Board Minimum

Forty-eight (48) per game

Number of Players Per team

Four (4), Five (5) or Six (6)

Note: Each team member must play at least 40% of the total boards to qualify for MPA. See DTB Schedule in Part VI. . Conditions of Play: 1. A Modified Round Robin must be played to its completion within a

single weekend. 2. Each team must meet and play the required number of boards against

each team in its Flight. NOTE: The DIC must announce that 1 IMP constitutes a win prior to the start of the game.


IV-50

Number of Boards to Be Played Field IV, III or II Flights

Field I Flight

# of Teams Per Flight

# of Rounds to Be Played

Minimum Boards Per Round

Total

Per Round

Total

5

4

12

48

12

48

6

5

10

50

8

40

7

6

8

48

8

48

8

7

7

49

7

49

9

8

6

48

6

48

Note: Teams will receive the higher MPA for finish overall or the sum of the DTB - Not Both. See DTB Schedule in Part VI.


IV-51

Regular Round Robin T/4 Game Type

Open

Sanction Level

Each Unit may sponsor one (1) Regular Round Robin Event per year. (If there are two clubs in a vicinity, they may cooperatively sponsor one Full Round Robin.) There is a special point schedule. Points are awarded at the "B" Regional level.

Team Minimum

Six (6) per Flight

Team Maximum

Twelve (12) per Flight

Board Minimum

Twenty-four (24) per match

Number of Sessions

Five (5) or more (as required)

# Players Per team


Note: Each team member must play at least 40% of the total boards to qualify for MPA. Conditions of Play: 1. A Regular Round Robin must be played to its completion within a

three-month period. 2. Each team must meet and play the required number of boards against

each team in its Flight. NOTE: The DIC must announce that 1 IMP constitutes a win prior to the start of the game. Defeated Team Bonus: Teams will receive the higher MPA for overall rank or the sum of DTB not both. See DTB Schedule in Part VI.


IV-52

Team of Four Events Game Types

Open, Mixed, Men's & Women's, Non-Mixed

Sanction Level

"C" Regional or Higher

Table Minimum

Six (6)

Board Minimum

Twenty-four (24) per session

Number of Sessions

One (1) or more

# Players Per Team


Scoring

Board-a-Match, IMPs, IMPs to Victory Points

Note: The following guidelines do not apply to Knock-Out Teams, Swiss, Regular and Modified Round Robins.

Guidelines for Dividing and Classifying Fields: See Field Classification in Part V. Special Provisions for a Single Classification. See Field Classification in Part V Schedule for IMPs to Victory Points. See chart TRGP – Part V. Note: If either field in a scheduled Men's & Women 's Teams contains less than six (6) teams, the fields are combined and the event is played as a "Non-Mixed Team." Note: Each member must play at least 40% of the total boards to qualify for master point awards.

The DIC must announce what constitutes a win prior to the start of the game.


IV-53

Swiss Teams Game Type

Special Fields or Classified

Sanction Level

"B" Regional or Higher

Team Minimum

Twelve (12)

Board Minimum

Forty-eight (48) per game

Number of Sessions

Two (2) or more (as scheduled)

Number Players Per Team


If the minimum team requirement cannot be met, the sanction may be used for a Regular Team-of-Four Game - Scored Board-A-Match or IMP's converted to VP. If the game is advertised for two (2) fields and one of the fields does not meet the minimum table requirement, the director may either conduct a Swiss Team in the field with the required tables and a Board-A-Match Team Game in the field without the required minimum number of tables, or convert the game to a Stratified Swiss Team in order to produce two (2) sets of winners. Note: The minimum for a Two-Session Swiss Team is 12 teams. Each team member must play at least 40% of the total boards to qualify for master point awards. The DIC must announce what constitutes a win, winning tie, tie, losing tie, or loss prior to the start of the game. See page DIC in TRPG. Guidelines for Dividing and Classifying Fields: See Field Classification in TRPG.. The Swiss Team is not authorized at the "C" Regional level. All one-session Swiss Teams will be processed as City Swiss Teams. At National Tournaments, the Field IV Swiss Team will be scored IMPs to VP beginning with the Summer Nationals, 1992. (ABA Bulletin, October, 1991) See the DTB Schedule in Part VI.


IV-54

City Swiss Teams Game Type

Special Fields or Classified

Sanction Level

City/Club Game

Team Minimum

Eight (8)

Board Minimum

Twenty (20) per game

Number of Sessions

One

Number of Rounds

Four (4)

Number Players Per Team

Four (4)

Sanction Fee

5% to be sent to the National Office with the results for processing.

The DIC must announce what constitutes a win, winning tie, tie, losing tie, or loss prior to the start of the game. The players receive the overall or sum of DTB - not both. Note: This MPA Schedule is not applicable to Closed Clubs. Refer to the "Schedule for Closed Clubs" The Swiss Team is not authorized at the "C" Regional level. All one-session Swiss Teams will be processed as City Swiss Teams. See the DTB Schedule – Part VI.

Procedures For Scoring Each Match

IMP Difference is PLUS 3 or more Win

IMP Difference is PLUS 1 or 2 Winning Tie

The Difference is Zero Tie

IMP Difference is MINUS 1 or 2 Losing Tie

IMP Difference is MINUS 3 or more

Loss


IV-55

Stratified Swiss Team Games

The Stratified Swiss Team Game has been approved under the following circumstances described in 1 and 2 below. Note: This is a procedure to allow more than one field to play in one game. It is not a flighted event. 1. There are at least 12 teams registered. 2. There are at least 6 teams in the lower field. Note: The minimum for a Two-Session Swiss Team is 12 teams. When the above conditions are met, the director will register the teams and announce the game will be stratified. Only players with the requisite number of points will be allowed on a team in the lower field. The DIC must announce what constitutes a win, winning tie, tie, losing tie and loss prior to the start of the game. See TRRP, page 13. The following procedure will be used to match teams Note: It is suggested teams be numbered 1, 2, 3, etc. for the top field and 21, 22, 23, etc. for the lower field(s). During the first half, teams in the top field will be matched against teams in the top field. Teams in the lower field will be matched against teams in the lower field. Exceptions to the above will be made only where it is necessary to make all matches. During the second half, the best matches will be made from all teams regardless of the field. At the end of the game, teams will be ranked overall and in the lower field. Teams with the best records will win first, second, etc. for overall winners. Teams in the lower field(s) will then be ranked first, second, etc. and published as winners of that field(s). If a team in the lower field also places in the overall, points will be awarded to the players based on the greater award, not both. (Swiss points are recommended for breaking ties for awards purposes only.) The number of rounds will be used to determine the first half and the second half regardless of when the break is actually taken.

National Knock-Out (KO) Teams - 32 Team Event

Game Type

Flighted


IV-56

Sanction Level

National

Table Minimum

16

Board Minimum

28 per Session

1. Registration Pre-registration is required and entry will be available in playing areas. All knockout entries, complete with names and masterpoints holding of each member must be turned in to the National Supervisory Director or his designee by the published deadline for the event. Any captain who has pre-registered and desires to withdraw should do so before the deadline expires. When withdrawal occurs after the deadline due to dual registration, entry fee may be forfeited. If a player has ACBL points they will be counted at twice their full value, up to 5000 masterpoints (for a maximum total of 10,000), in computing the team holding. If a player has both ACBL and ABA points, the total holding must be used.

2. Attendant Circumstances This event will be conducted as a double elimination knockout for the first round only. Teams losing in the first round will automatically be entered into a consolation event called the “Second Chance Knockout”. The team is eliminated only after a second loss. Teams are not forded to play in the Second Chance Knockout and those desiring not to play must inform the Director In Charge within thirty minutes of the end of the first match. ALL members of the team must be in agreement and are required to sign a waiver. Entry fee for the Second Chance will not be refunded.


IV-57

3. Bracketing Each flight will consist of 32 teams aligned according to the masterpoints of the top four members of each team. In Flight “A” the defending team will be seeded #1 regardless of master point holding, provided four members of the defending team are playing together. Opponent pairing in Flights A & B of the Victor Daily Knockout or C.G. Fredd Knockout Teams will be determined by a combination of seeding and random drawing. Teams one through eight will retain their ranked positions and numerical designation, and random drawing will be exercised for all position and team designations nine through thirty-two. To preclude concern regarding fairness the team captains will represent their teams for the draw. To accommodate this process the directors for Flight A & B will be at their stations 45 minutes before game time. The “open Team” format will be the preferred method for reducing a field to the required number of entrants. However, the Association reserves the right to use other methods. Byes will be used only as a last resort. Opponent pairing in all 32 flights can be determined for the first round by subtracting your team number from 33. 4. Scoring Each match will be scored by IMPS. A single IMP margin is sufficient to determine the winner. Any tie, at the completion of the regularly scheduled number of boards, will be resolved by continuing 5-board matches in 28 board sessions, or seven (7)-board matches will be played in 32 or 36 board sessions. Such playoffs will begin immediately after a short interval (5 minutes) for checking scores and will continue until the tie is resolved. 5. Required Participation Teams may consist of four, five or six players. All members of a team must be listed on the original entry. A player cannot register, as a participant, on more than one team. No player is permitted to miss more than the first KO Round. Violation will result in automatic disqualification of the involved individual only. To be eligible for MPA and/or prizes, each member of the team, after the first KO, must play 50% of all ensuing matches as long as the team progresses, except in a dire emergency (unexpected events) . All sit-outs by team members must be reported to the Director when fees are collected. If for any reason a player is dropped or absent from a team, it must be reported immediately to the Director In Charge (DIC). No substitutes are allowed at anytime without prior authorization of the DIC. Violation will subject the team to disqualification.


IV-58

6. Concurrent Participation Players entering two games concurrently must play the entire single session game. Substitutes are not permitted. Players are not allowed to register for a single session game opposite any round of the Knockout Teams other than the first. Players must notify the Director selling entries, at the time of registration, that they are playing in another game. Should a player’s team progress to the next round this player will receive masterpoints for all the team game regardless of the level of finish in the single session event. Violations of these rules could result in disqualification from both games. Entry fees in these instances will not be returned. 7. Seeded Seating Each match is played in two segments called halves. Each match will consist of a "seeded team" (the team with the lower-bracket number) and an "unseeded team." In the first half of the match, the captain of the unseeded team will seat his team first, placing one pair in the North/South position at their home table and East/West at the opponent’s home table. The captain of the seeded team then has the right to place his players in any position he chooses. Should the captain of the unseeded team make changes before play begins, the captain of the seeded team has the option of reseating his players. For the second half the captain of the seeded team seats his players North/South at his original home table and East/West at the other. The unseeded team then has the same privileges in seating its players as that of the seeded team in the first half, partnerships may be rearranged, but no pairs that met in the first half will play at the same table.. 7. Conventions All conventions shown on the General Convention Chart are allowed in this event. Conventions listed as Mid-Chart is allowed in all flights where the bottom team in the flight has an average of 1200 or more masterpoints. The Super Chart applies to Flight “A”. The National Tournament Authority must approve all special conventions at least two hours prior to the start of the game. 8. Protest Periods The period for an appeal of director’s rulings or for filing protests expires 30 minutes after each match. An appeal of a director’s ruling on an infraction that occurred during the first half must be made known to the DIC and the opposing captain before the start of the second half of the match, and for tied matches, before the bidding begins in the playoff, If a committee is required, at the DIC’s discretion, it should be convened before the match resumes..


IV-59

9. Penalties All starting times will be prominently posted and shall be observed. Penalties for failure to seat a complete team at the announced game time: (a) 10 minutes grace; (b) 1 IMP for the first 5 minutes; (c) 2 IMPs for the second 5 minutes; (d) 3 IMPs for each additional 5 minutes up to 20 minutes after grace period. In addition to the foregoing penalties, the match will be curtailed one full board for each 6 minutes of tardiness, after the grace period, to a maximum of three (3) boards. A margin of 3 IMPs will be awarded to the non-offending team for each board curtailed. This is in addition to the IMPs for lateness. Thirty (30) minutes after game time, the DIC will declare the match forfeited if a team has failed to seat four members. Starting time cannot be changed by agreement between the teams except with the approval of the National Supervisory Director. If additional costs are associated with this change, they must be borne by the teams involved. Once a team member begins pay in a match, he must complete that half. In the case of an emergency, the DIC may excuse the player. 10. Substitutes Substitutes may be used in an emergency with the express permission of the DIC with no penalty. (An emergency is defined as an unforeseen combination of dire circumstances, or the resulting state, requiring exigent action.) A substitute may also be used to temporarily replace a late (unexcused player). A substitute cannot be or have been a member of a team in the same flight as the team for which he is substituting. The presumed skill level of the substitute cannot be greater than that of the deposed player unless approved by the opposing team. If a substitute is used to replace a player who is not excused by the DIC, there will be a three (3) IMP penalty for the first board played by the substitute and a two (2) IMP penalty for each subsequent board played. 11. Playing Limits International time limits of 7-1/2 minutes per board will apply. Playing time for 28 boards is 3 hours and 30 minutes; 32 boards is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Times are adjusted accordingly for other numbers of boards. Players have the responsibility to inform the director of slow play. When the director has fixed responsibility for slow play and all the boards are not completed in the prescribed time, a 3 IMP penalty will be assessed the offending team for each board missed. For each half of a match (14 boards), playing time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. 12. Acceptance of Penalties Penalties assessed by the director for any infraction, including slow play and tardiness, must be accepted by the non-offending team. 13. Reporting Results Each captain should sign his full name on the reporting slip of the opposing captain. The winning team captain should turn in the slips for both teams at the assigned reporting station as soon as possible after results are determined and agreed upon.


IV-60

14. Kibitzers Kibitzers will be permitted, but must remain at one table. Any player may ask the Director to remove a spectator from his table only for satisfactory cause within the judgment of the Director. Fifth and sixth members of a team may kibitz at least two tables removed from where their teammates are playing. During the finals, kibitzers are permitted I the “Open Room” only. 15. Disqualification A team may be disqualified, at the discretion of the NTA, for failure to comply with the conditions of contest 16. Zero Tolerance Discourtesy to opponents, or to partner, will not be tolerated. Repeated offenses will subject the offender to suspension from participation in that particular match. The National Tournament Authority will determine any further participation in the event and the tournament. 17. Boards in Play Flight "A" (National Championship Flight) - 1st, 2nd and 3rd matches (five match), 28 boards; Semi-finals 32 boards-, Finals - 36 boards. All other flights - 1st, 2nd and 3rd knockouts, 28 boards; Semi-finals and finals - 32 boards. Flight “A” (Sectional & Grade “A” Knockout – four matches) – 1st and 2nd knockouts – 26, seminal finals – 28, and finals – 32).


IV-61

5 Excess Teams: Where there is at least one full 16-team flight registered with 5 excess teams (21-27-53, etc). the five excess teams will be treated as a separate flight for a three-session KO. The first session will use a regular open team movement with each team playing four matches of six boards each, scored IMPs to VP. One team will be eliminated with the four surviving teams playing the last two KO rounds. A one-session Sectional Open Pair will be scheduled for these teams to play during the 4th session of the KO along with other teams eliminated from other flights. 6 Excess Teams: Where there is at least one full 16-team flight registered with 6 excess teams (22-38-54), the 6 excess teams will be treated as a separate flight for a three-session KO. The first session will be a Round Robin with each team playing five matches of 5 boards each scored IMPs to VP. Two teams will be eliminated, with the top four teams playing the last two KO rounds. 7 Excess Teams: Where there is at least one full 16-team flight, the seven excess teams will be treated as a separate flight for a three-session KO. The first session will use a regular open team movement with each team playing six matches of four boards each scored IMPs to VP. Three teams will be eliminated with the top four teams playing the last two rounds of the KO. 8 Excess Teams: Where there is at least one full 16-team flight, the eight excess teams will be treated as a separate flight for a three-session KO. 9 Excess Teams: Where there is at least one full 16-team flight, the nine excess teams will be treated as a separate flight for a three-session KO. Three matches will be played (1-9, 2-8, 3-7). Teams 4-5-6 will play an internal round robin of 12 boards each, scored net IMPs. The top team will become Team #4 along with the winners of the three matches to play the last two KO rounds. 10 Excess Teams: Where there is at least one full 16-team flight, the excess teams will be treated as a separate flight for a three-session KO. Three matches will be made (1-10, 2-9,3-8). Teams 4-7 will play three matches of eight boards each in a round robin with three teams eliminated. The top team will become Team #4 to play the last two rounds of the KO.


IV-62

11 Excess Teams: Where there is at least one full 16-team flight, the 11 excess teams will be treated as a separate flight for a three-session KO. Three matches will be made (1-11, 2-10, 3-9). Teams 4-8 will use a regular open team movement with each team playing four matches of six boards each scored IMPs to VP. The top team will become team #4 along with the winners of the three matches to play the last two rounds of the KO. The other four teams are eliminated. 12 Teams: Will be treated as a normal four-session KO flight. Three matches will be made (1-12, 2-11, 3-10). Teams 4-9 will play a round robin with each team playing five matches of five boards each scored IMPs to VP. The bottom team will be eliminated with the top five teams becoming Teams 4-8 along with the winners of the three matches for the second round of the KO. 13 Teams: Will be treated as a normal four-session KO flight. Four matches will be made (1-13, 2-12, 3-11, 4-10). Teams 5-9 will use a regular open team movement with each team playing four matches of six boards each scored IMPs to VP. The lowest team will be eliminated with the top four becoming teams 5-8 along with the winners of the four matches for round two. 14 Teams: Will be treated as a normal four-session KO flight. Five matches will be made (1-14, 2-13, 3-12, 4-11, 5-10). Teams 6-9 will play a round robin with each team playing three matches of eight boards each scored net IMPs. The lowest team will be eliminated with the top three teams becoming Teams 6-8 for the second KO round. 15 Teams: Will be treated as a normal four-session KO flight. Team #1 will get a bye. The other seven matches will be played normally. The match is normal from the second round forward. 17 Teams: Seven matches will be made (1-17, 2-15, etc.). Teams 8-10 will play an internal round robin with each team playing two matches of 12 boards each scored net IMPs. The top team becomes Team #8 joining the seven winners of the regular matches for round two. 18 Teams: Seven matches will be made (1-18, 2-17, etc.). Teams 8-11 will play a round robin with each team playing three matches of eight boards each, scored net IMPs. The top team joins the seven winners as Team #8 for the second round. 19 Teams: Seven matches will be made (1-19, 2-18, etc.). Teams 8-12 will use an open team movement with each team playing four matches of six boards each scored IMPs to VP. The top team becomes Team #8 for the second KO round.


IV-63

20 Teams: Seven matches will be made (1-20, 2-19, etc.). Teams 8-13 will play a round robin with each team playing five matches of five boards each scored IMPs to VP. The top team becomes Team #8 joining the winners of the seven matches for the second KO round.


IV-64

Sectional Knock-Out (KO) Teams - 16 Team Event

Game Type

Flighted

Sanction Level

National

Table Minimum

12

Board Minimum

26 per Session

1. Registration Pre-registration is required and entry will be available in playing areas. All knockout entries, complete with names and masterpoints holding of each member must be turned in to the Director In Charge or his designee by the published deadline for the event. Any captain who has pre-registered and desires to withdraw should do so before the deadline expires. When withdrawal occurs after the deadline due to dual registration, entry fee may be forfeited. If a player has ACBL points they will be counted at twice their full value, up to 5000 masterpoints (for a maximum total of 10,000), in computing the team holding. If a player has both ACBL and ABA points, the total holding must be used.

2. Attendant Circumstances This event will be conducted as a single elimination event whereby a team is eliminated by a single loss. Each match will be divided into halves, separated by a short interval for comparison of scores. Each flight will be comprised of 16 teams based on the MP holding of the top four members registered as a team. Special knockout movements may be used, at the discretion of the Director In Charge, for flights with less than 8 6eams. Three full matches must be played.

3. Bracketing Each flight will consist of 8 teams aligned according to the masterpoints of the top four members of each team. In Flight “A” the defending team will be seeded #1 regardless of master point holding, provided four members of the defending team are playing together. The “open Team” format will be the preferred method for reducing a field to the required number of entrants. However, the Director In Charge reserves the right to use other methods. Byes will be used only as a last resort. Opponent pairing in all 16 flights can be determined for the first round by subtracting your team number from 9.


IV-65

2. Scoring Each match will be scored by IMPS. A single IMP margin is sufficient to determine the winner. Any tie, at the completion of the regularly scheduled number of boards, will be resolved by continuing 5-board matches in 26 or 28 board sessions, or seven (7)-board matches will be played in 32 board sessions. Such playoffs will begin immediately after a short interval (5 minutes) for checking scores and will continue until the tie is resolved. 3. Required Participation Teams may consist of four, five or six players. All members of a team must be listed on the original entry. A player cannot register, as a participant, on more than one team. No player is permitted to miss more than the first KO Round. Violation will result in automatic disqualification of the involved individual only. To be eligible for MPA and/or prizes, each member of the team, after the first KO, must play 50% of all ensuing matches as long as the team progresses, except in a dire emergency (unexpected events) . All sit-outs by team members must be reported to the Director when fees are collected. If for any reason a player is dropped or absent from a team, it must be reported immediately to the Director In Charge (DIC). No substitutes are allowed at anytime without prior authorization of the DIC. Violation will subject the team to disqualification. 4. Concurrent Participation Players entering two games concurrently must play the entire single session game. Substitutes are not permitted. Players are not allowed to register for a single session game opposite any round of the Knockout Teams other than the first. Players must notify the Director selling entries, at the time of registration, that they are playing in another game. Should a player’s team progress to the next round this player will receive masterpoints for all the team game regardless of the level of finish in the single session event. Violations of these rules could result in disqualification from both games. Entry fees in these instances will not be returned.


IV-66

5. Seeded Seating Each match is played in two segments called halves. Each match will consist of a "seeded team" (the team with the lower-bracket number) and an "unseeded team." In the first half of the match, the captain of the unseeded team will seat his team first, placing one pair in the North/South position at their home table and East/West at the opponent’s home table. The captain of the seeded team then has the right to place his players in any position he chooses. Should the captain of the unseeded team make changes before play begins, the captain of the seeded team has the option of reseating his players. For the second half the captain of the seeded team seats his players North/South at his original home table and East/West at the other. The unseeded team then has the same privileges in seating its players as that of the seeded team in the first half, partnerships may be rearranged, but no pairs that met in the first half will play at the same table.. 6. Conventions All conventions shown on the General Convention Chart are allowed in this event. Conventions listed as Mid-Chart is allowed in all flights where the bottom team in the flight has an average of 1200 or more masterpoints. The Super Chart applies to Flight “A”. The National Tournament Authority must approve all special conventions at least two hours prior to the start of the game. 7. Protest Periods The period for an appeal of director’s rulings or for filing protests expires 30 minutes after each match. An appeal of a director’s ruling on an infraction that occurred during the first half must be made known to the DIC and the opposing captain before the start of the second half of the match, and for tied matches, before the bidding begins in the playoff, If a committee is required, at the DIC’s discretion, it should be convened before the match resumes.. 10. Penalties All starting times will be prominently posted and shall be observed. Penalties for failure to seat a complete team at the announced game time: (a) 10 minutes grace; (b) 1 IMP for the first 5 minutes; (c) 2 IMPs for the second 5 minutes; (d) 3 IMPs for each additional 5 minutes up to 20 minutes after grace period. In addition to the foregoing penalties, the match will be curtailed one full board for each 6 minutes of tardiness, after the grace period, to a maximum of three (3) boards. A margin of 3 IMPs will be awarded to the non-offending team for each board curtailed. This is in addition to the IMPs for lateness. Thirty (30) minutes after game time, the DIC will declare the match forfeited if a team has failed to seat four members. Starting time cannot be changed by agreement between the teams except with the approval of the National Supervisory Director. If additional costs are associated with this change, they must be borne by the teams involved. Once a team member begins pay in a match, he must complete that half. In the case of an emergency, the DIC may excuse the player.


IV-67

11. Substitutes Substitutes may be used in an emergency with the express permission of the DIC with no penalty. (An emergency is defined as an unforeseen combination of dire circumstances, or the resulting state, requiring exigent action.) A substitute may also be used to temporarily replace a late (unexcused player). A substitute cannot be or have been a member of a team in the same flight as the team for which he is substituting. The presumed skill level of the substitute cannot be greater than that of the deposed player unless approved by the opposing team. If a substitute is used to replace a player who is not excused by the DIC, there will be a three (3) IMP penalty for the first board played by the substitute and a two (2) IMP penalty for each subsequent board played. 12. Playing Limits International time limits of 7-1/2 minutes per board will apply. Playing time for 28 boards is 3 hours and 30 minutes; 32 boards is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Times are adjusted accordingly for other numbers of boards. Players have the responsibility to inform the director of slow play. When the director has fixed responsibility for slow play and all the boards are not completed in the prescribed time, a 3 IMP penalty will be assessed the offending team for each board missed. For each half of a match (14 boards), playing time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. 13. Acceptance of Penalties Penalties assessed by the director for any infraction, including slow play and tardiness, must be accepted by the non-offending team. 14. Reporting Results Each captain should sign his full name on the reporting slip of the opposing captain. The winning team captain should turn in the slips for both teams at the assigned reporting station as soon as possible after results are determined and agreed upon. 15. Kibitzers Kibitzers will be permitted, but must remain at one table. Any player may ask the Director to remove a spectator from his table only for satisfactory cause within the judgment of the Director. Fifth and sixth members of a team may kibitz at least two tables removed from where their teammates are playing. During the finals, kibitzers are permitted I the “Open Room” only. 16. Disqualification A team may be disqualified, at the discretion of the Director In Charge, for failure to comply with the conditions of contest 17. Zero Tolerance Discourtesy to opponents, or to partner, will not be tolerated. Repeated offenses will subject the offender to suspension from participation in that particular match. The Director In Charge will determine any further participation in the event and the tournament.


IV-68

18. Boards in Play Flight "A" (National Championship Flight) - 1st, 2nd and (four match), 26 boards; Semi-finals 28 boards-, Finals - 32 boards. All other flights - 1st, 2nd knockouts, 24 boards; Semi-finals 26and finals - 28 boards.


IV-69

Grade “A” (KO) Teams – 8 Team Flights

Game Type

Flighted

Sanction Level

Grade A

Table Minimum

7 Team Flight (24 maximum with Special Four Round Movement –

See Special Movements

Board Minimum

24 per Session, 28 Final Session

1. This event will be conducted with single elimination matches whereby a team is eliminated by a single loss. Each match will be divided into halves, separated by a short interval for comparison of scores. Each flight will be comprised of 8 based on the MP holding of the top four members registered as a team. The Special Knockout Movements must be used for flights with less or more than 8 teams. Three full matches must be played If a player has ACBL points they will be counted at twice their full value, up to 5000 masterpoints (for a maximum total of 10,000), in computing the team holding. If a player has both ACBL and ABA points, the total holding must be used. Opponent pairing in all flights shall be accomplished for the first round by the team subtracting their ranking from the number 9 to determine their respective opponents. However, the defending champion in the Championship Flight will be seeded #1 provided at least four (4) of the defending members are playing together. 2. Byes, as may be necessary, will be given in the first and/or second rounds, depending on the number entries. The ABA reserves the right to hold first/second round elimination (Board-A-Match) to reduce the field to the required number of entries. 3. Each match will be scored by IMPS, with honors not counted. A single IMP margin is sufficient to determine the winner. Any tie, at the completion of the regularly scheduled number of boards, will be resolved by continuing 5-board matches in 24 - 28 board sessions, or seven (7)-board matches will be played in 32 board sessions. Such playoffs will begin immediately after a short interval (5 minutes) for checking scores and will continue until the tie is resolved.


IV-70

4. Teams may consist of four, five or six players. All members of a team must be listed on the original entry. A player cannot register, as a participant, on more than one team. No player is permitted to miss more than the first KO. Violation will result in automatic disqualification of the involved individual only. To be eligible for MPA and/or prizes, each member of the team, after the first KO, must play 50% of all ensuing matches as long as the team progresses, except in dire emergency (unexpected events). All sit-outs by team members must be reported to the Director when fees are collected. Violation will subject the team to disqualification. 5. If, for any reason, a player is dropped or absent from a team, reasons and conditions must be immediately reported to the DIC for review. No substitutions can be made at any time without prior authorization from the DIC. 6. Each match will consist of a "seeded team" (the team with the lower-bracket-number) and an "unseeded team." The captain of the unseeded team will seat his players first, taking his choice of tables and positions. The captain of the seeded team then has the right to place his players in any position he chooses. Should the captain of the unseeded team make changes before play begins, the captain of the seeded team has the final choice in placing his players. For the second half, the seeded team stays put (same table and same positions). The unseeded team has the same privileges for the second half that the seeded team was afforded for the first half. 7. For the second half of a match, partnerships may be rearranged. However, no two pairs, who met in the first half of the match, may repeat as opponents. 8. The period for an appeal expires 30 minutes after each match. For tied matches, the protest period expires when the auction begins at each table in the playoff.


IV-71

9. All starting times will be posted on the bracket sheets and shall be observed. Penalties for failure to seat a complete team at the announced game time: (a) 10 minutes grace; (b) 1 IMP for the first 5 minutes; (c) 2 IMPs for the second 5 minutes; (d) 3 IMPs for each additional 5 minutes up to 20 minutes after grace period. In addition to the foregoing penalties, the match will be curtailed one full board for each 7-1/2 minutes of tardiness, after the grace period, to a maximum of three (3) boards. A margin of 3 IMPs will be awarded to the non-offending team for each board curtailed. This is in addition to the IMPs for lateness. Thirty (30) minutes after game time, the DIC will declare the match forfeited if a team has failed to seat four members. 10. International time limits of 7-1/2 minutes per board will apply. For each half of a match (14 boards), playing time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. 11. Slow play: First offense will result in a warning. Subsequent offenses in a match will result in a minimum of 3 IMPs for each offense. 12. If penalties are assessed for tardiness or slow play, the opposing teams must accept the penalty points. 13. Each captain should sign his full name on the reporting slip of the opposing captain. The captain of the winning team of each match must report the results of the match to the DIC of the bracket sheet as soon as possible after the results have been determined and agreed upon. 14. Kibitzers will be permitted in the open room, but must remain at one table. Any player may ask the Director to remove a spectator from his table only for satisfactory cause within the judgment of the Director. Fifth and sixth members of a team may kibitz at least two tables removed from their own match. 15. Starting times may not be changed by agreement between the teams, except with the approval of the DIC. 16. Any captain who has submitted a pre-entry and thereafter desires to withdraw must notify the DIC before midnight. 17. A team may be disqualified, at the discretion of the DIC, for failure to comply with the conditions of contest. However, the opponent of a disqualified team will not automatically receive credit for winning the match.


IV-72

18. Discourtesy to opponents, or to partner, will not be tolerated. After two warnings, the offender will be suspended from further participation in that particular match. Further participation in the event will be determined by the DIC.


IV-73

HEAD-TO-HEAD AND 3-WAY MATCHES

ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF TEAMS

Head to Head Matches 3-Way Matches Byes 7 Teams :1-7, 2-6 (3, 4, 5) 8 Teams :1-8, 2-7, 3-6, 4-5 none 9 Teams : 1-9, 2-8, 3-7, (4, 5, 6) 10 Teams : 1-10, 2-9 (3, 7, 8) (4, 5, 6) 11 Teams : 1-11 (2, 9, 10) (3, 7, 8) (4, 5, 6) 12 Teams : none* (1, 6, 12) (2, 5, 11) (3, 7, 10)(4, 8, 9) 13 Teams : 4-13, 5-12, 6-11, 7-10, 8-9 1,2,3 14 Teams : 3-14, 4-13, 5-12, 6-11, 7-10, 8-9,1, 2 15 Teams : 2-15, 3-14, 4-13, 5-12, 6-11, 7-10, 8-9 1 16 Teams : 1-16, 2-15, 3-14, 4-13, 5-12, 6-11, 7-10, 8-9 17 Teams : 1-17, 2-16, 3-15, 4-14, 5-13, 6-12, 7-11 ( 8, 9, 10) 18 Teams : 1-18, 2-17, 3-16, 4-15, 5-14, 6-13 (7, 11, 12) (8, 9, 10) 19 Teams : 1-19, 2-18, 3-17, 4-16, 5-15 (6, 13, 14) (7, 11, 12) (8, 9, 10) 20 Teams : 1-20, 2-19, 3-18, 4-17 (5, 15, 16) (6, 13, 14) (7, 11, 12) (8, 9, 10) 21 Teams : 1-21, 2-20, 3-19 (4, 17, 18) (5, 15, 16) (6, 13, 14) (7, 11, 12) (8, 9, 10) 22 Teams : 1-22, 2-21 (3, 19, 20) (4, 17, 18) (5, 15, 16) (6, 13, 14) (7, 11, 12) (8, 9, 10) 23 Teams : 1-23 (2, 21, 22) (3, 19, 20) (4, 17, 18) (5, 15, 16) (6, 13, 14) (7, 11, 12) (8, 9, 10) 24 Teams (1, 23, 24) (2, 21, 22) (3, 19, 20) (4, 17, 18) (5, 15, 16) (6, 13, 14) (7, 11,12) ( 8, 9, 10) *With 12 Teams when bracketing for the second round move the unseeded team from the original set to one of the other three. This will eliminate teams who have played on the first round to meet on the second round of competition.


IV-74

Round 2 Matches: 1 vs. 8 2 vs. 7 3 vs. 6 4 vs. 5

Breaking Ties Within 3-Way Matches

Case 1 : If you need 2 teams, and A wins 2 half-matches,

a B wins 1 half -match, only A and B advance. Case 2 : If you need 2 teams, and A and B both beat C

, and tie each other, both A and B advance. Case 3 : If you need 2 teams, and A, B, and C have 1 - 1

records, then the 2 teams with the most Victory Points (VP’s) or the most net IMPS advance.

Case 1 : If you need only 1 team, only A advances. Case 2 : If you need only 1 team, take the team that beat B the worst. Case 3 : If you need only 1 team, take the team with the most net IMPS.


IV-75

Second Chance KO This event is a closed contest for all teams who lose the first round of the Victor R. Daly (Summer Nationals) or C.G. Fredd (Spring Nationals) Knockout Teams. Entry into this game is automatic and closed to all teams except losers in the first round of the Victor Daly/C.G. Fredd KO. No team is forced to play in the event. However, they must inform the Director In Charge (DIC) within 30 minutes of the end of the first match. All members of the team must be in agreement. A single member of a team will be allowed to withdraw only with the permission of his team and the DIC, provided that they can still field a team. No new player will be added. 1. Bracketing Each flight will consist of16 teams aligned according to the masterpoints of the top four members of each team. Adjustments may be made to accommodate uneven number of teams. The “open Team” format will be the preferred method for reducing a field to the required number of entrants. However, the Association reserves the right to use other methods. Byes will be used only as a last resort. Opponent pairing in all 16 flights can be determined for the first round by subtracting your team number from 17. 2. Scoring Each match will be scored by IMPS. A single IMP margin is sufficient to determine the winner. Any tie, at the completion of the regularly scheduled number of boards, will be resolved by continuing 5-board matches in 26 or 28 board sessions, or seven (7)-board matches will be played in 32 board sessions. Such playoffs will begin immediately after a short interval (5 minutes) for checking scores and will continue until the tie is resolved. 3. Required Participation A player is permitted to miss the first KO Round, unless the player sat out the first round of the major knockout. To be eligible for MPA and/or prizes, each member of the team, after the first KO, must play 50% of all ensuing matches as long as the team progresses, except in a dire emergency (unexpected events) . All sit-outs by team members must be reported to the Director when fees are collected. If for any reason a player is dropped or absent from a team, it must be reported immediately to the Director In Charge (DIC). No substitutes are allowed at anytime without prior authorization of the DIC. Violation will subject the team to disqualification.


IV-76

4. Concurrent Participation Players entering two games concurrently must play the entire single session game. Substitutes are not permitted. Players are not allowed to register for a single session game opposite any round of the Knockout Teams other than the first. Players must notify the Director selling entries, at the time of registration, that they are playing in another game. Should a player’s team progress to the next round this player will receive masterpoints for all the team game regardless of the level of finish in the single session event. Violations of these rules could result in disqualification from both games. Entry fees in these instances will not be returned. 5. Seeded Seating Each match is played in two segments called halves. Each match will consist of a "seeded team" (the team with the lower-bracket number) and an "unseeded team." In the first half of the match, the captain of the unseeded team will seat his team first, placing one pair in the North/South position at their home table and East/West at the opponent’s home table. The captain of the seeded team then has the right to place his players in any position he chooses. Should the captain of the unseeded team make changes before play begins, the captain of the seeded team has the option of reseating his players. For the second half the captain of the seeded team seats his players North/South at his original home table and East/West at the other. The unseeded team then has the same privileges in seating its players as that of the seeded team in the first half, partnerships may be rearranged, but no pairs that met in the first half will play at the same table.. 6. Conventions All conventions shown on the General Convention Chart are allowed in this event. Conventions listed as Mid-Chart is allowed in all flights where the bottom team in the flight has an average of 1200 or more masterpoints. The Super Chart applies to Flight “A”. The National Tournament Authority must approve all special conventions at least two hours prior to the start of the game. 7. Protest Periods The period for an appeal of director’s rulings or for filing protests expires 30 minutes after each match. An appeal of a director’s ruling on an infraction that occurred during the first half must be made known to the DIC and the opposing captain before the start of the second half of the match, and for tied matches, before the bidding begins in the playoff, If a committee is required, at the DIC’s discretion, it should be convened before the match resumes..


IV-77

8. Penalties All starting times will be prominently posted and shall be observed. Penalties for failure to seat a complete team at the announced game time: (a) 10 minutes grace; (b) 1 IMP for the first 5 minutes; (c) 2 IMPs for the second 5 minutes; (d) 3 IMPs for each additional 5 minutes up to 20 minutes after grace period. In addition to the foregoing penalties, the match will be curtailed one full board for each 6 minutes of tardiness, after the grace period, to a maximum of three (3) boards. A margin of 3 IMPs will be awarded to the non-offending team for each board curtailed. This is in addition to the IMPs for lateness. Thirty (30) minutes after game time, the DIC will declare the match forfeited if a team has failed to seat four members. Starting time cannot be changed by agreement between the teams except with the approval of the National Supervisory Director. If additional costs are associated with this change, they must be borne by the teams involved. Once a team member begins pay in a match, he must complete that half. In the case of an emergency, the DIC may excuse the player. 9. Substitutes Substitutes may be used in an emergency with the express permission of the DIC with no penalty. (An emergency is defined as an unforeseen combination of dire circumstances, or the resulting state, requiring exigent action.) A substitute may also be used to temporarily replace a late (unexcused player). A substitute cannot be or have been a member of a team in the same flight as the team for which he is substituting. The presumed skill level of the substitute cannot be greater than that of the deposed player unless approved by the opposing team. If a substitute is used to replace a player who is not excused by the DIC, there will be a three (3) IMP penalty for the first board played by the substitute and a two (2) IMP penalty for each subsequent board played. 10. Playing Limits International time limits of 7-1/2 minutes per board will apply. Playing time for 28 boards is 3 hours and 30 minutes; 32 boards is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Times are adjusted accordingly for other numbers of boards. Players have the responsibility to inform the director of slow play. When the director has fixed responsibility for slow play and all the boards are not completed in the prescribed time, a 3 IMP penalty will be assessed the offending team for each board missed. For each half of a match (14 boards), playing time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. 11. Acceptance of Penalties Penalties assessed by the director for any infraction, including slow play and tardiness, must be accepted by the non-offending team. 12. Reporting Results Each captain should sign his full name on the reporting slip of the opposing captain. The winning team captain should turn in the slips for both teams at the assigned reporting station as soon as possible after results are determined and agreed upon.


IV-78

13. Kibitzers Kibitzers will be permitted, but must remain at one table. Any player may ask the Director to remove a spectator from his table only for satisfactory cause within the judgment of the Director. Fifth and sixth members of a team may kibitz at least two tables removed from where their teammates are playing. During the finals, kibitzers are permitted I the “Open Room” only. 14. Disqualification A team may be disqualified, at the discretion of the Director In Charge, for failure to comply with the conditions of contest 15. Zero Tolerance Discourtesy to opponents, or to partner, will not be tolerated. Repeated offenses will subject the offender to suspension from participation in that particular match. The Director In Charge will determine any further participation in the event and the tournament. 16. Boards in Play Flight "A" (National Championship Flight) - 1st, 2nd and (four match), 24 boards; Semi-finals 28 boards-, Finals - 32 boards. .


IV-79

Morning Knock-Out (KO) Teams - 16 Team Event

Game Type

Flighted

Sanction Level

National

Table Minimum

168

Board Minimum

24 per Session

Registration Pre-registration is required and entry will be available in playing areas. All knockout entries, complete with names and masterpoints holding of each member must be turned in to the Director In Charge or his designee by the published deadline for the event. Any captain who has pre-registered and desires to withdraw should do so before the deadline expires. When withdrawal occurs after the deadline due to dual registration, entry fee may be forfeited. If a player has ACBL points they will be counted at twice their full value, up to 5000 masterpoints (for a maximum total of 10,000), in computing the team holding. If a player has both ACBL and ABA points, the total holding must be used.

Attendant Circumstances This event will be conducted as a single elimination event whereby a team is eliminated by a single loss. Each match will be divided into halves, separated by a short interval for comparison of scores. Each flight will be comprised of 16 teams based on the MP holding of the top four members registered as a team. In Flight “A” the defending team will be seeded #1 regardless of master point holding provided four members of the defending team are playing together. Adjustment may be made in the lower flights to accommodate excess registrants. The “Open Team” format will be the preferred method for reducing a field to the required number of teams. However, the Association reserves the right to use other methods. Byes will be used only as a last resort. Opponent pairing in all flights can be determined for the first round by subtracting your team number from 17. Scoring Each match will be scored by IMPS. A single IMP margin is sufficient to determine the winner. Any tie, at the completion of the regularly scheduled number of boards, will be resolved by continuing 5-board matches in 26 or 28 board sessions, or seven (7)-board matches will be played in 32 board sessions. Such playoffs will begin immediately after a short interval (5 minutes) for checking scores and will continue until the tie is resolved.


IV-80

Required Participation Teams may consist of four, five or six players. All members of a team must be listed on the original entry. A player cannot register, as a participant, on more than one team. No player is permitted to miss more than the first KO Round. Violation will result in automatic disqualification of the involved individual only. To be eligible for MPA and/or prizes, each member of the team, after the first KO, must play 50% of all ensuing matches as long as the team progresses, except in a dire emergency (unexpected events) . All sit-outs by team members must be reported to the Director when fees are collected. If for any reason a player is dropped or absent from a team, it must be reported immediately to the Director In Charge (DIC). No substitutes are allowed at anytime without prior authorization of the DIC. Violation will subject the team to disqualification. Seeded Seating Each match is played in two segments called halves. Each match will consist of a "seeded team" (the team with the lower-bracket number) and an "unseeded team." In the first half of the match, the captain of the unseeded team will seat his team first, placing one pair in the North/South position at their home table and East/West at the opponent’s home table. The captain of the seeded team then has the right to place his players in any position he chooses. Should the captain of the unseeded team make changes before play begins, the captain of the seeded team has the option of reseating his players. For the second half the captain of the seeded team seats his players North/South at his original home table and East/West at the other. The unseeded team then has the same privileges in seating its players as that of the seeded team in the first half, partnerships may be rearranged, but no pairs that met in the first half will play at the same table.. Conventions All conventions shown on the General Convention Chart are allowed in this event. Conventions listed as Mid-Chart is allowed in all flights where the bottom team in the flight has an average of 1200 or more masterpoints. The National Tournament Authority must approve all other conventions at least two hours prior to the start of the game. Protest Periods The period for an appeal of director’s rulings or for filing protests expires 30 minutes after each match. An appeal of a director’s ruling on an infraction that occurred during the first half must be made known to the DIC and the opposing captain before the start of the second half of the match, and for tied matches, before the bidding begins in the playoff, If a committee is required, at the DIC’s discretion, it should be convened before the match resumes..


IV-81

Penalties All starting times will be prominently posted and shall be observed. Penalties for failure to seat a complete team at the announced game time: (a) 10 minutes grace; (b) 1 IMP for the first 5 minutes; (c) 2 IMPs for the second 5 minutes; (d) 3 IMPs for each additional 5 minutes up to 20 minutes after grace period. In addition to the foregoing penalties, the match will be curtailed one full board for each 6 minutes of tardiness, after the grace period, to a maximum of three (3) boards. A margin of 3 IMPs will be awarded to the non-offending team for each board curtailed. This is in addition to the IMPs for lateness. Thirty (30) minutes after game time, the DIC will declare the match forfeited if a team has failed to seat four members. Starting time cannot be changed by agreement between the teams except with the approval of the National Supervisory Director. If additional costs are associated with this change, they must be borne by the teams involved. Once a team member begins pay in a match, he must complete that half. In the case of an emergency, the DIC may excuse the player. Substitutes Substitutes may be used in an emergency with the express permission of the DIC with no penalty. (An emergency is defined as an unforeseen combination of dire circumstances, or the resulting state, requiring exigent action.) A substitute may also be used to temporarily replace a late (unexcused player). A substitute cannot be or have been a member of a team in the same flight as the team for which he is substituting. The presumed skill level of the substitute cannot be greater than that of the deposed player unless approved by the opposing team. If a substitute is used to replace a player who is not excused by the DIC, there will be a three (3) IMP penalty for the first board played by the substitute and a two (2) IMP penalty for each subsequent board played. Playing Limits International time limits of 7-1/2 minutes per board will apply. Playing time for 26 boards is 3 hours and 15 minutes; for 28 boards 3 hours and 30 minutes. Players have the responsibility to inform the director of slow play. When the director has fixed responsibility for slow play and all the boards are not completed in the prescribed time, a 3 IMP penalty will be assessed the offending team for each board missed.

Acceptance of Penalties Penalties assessed by the director for any infraction, including slow play and tardiness, must be accepted by the non-offending team. Reporting Results Each captain should sign his full name on the reporting slip of the opposing captain. The winning team captain should turn in the slips for both teams at the assigned reporting station as soon as possible after results are determined and agreed upon.


IV-82

Kibitzers Kibitzers will be permitted, but must remain at one table. Any player may ask the Director to remove a spectator from his table only for satisfactory cause within the judgment of the Director. Fifth and sixth members of a team may kibitz at least two tables removed from where their teammates are playing. During the finals, kibitzers are permitted I the “Open Room” only. Disqualification A team may be disqualified, at the discretion of the Director In Charge, for failure to comply with the conditions of contest Zero Tolerance Discourtesy to opponents, or to partner, will not be tolerated. Repeated offenses will subject the offender to suspension from participation in that particular match. The Director In Charge will determine any further participation in the event and the tournament. Boards in Play 1st, 2nd and 3rd matches (four match), 26 boards; Finals – 28 boards.


IV-83

Policies & Conventions from the ACBL ManualError! Bookmark not defined. 1. Alerts and Unauthorized Information: If -

a. as the result of an alert, whether an explanation is asked for or not, a partnership may have avoided a misunderstanding,

b. an alert is given when it should not have properly been given, a

partnership may have avoided a misunderstanding, c. an incorrect explanation of a convention alerts partner to

misunderstanding; These actions must be considered as unauthorized information under Law

16 of the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. d. 2NT as a forcing response to weak 2 bids, asking for clarification is no

longer an alert. Opener's rebids are alertable. e. Effective July 1, 1987, alerts shall no longer be required for cuebids. f. When an alertable call is made that might be mistaken for another,

more common alertable call or carries an additional and unexpected message, the player should be required to say "Special Alert". As an example, if in the auction 1H-P-1NT it is agreed that the 1NT call shows a spade suit, the alerter should take extra measures so that the opponents do not simply assume that it is 1NT forcing.

g. No longer alertable - Any bid of two cubs over partner's one notrump opening or three clubs over two notrump that requests opener to bid a four card major whether or not responder promises a four card major. Any bid that requests partner to show the number of aces or first round controls, any subsequent bids that ask for the number of Kings or other controls and responses to either of the above after the first round of bidding. However, the declaring side must inform the opponents prior to the opening lead that such an auction has taken place. Artificial strong two clubs opening and two diamond responses thereto whether negative or waiting are included.

h. After the opening lead has been faced, a defender (or specifically the

partner of the opening leader in the case of an opening lead that needs a special alert) will be required to give declarer a full explanation of all unusual defensive carding agreements. These will include upside-down signals, odd-even discards and the like.


IV-84

i. The ACBL Alert Committee emphasizes a partnership's obligation to

disclose their agreements by full explanation rather than by offering the common or popular name of the convention.

2. Bidding:

a. A weak two bid, by partnership agreement, with either fewer than a

total of five high card points or fewer than five cards in the suit bid is defined as a convention and is barred in all events.

b. All opening no trump bids with fewer than 10 high card points are

considered "conventional bids" and are unauthorized. c. One diamond artificial negative response to one club opening as

classified in Class B of the Classification of Conventions, applies only when this is the exclusive use of this bid.

d. Law 30 of the International Code: Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge

1975, is amended by adding the following section:

"C. When a pass out of rotation is a Convention, Laws 31, not this Law, will apply. A pass is a convention if by special agreement, it promises more than a specified amount of strength, or if it artificially promises values other than in the last suit named."

e. All natural bids that convey a meaning that the opponents would not be expected to know must be alerted. This includes strong bids that sound weak, weak bids that sound strong, and all other bids (including cuebids) that by agreement convey meanings different than or in addition to the normal meaning ascribed to them.

f. An opening one bid in a suit, which by partnership agreement could

show fewer than eight high card points, is not allowed. This does not apply to an opening bid intended as a psych.

g. Handicapped players requiring bid boxes will have preference when

availability is limited. h. One Notrump:

1) No conventions will be permitted in response to one-notrump

openings, which have a range, by partnership agreement, of greater than five high card points. No conventions will be allowed in response to weak two bids, which by partnership agreement have a


IV-85

range of more than seven high card points. 2) One notrump openings with less than eight high card points are

barred in all sanctioned events.

i. Psychics: 1) Excessive Psychic Bidding: When three or more psychic initial

actions by members of a partnership, in any one session, have come to the attention of the director, the director should investigate the possibility that excessive psyching is taking place.

2) Frivolous Psychic Bidding: Any psychic action apparently inspired by a spirit of malicious mischief or lack of will to win may be interpreted as frivolous.

3) Unsportsmanlike Psychic Bidding: A psychic action apparently designed to give the opponents an abnormal opportunity to win a good score; or unnatural or atypical psychics against pairs or teams in contention may be classified as unsportsmanlike psychics.

When a player takes an action that appears to be based on an accurate "hunch" that his partner's earlier call was psychic, although that psychic was not clearly exposed by the opponent's calls or by legal psychic control, then the Tournament Director and Committee should consider such action to be presumptive evidence of an improper partnership understanding (even if implicit). Unless this presumption is refuted by the psyching partnership, a match point penalty should be assessed. Repeated infractions may lead to disciplinary action.

4) Definition of a Psychic Bid: A call that deliberately and grossly misstates either high card values or suit length and has little or no resemblance to a logical choice for the hand in either a natural, conventional or systematic sense.

5) The excessive, frivolous or unsportsmanlike use of psychic bidding is disruptive to the game, and may make the offenders subject to penalty.

6) All psychic opening of forcing artificial bids are prohibited at sanctioned events.

3. Calling the Director: Competitors will not be allowed to announce that they reserve the right to summon directors later. They should summon the director immediately when they believe there may have been extraneous information available to the opponents that resulted in calls or plays, which could result in damage to their side.


IV-86

4. Convention Cards: Both members of a partnership must employ the same

system that appears on the convention card.

a. During a session of play, a system may not be varied, except with permission of the tournament director. (A director might allow a pair to change their basic system.)

b. At the outset of a round or session, a pair may review their opponents' convention card and alter their defenses against the opponents' conventional calls and preemptive bids. This must be announced to their opponents. The opponents may not vary their system after being informed of these alterations in defenses.

5. Conversion of American Bridge Association Master Points to ACBL

Master Points for Purposes of Seeding: In the Vanderbilt Knockout Teams, Spingold Knockout Teams and Ladies Knockout Teams, players who are members of both the ABA and the ACBL may opt to have their seeding based on their Master Points in either organization. (These players must be ACBL Members in order to enter the events.) If they opt to base their seeding on their ABA Master Point holdings, this will be done on the basis of two ABA Points equaling one ACBL Point. Also, at the time of entry they must present to the Director-In-Charge their most recent ABA Master Point Confirmation Card for certification of their Master Point holding.

6. Kibitzers: No player has the right to bar all kibitzers from his table, but

each player has the right to bar one kibitzer without assigning cause. (A traveling player may bar only one individual during a session without assigning cause.) The Tournament Director may bar any kibitzer for cause.

7. Leads:

a. If partnerships' agreements differ from the standard ones, the difference must be noted briefly on their convention cards. And whenever they become defenders: before the opening lead, the opening leaders must alert declarer by handing him the card. If no alert takes place, declarer is entitled to assume that his opponents use standard carding (he need not betray his own holding by examining the enemy card after the opening lead of a king); and he is entitled to redress if he is damaged by a non-standard agreement. Of course, defenders may false card without penalty, but if player habitually false cards, so often that partner allows for the possibility, this should be noted on the card and it requires the alert.

b. Full disclosure of all non-standard carding and lead agreements, which cannot be defined on the current convention card, are required.


IV-87

c. Face down opening leads shall be required at all sanctioned events.

8. Scoring:

a. Effective immediately, any margin of difference in scores between contestants breaks a tie for qualification purposes. A margin of difference in score of at least 0.01 breaks a tie for purposes of rank and masterpoints.

b. Method of Awarding Tardiness Penalty Points in Team Games: When penalty points are assessed against a team for tardiness or slow play, no indemnity points are to be awarded to the non-offending team. Victory points assigned to the non-offending team are computed as though there had been no penalty imposed on its opponents. (NOTE: This will result in an adjustment in the check total.) No waiver of a penalty for tardiness or slow play will be permitted. When a match must be curtailed due to tardiness or slow play, the non-offending side receives 3 IMPs per board curtailed. These 3 IMPs per board are added to the non-offending team's total.

Suggested Procedures for Tournament Recorders

1. A tournament recorder is an official of the sponsoring organization. The

person selected should be an experienced and knowledgeable bridge player, familiar with the Proprieties and Laws, who is tactful and non-political. Non-playing recorders have generally proven to be more effective. Duties may include:

a. Receiving complaints and/or inquiries from players, usually concerning

a question of conduct or ethics. b. Responding to such complaint or inquiry in an appropriate and timely

manner, which shall include two or more of the following:

1) Advising the person making the complaint or inquiry, 2) Reviewing the complaint with the other player involved, 3) Explaining the Proprieties to those who might not be aware of

them; and 4) Referring the matter to a tournament director for disciplinary

action.

c. Attending protest and disciplinary committee meetings to present a complaint.

d. Maintaining records of incidents only:

1) When a committee has heard the facts and the player involved was given the opportunity to be present; or


IV-88

2) When the recorder has reviewed the complaint with the player and the player has been given the opportunity to present a written rebuttal (which shall be maintained as part of the record.

3) Nothing in these procedures shall be deemed to affect the duties,

responsibilities or authority of tournament directors or tournament committees.

3. Tournament recorders have no independent disciplinary authority. 4. A tournament recorder is ineligible to serve on any disciplinary committee

or in any office where such service would result in a conflict of interest or give the appearance of a conflict of interest.

5. After proper consideration of a complaint a tournament recorder is required

to take action or make a record of the complaint or incident. 6. Maintain documents forwarded by sponsoring organizations. 7. Receive player memos from players where a tournament recorder was

unavailable and solicit responses as necessary. 8. Periodically review existing player files and refer cases to proper

disciplinary bodies where appropriate.

Part V - Master Point Awards and Tables

V -1

Part V Master Point Awards and Tables

Master Point Awards National Events Values for a Given Number of Tables

Base Aware Percentage Key for Fields Overall Placement Overall Awards Percent

Base Point Awards and Field Percentages Base Point Award Scales National Tournament Events

Restricted Games Other Than Side Games Limited to Two Fields Flighted Team Games

Basic Master Point Award Schedule – Sectional & Regional Graded Events

Grade Classifications and Base Awards National Tournament Events Grade Classifications and Base Awards Sectional Tournament Events

Grade Classifications and Base Awards A-Regional Tournament Events Grade Classifications and Base Awards B-Regional Tournament Events

National Knockout Teams – 32 Teams National Knock-Out Teams – 16 Team Flights – AM

National Knock-Out Teams – 16 Team Flights – Consolation (2nd Chance) Sectional Knockout Teams – 100 %Over 2000 Sectional Knock-Out Teams – 75%Over 2000

Sectional Knockout Teams – 50Over 2000 Grade A Knockout Teams – 8 Team Flights

Sectional Modified Round Robin A-Regional Modified Round Robin A-Regional Modified Round Robin

Regular Round Robin Teams of Four Base Award Percentage Key for Divided Fields

Overall Awards (Non-Flighted) Base Award Percentage for Flights (Except KO)


V -2

MASTER POINT AWARDS NATIONAL EVENTS

Grade

% of Base

One Sess.

Two Sess.

Type Event

1-C

115

22.00

48.58

Championship with qualifying round. Overall scoring final

1-CR

110

46.46

Championship Restricted and Swiss Team

1

100

19.20

42.24

Pair Games – Open - Prime Time

1-R

95

18.24

40.13

Team Games and Restricted Pair Games, Prime Time

2

80

15.36

33.79

Games Opposite 3 & 4th Rounds of Prime Events; Non-Prime Time Open Games & Two or More Prime Time Events

3

70

13.44

29.57

Games Opposite 1st & 2nd Rounds of Prime Time Events; Non-Prime Time Events, Consolation Games after qualifying round(s); Non-Prime Time Games opposite Main Events, and Games limited to two fields

4

60

11.52

Side Games

A 10% Bonus is added to the Base for a two-session game .


V -3

Tables 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 90 1.002 1.004 1.0061 1.008 1.010 1.012 1.014 1.016 1.018 1.020 1.022 1.024 1.0262 1.028 1.030 1.032 1.034 1.036 1.038 1.040 1.042 1.044 1.0463 1.048 1.050 1.052 1.054 1.056 1.058 1.060 1.062 1.064 1.0664 1.068 1.070 1.072 1.074 1.076 1.078 1.080 1.082 1.084 1.0865 1.088 1.090 1.092 1.094 1.096 1.098 1.100 1.102 1.104 1.1066 1.108 1.110 1.112 1.114 1.116 1.118 1.120 1.122 1.124 1.1267 1.128 1.130 1.132 1.134 1.136 1.138 1.140 1.142 1.144 1.1468 1.148 1.150 1.152 1.154 1.156 1.158 1.160 1.162 1.164 1.1668 1.168 1.170 1.172 1.174 1.176 1.178 1.180 1.182 1.184 1.18610 1.188 1.190 1.192 1.194 1.196 1.198 1.200 1.202 1.204 1.206

Values for a Given Number of Tables

Base Awards Percentage Key For Fields Overall Placement Points >2000 >1500 1200-

1999 600 -1499

600 - 1199

100 - 599

0 - 99 0 - 24

Fields IV III II I Divided Fields

100 75 65 55 45 40

Special Fields

95 75 50

Master Point Awards and Tables

V-4

Overall Awards Percent 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

100 80 75 70 60 50 40 30 25 20 15 10 8 6 5

MASTER POINT TABLES

Base Award Awards and Field Percentages

Fields

Point Range

National Point

Award 100%

Sectional

Point Award 65%

A Regional

Pt Award 45%

B Regional Pt Award

25%

Field’s % of

Base

IV 0ver 2000

19.20 12.48 8.64 4.80 100 %

Over 1200*

16.32 10.61 7.34 4.08 85 %

III 1200-1999

14.40

9.36

6.48

3.60

75 %

Over 600

13.44 8.74 6.05 3.36 70 %

Field II

600-1199

12.48

8.11

5.62

3.12

65 %

Under 1200

11.52

7.49 5.18 2.88 60 %

I

100-599

10.56 6.86 4.75 2.64 55 %

Under 600

9.60

6.24

4.32

2.40

50 %

New Player

0-99

8.64

5.62

3.89

2.16

45 %

Asterisk

0-24

7.68

4.99

3.46

1.92

40 %

*If there are not enough players to have an over 2000 field, then the game is classified as Over 1200 (which eliminates Field III) leaving Field II, Field I, and New Players.


V-5

Base Point Award Scales

National Tournament Events

Divided

Special

G

rade

# of Sess

IV

III

II

I

III

II

I

1-C

48.58

36.44

31.58

26.72

46.15

36.43

24.29

1-CR

46.46

34.85

30.20

25.55

44.14

34.85

23.23

1

2 1

42.24 19.20

31.68 14.40

27.46 12.48

23.23 10.56

40.13 18.24

31.68 14.40

21.12 9.6

1-R

2 1

40.13 18.24

30.10 12.74

26.08 9.10

22.07 10.01

38.12 17.29

30.10 13.65

20.07 9.10

2

2 1

33.79 15.36

25.34 11.52

21.96 7.68

18.58 8.45

32.10 14.59

25.34 11.52

16.9 7.68

3

2 1

29.57 13.44

22.18 10.08

19.22 8.74

16.27 7.4

28.09 12.77

22.18 10.08

14.79 6.72

4

11.52

6.91

5.76

Restricted Games Other Than Side Games Limited to Two Fields

Grade

Top Field

Lower Field

2

15.36

9.22

3

13.44

8.06


V-6

Flighted Team Games (KO Excluded)

Gra

de

# of

Se

ssio

ns

A

B

C

D

E

F

G O

ther

2

2 1

33.79 15.36

23.66 10.75

20.28 9.22

16.90 7.68

13.52 6.14

11.83 5.38

10.14 4.61

8.45 3.84

3

2 1

29.57 13.44

20.70 9.41

17.74 8.06

14.78 6.72

11.83 5.38

10.35 4.70

8.37 3.76

7.39 3.36


V-7

Basic Master Point Award Schedule Sectional & Regional Tournaments

Fi

eld

IV

Ove

r 12

00

Fi

eld

III

Ove

r 60

0

Fiel

d II

Und

er

1200

Fiel

d I

Und

er

600

NP

0-99

Ast

r 0-

24

Open Pairs, Swiss Teams

S A

B/C

12.48 8.64 4.80

10.61 7.34 4.08

9.36 6.48 3.60

8.74 6.05 3.36

8.11 5.62. 3.12

7.49 5.18 2.88

6.86 4.75 2.64

6.24 4.32 2.40

5.62 3.89 2.16

4,99 3.46 1.92

Mixed Pairs, Men's-Women's

Pairs, Non-Mixed Pairs, Men's-Women's Swiss Teams

S A

B/C

11.86 8.21 4.56

10.08 6.97 3.88

8.89 6.16 3.422

8.30 5.75 3.19

7.71 5.34 2.96

7.11 4.92 2.74

6.52 4.51 2.51

5.93 4.10 2.28

5.34 3.70 2.05

4.75 3.29 1.83

Team Events & Individuals

(Knockout Teams, Swiss Teams & Mod. Round Robin

Excluded)

S A

B/C

11.86 8.21 4.56

10.08 6.97 3.88

8.89 6.16 3.422

8.30 5.75 3.19

7.71 5.34 2.96

7.11 4.92 2.74

6.52 4.51 2.51

5.93 4.10 2.28

5.34 3.70 2.05

4.75 3.29 1.83

Games Opposite the 3rd & 4th Round of Prime Events,

Non Prime Time Open Events, & 2 or More Prime

Time Events

S A

B/C

9.98 6.91 3.84

8.49 5.87 3.26

7.49 5.18 2.88

7.99 4.84 2.69

6.49 4.5

2.50

5.99 4.15 2.31

5.49 3.80 2.11

4.99 3.46 1.92

4.50 3.11 1.73

3.99 2.76 1.54


V-8

Basic Master Point Award Schedule Sectional & Regional Tournaments

Fi

eld

IV

Ove

r 12

00

Fi

eld

III

Ove

r 60

0

Fiel

d II

Und

er

1200

Fiel

d I

Und

er

600

NP

0-99

Ast

r 0-

24

Games Opposite the 1st and 2nd Round of Prime Time

Events, Consolation Games After Qualifying Round (s), and Games Limited to Two

Fields.

S A

B/C

8.74 6.05 3.36

7.42 5.14 2.86

6.55 4.54 2.52

6.12 4.28 2.35

5.68 3.93 2.19

5.24 3.63 2.02

4.80 3.33 1.85

4.37 3.02 1.68

3.93 2.72 1.51

3.50 2.42 1.35

Side Games, Midnites,

Early Birds and Speedball Swiss Teams (Single

Session)

S A

B/C

7.49 5.18 2.88

6.36 4.40 2.45

5.62 3.89 2.16

5.24 3.63 2.02

4.87 3.37 1.87

4.49 3.11 1.73

4.12 2.85 1.59

3.74 2.59 1.44

3.37 2.33 1.30

3.08 2.07 1.15

1. For "B" Events - Double the shown award. 2. The point awards shown are for single-session games. 3. S - Sectional; A= Grade A Regional; B/C = B or C Regional

4. A 10% Bonus is added to the Base for a two-session game.


V-9

Graded Events

Effective 1994, every published National Tournament Schedule will include assignment of a grade level for every game on the schedule and points will be awarded based on the grade of the game. There will be four grades (as has always been the case). The award for the top field will provide the base from which all other awards flow. Thus, awards for Fields I, II, & III are computed as a percentage of the award for Field IV. For flighted events (except KO Teams, which have been treated separately), all lower flights are based on the award for Flight A. A "C" will be added to the grade for championship events (G-1C), which carry a small premium. "R" will be added to games restricting choice of partners (G-1R) such as Mixed, Non-Mixed, etc., which carry a small reduction. G-2 is opposite a 3rd or 4th round event G-3 is a game opposite a main event. Team games, with the exception of Championship events, will carry a slightly higher award, since they are a little more difficult to win than pair games. Overall awards are also based on a percentage of the award to the first place winner of each flight or field. Any player in any field can use the scales and percentage keys to compute the winners' awards by noting the grade of the game and referring to the proper scale. Note that each grade carries a definition of the type of games that fit that grade. The actual award will be a little higher than the scales indicate due to the necessity to add the table bonus, which will be computed and added by the Chief Scorer/Director.


V-10

Grade Classifications and Base Awards National Tournament Events

Master Point Awards

Grade

% of Base

1

Session

2

Sessions

Type Event

1-C

115

22

48.58

Championship with

Qualifying Round(s) - Overall Scoring Final

1-CR

110

46.46

Championship Restricted (Mixed Pairs, Non-Mixed Pairs, Men/Women's Pairs,

etc.) 1

100

19.20

42.24

Pair Games - Open -

Unrestricted - Prime Time

1-R

95

18.24

40.13

Team Games & Restricted Pair Games (Mixed, Non-Mixed, Men/Women's) -

Prime Time 2

80

15.36

33.79

Games opposite 3rd & 4th rounds of Prime Events -

Non-Prime Time Games with open competition & two or more simultaneous Prime

Events. 3

70

13.44

29.57

Games opposite first two rounds of Prime Events,

Consolation Games (after qualifying round[s]); Non-

Prime Time Games opposite Main Events; Speedball

Swiss and games limited to two fields.

4

60

11.52

Side Games

Note: Since the two-session game is more difficult to win than a one-session game, a 10% bonus is added to the base.


V-11

Grade Classifications and Base Awards

Sectional Tournament Events

Master Point Awards

Grade

% of Base

1 Session

2

Sessions

Type Event

S1

100

12.48

27.45

Pair Games - Open -


S1-R

95

11.86

26.09

Team Games & Restricted Pair Games (Mixed, Non-Mixed, Men/Women's) - Prime Time

S2

80

9.98

21.95

Games opposite 3rd & 4th

rounds of Prime Events - Non-Prime Time Games with open

competition & two or more simultaneous Prime Events.

S3

70

8.74

19.21

Games opposite first two rounds

of Prime Events, Consolation Games (after qualifying

round[s]); Non-Prime Time Games opposite Main Events; Speedball Swiss and games

limited to two fields.

S4

60 7.49

Side Games

Note: Since the two-session game is more difficult to win than a one-session

game, a 10% bonus is added to the base.


V-12

Grade Classifications and Base Awards A-Regional Tournament Events

Master Point Awards

Grade

% of Base

1

Session

2

Sessions

Type Event

A1

100

8.64

19.00

Pair Games - Open -


A1-R

95

8.02

19.06


A2

80

6.91

15.20




A3

70

6.05

13.30

Games opposite first two rounds

of Prime Events, Consolation Games (after qualifying

round[s]); Non-Prime Time Games opposite Main Events;

Speedball Swiss and games limited to two fields.

A4

60

5.18

Side Games




V-13

Grade Classifications and Base Awards B-Regional Tournament Events

Master Point

Awards

Grade

% of Base

1 Session

2

Sessions

Type Event

B1

100

4.8

10.56

Pair Games - Open -


B1-R

95

4.56

10.03


B2

80

3.84

8.45




B3

70

3.36

7.39

Games opposite first two rounds of Prime Events,

Consolation Games (after qualifying round[s]); Non-

Prime Time Games opposite Main Events; Speedball Swiss

and games limited to two fields.

B4

60

2.88

Side Games




V-14

National K.O. Teams - 32 Team Flights

Flight

A

B

C

D

E

F

G/

Other

1st

132.6

99.45

86.17

72.93

59.67

53.04

46.41

2nd

99.96

74.79

64.97

54.98

44.98

39.98

34.99

3-4 70.38

52.79

45.75

38.71

31.67

28.15

24.63

5-8

43.86

32.90

28.51

24.12

19.74

17.54

15.35

9-16

20.40

15.30

13.26

11.26

9.18

8.16

7.14

National K.O. Teams - 16 Team Flights Open Competition (AM K.O.)

A B C D E F G

1st

91.00

73.00

63.50

54.60

45.50

36.40

32.80

2nd

62.79

50.37

43.82

37.61

31.40

25.19

22.77

3-4

39.52

30.66

26.67

22.89

19.11

15.33

13.86

5-8

18.20

14.60

12.70

10.90

9.10

7.30

6.60


V-15

National K.O. Teams - 16 Team Flights

Consolation (2nd Chance) A B C D E F G

1st

69.97

52.48

45.48

38.48

31.49

27.99

24.49

2nd

49.27

36.95

32.02

27.10

22.17

19.71

19.24

3-4

30.70

23.03

19.96

16.89

13.82

12.28

10.75

5-8

14.28

10.71

8.28

7.85

6.43

5.71

5.00

Sectional K.O. Teams - 16 Team Flights A B C D E F &All Others

1st

51.00

35.70

30.06

26.05

22.00

18.22

2nd

35.50

24.80

21.50

17.50

15.40

12.67

3-4

22.00

14.63

12.54

10.45

8.36

7.11

5-8

10.20

6.54

5.60

4.68

3.74

3.50

Grade A K.O. Teams - 8 Team Flights Over 2000 A B C D E F & All Others

1st

27.66

19.36

16.59

13.83

11.06

9.68

2nd

18.14

12.70

10.88

9.07

7.26

6.35

3-4

8.64

6.05

5.18

4.32

3.46

3.02


V-16

Sectional Modified Round Robin 5 6 7 8 9

Field IV Over 2000

1st 16.60 18.97 21.34 23.71 26.08 2nd 12.45 14.23 16.01 17.78 19.56 3rd 16.60

Over 1200

1sr 14.11 16.12 18.14 20.16 22.17 2nd 10.58 12.09 13.60 15.12 16.63 3rd 11.09

Field III 1200 - 1999

1st 12.45 14.23 16.01 17.78 19.56 2nd 9.34 10.67 12.00 13.34 14.67 3rd 9.78

Over 600

1st 11.62 13.28 14.94 16.60 18.26 2nd 8.71 9.30 10.46 11.62 12.72 3rd 9.13

Field II 600-1199

1st 10.79 12.33 13.87 15.41 16.95 2nd 8.09 9.25 10.40 11.56 12.72 3rd 8.48

Under 1200

1st 9.96 11.38 12.80 14.23 15.65 2nd 7.47 8.54 9.60 10.67 11.74 3rd 7.82

Field I 100 - 599

1st 9.13 10.43 11.74 13.04 14.35 2nd 6.85 7.82 8.80 9.78 10.76 3rd 7.17

Under 600 1st 8.30 9.48 10.67 11.86 13.04

2nd 6.22 7.11 8.00 8.89 9.78 3rd 6.52


V-17

A – Regional Modified Round Robin 5 6 7 8 9

Field IV Over 2000

1st 11.49 13.13 14.77 16.42 18.06 2nd 8.62 9.85 11.08 12.31 13.54 3rd 6.24

Over 1200

1sr 9.77 11.16 12.56 13.95 15.35 2nd 7.33 8.37 9.42 10.47 11.51 3rd 7.67

Field III 1200 - 1999

1st 8.62 8.85 11.08 12.31 13.54 2nd 6.46 7.39 8.31 9.23 10.16 3rd 6.77

Over 600

1st 8.04 9.19 10.34 11.49 12.64 2nd 6.03 6.89 7.76 8.62 9.48 3rd 6.32

Field II 600-1199

1st 7.47 8.54 9.60 10.67 11.74 2nd 5.60 6.40 7.20 8.00 8.80 3rd 5.87

Under 1200

1st 6.89 7.88 8.86 9.85 10.83 2nd 5.17 5.91 6.65 7.39 8.13 3rd 5.42

Field I 100 - 599

1st 6.32 7.22 8.13 9.03 9.93 2nd 4.74 5.42 6.09 6.77 7.45 3rd 4.79

Under 600 1st 5.75 6.57 7.39 8.21 9.03

2nd 4.31 4.92 5.54 6.16 6.77 3rd 4.51


V-18

B - Regional Modified Round Robin 5 6 7 8 9

Field IV Over 2000

1st 6.38 7.30 8.21 9.12 10.03 2nd 4.79 5.47 6.16 6.84 7.52 3rd 4.56

Over 1200

1sr 5.43 6.20 6.98 7.75 8.53 2nd 4.07 4.65 5.23 5.81 6.40 3rd 4.26

Field III 1200 - 1999

1st 4.79 5.47 6.16 6.84 7.52 2nd 3.59 4.10 4.62 4.13 5.64 3rd 3.76

Over 600

1st 4.47 5.11 5.75 6.38 7.02 2nd 3.35 3.83 4.31 4.79 5.27 3rd 3.51

Field II 600-1199

1st 4.15 4.74 5.34 5.93 6.52 2nd 3.11 3.56 4.00 4.45 4.89 3rd 3.26

Under 1200

1st 3.83 4.38 4.92 5.47 6.02 2nd 2.87 3.28 3.69 4.10 4.51 3rd 3.0

Field I 100 - 599

1st 3.51 4.01 4.51 5.02 5.52 2nd 2.63 3.01 3.39 3.76 4.14 3rd 2.76

Under 600 1st 3.19 3.65 4.10 4.56 5.02

2nd 2.39 2.74 3.08 3.42 3.76 3rd 2.51


V-19

Regular Round Robin Teams of Four

"B" Regional

DTB = 0.50 Win

Field IV (1200 - Up)

Field III (400 - 1199)

# of Tms

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5

7.56

3.78

6.3

3.15

6

10.8

8.10

5.40

9.0

6.75

7

12.6

9.45

6.30

10.5

7.88

5.25

8

14.4

10.80

7.20

12.0

9.00

6.00

9

16.2

12.15

8.10

4.05

13.5

10.13

6.75

10

18.0

13.50

9.00

4.50

15.0

11.25

7.50

3.75

11

19.8

14.45

9.90

4.95

16.5

12.38

8.25

4.13

12

21.6

16.20

10.8

5.40

18.0

13.50

9.00

4.50

Field II (100 - 399)

Field I (0 - 99)

5

5.04

2.52

4.41

2.21

6

7.20

5.40

6.30

4.73

7

8.40

6.30

4.20

7.35

5.51

3.68

8

9.60

7.20

4.80

8.40

6.30

4.20

9

10.8

8.10

5.40

9.45

7.10

4.73

10

12.0

9.00

6.00

3.00

10.50

7.88

5.25

2.63

11

13.2

9.90

6.60

3.30

11.55

8.67

5.78

2.89

12

14.4

10.8

7.20

3.60

12.60

9.45

6.30

3.15


V-20

Defeated Team Bonus Mod. Round Robin Swiss Team

Level of Game

Per Win Per Tie Per Win

Per Tie

National

1.25 .65 1.00 .50

Sectional

1.00 .50 .75 .40

"A" Regional

.75 .40 .50 .25

“B” Regionals

.50 .25 .25 .15

City Swiss

.06 .03

Bonus Master Point Award: The Master Point Award Schedule for Swiss

Teams has been revised. The Defeated Team Bonus (DTB) is now included in the overall awards. Remember, players will receive the higher

of the overall award or the sum of the DTB - not both.

Note: This MPA Schedule is not applicable to Closed Clubs. Refer to "Schedule for Closed Clubs.

Base Award Percentage Key for Divided Fields

IV

III

II I

Divided Fields 100

75

65

55

Special Fields

95

75

50

O/U 1200

85

60


V-21

Overall Awards (Non-Flighted)

Place

Percentage of First Place 1

100

2

75

3

60

4

50

5

45

6

40

7

35

8

30

9

25

10

20

11

15

12

10

13

8

14

7

15

6


V-22

Base Award Percentage for Flights (Except KO)

A

100

B

70

C

60

D

50

E

40

F

35

G

30

Lower

25


V-23

Open Clubs – City Master Point Awards Pair Games (Howell or Scrambled Mitchell & Team of

Four (BAM or IMPS) Tables 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th

3 .30 .21 4 .40 .28 5 .50 .35 .30 6 .60 .42 .36 7 .70 .49 .42 .35 8 .80 .56 .48 .40 9 .90 .63 .54 .45 .36 10 1.00 .70 .60 .50 .40 11 1.10 .77 .66 .55 .44 .33 12 1.20 .84 .72 .60 .48 .36 13 1.30 .91 .78 .65 .52 .39 .33 14 1.40 .98 .84 .70 .56 .42 .35 15 1.50 1.05 .90 .75 .60 .45 .38 .30 16 1.60 1.12 .96 .80 .64 .48 .40 .32

Pair Games – Straight Mitchell Movement Tables 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th

7 .35 .24 .21 .18 8 .40 .28 .24 .20 9 .45 .32 .27 .23 .18

10 .50 .35 .30 .25 .20 11 .55 .39 .33 .28 .22 .17 12 .60 .42 .36 .30 .24 .18 13 .65 .46 .39 .33 .26 .20 .17 14 .70 .49 .42 .35 .28 .21 .18 15 .75 .43 .45 .38 .30 .23 .19 .15 16 .80 .56 .48 .40 .32 .24 .20 .16

. Conditions Of Play

Minimum Number of Tables = 3

Minimum Number of Boards = 18 Master Point Awards = 25% of Field


V-24

Open Clubs – City Master Point Awards

Individual * (This MPA is not applicable to closed clubs)

Tables 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 2 .20 .14 3 .30 .21 .18 4 .40 .28 .24 .20 5 .50 .35 .30 .25 .20 6 .60 .42 .36 .30 .24 .18 7 .70 .42 .42 .35 .28 .21 .18 8 .80 .56 .48 .40 .32 .24 .20 .16 9 .90 .63 .54 .45 .36 .27 .23 .18

Swiss Team of Four

Tables 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 8 .8 .56 10 1.00 .70 .60 12 1.20 .84 .72 14 1.40 .98 .84 .70 16 1.60 1.12 .96 .80 18 1.80 1.26 1.08 .90 .72 20 2.00 1.40 1.20 1.00 .80 22 2.20 1.54 1.32 1.10 .88 .66 24 2.40 1.68 1.44 1.20 .96 .72 26 2.60 1.82 1.56 1.30 1.04 .78 .65 28 2.80 1.96 1.68 1.40 1.12 .84 .70 30 3.00 2.10 1.80 1.50 1.20 .90 .85 .60

Conditions of Play Minimum Teams =8

Minimum Boards = 20 Minimum Rounds = 4

Defeated Team Bonus* Win = .06 Tie = .03

*Master Point Award – Overall or Sum of DTB – Not Both

NOTE: This MPA schedule is not applicable to closed clubs.


V-25

Closed Clubs – City Master Point Awards Pair Games (Howell or Scrambled Mitchell & Team of

Four (BAM or IMPS) Tables 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th

3 .15 .10 4 .20 .14 5 .25 .17 .15 6 .30 .21 .18 7 .35 .24 .21 .18 8 .40 .28 .24 .20 9 .45 .31 .27 .23 .18 10 .50 .35 .30 .25 .20 11 .55 .38 .33 .28 .22 .17 12 .60 .42 .36 .30 .24 .18 13 .65 .45 .39 .33 .26 .20 .17 14 .70 .49 .42 .35 .28 .21 .18 15 .75 .52 .45 .38 .30 .23 .19 .15 16 .80 .56 .48 .40 .32 .24 .20 .16

Pair Games – Straight Mitchell Movement Tables 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th

7 .18 .12 .10 .09 8 .20 .14 .12 .10 9 .23 .16 .14 .12 .09

10 .25 .18 .15 .13 .10 11 .28 .20 .17 .14 .11 .08 12 .30 .21 .18 .15 .12 .09 13 .33 .23 .20 .17 .13 .10 .08 14 .35 .25 .21 .18 .14 .11 .09 15 .38 .27 .23 .19 .15 .11 .09 .07 16 .40 .28 .24 .20 .16 .12 .10 .08

Conditions Of Play

Minimum Number of Tables = 3 Minimum Number of Boards = 18

Master Point Awards = 25% of Field


V-26

Closed Clubs – City Master Point Awards

Individual * (This MPA is not applicable to closed clubs)

Tables 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 2 .20 .14 3 .30 .21 .18 4 .40 .28 .24 .20 5 .50 .35 .30 .25 .20 6 .60 .42 .36 .30 .24 .18 7 .70 .42 .42 .35 .28 .21 .18 8 .80 .56 .48 .40 .32 .24 .20 .16 9 .90 .63 .54 .45 .36 .27 .23 .18

Swiss Team of Four

Tables 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 8 .8 .56 10 1.00 .70 .60 12 1.20 .84 .72 14 1.40 .98 .84 .70 16 1.60 1.12 .96 .80 18 1.80 1.26 1.08 .90 .72 20 2.00 1.40 1.20 1.00 .80 22 2.20 1.54 1.32 1.10 .88 .66 24 2.40 1.68 1.44 1.20 .96 .72 26 2.60 1.82 1.56 1.30 1.04 .78 .65 28 2.80 1.96 1.68 1.40 1.12 .84 .70 30 3.00 2.10 1.80 1.50 1.20 .90 .85 .60

Conditions of Play Minimum Teams =8

Minimum Boards = 20 Minimum Rounds = 4

Defeated Team Bonus* Win = .06 Tie = .03


V-27

Abbreviations ABA American Bridge Association ACBL American Contract Bridge League DIC Director-in-Charge DTB Defeated Team Bonus IMP International Match Points KO Knockout MP Master Point MPA Master Point Award(s) NSD National Supervisory Director NTA National Tournament Authority NTC National Tournament Committee NTAO National Tournament Authority and Operations SDC Staff Development & Certification Chair (National) SVP Section Vice President TRPG Tournament Regulations, Procedures and Guidelines TRRP Tournament Rules, Regulations and Procedures VP Victory Points

VI - 1

Part VI Appendices

Appendix A - Historical Excerpts Appendix B - Constitution and By-Laws of the American Bridge Association, Inc. Appendix C - Code of Disciplinary Conduct Appendix D - ABA, Inc. Hosting ABA National Tournament Manual

Historical Excerpts

VI - 2

Historical Excerpts

Our American Bridge Association was conceived in the American Tennis Association (ATA). The ATA Nationals were played in Hampton, Virginia, August 1932. Ted Thompson and Eyric Satch were the finalists. At the conclusion of the tennis tournament, a team of bridge enthusiasts suggested a duplicate bridge match that night as a method of relaxation after the strenuous week of tennis.

The duplicate boards or trays were described as "an ugly black wooden box

with letters on them ("N-S, E-W") and an arrow pointing North." On this night, the arrow was pointing toward the Atlantic Ocean and the east position toward the Chesapeake River. The director told the group that the arrow might arbitrarily be placed in any direction.

Our late President Emeritus, Victor R. Daly, was present, but not a

participant. He protested the placing of the arrow in any position. He finally acquiesced. It is interesting to learn that our Vic had a voice in ABA from its embryonic period.

The names of some of those who participated in this match and are

responsible for the organization of the ABA are: Dr. John L. McGriff, Portsmouth, Virginia, Drs. E.L. and L.L. Downing, Roanoke, Virginia, Dr. Furlong, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Dr. W.E. DuBisette, Endfield, North Carolina, who later moved to New York and became the first president of the American Bridge Association.

This group, with others, is responsible for the creation and organization of

the ABA, and the sponsoring of the first national bridge tournament at Buckroe Beach, Virginia,

Foreword

(From the first souvenir journal, Buckroe Beach, VA.) The American Bridge Association, in presenting its first annual bridge

championship, cordially invites all clubs to become members. This non-profit organization is sponsored by our foremost bridge fans. Its object is to develop and perpetuate bridge as a national pastime, and to further honest and clean recreation. The American Bridge Association has as its goal the enviable record that has been made in the realm of sports by the American Tennis Association. It is hopeful that with the encouragement and support of individuals and clubs such a record shall some day be equaled. I, therefore, present to you this organization in which its participants can attain the awards or merit and rank only when the ideals of truth and honesty are fully appreciated.

Historical Excerpts

VI - 3

Dr. W.E. DuBisette President, ABA, 1932 First National Championship Tournament Buckroe Beach, Virginia Program:

The first National Bridge Championship Tournament, sponsored by the American Bridge Association, was held August ]6th to ]8th, 1933, at the Bay Shore Hotel, in Buckroe Beach, Virginia.

National Contract Pair Championship (Main Event), entry fee $2.00 per

pair. National Auction Pair Championship, entry fee $2.00 per pair. Women's Pair Contract Championship, entry fee $2.00 per pair. Open tournaments and dancing every evening.

Annual Meeting:

Day and hour of meeting to be announced, Election of Executive Committee Election of Women's Committee, Elimination play Tuesday to Friday - daily sessions. Permanent trophies awarded to all winners. Build the ABA by having your club secure memberships.

There were eighteen tables in play at Buckroe Beach. Six tables each of

Open Pairs, Men's Pairs and Women's Pairs. Mrs. Eva B. Smith and Mrs. Louis Collins were the winners in the Women's event. Dr. McCord and Mr. Dallas Nicholas of Baltimore, Maryland, were the winners of the Men's Pairs. Mr. Morgan Jensen of Long Island, New York, directed the tournament and was the first Executive Secretary of the American Bridge Association.

Historical Excerpts

VI - 4

Roster of Officers:

Dr. M.E. DuBisette, President Miss Mae Fane, Vice President Mr. Horace R. Miller, Secretary Lt. Samuel J. Battles, Treasurer

Tournament Committee:

Mr. Morgan S. Jensen (Chairman), Brooklyn, New York Mr. Joseph Steber, New York, New York Mrs. Ethel Merriman, Lynchburg, Virginia Dr. Elihu D. Burke, Norfolk, Virginia

District Representatives:

Mr. James C. Boozer, New York, New York Mrs. Mae Styles, Brooklyn, New York Dr. George Moore, Roanoke, Virginia Mr. William Rich, Norfolk, Virginia Mr. Clarence Mills, Pasadena, California Mr. H.D. Stucker, New Jersey Miss Helen Cooper, Washington, D.C. Dr. C.W. Furlong, Smithfield, North Carolina Dr. J.L. McGriff, Portsmouth, Virginia

Origin of Tournaments:

Sectional Tournament: In the general business meeting held during the National Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia, 1940, it was ruled that the club, or group of clubs, in each city be granted one tournament annually that offered national master point awards. The first such event was sponsored by the Midwest Bridge Association in Chicago, Illinois. The Section Vice President, Mrs. Morine Mitchell, of Chicago, ran this event. Grade "A" Tournament: Grade "A" events grew out of the redesigned tournament program introduced by the Tournament Committee around 1952 through the efforts of the Chair, Mr. Allan Woolridge of Washington, D.C.

Origin of Games:

Mixed-Team-of-Four: During the National Tournament in New Orleans, Louisiana, 1944, the Chief Director and Chair of the Board, the late Mr. Faustino Gregoire, noticed, near the closing of the tournament, that the

Historical Excerpts

VI - 5

receipts were somewhat low. So, he presented the idea of putting on a Mixed-Team-of-Four and allowing the directing staff and scorers to play. The Tournament Committee Chair, Mr. Zach H. Brooks, Chicago, Illinois, approved and supported this idea. This became one of the more popular events on the National schedule at that time. The Belsaw Cup: Originally the National Tournament opened on Sunday with an Individual game. Only the twenty-five highest point holders were able to enter this event. During one Individual Game at the National Tournament, there were many players on hand desiring to play rather than kibitz or play rubber bridge. They wanted some type of play to occupy their time. This was called to the attention of the Tournament Chairman, Mr. Zach H. Brooks. He approved and ran the game along with the second session of the Individual. After the game was over, many players felt that since it was held at the National Tournament, it should merit National status. This was upheld. Therefore, the following year this game was added to the program of events and named in honor of the President, Dr. E.T. Belsaw of Mobile, Alabama. The schedule was then rearranged so that an Individual game would be provided for all classifications. The starting day was moved to Saturday. Later the Belsaw event was relocated on the program. The Side Games: At the start of the National Tournament in Los Angeles, California, 1961, the Director-in-Charge, Mr. C.G. Polk and his assistant, Mr. Zach H. Brooks, were called to a joint meeting of the Board and the Tournament Committee. The Board asked if it would be possible to get games started on time. These directors told them that games could be started within ten minutes of the scheduled starting time if permission would be granted to start games regardless. The Board and Tournament Committee said to go ahead. They promised to back Mr. Polk and Mr. Brooks 100%.

Historical Excerpts

VI - 6

The first event on the program was the Individual. As entries were sold, players were instructed to be seated and ready to begin play promptly at the scheduled starting time. When the time came to play, about 30-35% of the players were not in the room. The game was rearranged and started within 5-8 minutes. When the tardy players arrived on the scene and found that the game had started, quite a squawk went up. After they cooled down, some of them asked if some type of play might be arranged for their benefit. Since Mr. Polk and Mr. Brooks had been advocating side games for some time, they were glad to accommodate the players. The revenue did the rest. The Early Bird Games: Mr. Polk and Mr. Brooks had been advocating Early Bird games for a number of years. In Buffalo, New York, during the 1964 National Tournament, the Tournament Chair, Mr. Alan Woolridge realized the receipts from the events were running low. He informed Mr. Polk and Mr. Brooks that he was ready to give their idea a trial. The first such event proved to be so successful that he decided to put the second such game on that same week. Since that time, the Early Bird games have been regular program events. The Midnight Games: At the 1969 New York Nationals, Mr. Kenneth F. Cox, Convention Manager, noticed a large number of bridge players sitting around after the scheduled events were over. He decided to put some Midnight games into play since he believed bridge players would stay up for additional games. The F. Alberta Peterson Scholarship Game was the most popular midnight event for many years. The Pro-Am Games: The Pro-Am Games were initiated during a Spring Nationals held in Columbus, Ohio in 1988 during the administration of Mrs. Thelma Woodson of Detroit, Michigan. Attractive badges announcing the player as a Pro (Professional) or Am (Amateur) were provided under the auspices of Mrs. Phyllis Heard. This early morning game added a continental breakfast to its agenda during the time Dwight Galley was chair of the National Tournament Authority. This event has become a very popular addition to the schedule. The Second Chance Knockout: Taylor Cox of Detroit, Michigan was Chair of the National Tournament Committee under President Robert Price of Chicago. Taylor noticed that 25% of the people, who played in the Victor R. Daly Knockout, did not return for the evening session. He researched this finding and discovered many people feel the tournament is over when they lose the first round of the KO. Some people come to the tournament only to play the KO. Many of them leave the tournament thus reducing the amount of revenue available to the ABA.

Historical Excerpts

VI - 7

Taylor also knew there are (4) sessions of KO team play available after the first round. He reasoned that if he set up a new game, to be played during the four rounds people were involved in the Victor Daly KO; the 25% who leave the tournament might be persuaded to remain and continue playing. Thus the Second Chance KO was added to the schedule. When players register for the Victor R. Daly KO, they pay for two sessions. If they lose the first round of the Daly KO, they are already registered for the Second Chance KO. This double registration also permits the NSD to set up the Second Chance KO without doing a re-registration. This has proven to be a popular event at the Nationals and encourages players to remain. Morning Knockout Teams: President Robert Price of Chicago was concerned about the financial plight of the ABA. He talked to his National Tournament Committee Chair, Taylor Cox of Detroit, Michigan, about a game being played in the ACBL. The game was a morning knockout. Taylor checked the schedule and inserted the Morning Knockout Teams. People, playing in the Victor R. Daly KO Teams could play in both games. Thus the Morning Knockout became a permanent part of the National Tournament Schedule. Stratified Games: Although Stratified Games were played in the ABA before 1993, Dr. Will E. Richardson, Chair of the NTA supplied the criteria for the Three-Tier Stratified Pair Game and the Stratified Swiss Team Games. These games proved to be very popular in low-density areas where getting the minimum number of teams had proven to be a problem.

The Northwest Section: In recent years, the ABA has enjoyed overall

expansion, particularly in the Western and Southwestern Sections of the country. On January 1, 1979, after ten years of amicable negotiations, the Northwest Bridge Association, under the leadership of Mr. Herbert Jackson, joined the ranks of the American Bridge Association. This historic occasion added the States of Washington and Oregon, specifically the cities of Seattle, Portland and Tacoma.16

History of the Spring Nationals: From April 8-12, 1969 the first Spring Nationals was held in Columbus, Ohio. This was the result of the Time and

16Note: These historical excerpts are the result of the collective memory of the following ABA Charter Members: Mrs. E.M. Elliott, Portsmouth, VA; Mr. Frank Merritt, Norfolk, VA; Dr. and Mrs. Conrad Edwards, New York, NY; Mr. Zach Brooks, Kansas City, MO; and Mr. Clarence Denson, Birmingham, AL. Other material was submitted by Mr. Doyle Branch, Houston, TX; Mr. Taylor Cox, Detroit, MI; Miss Ann Daniels, Los Angeles, CA.; Mrs. Eliza B. Newton, Tuskegee, AL.; Dr. A. Jacqueline Sheppard, Atlanta, GA. and Ms. Vernice Whitfield, Savannah, GA.

Historical Excerpts

VI - 8

Place Committee study under the leadership of Mr. Victor R. Daly; President Emeritus Attorney Maurice Robinson of New York City was President of the ABA at this time. The committee recommendation to have a Spring Nationals to be held in a central location in order to have the maximum attendance was approved at the Annual Meeting in Louisville, 1968.

The site for the first Spring Nationals was Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Myrna Beatty was Chair of the Planning Committee. Mr. Otto Beatty, Sr. was the Unit President The Buckeye Duplicate Club served as the host club for this event where more than 300 bridge players, comprising 790 tables, enjoyed a program, which included:

Greetings from Mr. Clovis Nogawich, representative of the Mayor M.E. Sensenbrenner at the Thursday Public Meeting Remarks by the Honorable Robert Duncan, Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio Awards presented by Anheuser Busch, Inc. of St. Louis. Other corporate sponsors for this event included Mr. Gordon Hamilton Dash, Assistant tot he Eastern Division Manager of Calvert Distillers and Ms. Gloria Thomas of F & M Schaefer Brewing Company Dinner compliments of Otto and Myrna Beatty at their restaurant An Awards Ball, held at the Neil House with presentations to Roscoe Rigmaiden and Willa Canty as the Outstanding Players at the first Spring Nationals. (Material from the 1993 Dallas Souvenir Journal)

The College Bowl: The first ABA College Bowl was held in Nashville

during the 1989 Spring Nationals. Wilberforce, Central State and North Carolina were the participating institutions.

Historical Excerpts

VI - 9

The ABA National Headquarters: The idea for a National Headquarters was introduced by Dr. A. Jacqueline Sheppard in her 1976 presidential address. She requested that a special Headquarters Game be established to fund the prospective building. After much discussion about the feasibility of the idea, Mrs. Imogene Boyd of Indianapolis, IN., moved that the body adopt the presidential recommendation. The motion was adopted. President Sheppard appointed Dr. Felix Dunn of Gulfport, Mississippi to chair the first housing committee.

When Atty. Arthur J. Reid, Jr. became president, he gave new impetus to the idea of a home for the ABA. The late Past President Victor R. Daly and Mr. Robert Seymour became the first $1,000 contributors to the fund. Others, including the late former Eastern Section Vice President, Asher Conn, and late former Los Angeles, California Unit Secretary, Mrs. Joan Jewell soon followed.

The fund grew steadily over the years until President Anita Troy breathed

new life into the project. She brought the matter of a purchase of a house to the Board of Directors at the Spring Nationals in St. Louis, Mo. in April, 1994. The body in session voted to proceed with the purchase. An ad hoc committee was formed.

A suitable building was found at 2828 Lakewood Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia.

A committee - composed of National President Anita Troy; National Vice President, Kenneth F. Cox; Executive Secretary, Gloria Christler; National Treasurer, George Saunders; Co-Chairs of the Housing Fund, Iris Carr and Carrolena Key and Past President, George Johnson - inspected the site and recommended the purchase of the building.

On July 15, 1994, the papers were signed. The ABA became the owner of the two-story structure. The committee, listed above, participated in this historic moment.17

17Information in his item is from the collective memories of Worth Christler, Kenneth f. Cox, Bernice Rigmaiden, Jackye Sheppard, Anita Troy and Thelma Woodson.

Historical Excerpts

VI - 10

National Presidents 1932-1935 Dr. M.E. DuBisette, New York, NY 1935-1936 Mr. Horace "Jock" Miller, New York, NY 1936-1949 Dr. E.T. Belsaw, Mobile, AL 1949-1965 Mr. Victor R. Daly, Washington, DC 1966-1969 Atty. Maurice Robinson, New York, NY 1970-1973 Mrs. Pauline Taylor, Detroit, MI 1974-1975 Dr. Arnold P. Jones, Jr., Chicago, IL 1976-1977 Dr. A. Jacqueline Sheppard, Phila., PA 1978-1981 Dr. Arnold P. Jones, Jr., Chicago, IL 1982-1983 Atty. Arthur J. Reid, Jr., Washington, DC 1984-1985 Mr. George Johnson, Charlotte, NC 1986-1987 Mrs. Geraldine Wilson, Winter Springs, FL 1988-1989 Mrs. Thelma Woodson, Detroit, MI 1990-1991 Mr. Robert J. "Bob" Price, Chicago, IL 1992-1995 Mrs. Anita Troy, Henderson, NV 1996-1997 Dr. George Love, Pittsburgh, PA 1998 –2001 Mrs. Cleo Terrell, Chicago, IL

Interesting Facts About the National Presidents Victor R. Daly was the first president to take the ABA into hotels. He also assisted in opening the ACBL to ABA players. Pauline Taylor was the first woman president of the Association. Horace "Jock" Miller and A. Jacqueline Sheppard served as both National President and Executive Secretary. George Johnson served as National President and National Treasurer. Anita Troy served as National Vice President and National President. Attorney Arthur J. Reid, Jr. now serves as the Hotel Negotiator for ABA. Robert "Bob" Price held the William A. Friend Award, for winning the most points in a year, longer than any other player in the ABA. Mrs. Thelma Woodson presented the body with a Constitution and By-Laws, which returned the Chair of the Board of Directors to the President or his//her designee. This ended the method of electing a person to serve as Chair of the Board and to automatically rotate into the position of President after two years.

Historical Excerpts

VI - 11

National Executive Secretaries 1932- 1935 Mr. Horace "Jock" Miller, New York, NY 1936- 1941 Mr. Morgan Jensen, Brooklyn, NY 1941- 1958 Mrs. Georgia Stevens, Detroit, MI 1958- 1960 Mr. Kermit Ross, Washington, DC 1960- 1967 Mrs. Christine P. Jones, Washington, DC 1967- 1975 Dr. A. Jacqueline "Jackye" Sheppard, Phila., PA 1976- 1987 Mr. Kenneth F. Cox, Riverdale, NY 1988- Mrs. Gloria Christler, Atlanta, GA

Interesting Facts About National Executive Secretaries In 1967, Mrs. Iris Carr, now of Dallas, TX., served as Acting Executive Secretary. Mrs. Theresa Archer, Washington, DC, was her Assistant Secretary Jacqueline Sheppard served as Executive Secretary and National President Kenneth F. Cox served as Executive Secretary and National Vice President. Gloria Christler published the first "Flash" at a Sectional Tournament under the auspices of Mrs. Sara Pearson, Western Section Vice President. She also published the first complete ABA Manual in 1994. This manual succeeded former Handbooks published by other National Executive Secretaries

Historical Excerpts

VI - 12

.

ABA Constitution and By-Laws

1

CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN BRIDGE ASSOCIATION, INC.

Article I

Name of Organization

Section l Name The name of this Organization is and shall be the American Bridge

Association, Inc.

Article II

Objectives Section 1 Objectives and Purposes

The objectives of the American Bridge Association are:

(a) to foster, encourage and develop the game of Duplicate Contract Bridge.

(b) to unite all bridge players into one group using identical laws and procedures in its bridge games, both public and private.

(c) to sponsor, supervise, and conduct duplicate tournaments through which contestants may be rated.

(d) to promote scholarships for any worthy students, contribute to charitable organizations and improve the general welfare of the community; and

(e) to sponsor and participate in those endeavors in cooperation with other groups or individuals which involve ABA, Inc. in concerns of the larger community.


1

Article III

Membership Section 1 Individual Membership

Membership in the Association shall be open to all persons of good character and repute without regard to race, sex, creed or national origin.

Section 2 Group Membership The Association will grant affiliation to those groups which are

composed of persons described in 1.1 above, organize themselves and exercise the rights and obligations set forth in the By-Laws.

Article IV

Government Section 1 Governance of the Association

The government of the Association shall be vested in the members at the Business Meetings and in the President and Board of Directors or Executive Committee between Nationals.

Section 2 Composition of the Board of Directors

2.1 The Board of Directors, hereinafter called the Board, shall be composed of the National President, the National Vice-President, the National Executive Secretary, the National Treasurer, all Section Vice-Presidents and four (4) members appointed by the President.

2.2 The Executive Committee shall be composed of the elected

National Officers.

Article V

Officers Section 1 National and General Officers

Richard

and four (4) members appointed by the President.

dorothy

a contridiction in the wording

Richard

Executive


2

1.1 The National Officers shall be: The President, Vice-President, Executive Secretary and Treasurer.

1.2 The General Officers shall be all Section Vice-Presidents.

Article VI

Honorary Titles

Section 1 Honors The Association may confer an honorary title upon any individual on his/her retirement from service in a particular National Office.

Article VII

Election of National and General Officers Section 1 Election of National Officers

Election of National Officers shall be by the General Membership in a manner as prescribed in the By-Laws. Section 2 Election of General Officers Election of General Officers (Section VP) shall be so staggered

that there will always be experienced members on the Board.

Article VIII

Tournaments Section 1 National Tournaments National Tournaments shall be sponsored by the Association.

Article IX

Meetings Section 1 Meetings at National Tournaments

Richard

Executive


3

There shall be at least one business meeting of the membership at each National Tournament.

Article X

Administrative Organization

Section 1 Sections For administrative purposes, the Association shall be organized

geographically into Sections whose boundaries are determined by the Board.

Section 2 Units

2.1 In any Metropolitan area where three or more clubs exist, a Unit must be formed.

2.2 In any Metropolitan area where two clubs exist, a Unit may

be formed. Section 3 Clubs

3.1 Clubs are formed to sponsor games under the auspices of the Association.

3.2 Types of Clubs (a) Open Clubs (b) Closed Clubs

Article XI

Amendments Section 1 - -Constitutional Amendments Amendments to this Constitution may be made at any business

meeting of the membership provided the proposed amendments are published in the Bulletin prior to the meeting and supported by a 2/3 majority of those members present and voting.


4

By-Laws of the American Bridge Association

Chapter I - Membership

Section 1 - Types

Membership in the Association shall be of two kinds, viz:

A. Individual B. Group (Chartered Affiliates)

Section 2 - Individual Membership

A. Persons residing within a 35-mile radius of a city in which a chartered ABA Club exists must become affiliated with such a club.

B. Persons residing beyond the 35 mile radius of a city in which a

chartered club exists may apply to the National Office for membership-at-large and assignment to the appropriate Section.

Section 3 - Group Membership

A. Chartered Clubs

1. The minimum number of individuals permitted to form a new club shall be 8 new members in an area where there is a Unit of less than 100 members.

2. The minimum number of individuals permitted to form a

new club in an area where there is a Unit of more than 100 members is 16 new members.

3. Any new group of individuals beyond the perimeter of the

35 mile radius described in Section 2B may apply directly to the ABA National Office for a Charter or may become affiliated with the nearest unit.

4. All group affiliations require the endorsement of the Section

Vice President. B. Independent Clubs


5

A club outside the geographic boundaries of a Chartered Unit is considered an independent club.

C. Chartered Units 1. A Unit must be formed when:

(a) three or more clubs lie within the 35 mile radius of a city.

(b) when the total membership of the three clubs is 50 or more.

2. Any two (2) Chartered Clubs meeting the requirements 1a and b above may become a Unit.

A Unit may be formed when two or more Independent Clubs

located beyond the mandated geographic boundaries of any Unit decide to unite.

Section 4 - Rights of Membership

A. Individual

Individual members shall have the right to: 1. vote on all matters as provided in the By-Laws. 2. compete in any Regional, Sectional or National

Tournament, except as those rights may be limited, circumscribed, or abrogated under the requirements of the laws of duplicate bridge, any another special rule or regulation.

3. have master points recorded and receive record of it. 4. form chartered clubs according to ABA laws. 5. enjoy rights and privileges as may pertain to these laws. 6. face accusers regarding charges of impropriety. 7. appeal any charge of misconduct or impropriety in

accordance with the Disciplinary Code of the Association. 8. are reinstated after lapse of membership upon payment of

financial obligations and at the discretion of the Board.

B. Chartered Clubs Chartered Clubs shall have the right to:

1. conduct tournaments in accordance with privileges and limitations provided for in the requirements of such matters.


6

2. have representatives of their own choosing as members of the Unit Committee, as defined in the applicable Section of the By-Laws.

3. form units according to ABA laws. 4. exercise all other rights as may be contained in ABA laws. 5. censure players for violations of proprieties in accord with

the ABA Disciplinary Code. 6. recommend penalties for violation(s) of proprieties as

described in ABA laws. 7. are heard within thirty (30) days when charges have been

leveled. The line of authority shall be Club/Unit/Section and National level.

8. assess fees including club dues and playing fees. C. Chartered Units

Chartered Units, comprised of affiliated clubs, shall have the right

to:

1. sponsor Grade "A" Regional Tournaments. 2. coordinate the tournament schedule for clubs within its area

of jurisdiction, subject to the review and approval of the Section Vice President.

3. determine the financial obligation of both its individual and group membership.

4. represent its affiliates on the Sectional Committee. 5. arbitrate local jurisdictional disputes. 6. enact local administrative rules and regulations that do not

conflict with this Constitution and By-Laws. 7. exercise all such privileges as may be contained in these

laws. 8. censure members for violation of laws and proprieties

according to the Code of Ethics of the ABA. 9. recommend suspension of a Club Charter initiated at the

Unit level and approved by the Section Vice President, with final action at the National level.

D. Independent Chartered Clubs

Independent Chartered Clubs shall have all rights pertaining to Chartered Units, as described in Item "C" of this Section and have representatives of their own choosing on the Sectional Committee.

E. Closed Clubs

Refer to ABA Handbook, part 1, Organization--"Closed Clubs."


7

Section 5 - Obligation of Membership

A. Individual

Each individual members of the Association shall have the following obligations to:

1. produces a current membership card on demand at any

meeting or any tournament. 2. conduct oneself at all times in a manner befitting a member

of the Association. 3. obey all the laws and regulations of the ABA. 4. meet financial obligations as set by the membership for all

levels of membership where applicable, i.e., Club, Unit, Section and National.

5. answer charges of impropriety. 6. notify the National Office of the change of address upon

physical relocation, whereupon assignment will be made to the local group, pending affiliation with the next dues year.

7. redeem checks, including appropriate fees, payable to the Association and not honored by the banking institution on which the check was drawn.

B. Affiliated Clubs

Chartered Clubs shall have all the obligations applying to individual members and further shall be obligated to:

1. submit a membership list, with appropriate dues and Charter

fee, to the National Office through the Unit Secretary, if such exists, no later than December 31, for the ensuing year.

2. transmit information received from the Unit, Section and National Office to the membership within thirty (30) days of receipt of same.

3. keep a record of membership cards received and distributed from the National Office.

4. submit list of membership applications to the Unit or in the absence of a Unit to the National Office on a timely basis.

5. submit a duplicate list of each membership application to the Section Vice President.

6. sponsor regional tournament. 7. submit tournament results and sanction fees to the National

Office within ten (10) days of sponsorship. 8. hire a non-playing certified Director to conduct Regional

tournaments.


8

9. develop a written constitution, which is in concert with the ABA Constitution and By-Laws.

10. meet financial obligations as established by the Unit.

C. Affiliated Units

Chartered Units shall have all the obligations applying to individual members and further shall be obligated to:

1. ensure that National laws are carried out. 2. promote National and Sectional programs. 3. host Sectional tournaments on the endorsement of their

membership. 4. insure that all clubs comprising the Unit are Chartered

Clubs. 5. Urge that all individual members of the Unit be members of

Chartered Clubs. 6. Insure the adherence of all players to high standards of

behavior. 7. provide a forum for an accused member to answer charges

of violations of number six (6) of this Section. 8. Establish an Appeals/Ethics Committee to hear charges of

impropriety. 9. communicate recommendations for censure of individual

members or Clubs to the next administrative level. 10. establish a written constitution, including the following

provisions: (a) Officers of the Unit shall be elected by popular ballot of

Unit ABA membership in good standing. (b) General meetings shall be held at least twice a year. (c) The Executive Body shall consist of the elected officers and

at least one representative from each affiliated Club. (d) The Executive Body shall meet regularly to conduct the

business of the Unit. 11. communicate decisions made by the Executive Body to the

general membership. 12. pay charter fees if so levied.

Section 6 - Non-Member Players The Association accepts guest participants in any ABA event provided playing fees are paid, but those participants are subject to limitations imposed by the Director and outlined in the ABA Handbook. Section 7 - Suspension and Loss of Membership


9

Any member, charged with violation of the proprieties and laws of this Association, may be summarily suspended in accordance with the Disciplinary Code of Procedure.

Chapter II - Dues

Dues are payable by January first (1) of each calendar year and continue in force

until December 31 of the same year. Dues are not returnable nor are they prorated.

A. Individual dues: Each individual member of the Association shall

be required to pay annual dues unless otherwise exempted. B. Club Dues: Each affiliated Club shall be required to pay an annual

Charter fee. C. Unit Dues: Each affiliated Unit of three or more clubs shall be

required to pay an annual Charter fee.

Chapter III - Board of Directors Section 1 - Membership The Board of Directors, hereinafter called the Board, shall be composed as

indicated in Article IV of the Constitution.

A. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the National President, Vice-President, Executive Secretary and Treasurer.

B. The Executive Committee, composed of the National President,

Vice President, Executive Secretary and Treasurer, shall be empowered to act for the Board between meetings. Refer to Section 5 of this Chapter for details.

Section 2 - Authority

A. Financial Financial authority of the ABA, Inc. shall be vested in the National

President, Executive Secretary and the Treasurer.

1. The Executive Secretary and Treasurer shall be signatories of all vouchers, checks and bank withdrawals.

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive


10

2. The President shall be a signatory only in the event of

emergency 3. The Board shall have the final approval of all obligations

with a monetary value exceeding $2,000 4. All non-budgeted expenditures under $2,000 shall require

the approval of the President.

B. Between Business Meetings Between business meetings of the membership, the Board shall

have all power pertaining to membership, except that it may not alter or countermand any policy decision already adopted by the membership.

C. Any Board member shall have the authority to examine all books,

papers and other documents of the Association. D. Policy Making

The Board shall have the authority to establish policy for the Association'

Section 3 - Meetings, Quorum and Voting

A. The Board shall hold a minimum of two regular business meetings each year. At least one meeting shall be held at each National Tournament.

B. Call meetings may be held at other times and places. C. In lieu of these meetings, business may be conducted by mail, fax

or telephone. D. One-half of the Board membership plus one (1) shall constitute a

quorum. E. All Board actions shall be by majority vote and so recorded. F. The Chairperson may only vote in the event of a tie.

Section 4 - Board Responsibilities


11

A. The Board's primary responsibility is to make policy and transact the business of the ABA.

B. Individual Board members have the responsibility for responding

to requests for information in a timely fashion. C. Individual Board members must be available to attend meetings of

both the Board and the Association. D. The Board shall communicate its decisions to the general

membership. E. The Board has a responsibility to protect the interest of the

Association.

F. The proceedings of the Board shall be accurately recorded by the Executive Secretary or designee.

G. The Board shall receive and review pertinent committee reports on

a regular basis. H. The Board shall have the responsibility for approving budgets of

its officers, staff and committees. I. The Board shall have the final approval of all obligations with a

monetary value exceeding $2,000 including hotel/ tournament site contracts.

J. Each member of the Board shall ascertain and ensure that any

contract binding on the Association shall bear the signatures of the President and Vice President.

K. Should the President decide to exercise the option to appoint a

Board Chair, as per Chapter VI A2, the duties are as follows: The Board Chair shall:

1. Issue the call for and preside over all meetings of the Board. 2. With the concurrence of seven (7) members of the Board,

make emergency decisions on such matters that would ordinarily come before the Board.

3. Submit matters to the Board for its consideration either at his/her own initiative, at the request of the President, at the request of any Board members, or at the request of one-third of the Board members.


12

4. Receive all items and requests to be considered by the Board of Directors.

5. Be responsible for finalizing the agenda, with the concurrence of the President, or after consultation with the President.

6. Keep his/her records open for inspection of the President and the Board.

7. Have no vote except in the event of a tie.

Section 5- Suspension and/or Removal from Office

A. An officer may be suspended and/or removed for misconduct, misfeasance or malfeasance in office. The authority and process for suspension and/or removal is vested in the Board of Directors.

B. The Board may appoint a committee or individual member of the Association to hear the complaint. This committee or member shall give a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Board for final decision.

The following procedure is required:

A. A written complaint or statement must be submitted to the Board of Directors.

B. This complaint shall be reviewed by the appropriate member or committee of the Board.

C. The complaint shall then be submitted to the accused and set for a hearing,

D. After the hearing, a decision for suspension and/or removal shall require a 2/3 majority vote of the Board.

Section 6 - Executive Committee The Executive Committee may convene between National Tournaments, when an emergency arises, to recommend policy to assure uninterrupted and efficient operation of the Association. Said policy decisions are subject to review by the Board of Directors.

A. Composition: The members of the Executive Committee shall be: the National

President, the National Vice-President, the Executive Secretary and the National Treasurer. The President shall be the Chair of the Executive Committee.

Richard

Executive


13

B. Authority:

1. The Executive Committee shall have all the power of the Board of Directors except that it may not alter or countermand any decisions already adopted or rejected by the membership or the Board of Directors.

2. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to examine books, papers and other documents belonging to the Association.

3. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to establish policy, which may be revoked by the Board of Directors and/or the General Membership.

4. The Executive Committee has the authority to review and take appropriate actions on the activities of any member acting on behalf of the American Bridge Association.

5. The Executive Committee shall not have the authority to obligate the Association for more than $2,000.

C . Meetings & Quorum

1. When the need for a meeting arises, serious consideration

must be given to the cost effectiveness of said meeting. Areas of concern include, distance members must travel, housing and per diem.

2. Whenever feasible, meetings should be held at the ABA National Office.

3. Three of the members must be present to constitute a quorum.

4. All Executive Committee actions shall be by majority vote and so recorded.

5. The Chair may only vote in the event of a tie. 6. The Executive Committee shall communicate its decisions

to the Board of Directors. 7. The Executive Secretary shall keep accurate records of all

Executive Committee meetings. Reports are due to members of the Board of Directors within fifteen (15) days of the meeting.

8. The Board of Directors' members shall be notified of all meeting dates and the agenda.

Chapter IV - National Officers Section 1 - Terms of Office

Richard

Executive


14

A. National Officers are to be elected according to established

procedures for a term of two (2) years, taking office October 1st. Effective January, 1996.

1. National President and National Vice President may serve a

maximum of two (2) consecutive two (2) year terms. 2. Executive Secretary and National Treasurer may serve an

indeterminate number of successive terms.

Section 2 - Eligibility for Office

A. Membership

All candidates for National Office shall, at the time of nomination, have been members of the Association in good standing for at least five consecutive calendar years immediately preceding the year of nomination.

B. Prior Service

All candidates for National Office must have served in an elected

capacity at the Unit or Sectional level for at least two (2) years or have held any appointive position at the Sectional or National level for at least two (2) years.

Chapter V - Nominations and Elections

Section 1 - Terms of Office Terms of office shall be in accordance with Chapter IV, Section 1. Section 2 - Eligibility Eligibility shall be in accordance with Chapter IV, Section 2. Section 3 - Nominations

A. Nominations and elections shall be limited to the offices of the President, Vice President, Executive Secretary and Treasurer.

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive


15

B. The names of all candidates for National Office shall be presented to the Elections Committee prior to being placed in nomination at the Spring Nationals.

Section 4 - Filling Vacancies

A. If a vacancy should occur in the office of the President, the Vice President shall immediately succeed to that office.

B. If the Vice President should succeed to the office of the

Presidency, an Interim Vice President shall be elected from and by the Board to serve until the next regular election.

C. In the event both the President and the Vice President are unable to

serve, a special meeting of the Board shall be called by the National Executive Secretary within thirty (30) days of incapacitation to select a President Pro tempore from the Board until the next business meeting of the Association.

D. Vacancies occurring in the Office of the Executive Secretary or of

the National Treasurer shall be filled within fifteen (15) days by Presidential appointment and endorsed by the majority of members of the Board. The appointees shall serve until the next scheduled election.

Chapter VI - Duties of National Officers

It shall be the duty of each National Officer to be present at all Board of Directors meetings and all business meetings of the Association.

A. The President shall: 1. be the Executive Head of the Association. 2. be Chair of the Board or shall appoint a designee from the

Association. 3. issue the call, develop an agenda and preside over all

business meetings of the Association. 4. propose and develop policies and programs for the good and

welfare of the Association's membership. 5. appoint appropriate committees. 6. remove any appointee from office in the interest of the

Association. 7. be a member of the tournament negotiating team and

investigate future tournament sites. 8. present a budget to the Board at each Summer Tournament.

Richard

Executive

Richard

Executive


16

9. select and publish names of all appointees prior to October 31.

10. select an independent auditor, annually, with Board approval.

11. have the option of a parliamentarian at any meeting. 12. be a source of official information. 13. perform such other duties as may be contained in these By-

Laws and generally, as may pertain to this office. 14. have the authority to appoint a Sergeant-at-Arms. 15. be an alternate signee on ABA checks.

B. The National Vice President shall:

1. perform functions of the President in any temporary inability of the President to function.

2. be a member of the tournament negotiating team. 3. be an alternate signee of all checks. 4. be a member of the Budget Committee. 5. be chair of the Recommendations Committee.

C. The National Executive Secretary shall:

1. maintain the official files and records of the Association and shall be a source of official published information.

2. maintain an accurate record of Individual, Club, Unit and Section membership (Cross check incoming members for current membership year.)

3. maintain records of and issue records for master points earned and accrued.

4. receive and send to the Treasurer, twice a month, all monies and bills received for the Association during that period.

5. be one of the signatories on vouchers to the Treasurer and on bank accounts of the Association and on checks drawn on the same.

6. attend all meetings. Bring books to, at least, specified Board meetings.

7. insure that records are maintained for National events. 8. record the minutes of all business meetings and shall within

30 days of the close of each meeting transmit clear copies to all General Officers and to the Editor of the BULLETIN.

9. be prepared for an annual independent audit of the Association's books.

10. review and approve all administrative forms. 11. insure that adequate administrative supplies are maintained.

Richard

Executive

Richard

1.

Richard

2.

Richard

3.

Richard

4.

Richard

7.

Richard

National Office

Richard

11.


17

12. be responsible for keeping, transcribing, condensing and distributing to Board members Board minutes, which shall include all action items, within 24 hours after such meeting is held.

13. prepare a projected budget for the National Office for the coming year.

14. submit a quarterly report of National Office expenses to Board members.

15. send all new members a kit which would include information about the ABA and duplicate bridge.

16. be a resource person for the NTA Committee. 17. be a source of official information.

D. The National Treasurer shall:

1. be responsible for the custody and protection of all funds of the Association.

2. receive from the National Executive Secretary and deposit in the proper accounts all Association funds and issue receipts for same.

3. be one of the signatories of all checks drawn against the Association's accounts.

4. issue checks containing signatures of the National Executive Secretary and Treasurer, except as otherwise herein provided. Issue checks as authorized to designated officers.

5. maintain accurate records of all financial transactions made on behalf of the Association.

6. investigate and recommend investment vehicles for the Association's funds.

7. make reports to the Board and membership. 8. be prepared for an annual independent audit of the

Association's books.

E. Annual Reports:

1. The four national elected officers shall prepare annual reports of their activities. Reports shall be presented at the business meeting of the Summer Tournament and shall be published in the ABA BULLETIN immediately following that tournament.

2. Annual Expenditure Reports of the Association shall be submitted to the Board prior to each Spring Tournament.

3. The proposed budget for the next succeeding year shall be submitted to the Board prior to each Summer Tournament

Richard

be a source of official information. (redundant -- see 1. above)

Richard

13.

Richard

14.

Richard

15.

Richard

National Office

Richard

Executive Secretary

Richard

Executive


18

and shall be published, on approval of the Board, in the ABA BULLETIN immediately following the Tournament.


1

Chapter VII - Section Vice Presidents and Section Governance

Section 1 - Terms of Office

A. The term of office shall be two (2) years. The limit is two (2) consecutive two-year terms.

B. Each Section holds an election according to Article VII, Section

2.1 of this Constitution.

Section 2 - Filling Section Vice Presidential Vacancies

A. Should a Section Vice President vacancy occur, the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the respective Section Constitution.

B. In the absence of such a provision, the National President shall

designate an Acting Vice President to serve until the next Section meeting at which an election must be held.

Section 3 - Duties of the Section Vice President

A. The Section Vice President shall:

1. serve as the Administrative Head of Section. 2. present the recommendations and concerns of the Section to

the Board of Directors. 3. ascertain that the Constitution of the Section/Unit/Club is in

accord with the basic provisions and philosophy of the ABA Constitution and By-Laws.

4. schedule and preside at all Section meetings. 5. promote and recruit duplicate bridge within the Section. 6. coordinate, approve and sanction all tournaments conducted

by Units/Clubs within the Section. 7. appoint the Editor of the Section's Newsletter and delegate

its distribution. 8. appoint committee chairs. 9. be a signee on all bank accounts and drafts of the Section. 10. authorize expenditures of the Section. 11. adjudicate disputes within the Section prior to appeal to the

National Office. 12. serve as ex-officio member of all Section committees.


2

13. have the authority to render decisions in emergency situations.

14. report Board actions and policy changes to its membership. 15. implement actions taken by the Board. 16. recommend members for National Committees at the

request of the National President. 17. designate a representative for the section to the Board of

Directors, in accordance with the Section By-Laws, when unable to attend Board meetings.

Section 4 - Duties of the Section Committee

A. Composition The Committee shall be composed as spelled out in the Section

Constitution. B. By-Laws

The Section may establish laws of its own choosing concerning its dues structure/financial responsibilities, as long as they do not contravene the laws of the Association, nor assume the prerogatives of the National Office.

C. Duties

The Section Committee shall:

1. represent the concerns of the players in the Section 2. meet as often as necessary. 3. assist the SVP in conducting the business of the Section. 4. assist in establishing the playing fees for the Section. 5. authorize payment of all legitimate expenses incurred by the

Section. 6. make a written report to the respective Clubs/Unit.


3

Chapter VIII - Standing Committees/Positions

A. The following are Standing Committees of the Association:

1. National Tournament Authority 2. National Tournament Committee 3. Appeals and Ethics 4. Budget and Finance/Auditing 5. Staff Development/Certification 6. New Player/Membership 7. Recommendations 8. Publicity/Public Relations 9. Merit 10. Scholarship 11. Time and Place 12. Elections 13. Bridge Education/Teacher Certification 14. History and Archives 15. Building and Site 16. ABA/ACBL Liaison Committee

The following are Standing Positions of the Association:

1. Convention Manager 2. National Supervisory Director 3. Chief Scorer 3. Floor Manager 5. Hotel Negotiator 6. Bulletin Editor 7. Photographer 8. Awards Coordinator 9. Supplies and Logistics 10. Caddy Master 11. Flash Editor 12. Recorder

C. Ad Hoc Committees shall be constituted as needed. D. Standing Committees shall be appointed by the incoming

President, in accordance with Chapter VI, A-5 of these By-Laws. E. Should a committee chair become vacant during the tenure of a

President, the vacancy must be filled by the President within thirty (30) days.

dorothy

Elections put under Ad Hoc

dorothy

Merit/Lie Membership

dorothy

Building and Site put under Ad Hoc

dorothy

1. Office Manager

dorothy

Recorder --- eliminate

dorothy

Photographer

dorothy

Bulletin

dorothy

Bulletin Editor/Photographer

dorothy

Caddie MasterSupplies and Logistics

dorothy

Caddy Master

dorothy

Hotel Negotiator --put under Ad Hoc

dorothy

Chief Scorer/loor Mgr

dorothy

Floor Manager

dorothy

National Supervisory Director/ Staf Development

dorothy

Staff Development/Certification -- put under Sup Dir


4

F. All actions and operating decisions made by Committees and their Chairs shall require Board approval before becoming operative.

Chapter IX - Committee Functions Section 1 - The National Tournament Authority

A. Structure

1. The chair of the National Tournament Authority shall be appointed by the President.

2. The National Tournament Authority shall be composed of the following chairs or persons:

(a) National Tournament Authority (b) National Tournament Committee (c) Staff Development Committee (d) National Tournament and Convention Manager (e) National Supervisory Director (f) Chief Scorer (g) Executive Secretary (Consultant) (h) Chair of the ABA/ACBL Liaison Committee (Board of Directors 8/94)

B. Function:

The National Tournament Authority shall be responsible for the

planning, management and on-site operations of all National Tournaments of the Association. The committee shall be responsible for:

1. establishing and revising regulations for all tournament

play. 2. recommending policy changes affecting the membership to

the Board of Directors and the General Membership. 3. governing the games according to the Laws of Duplicate

Contract Bridge as published by the WBF. 4. keeping abreast of and communicating all changes in

duplicate laws to the General Membership. 5. developing a tournament management budget. 6. reviewing NTC recommendations to determine technical or

operating difficulties involved. 7. evaluating the performance of the Directing staff. 8. advance planning.

Richard

Executive


5

Section 2 - The National Tournament Committee

A. Structure The National Tournament Committee shall be coordinated by the

Chair. Members of the Committee shall include at least one member from each Section, to be selected in consultation with the Section Vice President.

B. Function

The Committee shall be responsible for the following:

1. establishing the tournament regulations for all levels. 2. recommending tournament schedules. 3. establishing and maintaining a schedule of master points for

all National, Section and local tournaments. 4. establishing the classification of players. 5. submitting all recommendations to the Tournament

Authority for review to determine any technical or operating difficulties involved in implementation.

6. reporting such recommendations to the Board of the ABA for review and final approval.

7. publishing and implementing such changes approved by the Board.

Section 3 - The Appeals and Ethics Committee

A. Structure The Appeals and Ethics Committee shall consist of a Chair and

membership to include at least one person from each Section.

B. Function

The Committee shall:

1. receive and decide all appeals regarding the application and or interpretation of duplicate laws.

2. receive and investigate all complaints regarding player ethics.

3. recommend appropriate actions in all matters according to the Disciplinary Code of the Association.


6

Disciplinary actions taken by the Appeals and Ethics Committee are to be considered final unless appealed to the Board, in writing, within thirty (30) days.

Section 4 - Budget and Finance/Auditing

A. Structure The Committee shall consist of a Chair and membership to include

at least one person from each Section.

B. Function The Committee shall be empowered to obtain the use of any and

all fiscal and financial records, files and reports of any official and Section of the Association to accomplish the following duties.

1. a continuous review and analysis of the fiscal activities of

the ABA. 2. the preparation and submission of an annual budget for the

ABA. 3. the preparation and submission of recommendations for

raising revenue to finance the budget for all operations. 4. the preparation and maintenance of updated financial

procedures. 5. the review, establishment and maintenance of ABA

administration. Section 5 - Staff Development/Certification

A. Structure Members of the Committee will include one representative from

each Section, to be selected by the Section Vice President in consultation with the committee chair of their respective Section subcommittee on Staff Development and Certification.

B. Function

The Committee shall be responsible for:

1. recruiting, training and evaluating directors 2. recommending certification of Regional and National

directors to the National Tournament Authority. 3. maintaining a complete listing of all certified directors of

the ABA.

Richard

the National Vice President,


7

C. Duties

The duties of the National Chair, Section Chair and subcommittees

are spelled out in The Official ABA Handbook, ABA Organization, under Staff Development and Certification.

Section 6 - Membership and New Players

A. Structure

The Committee shall consist of a Chair and membership to include at least one person from each Section.

B. Function

This Committee is responsible for:

1. providing guidance and consultation to Section, Unit and Club officials, relating to recruitment and retention of members.

2. planning, directing and coordinating New Player Educational and Social activities at National Tournament.

3. holding committee meetings at Nationals. 4. communicating regularly with both the President and

officials that need assistance with membership growth. 5. developing a recruitment program to assure membership

growth. 6. highlighting New player activities in the BULLETIN. 7. making written reports of above functions to the Board of

Directors. 8. obtaining periodic up-dated list of new members from

National Office.

Section 7 - Recommendations

A. Structure The committee shall consist of a Chair and membership to include

at least one person from each Section. B. Function This Committee shall be responsible for:


8

1. receiving and evaluating recommendations from individuals, Clubs, Units or Sections.

2. presenting all recommendations and dispositions to the Board.

3. reporting the Board's findings to the body for its consideration.

4. reporting to the recommender the findings of the Committee.

Section 8 - Publicity/Public Relations

A. Structure


B. Function

This Committee shall be responsible for:

1. submitting interesting and pertinent articles to the media to enhance the image of the Association.

2. reporting timely articles to both the BULLETIN and the Flash, et al.

3. recommending innovative activities designed to increase membership growth.

4. contacting local media outlets for ABA coverage during National Tournaments.

5. setting up press conferences for interesting ABA personalities.

6. advance planning.

Section 9 - Merit Awards

A. Structure


B. Function

This committee is responsible for:

1. recommending to the Board criteria for bestowing honors on ABA members.


9

2. receiving nominations for both life members and merit awardees.

3. screening nominations for such awards using established criteria.

4. recommending to the Board the names of honorees. 5. presenting the awards subsequent to Board approval. 6. reporting to the membership annually via ABA Bulletin.

Section 10 - Scholarship

A. Structure The Committee shall consist of a Chair and membership to include

at least one person from each Section. B. Function The Committee is responsible for:

1. distribution of appropriate forms to the Section. 2. continual review of scholarship forms and criteria. 3. notifying the National Office when there is need for

additional printing of forms. 4. receiving and screening completed documents for nominees

from Section Scholarship Committees. 5. recommending names of awardees to the Board. 6. publishing names of awardees in the Bulletin subsequent to

Board approval. 7. See The Official ABA Handbook for additional

information.

Section 11 - Time and Place

A. Structure Membership is composed of the President, Vice President,

Convention Manager, Hotel Negotiator, NTA Chair and a representative from the Host Group.

B. Function The Committee is responsible for:

1. soliciting input from local members. 2. investigating and recommending sites for future National

Tournaments.


10

3. negotiating with hotel/convention center management for the best possible economic advantage to the Association.

4. finalizing contracts with signatures of the President and Vice President.

Section 12 - Elections Committee

A. Structure The President shall, at appropriate times (by March 1 of an election

year), appoint an Elections Committee, who at the Spring Nationals shall announce the election process to be used for the upcoming election.

B. Function The Committee shall be responsible for:

1. certifying eligibility of candidates in accordance with

Chapter IV, Section 2. 2. developing voting procedures. 3. certifying all votes in the National Elections. 4. announcing the official results to the membership.

Section 13 - Position Responsibilities

A. Convention Manager The Convention Manager shall carry direct responsibility for

liaison with the host group and the hotel or hotels involved. The manager is also responsible for filing a report with the Board relative to table count, income, expenditures, etc., pertaining to the National Tournaments.

B. National Supervisory Director (NSD)

The NSD shall be responsible for all directors at National Tournaments. The NSD shall recommend to the Authority all directing staff for National Tournaments and shall negotiate all contracts for the directing staff. The NSD shall have overall supervisory responsibility for directing tournament operations.

C. The National Chief Scorer


11

The Chief Scorer shall have the responsibility to supervise and approve all press releases regarding winners and ranking of games at National Tournaments. The Chief Scorer must approve all changes to scores after they have been reported and verified.

Chapter X - Annual Reports Chairs of all Standing Committees shall be responsible for preparing annual reports for submission at the Annual Meeting. These annual reports shall be submitted to the Executive Secretary before the first session of the Annual Meeting for such publication as may be deemed appropriate by the President.

Chapter XI - Meetings

Section 1 - Summer Nationals The regular Annual Meeting shall be held during the week of the Summer National Tournament. There may be as many sessions as necessary for the transaction of the Association's business, but the final session shall be held on the last day of the Summer National Tournament. Section 2 - Spring Nationals At least one business meeting of the Association must be held during the

Spring Nationals. Section 3 - Agenda The agenda shall be prepared and presided over by the President. Section 4 - Quorum The Quorum for a meeting of the Association shall be 50 members. No official

action can take place with less than the proper quorum.

Chapter XII - Tournaments Section 1 - Authorized Sponsors

A. National Games: Only the National Association, with assistance from the local persons or group, may sponsor games which pay National points.

Richard

Executive


12

B. Sectional Games: Only the Section may sponsor games which pay Sectional points.

C. Grade "A": Only the Unit may sponsor Grade "A" tournaments

unless an Independent Club is functioning as a Unit. D. Grade "B" and Grade "C" Tournaments: Individual Clubs sponsor

" B" and "C" Tournaments. E. Units may sponsor Grade "C" games in accordance with:

1. no more than 3 Unit business meetings per year. 2. one per month beginning one year prior to hosting a

National Tournament.

Chapter XIII - Rules of Order Insofar as they do not conflict with the provisions of the Association's Constitution and By-Laws, Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the deliberations of the Association.

Chapter XIV - Amendments

Amendments to these laws may be made at any Annual Meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of those present. In the event of an emergency, (such as an act of God, flood, earthquake, death), amendments may be made by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the Board. Effective January 1, 1994, the laws contained in this document supersede those contained in any other published Constitution and By-Laws, Bulletin, memo or Handbook. Input was received from the following individuals:

Kenneth Cox, New York W.E. Richardson, Bronx Taylor Cox, Detroit John Gipson, New York Anita Troy, Las Vegas Gloria Christler, Atlanta George Saunders, Memphis Atty. Arthur Reid Atty. Harold Bickham


13

Ad Hoc Committee - Constitution and By-Laws - Mrs. Vernette Wills, Chair

Dr. Lorraine Sherman, Eastern Mr. John Wilson, Southern Mrs. Hazel Carr, Midwest Judge Lillian W. Burke, Great Lakes Mrs. Emma Lee Johnson, Western Mrs. Helen Furr, Southwestern Mrs. Ellen Driggins, Northwest Mrs. Bertha B. Robinson, MidAtlantic Atty. Harold Bickham, Parliamentarian

Code of Disciplinary Conduct

1

CODE OF DISCIPLINARY CONDUCT

Adopted: April 5, 1988


2

Code of Disciplinary Regulations

American Bridge Association The purpose of these rules, regulations and procedures is to provide a fair hearing to every member charged with violation of ABA rules or regulations.

Article 1

Disciplining Bodies The five disciplining bodies of the Association are: 1.1 Clubs 1.2 Units 1.3 Sections 1.4 Appeals & Ethics Committee (National) 1.5 ABA Board of Directors These bodies may establish appropriate disciplinary committees.

Article 2

Grounds for Discipline 2.1 Violating bridge proprieties or tournament regulations, i.e. - cheating. 2.2 Making accusations of unethical conduct at an ABA event, unless made

in private to a tournament director or other ABA official. 2.3 Playing in any ABA game or tournament under suspension. 2.4 Betting on the results of any ABA game or tournament. 2.5 Failing to return a traveling trophy. 2.6 Acting or behaving in a manner unbecoming to the ABA at the time

and site of an ABA event, including parking lots, elevators, restaurants, and hotels.

2.7 Failing to meet financial obligations at the hotel where an ABA

tournament is being held during the stay of that tournament.


3

2.8 Failing to redeem any check, including appropriate fees, issued to an ABA affiliate, not honored by the issuing financial institution.

2.9 Initiating legal action against an ABA affiliate without exhausting

administrative remedies. 2.10 Acting in an obnoxious and/or abusive manner toward any official or

body of the ABA while in the exercise of duties. 2.11 Misappropriation of funds or property of any ABA affiliate.

Article 3 Disciplinary proceedings

Any of the five disciplinary bodies above shall see to it that a member charged shall: 3.1 Receive written notice of the date, time and place of the hearing. 3.2 Be furnished with written charges. 3.3 Be informed of the right to be represented by counsel. 3.4 Be informed of the right to produce evidence on his/her own behalf and

to be present when any evidence is produced against him/her. 3.5 Be informed of the right to be present during the formal hearing.


4

Article 4 Jurisdiction

4.1 A club has jurisdiction over:

4.1.1 Members of the Club 4.1.2 Members of the ABA and persons participating in a

tournament under the jurisdiction of the Club. 4.2 A Unit has jurisdiction over:

4.2.1 Members of the Club 4.2.2 Members of the Unit and those residing within the Unit's

jurisdiction. 4.3 A Section has jurisdiction over:

4.3.1 Members residing within the Section for appellate purposes only, except where otherwise specified in these rules and regulations.

4.3.2 Members of the ABA and persons participating in a tournament held under the jurisdiction of the Section.

4.4 The Board of Directors has jurisdiction over:

4.4.1 Members of the ABA for appellate purposes only, except where otherwise specified in these rules and regulations.

4.4.2 Members of the ABA and persons participating in a tournament held under the jurisdiction of the ABA Board of Directors.

4.5 The National Appeals & Ethics Committee has jurisdiction over

persons in attendance at any tournament.

Article 5 Sanctions (Disciplines)

The following are suggested sanctions, which may be imposed by appropriate disciplinary bodies: 5.1 Exclusion: A determination that a member has committed an offense

warranting abrogation of a member's right to play in certain specified events.


5

5.2 Reprimand: A determination that a member has committed an offense warranting discipline. It becomes a matter of record, but no further sanction is imposed at the time. A reprimand automatically carries a probation of at least three (3) months. If the member is adjudged guilty of another offense during that period, he is then liable for further sanction for both offense.

5.3 Censure: A determination that a member has committed a serious

offense warranting discipline. It becomes a matter of record, but no further sanction is imposed at the time. Censure carries a probationary period of at least one year. If the member is adjudged guilty of anther offense during that period, he is liable for further sanction for both offenses.

5.4 Suspended Sentence with Probation: A determination that a member

has committed an offense warranting discipline. When the discipline is imposed and executive thereof suspended, such suspension shall include probation for at lest six months longer than the discipline imposed. If a member is judged guilty of another offense during the period of probation, unless otherwise decreed, the original discipline shall be added to such discipline as may be imposed for the new offense.

5.5 Suspension: A determination that a member has committed an offense

warranting abrogation of all membership rights and privileges for a specified period of time. A member, under suspension, may not play in any ABA sanction game or tournament.

5.6 Expulsion: A determination that a member has committed an offense

warranting the permanent abrogation of all membership rights and privileges. The expelled member may not play thereafter in any ABA sanctioned game or tournament. An expelled member may be readmitted to membership only by the ABA Board of Directors. No application for reinstatement may be considered before two years from the date of expulsion.

5. Reduction of Forfeiture of Master Points or Tournament Rank: A

determination that a member has committed an offense at a tournament warranting forfeiture of a specified number of all of the Master Points earned in that tournament, or in a particular event in which the offense occurred, or a reduction in rank in a particular event, (including disqualification, or both).

5.7.1 When the determination has been made before the termination

of the tournament, resulting in a reduction in rank or


6

disqualification, the standing of the other contestants in the event shall be adjusted to reflect such determination.

5.7.2 When the determination has been made after the termination of the tournament, a reduction in rank or disqualification shall not affect the standing of other contestants in the vent even though there may be no winner because of such action.

5.8 The effective date of a sanction imposed on a member shall be that date named by the committee in its determination, or failing that, five (5) days after oral or three (3) days after written notification to the member.

5.9 The American Bridge Association's Board of Director, or its designees,

shall be advised of each sanction verbally with a written notification t follow. Such notice shall declare the date upon which the sanction became effective.

Article 6

Disciplinary Reports

All sanctions are a matter of record and must be reported to the Board of Directors, or its designee, by the disciplinary body imposing the sanction. 6.1 When a Committee imposes discipline, not intended to survive the

tournament, the member has a no right of appeal or review. The Board of Directors shall be notified and shall keep a record of such action.

6.2 When a Committee action imposes discipline intended to extend

beyond the end of the tournament, it shall be effective only under the following conditions:

6.2.1 The disciplined member shall have the right within ten (10)

days after the imposition of the discipline to request a review of the Committee's decision by the appropriate disciplinary body of the sponsoring organization.

6.2.2 The Committee shall advise him of such a right. 6.2.3 In no event shall a suspension imposed exceed thirty (30)

days, or probation exceed ninety (90) days. 6.3 When, in the opinion of the Committee, the charged member has

committed an offense which may warrant a discipline exceeding thirty (30) days, it shall refer its records to:

6.3.1 The disciplinary body having jurisdiction when the action

occurs during a Regional Tournament/Game. 6.3.2 The Sections having jurisdiction when the action occurs

during a Sectional Tournament.


7

6.3.3 The National Appeals & Ethics Committee when the action occurs during a National Tournament.

6.4 The review will generally be conducted on the record made at the initial hearing unless, in the opinion of the reviewing body, the record is insufficient. At any such review, the member disciplined will be given written notice of the date, time and place of the review and of the discipline imposed against him. He shall be informed of the right to be represented by counsel, and the right to appear before the reviewing body. If, in the opinion of the member disciplined, the record is insufficient, he may request that the record be appropriately expanded.

6.5 When the matter has been referred to a Section or the National Appeals

& Ethics Committee under 6.3.2 or 6.3.2, it may in turn, in its sole discretion, refer the matter to the home Unit of the member charged.

Article 7

Suspension Pending Hearings 7.1 The right of a member, against whom charges are pending, to play in an

ABA sanctioned event during such pendency shall not be affected unless otherwise directed by any of the following:

7.1.1 A Unit having jurisdiction of the member or its designees. 7.1.2 The Section having jurisdiction of the member or its

designees. 7.1.3 The Board of Directors of the ABA or its designees. 7.1.4 When the suspension is by the Unit or its designee, the hearing

must commence within twenty (20) days, unless delay is caused by the member.

7.1.5 When the suspension is by the Section or its designee, the hearing must commence within sixty (60) days, unless delay is caused by the member.

7.1.6 When the suspension is by the National Board of Directors or its designee, the hearing must commence at the first ABA Board of Directors' meeting, unless delay is caused by the member.

7.2 Suspension by the ABA Board of Directors: The ABA Board of

Directors shall have the right to prefer charges with a member's Unit, and to suspend members, pending such disciplinary proceedings, who commit any of the offenses listed under Article 2.

7.3 The ABA Board of Directors shall report such action to the appropriate

disciplinary body of the Association in accordance with procedures outlined i Article 3.


8

7.4 The Board of Directors may lift the suspension provided in 1.7.2 at its discretion.

Article 8

Appeal Procedure Disciplined members or any party aggrieved may appeal rulings imposed by any disciplinary bodies in the following manner and cases: 8.1 To the Unit from Club rulings. 8.2 To the Section from Unit rulings.

As a matter of right, appellant may file his appeal with the Appeals & Ethic Committee of the Section of which the Unit is a part and/or its duly elected Vice President, Chair of the Board or designee.

8.3 To the ABA Board of Directors from Section rules:

8.3.1 When the Section has exercised original jurisdiction. 8.3.2 When the discipline is:

8.3.2.1 A substantive question of law. 8.3.2.2 A substantive question of fairness of the hearing. 8.3.2.3 A substantive abuse of power. 8.3.2.4 A reversal of modification by a Section of a ruling of

the Unit. 8.4 Appeals will generally be considered on records, made in prior

hearings, unless, in the opinion of the reviewing body, the record from the appeal is sufficient.

Article 9

Stays of Execution of Discipline Pending An Appeal 9.1 The disciplined member does not have the right to have execution of a

discipline held in abeyance by the mere filing of a notice of appeal. 9.2 A stay of execution pending in the disposition of any appeal may be

granted under the following circumstances:

9.2.1 When the appeal is to the Section, the Chair of the Sectional Appeals & Ethics Committee or such persons designated y the section may stay the execution. If the Chair of the Appeals & Ethics Committee, or a designee referred to in the previous sentence, is unavailable to make such a determination, the Section Vice President may grant such stay of execution.


9

9.2.2 When the appeal is to the ABA Board of Director, the stay of

execution may be granted by the Chair of the National Appeals & Ethics Committee and/or such person as may be designated by the ABA Board of Directors.

Article 10

Jurisdiction of Disciplinary Bodies 10.1 Clubs have only original jurisdiction, except when reviewing a

tournament committee's decision. 10.2 Units have several jurisdictions:

10.2.1 May have original jurisdiction. 10.2.2 May review a tournament committee's decision. 10.2.3 May review disputes between Clubs. 10.2.4 May review alleged violations of Clubs referred to in 13.1

(See below). 10.3 Sections have only appellate jurisdiction except in:

10.3.1 Disputes between Units within the Section. 10.3.2 Cases involving alleged violations by Units referred to i 13.2

(See below) 10.3.3 Cases where there are no appropriate Unit disciplinary bodies. 10.3.4 When, in the opinion of the Unit or the Section, the matter

cannot be fairly heard by the Unit. 10.4 The ABA Board of Directors has only appellate jurisdiction except in:

10.4.1 Disputes between Sections. 10.4.2 Disputes between Units from different Sections. 10.4.3 Disputes of National election results. 10.4.4 Cases involving alleged violations by Sections referred to in

13.3 (See below.) 10.4.5 When, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, circumstances

make it impractical for the matter to be heard by the Section or Unit.

10.4.6 When, in the opinion of the Section or the National Board of Directors, the matter cannot be fairly heard by the Section or Unit.

Article 11

Appeals to the Sections


10

11.1 The notice of appeal of a ruling must be made in writing within thirty (30) days after the appellant has received the ruling notice.

11.2 Section shall establish regulations for the mechanics of prompt

disposition of the appeal. 11.3 The ruling of the Section shall be in writing.

Article 12 Appeals to the ABA Board of Directors

12.1 Notice of appeal of a ruling must be made in writing within thirty (30)

days after the appellant has received the ruling notice. 12.2 ABA Board of Directors shall establish regulations for the mechanics

of prompt disposition of the appeal. 12.3 The ruling of the ABA Board of directors shall be in writing

Article 13 Disciplines Involving Units or Sections

13.1 When it is alleged that a Club has violated ABA, Section, Unit or its

own by-laws or regulations, or has acted in an illegal manner, or has failed to act upon a complaint, a member or group of members may appeal directly to the Unit, Section Vice President, or in the absence thereof, to the ABA Board of Directors.

13.2 When it is alleged that a Unit has violated ABA, Section or its own by-

laws or regulations, or has acted in an illegal manner, or has failed to act upon a complaint, a member or group of members may appeal directly to the Section Vice President, or in the absence thereof, to the ABA Board of Directors.

13.3 When it is alleged that a Section has violated its own by-laws or

regulations, or has acted in an illegal manner, or has failed to act upon a complaint, a Unit, a member, or group or members may appeal directly to the ABA Board of Directors.

13.4 The procedures in these rules and regulations generally relating to

discipline, whenever applicable, shall apply to this paragraph.

Article 14 Procedural Principles for Hearings

by Units, Sections, and National Committees


11

14.1 The procedures before these committees are intended to promote a speedy hearing and shall be as simple and informal as circumstances shall permit, keeping in mind at all time the rights of all parties.

14.2 No official stenographic or tape record need be kept. Should one be

requested, the cost thereof shall be borne by the party asking for it. 14.3 In accordance with ABA By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, each party

to the proceeding has the right to be represented by counsel at any time or during any part of the proceeding. A failure to exercise this right at one hearing is not a waiver of such right at future hearings.

14.4 The Committee shall be bound by legal rules of evidence and

procedures, at its discretion, keeping in mind the rights of all parties involved

14.5 The use of opening and closing statements and submission of briefs and

memoranda shall be determined by the Committee. 14.6 Pre-hearing conferences may be held relative to the narrowing or

framing of issues or procedural questions relating to the matter before the Committee, if in its judgment, it is so warranted.

14.7 Under such terms and conditions as the committee, in its discretion,

shall deem proper, it may (but shall not be limited to):

14.7.1 Order an additional investigation. 14.7.2 Direct pre-hearing disclosure of evidence. 14.7.3 Permit taking of deposition or presentation of affidavits for

use at the hearing. 14.7.4 Limit the number of witnesses to be heard. 14.7.5 Clarify and define the issues to be heard. 14.7.6 Consolidate proceedings where the parties or issues are the

same. 14.8 The hearing may be adjourned by the Committee from time to time for

good cause, upon the application of a party, or upon its own motion.

Article 15 Procedural Principles on Appeals to Appellate Bodies

Appeals from Club, Unit, or Section Decisions An appellate body, in addition to the power to affirm or reverse, may modify, reduce, or increase the discipline under appeal.

Hosting ABA National Tournaments

1

American Bridge Association, Inc.

1994

Anita Troy National President

Gloria Christler

Executive Secretary


2

Dear Fellow ABA Members: We are pleased you are accepting the challenge of hosting a National Tournament. There are many benefits to performing such a pleasant task. In addition to the revenue, which is generated for the host group, many groups have found their membership is increased because they attract people to work on various projects. Ties within the membership are strengthened as people work toward the common goal of putting on an outstanding National Tournament. This booklet has been put together for the purpose of making your part of this process easier. Materials have been generated and collected from different successful past tournament planners. We are pleased to share them with you. If you have questions, there is help available from members at the national level. We will do all we can to assist you to sponsor a successful event. Sincerely yours, Anita Troy National President March, 25, 1994


3

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge materials from the following persons. Their information is a contribution in helping this booklet become a handbook of information to meet the needs of those planning to host a National Tournament. To them we give our thanks.

Gloria Christler, Atlanta, Georgia Worth Christler, Atlanta, Georgia Kenneth F. Cox, Riverdale, New York, NY Taylor Cox, Detroit, Michigan Phyllis Heard, Columbus, Ohio Leonard Jefferson, Metarie, LA. Robert J. Price, Chicago, Illinois A. Jacqueline Sheppard, Atlanta, Georgia Anita Troy, Henderson, Nevada Geraldine Wilson, Winter Springs, Florida Thelma Woodson, Detroit, Michigan

We would also like to extend special thanks and appreciation to Dr.

Jackye Sheppard for her assistance in the preparation of this Handbook.


4

Table of Contents A Letter from the President Acknowledgements Table of Contents Hosting a National Tournament

Letter of Invitation Site Selection Team The Site-Selection Committee Investigates The Negotiating Team The NTA After Presidential Notification National Administrative Responsibilities Duties and Responsibilities of the Host Group Criteria for a Superior Tournament Chair Some On-Site Tournament Responsibilities Sources of Revenue Awards Ball Vendors General Planning Committee

General Chair 11 Assistant Chair11 Committee Secretary Budget and Finance Children's Program Entertainment Hospitality Kits Partnerships Public Relations Registration Tours Souvenir Journal Transportation Special National To Pre-Nationals Guidelines Caddy Instructions


5

Pre-Game During the Game (1) After Each Round During the Game (2) During the Next-to-Last-Round During the Last Round After the Game


6

Hosting a National Tournament:

Step 1: A letter of invitation expressing an interest in hosting a National Tournament is sent to the National President.

Step 2: Site Selection Team: The President, Vice President, Convention

Manager and Hotel Negotiator make up the Site Selection Team. The Board of Directors and the Site Selection Committee will review and try to rotate sites. Local host groups are to be included in the site selection process.

Step 3: The Site-Selection Committee Investigates:

Location Parking Housing Playing Space Security Transportation Cost Food Sources

a. ABA member density: A large bridge population within a three-hour drive is preferred. A reasonable alternative is a site that will attract a large number of players from outside the area. Sites with a small immediate bridge population and sites that are not easily accessible should be avoided.

b. Determine the approximate cost to the membership c. Facilities: A single site for housing and playing space is preferred.

A second choice would be two playing sites and two or three hotels within one block. The least acceptable alternative would involve more than three hotel sites, but without mandatory busing.

d. Popularity of Area: Sites in the top 20 as tourist attractions are best, although any of the top 50 cities is acceptable.

e. Transportation: The most favorable sites would have major airport(s) in close proximity. A second choice would be a popular location that draws well regardless of availability by air or of inclement conditions. The least acceptable alternative would be a location requiring more than one mode of transportation.

f. The Site Selection Committee also checks local shopping centers for the availability of moderately priced food and personal services such as barber and beauty shops.

g. Checks on the availability of tournament supplies, i.e., tables, computer software and hardware scoring materials.

h. Determines if the invitation comes from an individual, a group, or a city.

i. Recommends acceptance or rejection of the invitation to the Board of Directors.


7

Step 4: The Negotiating Team (President, Vice President and Hotel Negotiator), in conjunction with other members of the Site Selection Committee, begins its negotiations with the hotel re:

Room rates Basic Services including: Complimentary space Water Complimentary rooms Proximity of lavatories to Gratuities playing areas Parking rates Elevators Staff rated rooms Peak use of elevators, etc.

Step 5: The NTA begins planning its activities:

a. The playing schedule is established and approved by the Board of Directors.

b. The list of eligible directors is reviewed. c. Contracts for services are distributed. d. Consultation is begun with the appropriate departments. e. Advertising is started extolling the strengths of the selected

location Step 6: After notification by the National President of its selection, the HOST

GROUP: a. Selects a local tournament chair. b. Appoints necessary committees. Finance Budget

Social Partnerships Kits Awards Ball

Souvenir Journal c. Defines committee responsibility(ies). d. Sets time lines. e. Keeps in close contact with appropriate National Officers,

especially the President. f. Selects key political persons to greet the membership. g. Requests minimum adjustment in the tournament schedule to

accommodate social activities. h. Meets with the Board of Directors on the Sunday following the

preceding national tournaments. (key factor) i. Requests space from the Tournament and Convention Coordinator

for necessary booth space at tournament site. j. Sponsors the Awards Ball.


8

k. Provides a financial report to the national body within two months after the conclusion of the tournament.

National Administrative Responsibilities In addition to the responsibilities of the Site Selection Committee, the following are required of the National Administration.

1. Signing the hotel contract . 2. Sending a copy of the contract to the Host Group or Tournament Chair. 3. Providing complete cooperation between the National Organization and

the Host Group or Host Tournament Chair. 4. Providing a sample budget (if requested) detailing all expenses. 5. Managing the tournament on site. 6. Receiving all monies and bills connected with the operation of the

tournament. (the Treasurer). 7. Making arrangements for the Host Group to participate in the site

selection process. 8. Providing a Caddy Coordinator 9. Providing tables, equipment (rented), and furniture for the tournament.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Host Group

1. Provides a liaison between the Site Selection Committee, the National Tournament Authority and the hotel. (Everything should be in writing.)

2. Must be familiar with the hotel, sales director and person or persons assigned to the ABA convention.

3. Selects and appoints key persons who are willing to work hard to make

the tournament a success and have the experience to do so. (See page 12)

4. Gathers a host of volunteers to assist with the work especially during the time bridge is being played.

5. Provides entertainment - Awards Ball, Cocktail Party, dinner dance, excursions, etc. A fee may be charged.

6. Plans activities for non-players as well as bridge players. 7. Provides hospitality. 8. Provides a program for New Players - lecture, panel show, reception,

etc. 9. Registers ABA players according to name, city, club affiliation and

player number. Badges may be provided for participants to wear. Ideas should be generated in order to encourage persons to register since registration is not mandatory. Prizes awarded by presenting kit


9

coupons are one idea to encourage people to register. Non-members may register in order to receive the kit.

10. Sells kits containing the souvenir journal, tickets to various affairs, etc. 11. Provides a partnership desk. 12. Provides publicity. This is often used to increase ABA membership

locally prior, during and after the Nationals. 13. Provides a children's program (A fee may be charged.) 14. Provides a souvenir journal (Should contain more than ads. A good

journal will include: a tournament schedule, history, hands, quizzes and anecdotes.)

15. Provides trained, experienced caddies through the National Caddy Coordinator. (See caddy training instructions beginning on page 15.)

16. Provides transportation for tours, etc. 17. Provides information, public relations 18. Provides receipts for any bills incurred by the Host Group which have

to be reimbursed by the National Organization. 19. Provides a budget for income and expenses to be incurred in the

tournament. This should be submitted to the National Tournament Chair one year before the date of the Nationals.

20. Secures an outstanding speaker(s) for the Public Meeting. 21. Secures the services of the Chamber of Commerce to help with various

tasks. 22. Should begin working on tournament activities at least two years before

the tournament. 23. Arranges for an incentive awards program to secure maximum services

from local members in planning and working toward a successful tournament. This can include a paid trip to a future tournament, rebate for selling prescribed amounts of ads for the souvenir journal and raffles, a free play or plays at a specified tournament (including the Nationals).

24. Establishes committees for essential duties. (See page 7) 25. Plans contact with business people for contributions to the souvenir

kits, Awards Ball, trophies for special games, etc. 26. May wish to consider the Marsh Plan (Named for Elvert Marsh of

Chicago who conceived the plan.) - The addition of ten to twenty-five cents to each city game fee in order to raise money for the National Tournament.

27. Plans to attend National Board of Directors' meetings to discuss plans for the coming tournament.

Criteria for a Superior Tournament Chair

1. Possesses ability to work and motivate people 2. Possesses good organizational skills.


10

3. Possesses ability to delegate tasks. 4. Possesses good communication and negotiating skills. 5. Possesses ability to remain calm under pressure. 6. Possesses a sense of humor. 7. Possesses the time to do the job (especially six months before the

tournament). 8. Possesses clearly defined areas of responsibility. 9. Willing to give up bridge playing to ensure the success of the

tournament. 10. Possesses the ability to cope with the unexpected.

Some On-Site Tournament Responsibilities

1. Plan for attendance above the estimate. 2. Plan for attendance below the estimate. 3. Anticipate that large crowds early in the tournament may not be

representative of the total attendance. 4. Anticipate that players will take a day off or leave early. 5. Identify, in advance, a number of expenses that can be cut or eliminated

during the run of the tournament in the event of a small turn out or drop in participants.

6. Bond persons assigned to handle large sums of money. 7. Use vouchers for payment of expenses.

Sources of Revenue

1. Entry fees from "C" Regional games are permitted the Host Group as a fund raiser (Granted one year before the tournament)

2. Donations 3. Special games - Such as the Pre-Nationals 4. Sponsors (Must be done two to three years in advance of the

tournament for the best results.) 5. Special events such as raffles 6. Advertising in the souvenir journal 7. Designating an official airline (if this is not used by the National

Organization 8. Selling the name of side games to local business or corporations (with

the permission of the National Organization) 9. Anonymous donors to be published as "compliments of a friend" 10. Sale of registration kits. 11. Receive 20% of the net proceeds for Spring Nationals until 1996. The

following applies: The host group's percentage would be 20% of the net proceeds from the Spring Nationals and 10% of the net proceeds from the Summer Nationals.


11

Awards Ball

1. Unless given a waiver by the Host Group/National Organization (when

there is no Host Group), Caddies under 21 years of age, will attend the ball only in the company of their parents or guardians. Young adults, accompanied by an adult, will be admitted to the Ball by paying half-price.

2. The Host Group is to provide entertainment for caddies the night of the

Ball.

Vendors 1. Must be an ABA member. 2. ABA members who have been vendors for three years or more will be given

priority in space selection. 3. ABA is not responsible for merchandise sold or vendor merchandise lost or

stolen 4. Requirements for vendors:

a. Must be recommended by the SVP. b. Pay a non-refundable fee of $40 per day (cashier's check) payable to

the ABA if they have the vendor table open during tournament play. ABA members who close their vendor tables and play in major tournaments pay $25.

c. Submit application to the Tournament and Convention Manager. d. Must contract for a minimum of three days per tournament.

5. ABA Bridge Supply Vendor: The contract to sell bridge supplies at

National tournaments was granted to Barclay Bridge Supplies (They must be represented by an ABA member.) In the event they do not attend a tournament, other vendors will be contacted.

General Planning Committee Each position or committee usually functions as follows (These are recommendations): 1. General Chair: Defines scope and sequence of all committees, constantly

touches base to check on efficiency and progress and reports to the president and suggests changes when and where necessary.


12

2. Assistant Chair: Functions in place or in cooperation with the General Chair.

3. Committee Secretary: Keeps an accurate record of all proceedings; sends

notices; writes letters, etc., under the direction of the Unit President or General Chair.

4. Budget and Finance: Oversees all money-raising activities. Keeps books;

secures or receives and okays vouchers; supervises Chair of Fund-raising Projects and monitors spending of funds.

5. Children's Program: Plans, coordinates and supervises children's

activities, including caddy parties, during the tournament. Submits a cost analysis to the Budget and Finance Committee, pre-registers participants, recruits and supervises chaperons for all activities. Secures a local adult attendant for activity room during the entire convention. Provides babysitters for those too young to participate in regular program.

6. Entertainment: Coordinates the major social functions, including the

Awards Ball. Secures competitive prices for services needed; submits cost estimates to the Budget and Finance Chair. Investigates alternative ways of conducting established programs including the printing and distribution of invitations.

7. Hospitality: Consists of the Club Presidents/designees. Functions the

entire week. Coordinates the hospitality nights so approximately equal refreshments

will be provided each night even though the clubs are hosting the nights. Plans the menu, refreshments, etc. Provides host and hostesses when needed. Investigates possibilities of coke or beer fountains from local distributors.

8. Kits: Secures materials for stuffing kits. Investigates cost of kits.

Supervises the organization and distribution of materials for stuffing kits. 9. Partnerships: Provides a registration form to be printed in the Bulletin

prior to the Spring and/or the Summer Nationals. Assign members on a rotating basis so the partnership desk is well covered before and after game times. Matches partners.

10. Public Relations: Begins immediately. Works continuously with Club

Publicity Chair; submits daily, weekly and/or monthly reports to local and national news media including newspapers, radio, and TV. Sends announcements, feature articles and personality profiles to the Bulletin. Works closely with ABA National Publicity Director in making contact with local news media for coverage during the tournament.


13

11. Registration: Responsible for selling kits. Must have someone at the desk at all times. Keeps close check on the number of kits sold and a money record.

12. Tours: Works with the Convention Bureau. Informs tour companies.

Makes appointments with business and industry, i.e. Ford Motors Company, Cranbrook, Grayline, etc. Makes requests for transportation with that committee.

13. Souvenir Journal: Sets and publicizes prices for ads. Solicits ads from all

national affiliates; secures publisher; assembles book; sets a deadline; delivers materials to publisher; keeps in close contact with General Chair, Budget and Finance Chair and the General Membership.

14. Transportation: Sees that adequate economical transportation is provided

for our guests to the various functions sponsored by committees.

Special National Tournament Regulations: 1. Game starting times will be 1:30 & 8pm except for the first session of the

Championship Knockout Teams, which will start at noon. Special morning activities, such as the Knockout Finals or Membership meeting may necessitate a 2pm starting time.

2. Tournament schedule has been adjusted so there are no games during the

ABA Interdenominational worship service and no midnight games before Open Membership Meetings.

3. Spring Nationals Tournaments will start on the Saturday before Easter until

1996, at which time the National Organization will host all Spring Nationals.

4. The Spring National Tournaments be sponsored and hosted by the National

Organization with assistance from the local group effective 1996. This would include:

a. Chairing the following committees: Kits, Souvenir Journal, Awards

Ball, and Midweek Activities. b. Receiving 20% of the net proceeds for Spring Nationals (Until 1996,

the following applies: The host group's percentage would be 10% of the net proceeds unless it is the host group for the National Association, then they would get 20% of the net.) and 10% of the net proceeds for the Summer Nationals.

5. A General Chair of the Spring National is appointed by the National

President at least 18 months before the stat of the tournament.

Richard Bowling

stat


14


15

Pre-Nationals Game In order to raise funds for holding a National Tournament, the Host Club (where there is no Unit) or Unit may sponsor a single-session Open Pair game designated the "Pre-National Game." This game has special privileges normally not accorded a regularly sanctioned ABA game.

Guidelines 1. The Pre-National Game is awarded single-session National Points. 2. The net proceeds from the Pre-National Game are used by the host

group to help defray expenses incurred in hosting the Nationals. 3. Only one Pre-National Game may be held by a Club or Unit in

connection with the same National. 4. The Pre-National Game will normally be scheduled immediately

preceding to the scheduled start of the National Tournament. 5. Additional games, usually referred to as "Host Group Games," may

also be awarded to the host group to help defray expenses incurred in hosting the Nationals


16

Caddy Instructions

In order to have a well-run tournament, Caddies must be trained. The following instructions will be helpful in that process. Note: The Caddy Coordinator will give special instructions for the Knock-Out Team and Swiss-Team-of-Four events. 1. Pre-Game:

a. Report to the Caddy Coordinator in the Caddy Room/Supply Room at least 1 hour prior to game time - 12:30pm for all 1:30pm starts and 7 for all 8pm starts.

b. The Caddy Coordinator will distribute badges and assign Sections for

that Session. c. Immediately "dress" all Section tables as follows: Put 4 private score

cards and 16-20 pick-up slips of the proper color on each table in the Section. The color of the pick-up slips to be used will match the color of the plastic table marker on the table. Place these items in the right-hand corner of the North player.

d. Put the board case for the Section on Table #1.

2. During the Game:

a. After the DIC has finished announcements, pick up Entry Blanks from all tables in the Section. Be sure players have filled these out with their name, address and ID number (Some players will use stickers. Their name, address and ID number will appear on these).

b. Arrange entry blanks in order with all N-S entries in one group, with #1

on the top and the rest following in numerical order. Do the same with E-W entries.

Special Note: In any Team-of-Four event, there will be only one entry on

each table. c. Take all entry blanks to the Section Director for checking.

3. After Each Round:

a. Collect pick-up slips from each table in the Section. Completed pick-up slips, which are to be collected, will usually be found face down


17

near the plastic table marker with an "X" on the back. (One per round, per table.

b. Arrange pick-up slips in order by board number (the top center number)

with the number 1 and 2 on top, 3 and 4 next, etc. Check each round to insure slips are in order.

c. If a slip does not have a number, show it to the North player only (the

one who keeps the score). Ask him/her to correct it. d. When one or two tables are still playing after others have completed

play, move on, get score slips from other tables and then go back for slow ones.

e. If there are other problems, the Section Director will help. Do not ask

the players under any circumstances. f. Mark the Section letter and round number on the back of the last slip.

(Ex. A-9 would be the 9th round from Section "A".) Place them near the Scorer's sheet (not on it). Place the ticket, face up if (s)he is there, but face down if (s)he is not.

If the Scorer finds an error, (s)he may send the ticket back to the table for

correction. Show the slip to the North player only. As a general practice, the Scorer will tell the caddy if he wants the Caddy to wait for possible corrections after turning in slips or (s)he will call the Caddy when needed.

4. During the Game: The Scorer or one of the other Directors, may ask the

Caddy to special jobs. For this reason the Caddy should try to remain out of the way and quiet, but readily available, so as not to disturb players or Scorers.

5. During the Next-to-Last-Round:

a. During this round, normally the 12th round, the Scorer will probably want slips as fast as they are completed. The Caddy should return to the Section as soon as (s)he has picked up the previous round. As tables finish playing both boards, and one slip is turned facedown, pick up that ticket and take it to the Scorer. If the Caddy is able to pick up more than one pair of tickets (these are called "doubles") on a single trip through the Section, this is fine. Do not wait for tables to finish, but complete each trip as quickly as possible.

b. Place the doubles on the table in front of the Scorer (not on his score

sheet), with the odd number on top and with each pair separate. (If


18

there is a continuous series of tickets, they may be placed in one pile. For example: If the Caddy picks up 1 and 2, 3 and 4 and 25 and 26, (s)he should place 1, 2, 3, 4 in one pile (with 1 on top) and 25 and 26 in a separate pile). Place tickets so the Scorer can read them.

6. During the Last Round:

a. As soon as all slips from the next-to-last round are picked up, return to the Section to pick up "singles". On the last round the Scorer will want each score slip as soon as it is completed. Bring these in as quickly as possible, without waiting for any other table to finish.

b. Use a private score card to check off slips that have been picked up.

Put a check opposite the table number as slips are picked up. Two checks opposite each table number means all the slips are collected. However, be sure to check with the Scorer to ensure all slips are collected. Do not start any other work until (s)he verifies all slips have been picked up. (Exception: If one or two tables are very slow, you may start your other work while waiting for these tables to finish, but only if the Scorer agrees those are the only tables missing).

c. Picking up doubles and singles is extra work, but is essential to allow

the Scorer to get a fast start on the sheet. (S)he and the players will appreciate the Caddy's best effort during these rounds.

d. When bringing singles to the Scorer, place each group in one pile, in

order and with the lowest number on top (Example: 1, 5, 19, 23, with 1 on top). This can be done while walking from the Section to the scoring table.

7. After the Game (when the last slip is in), the Caddy's final duties involve

picking up supplies. The following should be picked up:

a. Boards: Boards must be picked up and put away as follows so they will be in proper order for the next session.

(1) Be sure to get all boards from all tables. (2) Turn the top card in the South hand (opposite the arrow) face up in

each board. (3) Put boards in order with #1 on top and all arrows pointing in the same

direction. (4) Put boards in the Section's carrying case in numerical order. (The

Section letter will be on the case with board #1 at the front and with board numbers up so they can be easily seen by thumbing through.)


19

b. Pick-up slips, pencils, private scorecards: Clear all tables of unused pickup slips and private score cards. Also pick up all pencils with good points.

c. Table markers: Unless otherwise instructed, pick up the plastic table

markers after each Session. Put them in order, with #1 on top with all arrows pointing in the same direction. Be careful with #6 and #9 to preclude their being misidentified.

Forms

VIII-1

Part VIII Forms

ABA Appeal Form PSA 505 Application for Sanction

Cash Disbursements/Receipts Register Check Request Form Discrepancy Report Form Letter of Transmittal

PSA 404A Membership Listing Non-Employee Pay Request Official/Staff Expense Report Registrars Report Form Return of Form PSA 404 Sanction Irregularity Report Scrip Order Form Nationals Table Count Tournament Expense Voucher Travel Request Form UNCF Report Form Tables Giving the values for Given Number of Tables

Forms

VIII-2

Documents

The Official Handbook of the American Bridge Association · The Official Handbook of the American Bridge Association Revised December, 2000 Gloria Christler Executive Secretary. Executive