AMERICAN CONTRACT BRIDGE LEAGUE

                                                                  2990 Airways Blvd. Memphis Tenn. 38116-3847

Richard G. Anderson

District 18 Director (901) 332-5586

2719 Jolly Place FAX: (901) 398-7754

Regina, Sk. S4V 0X8

Canada

H: (306) 761-1311

F: (306) 789-4919

Email: rgand@sasktel.net                                                                                                                                                                                               March 27, 2008

Report from the Spring ACBL Board Meetings - Detroit

       The Detroit Marriott in the Renaissance Centre was a one-site location for the Spring Nationals. The Tournament Committee, led by co-chairs Bill and Sandy Arlinghaus and Ron Howritz, did a great job of providing hospitality and entertainment. Unfortunately, the weather man did not cooperate, with snow and icy highways causing many players to stay home. The final table count of 8,550 tables was about 400 less than the revised on site estimate.

       The summer NABC will be in Las Vegas at the Hilton. A large crowd is expected. I hope to see lots of District 18 players there.

       The Board meetings were quiet. Here are the highlights.

1) New cameras were used in Detroit, for the NABC+ events. A firm has been hired to monitor the ethical behaviour of the players.

The ACBL has a Recorder System. If you observe a suspicious happening at your table or even an adjacent table, report it to a tournament Director, and then fill out a player memo. At NABC’s this player memo is then given to the ACBL Recorder, who will investigate and file a memo. The Recorder System will not work unless you fill out a player memo when circumstances are such that you should. A record of all unusual or suspicious actions is maintained. At our District 18 Regionals, the same action should be taken. Fill in a player memo, if warranted, and give it to the head tournament director, who will then get it to the District 18 Recorder. If you know the Recorder, you can give it to them directly.

Serious concerns exist in regards to the use of electronic devices, especially text messaging. Effective July 1, 2008, the following policy will apply to all Nationally rated events at the NABC’s.

“Electronic devices, excluding health related equipment, capable of sending or receiving communication, including but not limited to headphones, earphones, cellular phones and minicomputers: 1) shall not be allowed in the playing areas, adjacent hallways, restrooms, or accessible break areas; and 2) shall not be used during a session.

These restrictions shall apply to all pairs, team members, captains, coaches, recorders and kibitzers and shall apply throughout any actual playing session or segment.

A violation of this policy shall result in a disciplinary penalty of one full board (or 12 imps at that form of scoring) for the first offence. A second offence shall result in disqualification from the event for the pair/team.

Kibitzers violating this policy shall be removed from the playing area for the remainder of the session.”

These devices are not allowed in the playing area. Leave them in your car or hotel

       room.

2) Appeals & Charges

       The ACBL Disciplinary Code has been amended. The two changes are:

a) Rather than “Clear and Convincing Proof”, the code will read: “Preponderance of the Evidence”. This means evidence that is more convincing of guilt as opposed to not guilty.

b) Attorneys will no longer be allowed in the room during a hearing. The person can be represented and advised by an attorney, but that attorney would have to wait in the hall while the hearing takes place.

3) Other Items of Interest

       a) The League now has 158,300 members, an increase of about 1000 for 2007.

b) There were 2,500,000 tables of sanctioned club play and 465,000 tables in tournaments. This established a new record!!

c) The excess of revenue over expenses for 2007 was a healthy $1.5 million dollars. There are no anticipated fee increases for the next few years.

d) The real-estate committee is still considering the new home of the ACBL Headquarters. A decision should be made before Las Vegas.

e) The Competitions and Conventions Committee recommended that the multi 2 diamond convention not be permitted in pairs games. (Mid-Chart convention). It would still be allowed in team games. This will come into effect August 1, 2008.

f) There continues to be discussion on STaCs, re: fees and assigning of directors. There will be a flat fee per table which covers all previous ACBL expenses (director fees, sanction fees, hand record fee). For a STAC of 2000 tables this fee would be $3.75 US per table.

       I’ll close for now and hope to see many of you in Lethbridge, April 7 - 13, 2008 or at another District 18 Regionals.

All the best in bridge.

       Dick

Dick Anderson

District 18 rep on ACBL Board of Directors