AMERICAN CONTRACT BRIDGE LEAGUE
6575 Windchase Blvd. Horn Lake, MS. 38637
Claire Jones
District 18 Director
(901) 332-5586
2708 Lakeview Ave FAX: (901) 398-7754
Regina, Sk. S4S 1G3
Canada
H: (306) 584-3516
F: (306) 585-1443
Email: stats@accesscomm.ca
Greeting from Memphis, TN.
March 25, 2012
Greeting Everyone,
Holding the NABC's in Memphis was a real opportunity for everyone to visit our new Horn Lake headquarters. Preliminary reports are it was very successful. I will highlight the items discussed I believe are of interest to District 18. The CEO Report, from Robert Hartman our new CEO, related a very positive picture for the League. Both club and tournament play are up and things are looking good for the future. The League is about to enter into a contract for the rewriting of ACBL SCOR. This should be completed in 2013 and will incorporate many of the new functions made available with advances being made in computing. Things as the new "Find A Club" APP are just a small part of this technological advancement. I am watching for this new program with great anticipation.
Here's a reminder for anyone sanctioning a tournament. The ACBL has a blanket insurance policy which covers all our Unit and Districts. In the information packages sent to the tournament coordinators you will find an "Opt In" at no cost form. Be sure to fill this out and send it in so that your tournaments are covered.
If you've had a chance to look at our updated home page ( www.acbl.org ) you will find a section dedicated the teachers and teaching bridge. Those doing lessons in your area should be sure to add their name to the ACBL Data base. These pages contain a form where they can submit their information. The cooperative advertising program for teachers continues to be one of our most popular programs. If you are teaching make sure you apply for both this and the additional funding District 18 provides to help cover the cost of your advertising.
One of the initiatives Sharon Anderson, our new president, has established is a task force to study both GNTs and NAOPs. These grass root events have been suffering from decreased participation. Items like the on line hosting that our District piloted are being investigated. Our District's size certainly creates problems in hosting District finals. Watch for new ideas for both GNTs and NAOPs coming from this committee.
King and Queen of bridge nominations are now being accepted. If you know of anyone you feel would be a good candidate be sure to have them send in their application. May 11 is the deadline for applications. Unit and District presidents have received information that will help you when sending in applications.
The complete Board meeting minutes will be posted on the ACBL web site in early April ( http://www.acbl.org/about/bodmeetings.html ). I am highlighting some of the motions most relevant to District 18 but be sure to check the web site for all the motions.
Item 121-140: Executive Committee Minutes
In an executive meeting the Super Open Pairs has been moved to the Fall NABCs. This event has suffered from poor attendance and it is hoped this will be a better time frame for those wishing to participate. Watch for this event in San Francisco this Fall.
Carried: Unanimously
Item 121-02: Cheating
This item was deferred to the summer meeting in Philadelphia.
Carried: Unanimously
Discussion: Whereas all the Directors favored the motion it was felt it should go to management for a complete study of masterpoint penalties imposed in disciplinary cases in the past 10 years. It is hoped this will make sure the motions has covered all the bases. Watch for this to be passed in Philadelphia.
Item 121-63: Junior Coupons
Juniors under the age of 26 who are full time students and juniors under the age of 21 are eligible for $10.00 off coupons at the NABCs while juniors under the age of 19 are eligible for free plays in Regional events at the NABCs.
Carried: 23-1-1
I voted for.
This is an expanding of the present policy that recognizes the importance of introducing young people to our game.
Item 121-50: Strength of Field Formula
A Strength of field formula be adopted for the awarding of masterpoints at Sectionals and Regionals.
This item was deferred to Philadelphia.
Carried: 16-8-1
I voted for.
See item 121-51 for the rationale.
Item 121-51: Strength of Field
A 2 month "shadow" testing period will begin approximately May 1, 2012. The results will be presented to the Board before the Philadelphia meeting to demonstrate what effects the new formula will have on the awards across the League.
Carried: 22-1-2
I voted for.
The proposers of the formula have made adjustments to the formula to increase initial awards proposed for the lower strats. It is felt that if we are able to see how the formula affects the awards in each of the Districts we can make a better decision on whether these are good changes. When I receive the District 18 tournament results will be sharing them with you. This is a subject I am looking forward to your input on before the vote.
As always I wish you all the best at the bridge table and may all your finesses be successful,
Claire