Competitions – General Conditions

Rules. The Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge currently in force govern all our events. Players will be expected to follow the new Orange Book rules regarding announcements and alerting. There is however a second year of grace for players to become familiar with the changes. We have a number of specific regulations of our own, but for the most part we follow EBU practice. In particular, the EBU is the last “court of appeal” when our procedures are exhausted.

Conventions. At events open to non members we allow Level 3 conventions. At ‘Friendly’ and Novice events we only allow Level 2 conventions. At all other events we allow Level 4 conventions. The top two divisions of the League of Eight and the League of Four will also be Level 4.

Starting Positions and Seeding. There is a draw for starting positions in most events. In the County Pairs Qualifying round and the County Teams Qualifying round we try to balance the playing strength between the sections by seeding. We may also seed at some other events. At the Club Teams Final, teams may be allocated a starting position in advance so that experienced teams and teams from the same club are spread throughout the field

Late Arrivals. Players held up en route should phone Nigel Thompson. Players who do not phone will be accommodated if possible. Players are asked to be seated by 2.20 p.m. so that we can start promptly.

Correction Period.

In Teams events players are required to check the traveller as this will be the final arbiter if there is a disagreement on scores. Teams will be given a team score sheet for the first session which must be checked. At the end the correction period is the same as for pairs.
In Pairs events at the end of the first session players will be given a personal scorecard. All players are asked to check this - the director will announce the last time for corrections. After the event the scores will only be changed if there is an input error, an impossible score or both pairs agree that there has been an error. At the end of play, because many players will not wish to stay to check their scores, a provisional result will be announced and the trophy, goblets and prizes (if any) presented. The scorer will print personal score cards on request if time allows. The full results will normally be available on the web the same day. If it is not possible to publish these details on the web or players do not have access to the web they may request personal scorecards from the Event Co-ordinator. Players have until midnight on the Monday following the event (or the day following publication on the web if later) to report errors. The final result will then be confirmed.
In Swiss Pairs events pairs will be given score sheets during the following round and have until the end of that round to ask for corrections. After the final round the correction period is as for pairs.

Should the result change then the trophy and goblets will be awarded to the correct players. Additional prizes will be distributed as necessary but no prizes that have been distributed on the day will be withdrawn.

Results. Our aim is to make results available within a short time after play ceases. Provisional results are posted on the web site as soon as possible. We will post results and personal score sheets on request, to contestants in individual events.

Players with special needs. We will try to accommodate any special requirements that you have such as a stationary table or dietary, where the entry fee includes tea, if you let us know at the time of entry.

Prizes. Except for the two Primary Championship events, the County Pairs and the County Teams , prizes are awarded to approximately 10% of the field. Where there are two positional prizes or less the 1^st prize will be £15 per player and all other prizes will be £10 per player. If there are three positional prizes or more then 1^st prize will be £20 per player, 2^nd prize £15 per player and all other prizes will be £10 per player. At the Mixed Swiss Teams we give bottle prizes rather than cash.

Non-Expert Prizes. In most events, we encourage less experienced competitors to take part, by offering prizes for the leading non-expert pair or team not otherwise eligible for a prize. The prize is a voucher for free entry to a regular County Event . The definition of “non-expert” is based on EBU Master Points issued (whether registered or not) up to the day of the competition. The Committee reserves the right to refuse claims of non-expert status that are contrary to the spirit of the prize. This prize is only awarded if there are at least three non-expert pairs or teams competing.

Master Points. All events qualify for EBU Master Points; these are direct-credited to the player’s record at the EBU every quarter. Players who are not members of the EBU may ask the event co-ordinator to send them a certificate.

Hand Records. For all events pre-duplicated boards are used, and printed copies of the hands are available. They are also published on the web with the results.

Refreshments. Coffee, tea and squash are available free throughout all our events. Food is only provided at events where a plated tea is specifically included in the entry fee. In all other events, there is usually no facility to purchase food and players are advised to bring their own.

Mobile phones must be switched off. The TD may impose a fine if phones ring.

Smoking. In accordance with the new legislation, smoking is not allowed inside any public building in which the competitions take place.

Appeals. Appeals against decisions made by the TD require a deposit of £20 (pairs) and £40 (teams). The deposit will be retained if the appeal is thought by all the members of the Appeals Panel to be frivolous. Appeals must be lodged before leaving an event. Guidance on rulings and appeals in B&B matches played privately are included in the rules of the events concerned.

Comments and Suggestions. All players are encouraged to use the Comments Book or speak to a member of the Competition Committee.

Complaints. Any player who has a complaint should contact the County Secretary .

Lost Property. Enquiries should be made to the Event Co-ordinator.

Entries and Cancellations

Entries

Ø Entry may be made through the web site with payment being made on the day. Later entries by phone or email may be accepted but are only confirmed if acknowledged by the Event Secretary. You are liable for the entry fee even if you do not play unless you notify us in advance that you are unable to attend.

Ø Post entry forms and table money to the contact named on the entry form.

Ø Further stocks of entry forms will be available at County events and from clubs.

Ø Cheques should be made payable to 'Berks & Bucks CBA'.

Ø Entries will only be acknowledged if you request an email response or enclose a s.a.e.

Ø Closing dates are generally Wednesday for Sunday events and Saturday for weekday events.

Ø Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the Event Co-ordinator.

Ø Entries may have to be refused even before the closing date if the capacity of the venue or event is reached.

Ø Events may be cancelled if there are less than 5 tables entered by the Wednesday before the event.

Club Pairs Championship & Club Teams Championship entries.

Ø For our two “club” events, the Club Teams Final and the Club Pairs Final the entries are submitted by the clubs holding a heat direct to the Event Secretary.

Ø Details are sent to the clubs, of whom any enquiries should be made.

Ø The clubs also collect and submit the entry fees.

Ø Cancellations should be notified to the Event Secretary as below.

Cancellations

Ø If you have to cancel your entry, please notify the person taking the entries as early as possible. On the day, only if you are unable to contact the organiser, please contact Nigel Thompson.

Ø You will normally be entitled to a refund if you cancel in reasonable time.

Ø Players who do not pay in advance will be liable for all fees unless they cancel their entry.