South African Bridge Federation
RULES AND REGULATIONS
If you want to play bridge at a club level, it's important to familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations players are expected to adhere to.
You can view or download the legislation governing WBF bridge with the links below:
2023 Psyching Bidding Guidelines
2023 WBF Alerting Policy
2023 WBF Systems Policy
Regulations for the Control of Conventions (June 2022)
Supplementary Regulations (June 2022)
Conditions of Entry and Play for Online Tournaments
Red Point Events and Eligibility to Play
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
"A good director is always firm but NEVER officious or loses his temper. Try to keep your members happy."
- Simple Directing at the Bridge Club by Dr C.E. Gurr
Rely on the Director's help: Don't be shy about calling the Director. The players should never make their own application of the laws for revokes, leads out of turn, insufficient bids or any other irregularities. The Director is there to do it for you - by the book - so please call the TD.
The purpose of the Zero Tolerance (ZT) policy is to create a much more pleasant atmosphere at all our venues. This is an attempt to eradicate unacceptable behaviour in order to make the game of bridge more enjoyable for all.
The following are some examples of commendable behaviour that will significantly contribute to an improved atmosphere: being a good 'host' or 'guest' at the table; greeting others in a friendly manner; praising the bidding and/or play of the opponents; and having a clearly completed convention card readily available to the opponents (required by regulation).
The following are some examples of behavior which will not be tolerated: badgering, rudeness, insinuations, intimidation, profanity, threats, or violence; negative comments concerning opponents' or partner's play or bidding; gloating over good results; constant and gratuitous lessons and analyses at the table; and loud and disruptive arguing with a director's ruling.
If a player at the table behaves in an unacceptable manner, the director should be called immediately. Annoying behaviour, embarrassing remarks, or any other conduct which might interfere with the enjoyment of the game is specifically prohibited by Law 74A. Law 91A (below) gives the director the authority to assess disciplinary penalties.
LAW 91 - PENALIZE OR SUSPEND
A. Director's Power
In performing his duty to maintain order and discipline, the director is specifically empowered to assess disciplinary penalties in points or to suspend a contestant for the current session or any part thereof (the Director's decision under this clause is final).
B. Right to Disqualify
The Director is specifically empowered to disqualify a contestant for cause, subject to approval by the Tournament Committee or sponsoring organization.
