Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a respectful, friendly and hospitable atmosphere where all players can enjoy the game of duplicate bridge, regardless of their level of expertise. We emphasize education, enjoyment, nurturing members’ development, encouraging competition, and upholding ethical and behavioral standards.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Iowa City Bridge is committed to acceptable player behavior at all times. The ACBL Zero Tolerance Policy states that all players are expected to follow the ACBL Laws regarding behavior. A Zero Tolerance violation is any unacceptable behavior that occurs before, during, or after a game.
The Zero Tolerance Policy states that all players are expected to follow the ACBL Laws regarding behavior including Laws 74 (Conduct and Etiquette), 81-C4 (Director’s Duties and Powers), 90-A (Procedural Penalties-Director’s Authority), and 91 (Penalize or Suspend). These laws set behavior standards and procedures for Zero Tolerance Policy violations.
If a player at the table behaves in an unacceptable manner, the director should be called immediately. Annoying behavior, embarrassing remarks, or any other conduct which might interfere with the enjoyment of the game is specifically prohibited by Law 74A. Law 91A gives the director the authority to assess disciplinary penalties. In extreme cases or cases of repeat offenses, a player can be barred from our club games for a stipulated period of time, or permanently.
Health Issues
All players must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and provide proof of such vaccination prior to playing in any face-to-face games. Please do not come to play if you are running a fever or exhibiting any symptoms of a contagious disease (e.g., runny nose, cough, sneezing, diarrhea, etc.).
Use of Cell Phones and Other Devices
Please avoid using cell phones or other electronic devices during games unless absolutely necessary, and set devices to “silent” or “vibrate”.
Neatness
Please throw away your trash, including napkins, cups, spoons, plates, drink cans, paper trash, score sheets, etc. After the game, please clean up around the table area, return boards to the director, and place chairs under the table.
Game Start and Timing
Our goal is to start games promptly at the specified time, and to end no later than approximately three hours after start time. In order to achieve this goal, we require players to adhere to the following:
- Arrive no later than 15 minutes before game start time.
- Play in tempo, and claim when you can.
- Games with two hands per round will be allotted 15 minutes. Games with three or more hands per round will be allotted 7 minutes per board. Please watch the game clock. Do not start play on a new hand if there are fewer than 3 minutes remaining in the round.
- Hold discussion to an absolute miminum until your table has completed all hands in the round.
- Should your partnership be consistently slow, the director may warn you and request you to pick up the pace. A second warning may result in disciplinary penalties for slow play.