Rules

1. BBO Site Rules

Abiding by the rules as laid out in the Bridge Library is mandatory. (Go to Main Lobby > Useful Links and Information > Rules of this Site). You must treat your Partners and Opponents with courtesy and respect. We have Zero Tolerance for any form of bad behaviour.

2. Timing of Unscheduled Events

No unscheduled Event is to be held as a BIL event whereby the timing of that Event would interfere with a member’s ability to attend a lesson, play in a scheduled Lesson, Fun or Pay for Tournaments. This does not affect those members wishing to open tables in the BIL for the purpose of enjoying social bridge.

3. Unscheduled Events as BIL Events

Provided that Rule #2 has been met members may define their unscheduled event as a BIL event.

4. Use of BIL Chat ToClub Facility

Members running their own private events outside of the BIL are NOT permitted to use the BIL Chat ToClub facility to seek players for their private events.

5. Use of "BIL"

Members running their own private events outside the BIL are NOT permitted to use the word BIL or any other similar words to suggest that their events are in any way connected to the BIL.

6. Revocation of Membership

Any member failing to comply with Rules, 2/4/5 will have their membership permanently revoked.

7. Playing at a Table

Undos are to be permitted - but do not ask for an undo after an Opponent has played to the card unless the Table Host has posted permission in the table description.

Do not leave a table during a hand; announce your departure before the hand finishes.

8. Private Skill Level

Showing a skill level of "Private" in the Lounge is unacceptable. Some events will be described as appropriate for a particular level.

9. BIL Skill Levels

The following are the skill level definitions for use in the BIL and when playing in the BIL's Play/Discuss format lessons. Please read them, decide on your level, and if necessary change your profile.

Beginner

A newcomer to bridge, one who is learning the basic principles.

Novice

One who has played bridge in the past but now needs to update his or her skills for competitive Internet or face-to-face bridge (e.g. playing duplicate/new conventions).

Intermediate

One who has a good understanding of the basic principles and is learning the modern conventions and those who are developing the skills to become an Advanced Player.

10. Systems

All systems are acceptable. Take time to re-assess your profile (click on your user name to edit). Make full use of the space available to you. This is of immense help when playing with a "pick up" partner.

11. Chat to Club

The Chat to Club facility is ONLY to be used sparingly and for the main purpose of advising kibitzers at other tables that you have spare seats available. Do NOT use Chat To Club during a teaching session (To Club goes to ALL tables in the Lounge). Members playing at other tables have the RIGHT to play in peace - unlike the Lobby Chat, Club Chat cannot be disabled.

12. Problems or Complaints

If you have any matters of concern with respect to the management of the lounge, conduct of honorary members or mentors these matters must be reported to Maureen Hall (User-Id = hallway).

13. Problems at a Table

If a matter needs to be dealt with urgently, call Inquiry. If he is not on duty any "Yellow" can respond. Report any bad behaviour to BILmanager (Chat, Leave mail for BILmanager, add message, Enter).

14. Change of EMAIL Address

You must register any change to your email address. Memberships only remain active as long as the email address remains current. Submit the details by using the Application Update in the Introduction to this site.

15. Correspondence

You must put your BBO Log In name on all correspondence.

16. Zero Tolerance for Unacceptable Behaviour

There is little doubt that the one thing that drives newer players away from bridge is bad behaviour. Zero Tolerance for Unacceptable Behaviour started in Canada. Please follow these guidelines:

Expected Behaviour

This is anything that makes bridge MORE enjoyable for others.

• Being a good Host or Guest at a table.
• Greeting others in a friendly manner prior to the start of play.
• Having a Convention Card available. At the very least your preferred System & Conventions on your profile.
• Giving credit to partner and opponents for a good bid/play.

Unacceptable Behaviour

This is anything that makes bridge LESS enjoyable for others.

• Using the ToClub chat to invite people to your table during a Teaching Session.
• Publicly criticizing partner or opponents.
• Badgering, rudeness, insinuations, profanity, racist or sexist remarks.
• Negative comments concerning partner or opponents biding/play.
• Gloating over a good result.
• Objecting to a call for the Director. Disputing or arguing with a Director's ruling.

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣