Subject: TD's Code


Drafts for Code of Tournament Directors

Preface

At this part there may be underlined dual function of TD:
- TD should serve players for their being comfortable during the play of
bridge,
- TD should execute every demands and conditions of the Laws and Sponsor
Organization (when they do not contradict to the Laws).

Remark:
My opinion is that it would be useful to mention that at club/regional level
first function should prevail and at national/international championships
second function becomes more substantial.

Part 1 - Who may be TD

There should be described main professional demands for TD and CTD - for
contest of every level: club, regional, national, zonal and world.
It is useful to formulate that professional level of TD and his/her
qualification should be confirmed once per 2-3 years at special committee of
appropriate organization.
There may be used (or re-write) formulations from ACBL and EBL regulations
on this matter (for example: for national/international level - EBL TD
Organization, for club/regional level - ACBL regulation)

Part 2 - Main functions of TD

There may be listed extracts from the Laws, EBL and ACBL regulations that
deal with main TD's duties, obligations and power. Besides that - here there
should be once more underlined the sufficient difference between
club/regional TD and TD for national/international championships.

At club level it is TD who should create atmosphere in playing area. He
shall:
- in every questions of the Laws be a teacher for average players and even -
"farther-teacher" for novices;
- treat novices as soft as possible (when he has option) - explanations and
remarks are to be right way to make their entry to bridge more pleasant;
- try to conduct any contests in manner that will make the game as
comfortable for players as it is possible.

At national/international championships main aim of TD is to organize the
very process of the contest for:
- maximal executing of all the demands of the Laws and Regulations;
- maximal equity of all participants of the contest (so in treating them by
officers as in conditions of playing).

Sponsor Organization of non-official international contest may declare that
the contest should be provided as international champ or as contest of club
level.

Remarks:
Just treating all contestants in equal manner is one of the basic Olympic
principles. The greatest sportsmen are treated unequally only OUT of the
very contest. But all of us know a lot of incidents unequally treating
contestants DURING the bridge contest...
1. First example: in bridge tournament of the highest level player from one
country, when he is choosing the opening lead, is allowed to leave the
Closed room (of course, with TD - but from the same country...). After 10-15
minutes of absence he returns and makes killing lead. Player from another
country was not allowed to leave the Closed room  for WC - and continued
playing (9 boards) with extremely uncomfortable conditions that did
influence on result of his team...
2. Another example: there are several players of the highest world level who
allows themselves during the international contest of the highest level to
shout on their partners (especially - in mixed contests) or to make remarks
and even actions that might cause annoyance or embarrassment to another
players or might interfere with the enjoyment of the game, moreover - it
happened a lot of times that they make gratuitous comments to their
opponents during the auction and play. And even after TD was called by
player from another table (it was me) - no reaction. The only TD's words
were: "You do know m-r AAA, it happens with him. But he is great player!"
3. One more example: international team contest of the highest level, one of
the last boards, in presence of TD, one-side bidding with screens. One of
the players made his every bid after thinking of about 2-3 minutes. In about
20 minutes they bid final contract, the match was late for about 15 minutes.
Opponents appealed to the TD - no reaction. TD and slow-bidders are from the
same country...
4. Never mind, I do not even try to blame anybody in these cases although
for my opinion: the opening lead in the first example was obvious for at
least 70%, but it would be much better to leave the Closed room after making
opening lead (and player from another country should also be allowed to
visit WC); in the second example these great players should receive at least
slight rebuke; and in the third example there should be at least penalty for
slow play.
5. But bridge still is rather badly protected game and everybody -
especially officers! - should carefully avoid creating doubtful situations.
All these examples are impossible for Olympic sport... And we sharply need
to exclude every similar case.

Part 3 - TD's duties before contest

There should be listed main duties of CTD that ought to be fulfilled in
advance, when the contest is prepared  (especially - at
national/international championships). This list should contain, for
example:
- cheking Rules and Regulations for that very contest and suggesting (to
Sponsor organization) corrections in case of contradiction between them and
the Laws or preparing with Sponsor organization such Rules and Regulation in
advance;
- checking playing area, tables, cards etc.;
- checking the staff (if any) and instructing them about their duties during
the contest (especially - instructing TDs);
- checking organizer technique (info-screens, bridgerama etc.), computers
and especially - testing programs for becoming sure that schedule of
movement, scoring, typing results etc. do not contain any errors;
- in case of computer preparation of boards: compare overall statistical
parameters of prepeared set of boards with theoretical and (for World or
Zonal Championship) in case of gross deviation these statistical parameters
from theoretical ones - ordering to make another set of boards;
- learning preliminary list of contestants and pre-arranging several
versions of schedules: TD's in charge and movement.

Remark:
Usage of similar procedure should prevent a most organizational problems
(some of them did happen recently even at the tournament of the highest
level) during the contest.

Part 4 - TD's duties just before starting of the contest

There should be listed main duties of CTD or TD that ought to be fulfilled
in advance just before starting of the contest, after the list of
contestants is almost completed (because - especially at club level - the TD
should forecast that in pair contest several pairs may arrive some minutes
late and - especially at club level! - such pairs should be permitted to
take part in the contest even after 1-st round is over but before start of
second round). This list should contain, for example:
- assigning position for all the contestants for the first round;
- publishing this assigning;
- introducing (to all the participants - via laud-speaker or by publishing)
himself as CTD/TD and all the TD's staff;
- reminding (to all the participants - via laud-speaker or by publishing)
main features of the contest;
- reminding (to all the participants - via laud-speaker or by publishing)
main demands of Regulation for the contest;
- announcing the start of the first round of the first session;
- resolving (in pair contest) problem of pairs that would be late.

Part 5 - TD's duties during the contest

5.1. Before session

TD should:
- warn that there are several minutes before the session beginning,
- then invite players to take their position,
- check if there are any empty places at playing tables,
- if there are - try to resolve this problem, and
- then declare the beginning of the session.

5.2. During session

There should be listed TD's duties from the Laws, that concern with
supervising the order in playing room, making rulings and corrections,
assessment penalties (disciplinary and procedural), announcing the start and
finish of each rounds (in pairs), etc.
Besides there should be underlined that:
- TD ought to keep under his control all happenings at playing area where he
is TD-in-charge; that means - TD should be inside this area, working all
around the session "on his feet", trying to be a witness in every happening
at every table but not paying his attention only to one table;
(Remark: in my club I called such TD-ship as "active TD-ship" and my
pupil-TDs are trying to go on such a style; may be with this aim one should
limit playing area to 12-15 tables per a TD.)

Then there should be described TD's duties: so disciplinary as making
rulings, and the very procedure of ruling. As ruling questions were
excelently intriduced at 4-th EBL TD Course (Tabiano, 2001): "The Perfect TD
Ruling", - whole this text or extract from it may be used in this part of TD
Code. Since the text is rather known only for Europian TDs - there is it:

"Directing should be done using a strict procedural approach, supporting the
TD in his work, helping him to make the right decisions and bringing order
in a situation which is not always easy to handle. This is a description of
the things to be done in nine steps, with emphasis on one or another
depending on the kind of irregularity to solve.

1. The TD addresses the player who took the initiative to call for him.
Quite often the ruling is initially confusing because more than one of the
players starts telling what happened and others react. If the dummy called
for you, please check whether he took the initiative himself, since normally
speaking he is not allowed to do so. And tell the other side that you will
ask their view as well.
2. Let the player give his full story. Avoid interruptions from the other
pair, if necessary explaining once more that their turn comes later. And
'translate' what is told in such a way that relevant additional information
can be asked, so be an active listener. If a player tells you that his
opponent made an opening bid out of turn, you want to know if LHO made a
call thereafter. And if a player hesitated then try to find out for how
long.
3. Then ask the opponents whether they agree with the facts as given. If
necessary give a summary to emphasize the really important things. If a
player does not agree with his pause for thought being 30 seconds, 'help'
him by asking how long he thought the pause was, or by ' understanding' that
he needed some time to consider his call in this complicated or competitive
auction. Establishing the fact of the hesitation is more important than the
precise length of it. It often helps to ask a player why he decided to make
that call. If it deviates from the agreements and the answer is that there
was no other call available, then you found a leak in the system, and not a
accidental deviation.
4. All facts being clear the TD is able to make the decision, always with
the help of his law book. The advice is to use the law book as much as
possible, reading to the players what has to be done. This prevents
mistakes, convinces the players of the correctness of the ruling and might
even assure the TD in his job, not forgetting important details such as the
possible application of L16, L26  or..... It is nothing to be ashamed of
when the TD needs to use the contents or index to find the right law to be
used, though it is preferable to know where to go at once. Only in the most
'regular irregularities' it is acceptable to rule by heart. For a lead out
of turn it is even 'mandatory', to be able to finish the ruling in time.
5. The TD 'translates' the applicable laws to the specific situation,
replacing the general descriptions for the factual data in this
irregularity. 'East' instead of RHO or offender's partner, and 'hearts'
instead of the specified suit. It is impossible to let the players
understand what to do if the TD barely understands what he is reading
himself. Be aware that your own law book in your familiar language is much
easier to handle than the English law book, where everything is somewhere
else on another page.
6. Be complete, without exaggerating. Give all the options (but don't start
explaining a detailed application of L23, unless you already have the
feeling that it might be relevant). But mentioning lead penalties is
necessary to let a player make the right choice between withdrawing and
repeating.
7. The TD checks whether everyone has understood what he said. Only then the
player with alternatives has to decide which one to choose. Once that is
done the TD reminds the players of its consequences.
8. If part of the application is delayed, as with a lead penalty, the TD
stays at the table. Don't believe they really did understand you, so try to
stay at the table if the progress in play depends on that understanding.
Lead penalties and penalty cards are good examples. The number of tricks to
be transferred in a revoke is not, since they can call you back at the end
of play if they need assistance.
9. This description is less useful in judgment cases, though finding the
facts is as important as in technical rulings. Often the play has finished,
and if not almost all the time the TD will instruct the players to continue
play after he has established the facts. If a player calls him to reserve
his rights the TD should ask him what irregularity he is referring to (and
see 3). Decisions in which judgment is involved need consideration and may
take some time. Let them write down the actual score as a provisional
result. When giving the decision inform the players about the possibility to
appeal your judgment decision."

It's my opinion it should be underlined once more that: when there are
options for players, TD has to explain all the options available and should
make some efforts for guaranteeing that players understand sense of every
available possibilities in order to ensure their rights in full. Making
choice - players' business and TD should avoid even slightest allusion in
favor of any available alternative.

5.3. After the end of the session

There should be listed duties of CTD or TD that ought to be fulfilled after
session would be over. This list should contain, for example:
- preparing the list of results and publishing provisional list of results;
- making appeal decision (when they are under his authority) or transferring
appeals to Appeal Committee;
- making all necessary corrections - in accordance with the Laws;
- publishing the final list of results.

Part 6 - TD's duties after the end of the contest

There should be listed duties of CTD or TD that ought to be fulfilled after
the contest would be over. This list should contain, for example:
- publishing the final list of results;
- announcing winners;
- making report to Sponsor Organization about results of the contest;
- after international contest of high level: making reports to NBO about
every disciplinary cases against their members;
- after contest of club level: making reports to club officer about every
disciplinary cases against club members.

Part 7 - Proprieties

Here there should be listed ethic principles for TDs. Below there is not
full list of them:

A. Proper Attitude
1.  Courtesy
TD should maintain a courteous attitude at all times.
2.  Etiquette of Word and Action
TD should carefully avoid any remark or action that might cause annoyance or
embarrassment to player, kibitzer or another TD or might interfere with the
enjoyment of the game.
3.  No Remarks for Calling
TD, when called to the table, should not make to player any remark (in any
form!) that he was called without any reason.
4.  No Additional Critics
If TD decides to apply a disciplinary penalty, the players should be
informed immediately - in the manner excluding any additional critics
towards the offender.
5.  Conformity to the TD's Code
Every TD should fulfill all demands of this Code.

B. Etiquette
As a matter of courtesy TD should refrain from:
1. Paying insufficient attention to the game in playing area where he is TD
in charge (that includes such doing as reading during the session).
2. Making gratuitous comments to players during the auction and play.
3. Unnecessary prolonging time of round for benefit of certain players

C. Violations of Procedure
The following are considered violations of procedure:
1. Listening one player's arguments in absence of other players: the only
exclusion - when a player reports his suspicion about cheating, because such
a suspicion may be without basis.
2. Indicating approval or disapproval of a call or play when TD observes
game at any table.
(Remark:
It may seem unbelievable but it happened too. Once upon a time during final
match of national championship in one Europe country CTD went to the table
to observe the critical board. After the game was reached he saw LHO hand,
noticed that both important Kings are outside, breezed - and left the table.
The Declarer noticed these mannerisms - and chose very complicated line of
playing instead of 75% chance of two finessing. This line gave him winning
the contract and the title...)
3. Commenting or acting during the auction or play when TD observes game at
any table.

D. Conduct during Bidding or Play
1.  Personal Reaction
TD must not display any reaction to the bidding or play while a deal is in
progress.
2.  Mannerisms or Remarks
During the round, TD must refrain from mannerisms or remarks of any kind
(including conversation with a player - except he was called to make
ruling).
4. Consideration for Players
TD must not in any way disturb a player.
5. TD's Participation
During the play of the board TD may not call attention to any irregularity
or mistake, nor speak on any question of fact or law unless on player's
request; the only exception - intervention with disciplinary power.
6. The Same Country
In official international contests (zonal, world) TD must not observe
bidding or play of players from the same country as his. Moreover, at final
part of such a contest TD must not even   to the table where his
country-mates are playing.

E. Withdrawal
In an international tournament TD may decide to recuse himself because he
feels too closely involved, or feels he may be biased, or has discussed the
matter with interested parties, or has pre-decided the outcome.

Remark:
That's why it seems to me that in an international contest of highest level
(zonal, world) there should be one CTD and at least two vice-CTD, from
different countries, with almost the same power. And any conflict
(especially - at final part of the contest) should be ruled by one of these
three persons: one, who would not be a country-mate with any side of the
conflict.

8. Appendixes - Technical questions

Here there should be listed (and explained?) more often used kinds of
contests, methods of scoring and schemes of movements.

8.1. Kinds of contests
8.2. Methods of scoring
8.3. Schemes of movements




