To promote a Safe Sport culture in the SCBA clubhouse, the Competition Secretaries and the President have decided to tentatively implement the following policy in SCBA from 1 Apr 2024:
1. (Weekly Social Games) No new boards are to be played with less than 4 minutes remaining in the round. All pairs are to be assigned an average for all unplayed boards, without any further negotiation or expression of displeasure by any party.
While we understand that several players want to play as many boards as possible, we cannot allow the entire session to be dragged on due to actions by a minority of players. This is especially compounded during evening games when both transport and safety for the senior players become an issue.
At the same time, while it is possible in theory for Directors to ascertain the degree of responsibility by each pair for slow play, this discussion is unfruitful for the dynamics on the table and overwhelms the Director especially if he/she is also playing.
We recognise that each Director has their preference in running the games, and while all are expected to closely follow this policy, minor adjustments taking into account the culture and field are acceptable.
2. (All events) Players are empowered to gently point out improper conduct on the table to the offending party. They should call the director if the resolution is unsuccessful. The director should attempt to settle such cases within the session with no further rectification. However, if the incident is serious, this should be escalated to the SCBA Committee.
Improper conduct includes but is not limited to:
(a) Commenting on the skill level of opponents on the table, especially if they are weaker;
(b) Making snide remarks on opponents' bidding and play;
(c) Excessive provision of unsolicited advice to opponents;
(d) Taking advantage of newer players by providing non-existent “table rules” or opportunistically calling the Director;
(e) Calling the director multiple times for any minute "break" in tempo that most likely causes no UI;
(f) Making weaker opponents feel at fault that they have been playing too slowly and do not belong in any weekly games; and
(g) Any other behaviour that causes physical, emotional or psychological damage.
Directors are to exercise professional judgment and common sense in determining the severity of each case.
We seek the understanding of the stronger players as we must protect the long-term interest of the sport. As SCBA is operating in a public, inter-generational environment, players are advised to be sensitive to cultural differences between each generation and be always mindful of their behavior in the clubhouse.