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Laws and Ethics Forum: August 2010 The New Systems Policy The Laws and Ethics Committee has updated the 1999 “Handbook of Directives and Permitted Conventions”, which regulates the type of partnership agreements permitted in our competitions. The new “Systems Policy” will come into force on 1st September 2010, replacing the previous document. Copies will be sent to all clubs with their Subscription reminders; meantime we have posted the document on this website (under Administration: Documentation). The new Document reflects the modern approach where we talk of ‘Treatments’ and ‘Agreements’ rather than ‘Conventions’. We hope it is easier to read and understand – it is certainly shorter! The good news is that the changes will scarcely affect what you are allowed to play in Scottish Bridge Union competitions. The aims of the new Policy are to allow players to experiment with new methods provided these do not place unfair demands on opponents’ defensive preparation; and to keep the regulations as simple as possible. Following World Bridge Federation practice, we have instructed players to colour-code their systems so that opponents can see at a glance whether they are confronted with a natural (Green) system; a Strong Club (Blue) System; or an artificial (Red) System. If you have a Red Convention Card you are expected to list the relevant artificial methods under “Aspects of System Which Opponents Should Note”. This is so that they can easily check whether they need to discuss defensive counter-measures. We have decided to adopt WBF terminology, replacing the previous ‘Levels’ with ‘Categories’. Category 1 is confined to International events and Open and Women’s Trials; here partnerships can have any agreements they like, subject to adequate advance disclosure. Category 2 is confined to events with long matches such as the Scottish Cup and Winter Foursomes; here Highly Unusual Methods, now known as Yellow (HUM) Systems, are not allowed; all other agreements are allowed, but Brown Sticker treatments (agreements considered to place demands on opponents’ defensive preparations) are again subject to adequate advance disclosure. Category 3 covers almost all remaining SBU events, and here everything is allowed except Yellow (HUM) Systems and Brown Sticker Conventions. Category 4 is more restrictive, confined to essentially natural systems, including Strong Club systems that do not contain a lot of artificiality; it is considered suitable for events for inexperienced players. Category 5 is confined to natural systems and is recommended for ‘No Fear’ events for learners. There will be a separate document covering Yellow (HUM) Systems and Brown Sticker Conventions, essentially quoting WBF definitions and practice. This information is currently available on the WBF website: www.worldbridge.org None of this prevents Districts, Areas and Clubs from establishing their own practice, though we hope that the new guidelines will be helpful. For example, a Club might run a Category 4 event which allowed some Red Conventions that are popular with its members. There is one policy statement that you should note: under “Partnership Agreements and Psychic Bids” para 2.4.4. The SBU has decided to ban a psyche of an artificial strong opener such as an Acol 2♣; or a Precision Strong 1♣. Such a psyche will automatically be reported and may attract a disciplinary penalty. The Laws and Ethics Committee would like to hear your opinions and criticisms of the new document. And if you have any questions we shall try to answer them. Contact the Chairman of the L & E, Fiona Abbott: wfabbott@btinternet.com or the Secretary of the SBU, David Liggat: DavidLiggat@aol.com |