TD Regulations

ARTICLES
1 – Introduction
2 – Organisation
3 – Tournament Directors Committee
4 – Appointment, function and responsibilities of the Chairman
5 – Appointment, function and responsibilities of the TD Committee
6 – The Secretary of the TD Committee
7 – NBO TD Contacts
8 – EBL Official TD Register
9 – TD Professional Categories
10 – NBO International TD (NBO TD)
11 – EBL International TD (EBL TD)
12 – Accreditation, Qualification and Duties of the Head TD
13 – Accreditation, Qualification and Duties of the Chief TD
14 – Accreditation, Qualification and Duties of the Assistant Chief TD
15 – Function and Duties of the EBL TD
16 – Assistant TDs
17 – Honorary Category
18 – Incompatibility
19 – Removal from the EBL Official TD Register
20 – Removal upon Request
21 – Removal for Failure to Practice
22 – Removal for Striking Off
23 – Re-registration
24 – Professional Refresher Courses
25 – Examinations. Workshops and Courses organised by the TDCom are considered Examinations
26 – Examination Board
27 – Ethics
28 – Rights of Registered TDs
29 – Duties of Registered TDs

Article 1 – Introduction

All bridge competitions and Championships organised directly by the European Bridge League or whose organisation has been delegated by the EBL to an NBO or other organiser, must be run and directed by Tournament Directors (TDs) who are authorised and recognised by the EBL by special appointment.

Compliance with the above provision is an essential requirement for the EBL’s validation of competition results and rankings and the award of EBL Master Points.

All NBOs are expected to be aware of and observe the aforementioned provision.

Article 2 – Organisation

The institutional aims of the EBL in tournament directing are carried out by the Tournament Directors Committee (TDCom).

The organisation, recruitment, training and employment of EBL TDs in EBL events is the responsibility of the TDCom.

Article 3 – Tournament Directors Committee

The TDCom is nominated by the EBL Executive Committee (EBLEC) on the proposal of the Chairman of the TDCom. The TDCom holds office for the same four-year period of office as the EBL. The EBLEC may withdraw appointments during the period.

The TDCom meets at least once a year. Meetings are valid only if the majority of members is present. Decisions are taken by majority vote and in the case of a tie the Chairman has the deciding vote.

The minutes of meetings must be sent to the EBL President.

Article 4 – Appointment, function and responsibilities of the Chairman

The Chairman need not be an EBLEC Member. The Chairman has the following function and responsibilities:

  • Chairing and convoking the TDCom on own initiative and providing the Agenda for Committee meetings;
  • Supervising and controlling all TD organisation with responsibility for this with the EBLEC;
  • Proposing to the EBLEC for approval the Chief TD, Assistants and all TDs of EBL Championships, tournaments and other EBL events and reporting to the EBLEC about their activity. All proposals must ensure a correct TD rotation in order to guarantee the best professional activity and distribution of all concerned;
  • Having considered the opinion of the TDCom, the Chairman proposes to the EBLEC the attribution of qualifications of TDs;
  • Initiating disciplinary action of TDs, in accordance with Section 22.

The Chairman cannot carry out Tournament Directing activities during their chairmanship.

Article 5 – Appointment, function and responsibilities of the TD Committee

The TDCom is composed of a Chairman and six members. The EBLEC on the proposal of the TDCom Chairman may appoint a non-voting Secretary or appoint one of the members to perform this function (see Article 6).  Two of the members should be Chief or Assistant Chief TDs, and one should be an EBL Grand Master. The EBL Head TD is an ex-officio member of the TDCom.

The TDCom has the following function and responsibilities:

  • it supervises Tournament Directing activity at all events;
  • it manages funds received from the EBL;
  • it takes care of the improvement and optimisation of the technical training of TDs;
  • it decides and organises training and refresher courses, appointing the lecturers, tutors and members of the examination committee;
  • it decides and organises the examinations for the appointment and promotion of TDs;
  • it studies, prepares, executes and develops didactic material for the training and updating of TD categories;
  • it proposes to the EBLEC which then deliberates upon registrations, suspensions, expulsion and re-registration of TDs in the EBL Official TD Register and the attribution of category;
  • it proposes to the EBLEC which then deliberates upon salaries, per diem and reimbursement of expenses of TDs appointed to direct EBL events;
  • it recognises the National TD Contacts in each NBO;
  • it accredits merit to TDs who have shown distinction in their activities;
  • it organises Workshops, Courses and Seminars as necessary to execute various of its functions.

Article 6 – The Secretary of the TD Committee

The Secretary participates, without the right to vote if not a member, in Committee meetings and takes the minutes of the meetings.

The Secretary ensures the execution of the deliberations of the TDCom under the supervision of the Chairman and is responsible for keeping documents, registers and minutes.

Article 7 – NBO TD Contacts

The NBO TD Contacts are appointed by the NBOs for the same 4 year period as the TDCom.

The TDCom Chairman shall inform the NBO TD Contacts of relevant material of interest to TDs.

A TD Contact in particular is responsible for:

  • dissemination of material received from the TDCom Chairman to all TDs in the NBO;
  • informing to the Chairman of the TDCom immediately, of the occurrence of, or from being acquainted with, the facts or matters which carry disciplinary effects for TDs in the NBO;
  • cooperating with the TDCom in organisation of training and refresher TD seminars, courses and workshops.

Further duties of an NBO TD Contact may be determined by the local NBO.

Article 8 – EBL Official TD Register

Those who have the right shall be registered in the EBL Official TD Register grouped into various categories according to their qualification.

The EBL Official TD Register is kept by the EBL under the supervision of the Chairman of the TDCom and is open to public consultation with the NBOs.

The list of TDs, updated as necessary, shall be displayed on the EBL web-site.

Article 9 – TD Professional Categories

TDs are divided into two categories according to their training and professional competence:

  • NBO International TD (NBO TD
  • EBL International TD (EBL TD)

The above-mentioned categories are accredited to those with the necessary requirements who have passed the relevant examinations by the EBLEC, on the proposal of the TDCom.

The qualification and professional category, certified by a certificate issued by the EBL and signed by the EBL President and the Chairman of the TDCom, are valid from the date of accreditation.

Article 10 – NBO International TD (NBO TD)

The category of NBO International TD is accredited to those over twenty-one years old, who have passed the relevant examinations before the special board of examiners and who fulfil the following requirements:

  1. they are registered as TDs with an NBO;
  2. they have not been convicted of an intentional offence;
  3. they have not been disqualified nor have been prohibited for more than a year by the WBF, EBL, NOC, NBO to which they belong, another EBL NBO or any other Sports Federation;
  4. they are not subject to any disciplinary or pending judiciary procedures;
  5. they are not sanctioned.

The initial inability, discovered after registration, or the subsequent failure to fulfil any one of the prerequisites listed in points a), b) and c), will result in immediate and definitive loss of category.

In the case of d) or e) the registered TD will be suspended for the relevant period.

An NBO International TD can directly assume the responsibility to direct any international event organised by an NBO and may cooperate with and assist the EBL TD in their duties.

Article 11 – EBL International TD (EBL TD)

The category of EBL TD is accredited to those TDs who have a very good knowledge of English, have passed the relevant examinations before the special board of examiners and who are not subject to any disciplinary or pending judiciary procedures or are sanctioned.

The category provides for four merit qualifications:

  1. EBL TD;
  2. EBL Assistant Chief TD;
  3. EBL Chief TD;
  4. EBL Head TD.

The qualifications listed in points b) and c) are accredited by the EBLEC, on the proposal of the TDCom.

Article 12 – Accreditation, Qualification and Duties of the Head TD

Every four years, at the beginning of the legislature, the EBLEC on the proposal of the EBL President, after consultation with the Chairman of the TDCom, appoints the EBL Head TD, chosen among the EBL Chief TDs.

The EBL Head TD assumes direct responsibility for directing the EBL Championships, is in office for a four-year period, but may be replaced by the EBLEC during this period. At the end of the four-year term of office the EBL Head TD may be re-nominated.

The EBL Head TD is responsible for all matters relating to directing the competition.

In particular the EBL Head TD must:

  1. assign the roles and duties to the Assistants and staff, deciding rosters where necessary*;
  2. supervise and coordinate the directing of all Assistants, checking that it is always carried out in the best way possible and fulfilling the aim of the event;
  3. write a report on the running of the Championship, detailing the events which required TD intervention and which may result in disciplinary action, enclosing the relevant reports from Assistants, and also all the documents relating to complaints;
  4. write a report on the Assistants’ work and on their level of professionalism; suggesting possible improvements to raise the standard of their work and indicating in any case their attitude.

*In order to assist the Head TD in the duties under a) above, a Chief TD or Assistant Chief TD may be designated as being responsible for organising the roster and scheduling of the TD staff.

At an EBL event at which the Head TD is not present the EBL President, in consultation with the Chairman of the TDCom, may appoint a TD to assume the duties of Head TD, especially those enumerated in points a) – d) above.

Article 13 – Accreditation, Qualification and Duties of the Chief TD

The qualification of Chief TD is accredited to those EBL Assistant Chief TDs who, in addition to having distinguished themselves in their activity, have shown:

  • capacity to organise, guide and manage competitions;
  • sense of group organisation;
  • attitude in communicating with colleagues, subordinates, officers and players;
  • excellent knowledge of English.

The EBL Chief TD can assume direct responsibility for directing the Championships and other international competitions.

Article 14 – Accreditation, Qualification and Duties of the Assistant Chief TD

The qualification of Assistant Chief TD is accredited to those EBL TDs who, in addition to having distinguished themselves in directing and in their behaviour and deontology, have shown:

  • full knowledge of the International Code and all laws, rules and regulations concerning the organisation, running and directing bridge tournaments;
  • excellent knowledge of technical bridge, both in the bidding and the playing of the cards;
  • ability to manage the playing room.

The EBL Assistant Chief TD cooperates with the Chief TD in managing and directing Championships and can assume direct responsibility for directing a section of them and any other international competition.

Article 15 – Function and Duties of the EBL TD

The EBL TD manages and directs at Championships following instructions from and under the responsibility of the Chief TD or Assistant Chief TD. The EBL TD may be responsible for any international competition or national competition, which awards EBL Master Points, organised by NBOs.

Article 16 – Assistant TDs

A local NBO organising an EBL event may appoint one or more TDs as Assistant TDs on the approval of the EBL President and the Chairman of the TDCom. These Assistant TDs should preferably be NBO TDs but do not need to be on the EBL Official TD Register. They must have taken part in an official EBL TD Course or Workshop.

The Assistant TD directs at the event following instructions from and under the responsibility of the Head, Chief or Assistant Chief TD.

See also Article 10.

Article 17 – Honorary Category

The title of EBL Honorary TD is accredited to those EBL TDs who, having reached the highest level of TD qualification and having distinguished themselves particularly and have ceased their directing activity, by the EBLEC on the proposal of the TDCom. The title is for life.

Article 18 – Incompatibility

The activity of directing is incompatible with the office of Member of the EBLEC and General Counsel, of Member of the Disciplinary Commission or Committee or any other position specified by the EBL Laws and Regulations.

During the period of office the TD will maintain his place on the EBL Official TD Register and category but may not carry out any TD activity.

Article 19 – Removal from the EBL Official TD Register

Removal from the EBL Official TD Register is deliberated and recommended by the TDCom and must be ratified by the EBLEC. Removal may be a consequence of:

  1. application from the registered member themselves (see Article 20); OR
  2. failure to practice (see Article 21); OR
  3. striking off (see Article 22).

Removal is effective for all purposes from the date on which the EBLEC ratifies the decision on this issue except for a) in which case removal becomes effective from the date on which the EBL receives the application.

Removal results in loss of qualification and category.

Notice of the removal must be sent to the person concerned and the President of their NBO by electronic means receipt of which must be acknowledged by the recipient. In the event of non-acknowledgement that information will be sent by registered letter.

Article 20 – Removal upon Request

By submitting an application to the EBL every member may:

  1. ask to be removed from the EBL Official TD Register; OR
  2. ask to be removed from the EBL Official TD Register for a period of not more than two years. Beyond this period of two years, the provisions of Article 21 are applicable.

Article 21 – Removal for Failure to Practice

Failure to practice by a registered member results in removal from the EBL Official TD Register.

Practice is proved by transmitting TD Reports to the EBL.

It is considered failure to practice when:

  1. a member declines three times, not necessarily consecutively, to accept a task assigned to him except for refusals due to legitimate impediments which are adequately documented;
  2. a member has not directed at an official EBL event or has not attended an official EBL refresher course, seminar or workshop for six years.

Article 22 – Removal for Striking Off

  1. Expulsion from one’s NBO, decided by its competent authority, results in automatic invalidation of qualifications and registration, and removal from the EBL Official TD Register.
  2. Removal from the EBL Official TD Register for reprehensible behaviour as defined in the EBL Disciplinary Code, or for infringement of the ethical and deontological criteria (see Articles 27 and 29) is recommended by the TDCom and decided by the EBLEC and is subject to appeal to the EBL Disciplinary Commission.
  3. Removal under b) may be for a determined period of time, after which Article 23 applies.

Article 23 – Re-registration

Re-registration with the EBL Official TD Register, on application submitted by a person who has been cancelled from it in accordance with Articles 20, 21 or 22, is deliberated by the EBLEC on the proposal of the TDCom.

Re-registration requires fulfilment of the following prerequisites:

  • The applicant shall be interviewed by the EBL TDCom which may choose to require an examination (see Article 26);
  • Should the applicant pass the interview (and examination if required), the TDCom should indicate the category at which the candidate should be re-registered in the EBL Official TD Register. The category cannot, in any case, be of a superior grade to the candidate’s previous one but may be inferior;
  • Should the result of the interview or examination be negative, the candidate may reapply after an interval of six months.

Article 24 – Professional Refresher Courses

Professional refresher courses are organised by the TDCom.

The TDCom decides the subjects for discussion and course organisation. Information on courses is sent to all interested parties.

Article 25 – Examinations

The Chairman of the TDCom sends to all interested parties at an appropriate time in advance information on the venues, dates, terms and conditions of examination sessions. Examinations consist of written, oral and practical sessions and concern knowledge of the game, in both the bidding and card play, International Code, EBL Systems Policy, EBL Laws, Rules and Regulations, on the competent directing in the playing room, the conduct of appeals and on behaviour.

The Examination Board may at its discretion pass or fail a candidate based on the results in the examination. Candidates deemed inappropriate may sit the examination once again after a period of one year. This period may be reduced to six months by the TDCom.

Workshops and Courses organised by the TDCom are considered Examinations.

Article 26 – Examination Board

If necessary, an Examination Board can be appointed by the TDCom after consultation with the Head TD, and is composed of the Chairman of the TDCom who chairs it, and 2-4 TDs who are Head TD, Chief TDs, Assistant Chief TDs or EBL Honorary TDs. In case being unable to attend, the Chairman will appoint a substitute, chosen from among adequately qualified TDCom members and will also appoint the person who will chair the Board. If necessary the Board may nominate one or more sub-commissions.

Article 27 – Ethics

Registered members of the EBL Official TD Register are expected to comply with the moral rules provided for by the EBL Laws and Regulations.

In particular, they should maintain an appropriate standard of behaviour and strictly respect the deontological criteria which underlie the activity of TDs and the direction of bridge competitions. The competition direction should always be inspired by the fundamental concepts of diligence, competence and utmost professionalism, which also underline membership of the category of EBL TDs in relation to contestants, colleagues, the EBL and its Organs, representatives, membership and third parties.

Article 28 – Rights of Registered TDs

Persons registered in the EBL Official TD Register:

  • have the right to bear the title achieved;
  • have the right to defend their own image and honour. They also have the right of protection as may be necessary by the EBL, NBOs and other competition organisers;
  • for their professional services TDs are entitled to fees, expenses and allowances to be paid by the structures in which they operate or carry out their activity;
  • have the right to wear the EBL uniform at any bridge event organised under the auspices of the EBL.

Article 29 – Duties of Registered TDs

TDs are bound to:

  • comply with the EBL Statutes, Laws, Rules and Regulations, these specific Regulations and any directive given by the EBL or the TDCom;
  • maintain appropriate behaviour in strict respect of deontological criteria;
  • compile their own professional Curriculum truthfully;
  • direct competitions, participate in courses and meetings for which they are appointed or convoked by the appropriate bodies, except in case of legitimate impediment or force majeure;
  • send reports on competitions;
  • attend refresher courses organised by the EBL or their NBOs;
  • carry their TD badge visibly during the whole competition;
  • wear the EBL uniform;
  • inform, verbally or in writing as appropriate, any interested party whom they intend to discipline.