Director Please

How do you summon the director when you feel an irregularity has occurred? There are those, many times seasoned players, who somehow feel that might makes right and their case will seem stronger if they yell "DIREKKTOORR" at the maximum capacity of their lungs. There are others who politely raise their hands and in a normal tone of voice simply say "Director Please.” Another category is comprised of those who do not call the director at all and spend the rest of the session distracted by the thought that they have somehow been denied their right to justice.

Duplicate bridge is played by certain established rules, perhaps one of the most important being that a director is to be called at the first sign of any irregularity and discussion at the table is to cease until the director arrives. Duplicate bridge can often rouse strong emotions in serious players. It is therefore necessary that an impartial director be immediately available to determine what occurred, which regulations apply, and what steps need to be taken to establish fairness to all the players, both defenders and declarers.

Newer players are sometimes reluctant to call the director. They may not know for sure that an infraction occurred or they may be afraid of incurring the wrath of their opponents. It is not a sin to call the director and it is not a sin to have the director called by your opponent. It is a matter of law that this must be done in order to have a fair game for all players. If you are a new player, please do call the director if you are unsure about anything occurring at the table. If someone calls the director on you, please do not take it personally and become offended. The one who called the director is merely following the rules so that everyone will be treated fairly.

More experienced players should set an example for newer players by politely calling the director "Director, Please," and then carefully and calmly presenting their story to the director. At no time should hostility, anger or aggressive behavior be displayed. Experienced players should remember that at some point way back in the dark ages they too were "Newbies". Whether you have 10 or 10,000 Masterpoints, you will not be a master of the game until you treat everyone, both partners and opponents, with polite respect.

Phyllis Harlan

District 15

ACBL Board of Directors