THE EBU'S BEST BEHAVIOUR AT BRIDGE CODE : REBECCA ROOD SPEAKS OUT AGAIN

Dear Readers,

While I'm at it....... I need to say a few words about the EBU's guide to making bridge a more friendlier and enjoyable experience.

The main objective of their BB@B initiative is to get rude, objectionable, highly critical, sharp-tongued players to change their ways. The code attempts to remind them that good behaviour should be based on civility , politeness and consideration towards others. It stresses the importance of friendly greetings, being a good host, smiling, congratulating others, turning out well groomed, switching off mobiles and engaging in social chi-chat. In contrast the code states that gloating, objecting, disputing and arguing are all forms of unacceptable behaviour.

BUT WHERE THE HELL IN THIS SO CALLED BEST BEHAVIOUR CODE ARE REFERENCES TO WHAT I CALL EVEN MORE APPALLING BEHAVIOUR IN BRIDGE ?

There is not a shadow of doubt in my mind that these unmentioned kinds of appalling behaviour are the very triggers which cause the bad behaviour the EBU seeks only only to address. Indeed, bad behaviour as they define it wouldn't occur at all , if the real villains were cracked down upon first. These are ones who commit acts of the worst, most heinous kind, which no one but me seems bothered about. Outrageous behaviour like.....

- cheating

- unethical table antics

- coffee-housing

- making condescending and patronising remarks/gestures

- SLOW PLAY

- fidgeting, finger strumming, humming

- plus other irritating mannerisms/habits

- adopting an air of lordly superiority, self-importance and arrogance

- (partners) playing like complete lunatics or fools

- (partners) hogging the bidding and refusing to count/watch the cards played

These examples all represent forms of highly provocative behaviour, which by any definition is unforgivable. By triggering negative emotions and reactions in others, how can it be right to condemn these poor highly sensitive victims for responding in an instinctive and natural way. To target them as " the baddies " makes a mockery of the EBU code. The wrong people hare being targeted, allowing the real culprits of bad behaviour to continue their foul practices with impunity.

What a travesty ! So if the EBU really wants to see an improvement in behaviour at clubs and tournament venues, then they need to recognise the root cause of the problem ...... namely THE MASTERS OF PROVOCATION.

Yours forever blunt and forever Rood