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Three Teams Expelled from World Bridge Games Over Mobile Phone Violations
And then in October 25. Daily Bulletin No 5, we read:
We take no pleasure in announcing that two more teams have been expelled from the remainder of their respective events following mobile phone violations that go beyond the imposition of a Victory Point penalty. The provisions in the Conditions of Contest are very clear and leave us no leeway regarding these decisions. We strongly suggest that you DO NOT TAKE ANY MOBILE DEVICE INTO THE PLAYING AREAS. If you elect to do so, YOU SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEY ARE SWITCHED OFF. Do not simply leave them in silent or flight mode. Additionally YOUR DEVICE MUST BE CLEARLY VISIBLE. We do not want to be put in a position where we must expel anyone else. The expulsions have been made with a heavy heart, but we have no latitude in the matter. The World Bridge Federation Championship Committee
The WBF’s Conditions of Contest strictly regulate electronic communication devices (ECDs) in the playing areas. Initial violations lead to point penalties, with repeated offenses escalating to expulsion. According to Peter Gill in an Buenos Aires Discussion Thread on Bridge Winners, the Chile Seniors team received a 3-VP fine in Round 7, an 8-VP fine in Round 9, and, following a third violation in Round 11, faced disqualification.
As a result of the expulsion, each of their remaining opponents was awarded a Bye score of 16.82 VPs, creating what many deem an uneven competition structure where some teams competed against Chile Seniors and might have won significantly, while others were restricted to 16.82 VPs
The Championship Committee emphasized that the rules are clear and that no exceptions can be made, urging players to avoid bringing mobile devices into the playing areas. If devices are brought in, they must be turned off completely—not just set to silent or flight mode—and kept visible. The committee expressed regret over enforcing these rules but noted that it had no flexibility in doing so.
The expulsions have raised questions over the appropriateness of applying such strict rules to all teams, regardless of experience or intent. Some argue that different standards could apply to social or less experienced teams, which may lack intent to disrupt or gain an advantage.
Despite their disqualification, the Chile Seniors will remain in Marrakech and plan to participate in the upcoming Transnational Teams event starting next Tuesday.
The Swiss seniors, on the other hand, were expelled from the entire tournament and left scrambling to find flights home a week early. It only takes one offense to be expelled if it happens at both tables and the Swiss seniors were discovered with phones on (in airplane mode but that doesn’t matter since you can still use WiFi or Bluetooth) at both tables simultaneously.
So take note! Putting your phones on Airplane Mode is not good enough! Turn them off, or leave them in your room.
Keep up to date with the 16th World Bridge Games on our Championship Links page here
Photo Credit: World Bridge Federation Photo Albums
adamgordon
August 1, 2022Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.