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Las Vegas -- The first big news is that the records for the largest North American Bridge Championship are safe, as this summer's activities fell short by 4,000 tables. What some might consider an attendance shortfall may be the result of gas prices and the economy, as attendance of Californians who usually drive to Las Vegas was down. Still, 20,000 tables is a very large number for 11 days of bridge.
Ken Monzingo and his crew did a great job, and Elvis was in the house
on several occasions. One record that this tournament did set was for
the most mobility scooters used by those who found the long walks
grueling. The new policy of banning electronic devices (cell phones,
etc.) in the playing areas was accepted with a minimum of complaints. A
booth was set up to check the devices for $2. As players got familiar
with the rules, devices were left in rooms or given to a friend playing
in the regional events, where they are still legal as long as they are
turned off.
The first bit of good news is that the league is enjoying another successful year financially, and membership is growing. We are up 1,300 members year to date and 1,800 members over a year ago. The talk of the meetings was the first Youth North American Bridge Championships held in Atlanta. Patty Tucker of Atlanta was the Queen of the tournament for the success of this event. District 7 should be very proud that we hosted this event, and the volunteers who made it happen in Atlanta deserve the congratulations from everyone. This can be one of the most important things that the league has done in a long time.
If your unit does not have an educational liaison, please make sure
to appoint one, as they will be receiving information about youth programs
and new player programs. Too many times units do not look at and
update positions such as this one, judiciary chair, recorder, etc. Some
we do not need often, but when we do, we need them in place. A vote
was taken by the board after much discussion, and a decision was made that
headquarters would remain in the Memphis area, presuming there are sufficient
incentives from the municipalities. Atlanta, which was among the
final three cities (Dallas was the other), was certainly my choice, but
many on the board had strong feelings about remaining near Memphis, and
these could not be overcome.
Jerry Fleming of Los Alamos, N.M., was elected ACBL president for
2009. Jerry is one of the best board members, and we should have a good
year with him leading. His term begins Jan. 1.
For the first time in several years the board passed site selection for new NABCs. The fall of 2013 will be in Phoenix. The summer of 2013 will be in Atlanta on Aug. 1-11. Some will wonder about the dates, and the answer is that rooms will rent for $25 to $30 less per night in August than in July. We have asked management to negotiate and try to move the dates forward before signing the contract. The summer of 2014 will be back in Las Vegas. This is the kind of effort we like to see from management, to strike while the iron is hot and to return the tournament to a location that is our most popular.
Yet one more motion was presented to let panels of tournament directors
handle appeals rather than the National Appeals Committee. This motion
is a bad idea, and it failed -- by a 13-12 vote.
In an effort to turn back the hands of time and make the NAP and
GNT events more grassroots again, residency requirements were clarified
to accomplish this objective.
Policy statements were received from the United States and Canadian Bridge Federations banning political statements and other inappropriate actions by players representing Zone Two in international events. They understand that what happened in China, the displaying of a political statement during the awards ceremony, should not be condoned or happen again.
The concept of a three-day event at the Spring NABC that would
be open to players who earned 50 platinum points in the previous three
years was deferred to the fall meeting. That would make this the
most restrictive and prestigious pair event.
Caution, read this next issue carefully: The board passed that the requirements to become a Life Master
will be increased above 300 points for the first time in forever.
This will not take effect until Dec. 31, 2009, and will affect only those
joining the league after that date. Any current members will not
be affected. Anyone who joins before Dec. 31, 2009, will become LMs
under the current rules. The new goals will be 500 total points with
250 pigmented. Fifty must be gold or platinum; 50 must be red, gold or
platinum; 75 must be silver and 75 must be black.
In a move that affects District 7 and Unit 202, the board voted to allow Glynn County to form a new unit (Unit 251). The vote was 15 in favor, 5 against and 5 abstentions. Presuming regulations are followed, a proposal to form a new unit usually is rubber-stamped, but the feelings of the District 7 board made this vote less than unanimous. I welcome the new unit into the District 7 Family of Units, but would hope that they might try to work with the remainder of Unit 202 in order to reunite the two units. I do not believe that the problems are insolvable, and I hope that both groups will reach out to each other and re-establish the harmony that once existed. Sometimes divorces in cases like this outlast the memories of what caused them and new marriages can occur.
I would like to congratulate Mike Kovacich of Stone Mountain, Ga.,
on his election to be the Chairman of the ACBL Board of Governors. Mike
will be attending all Board of Directors meetings and chairing the Board
of Governors meetings. His term begins Jan. 1.
Thank you for allowing me to represent the greatest district in the
ACBL.
Bruce Reeve
Bruce Reeve, District Seven - District Director
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