WBF BY-LAWS

ARTICLE 1 – OFFICES

1.1. Principal Office

The principal office of the World Bridge Federation (hereinafter called the WBF) shall be in the city of Lausanne , Switzerland.

1.2. Other Offices

The WBF may also have offices at such other places as the Executive may from time to time determine, or as the business of the WBF may require. In particular, the WBF may have an office at the place of residence of the President of the WBF.

ARTICLE 2 – MEMBERSHIP

2.1. Organizations

A National Contract Bridge Organization (hereafter called the NBO) of any country may apply for membership in the WBF and be elected thereto by the affirmative vote of the/a majority of the members of the Executive present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, provided that any NBO, to be eligible to apply for membership, shall:

1. be the sole national organization controlling Contract Bridge in its country,
2. be open to all nationals or bona fide residents of the particular country subject only to meeting the requirements of such NBO,
3. have an appropriate register of members,
4. undertake to comply with the Constitution and By-Laws of the WBF,
5. uphold an image of integrity and enforce a standard of ethics acceptable to the WBF,
6. exercise Contract Bridge activity in its country and internationally, in particular by organizing and participating in competitions and implementing bridge education and training programs for bridge players,
7. comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the WBF governing its bridge competitions,
8. conduct its activities in compliance with both the Olympic Charter and the rules & regulations of the WBF,
9. play bridge according to the current International Codes,
10. agree to play in WBF competitions against all other NBO's which are qualified members of the WBF.

The expression “country” shall mean any country, state, territory or a part of territory recognized by the international community. The name of the NBO must reflect the territorial extent and tradition of its country and must be approved by WBF as being in conformity with the Olympic Charter and the IOC regulations.

2.2. Resignations

Any member of the WBF which is not in arrears in dues or in the performance of WBF duties may resign in good standing. Resignations may be made in writing to the Secretary of the WBF at least one month before dues become payable, otherwise members shall be liable for dues for the coming year.

2.3. Removal

A member may be removed by the Executive by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the whole Executive, unless rejected by the Congress by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of those present at a regular meeting of the Congress at which a quorum is present. The Executive shall, in presenting any action for removal to the Congress, make known its reasons for such action. Any decision of the Executive removing a member shall be appealable before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with its Statutes and Regulations.

2.4. Suspension

• A member shall be automatically suspended from membership in the WBF for:
  
  • failure for a period of two full years to pay annual dues or charges, or
  • upon notice by a Zonal Conference that a member has failed to maintain its membership as an NBO in good standing within its Zonal Conference.
• A member may be suspended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the whole Executive, either for an indefinite period, or for any defined period, if the Executive concludes, in its discretion, that the member is not conforming or has not conformed with the requirements for eligibility for membership in the WBF or is bringing disrepute upon the WBF or its bridge competitions. Subject to appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with its Statutes and Regulations, the decision of the Executive shall be final.

2.5. Reinstatements

• Any NBO removed from the WBF pursuant to Section 2.3 may only be reinstated by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Executive confirmed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Delegates present at the next regular meeting of the Congress at which a quorum is present.
• Any member suspended automatically pursuant to Section 2.4.1(a) may be reinstated by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Executive upon the payment of an amount equal to the dues and charges in arrears plus any further financial penalty imposed by the Executive.
• A member temporarily suspended may be reinstated at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Executive on such conditions as the Executive may prescribe.
• A member temporarily suspended pursuant to Section 2.4(b) may be reinstated by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the whole Executive on such conditions as the Executive may prescribe.

ARTICLE 3 – HONORARY OFFICERS

3.1. President Emeritus

The title of the President Emeritus may be awarded by the Executive to an individual who, through outstanding services on behalf of the WBF, deserves the highest honorary title. He need not be a Zonal Representative. The President Emeritus shall be entitled to attend all meetings of the Executive and the Congress and will be a member ex-officio of all the Committees of the WBF, but shall have no vote unless otherwise qualified to vote. The President Emeritus shall preside over the Advisory Committee.

3.2. President of the Congress

The title of President of the Congress shall be honorary. He need not be a Zonal Representative, and the Executive shall have the power to confer this title on a person who has rendered outstanding and distinguished service to the WBF. The President of the Congress shall be entitled to attend all the meetings of the Executive and the Congress but shall have no vote unless otherwise qualified to vote. He may have such duties as may be assigned to him by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive.

3.3. Committee of Honour

The Committee of Honour of the WBF shall consist of those individuals elected thereto by the Executive in recognition of their unselfish efforts in making a significant contribution to the enhancement and growth of bridge throughout the world. The Committee of Honour shall not exceed eleven living members. Nominations and elections may be held at meetings of the Executive in even numbered years only, with nominations to be made by a minimum of three Executive members from three different zones and election to the Committee shall require the affirmative vote of three-quarters of the whole Executive, and, additionally, if any of the President Emeritus, President of the Congress or existing members of the Committee of Honour are present, they shall have the right to vote. Election shall require the affirmative vote of three-quarters of all those present and voting. Induction to the Committee shall occur on the occasion of the closing ceremonies of the particular World Championship at which time the individual shall be presented with a suitable pin designating his election to the Committee of Honour. Voting for election to the Committee of Honour shall be by secret ballot.

ARTICLE 4 – ZONES

4.1. Zones

For purposes of administration and furtherance of the objectives of the WBF, the world shall be divided by the Executive into appropriate geographical zones taking into account such factors as natural geographic affinity, economy in attending zonal meetings and competitions and other pertinent considerations.

4.2. Zonal Conferences

The NBOs in each Zone shall unite in a Zonal Conference (hereinafter called ZC). The ZC shall decide any question in which different organizations dispute the right to be the NBO for a country within the Zone. A Zone designated by the Executive that does not have a ZC shall establish one as soon as practical after designation of the Zone. The NBO in the Zone with the largest membership shall have primary responsibility to establish the ZC but, in the event of no ZC within six months after designation of the Zone, the Executive may assign to another NBO within the Zone the responsibility to organize the ZC is established within such period as may be fixed by the Executive. After a ZC has been established for a Zone, no NBO within its Zone may become or remain a member of the WBF unless it is also a member in good standing of the ZC.

4.3. (Intentionally left blank)

4.4. Zonal Representation on Executive

The Executive shall consist of not less than eight nor more than sixteen members, plus the President of the WBF. Zones 1 and 2 shall each be entitled to elect or appoint five members to the Executive and each other Zone of the WBF shall be entitled to elect or appoint one member. The Executive shall have the authority, based upon such factors as it may deem relevant, to increase the entitlement of any Zone, other than Zones 1 and 2, so that any such Zone may elect or appoint an additional member to the Executive, subject always to the maximum of sixteen members of the Executive, plus the President of the WBF. The Executive shall also have the authority to eliminate a Zone's entitlement to any voting member of the Executive under such conditions and based upon such factors as it may deem relevant, provided that in any such case a Zone with no voting member on the Executive shall be entitled to an official observer on the Executive.

Each ZC shall be responsible for appointment or election of its voting member or members to the Executive and for the notification, in writing, to the Secretary of the WBF of the name and address of each such member. Such notification to be given annually not later than June 30. Such member or members shall continue in office until the appointment or election thereof is cancelled, revoked or substituted by the ZC empowered to appoint or elect the same, except that, if at any time a Zone's entitlement regarding the number of voting members is reduced, the Executive shall have authority to require the ZC to remove any such appointment or election so that the Zone has only the number of voting members on the Executive to which it is then entitled.

4.5. Zonal Changes

The Executive shall have power to create additional Zones as the activities of the WBF may require and, for cause, may also alter the assigned territory or withdraw recognition of the existing Zones. Any NBO which wishes to change from one Zone to another must obtain the approval of the Executive.

• The Executive shall have power to require each Zone to submit its Constitution and By-laws conform to the principles established by the WBF Constitution and By-laws.

ARTICLE 5 – CONGRESS

5.1. Intentionally left blank

5.2. Powers

The Congress shall have all powers in the WBF not delegated to the Executive under the Constitution or By-Laws. The Congress may also make recommendations to the Executive in respect to any administrative or Executive matters subject to the jurisdiction of the Executive. The Congress shall be entitled to receive reports on the affairs of the WBF and the business transacted by the Executive at each of the meetings of the Congress.

5.3 Meetings

There shall be a regular meeting of the Congress at every WBF championship held in even numbered years. No special notice to any delegate is required for such meeting held no earlier than the third day following the day on which the competition begins unless special notice is otherwise required under the Constitution or By-Laws. The Secretary shall post a notice of the meeting near the entrance to the tournament site, but in no case shall a Delegate be relieved of the obligation to ascertain the time and place of each session of the meeting.

A complete list of the Delegates and proxies entitled to vote at the meeting shall be prepared by the Secretary and shall be open to the examination of any Delegate or proxy.

The order of business at a regular meeting of the Congress shall be as follows:

1. Roll call to determine quorum
2. Approval of minutes of preceding meeting
3. Report of President
4. Report of Treasurer
5. Unfinished business
6. New business
7. Adjournment

ARTICLE 6 – EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

6.1. Intentionally left blank

6.2. Meetings

A regular meeting of the Executive shall be held in conjunction with the Championships conducted by the WBF as noticed by the President. Special meetings may also be held at the call of the President upon at least fifteen days' written notice setting forth the time, place and purposes of the meeting. Any one or more members of the Executive (or any Committee thereof) may participate in a special meeting of the Executive (or such Committee) by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time; participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

6.3. Action without a Meeting

In lieu of a meeting, any matter within the jurisdiction of the Executive may be acted on by Postal Ballot. In such case, at least two weeks' notice setting forth the matter to be acted on shall be given to each member of the Executive. Effective action by Postal Ballot shall require 75% written consent of the Executive.

6.4. Special voting requirements

If action is proposed to be taken by the Executive Council in respect of a) election of a new WBF President, b) change in Zonal boundaries or recognition of new Zones, c) change in the WBF Constitution or By-Laws, or d) approval of the members of the WBF Management Committee, and then in each such event, notwithstanding any other By-Laws provision to the contrary, the proposed action shall require the affirmative vote of 75% of the whole Executive.

ARTICLE 7 – OFFICERS

7.1. Officers

The officers of the WBF shall include a President, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a General Counsel. The Officers, other than the General Counsel, shall be elected by the Executive at its regular meetings every four (4) years held in conjunction with each Bridge Championship commencing in 1978. The terms of the officers shall be for a period of four years and until their successors are elected and qualified; provided however, that if an election for President results in no successor being elected because no candidate has received at least 75% of the votes of the whole Executive, then the incumbent President's term of office shall end without his successor being elected and qualified. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Secretary. Each candidate for office shall be nominated and seconded by members of the Executive. Election of Officers shall be by secret ballot only if there is more than one candidate for the office. Newly elected officers shall assume office on the last day of the Championships at which they were elected except that if an office becomes vacant during the term of the officer, the newly elected officer shall assume office as soon as practicable after the predecessor officer has vacated the office. Election of any officer shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Executive present at any meeting at which a quorum is present; and if there are more than two candidates for any office and none receives a majority vote on the first ballot, then those two candidates receiving the largest plurality of votes shall continue to stand as candidates with any others receiving a lesser number of votes being eliminated as candidates. Upon an officer (other than the General Counsel) ceasing to be a member of the Executive, such person shall no longer continue as an officer and the office shall be vacant until filled by the Executive.

7.2. President

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the WBF. He shall preside at all meetings of the Executive and Congress, shall have general supervision of the affairs of the WBF, shall sign or countersign all certificates, contracts and other instruments of the WBF as authorized by the Executive, shall make reports to the Executive and the Congress, and shall perform all such other duties as are incident to his office or are properly required of him by the Executive. The President must, for his first term, be elected from the members of the Executive and, once elected, the President must resign as a Zonal Representative but shall continue as a member of the Executive.

7.3. Vice Presidents

The Vice-Presidents, in the order designated by the Executive, shall exercise the functions of the President during the absence or disability of the President. Each Vice-President shall have powers and discharge such duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Executive. Vice-Presidents must be members of the Executive.

7.4. Secretary

The Secretary shall issue notices for all meetings, shall keep minutes of all meetings and shall have charge of the seal and the minute books of the WBF. The Secretary must be a member of the Executive.

7.5. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall have the custody of all monies and securities of the WBF and shall keep regular books of accounts. He shall disburse the funds of the WBF in payments of just demands against the WBF or as may be ordered by the Executive, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and will render audited accounts covering each calendar year and an interim report at each annual meeting of the Executive setting forth an accounting of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the WBF. He shall perform all duties incident to his office or which are properly required of him by the Executive. The Treasurer shall also be Chairman of the Finance Committee. The Treasurer must be a member of the Executive.

7.6. General Counsel

The General Counsel shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive. He shall be the Chief Counselling Officer of the WBF in all legal matters and may attend meetings of the Executive and Congress. He shall also be the Chairman of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee. The General Counsel shall not be a Zonal Representative nor a member of the Executive.

7.7. Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer

One or more assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers may be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive. Assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers shall not be deemed officers of the WBF and need not be members of the Executive. One person may hold the titles of both assistant secretary and assistant treasurer.

7.8. Absence or Inability to Act

In the case of absence or inability to act of any officer of the WBF and of any person herein authorized to act in his place, the Executive shall from time to time delegate the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer, or any other person whom it may select.

7.9. Vacancies

Vacancies in any office arising from any cause may be filled by the Executive at any regular or special meeting.

7.10. Other Officers

The executive may appoint such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary or expedient, who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Executive.

7.11. Compensation

The compensation paid to any officer or agent of the WBF shall be fixed and approved by the Executive.

7.12. Removal

Any officer elected or appointed by the Executive may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote at a regularly convened meeting of the Executive of two-thirds of the whole Executive.

7.13. Bonds

The Executive may, by resolution, require any and all of the officers to give bonds to the WBF with sufficient surety or sureties conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of their respective offices, and to comply with such other conditions as may from time to time be required by the Executive. The cost of such bonds shall be the responsibility of the WBF.

ARTICLE 8 - COMMITTEES

8.1. Committees

Standing or Special Committees may be appointed by the Executive from time to time, and the Executive may invest such committees with such powers as it may see fit. All committees so appointed shall keep regular minutes of the transactions of their meetings to be recorded in books kept for that purpose in the office of the WBF and shall report the same to the Executive at its next meeting.

8.2. Quorum and Action with or without a meeting

A quorum for any WBF Committee shall consist of a majority of the members of the Committee and, provided appropriate notice thereof shall have been given, the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at the meeting or the written approval of a majority of all the members of a Committee without a meeting shall be sufficient for the approval of any matter within the jurisdiction of such Committee. Each such Committee shall fix its own rules of procedure and shall meet as provided by such rules or by the direction of the Executive.

8.3. Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee shall include the President Emeritus, the President of Congress and members of the Committee of Honour. The Committee will make known its recommendations to the Executive.

8.4. Management Committee

The President shall appoint from the members of the Executive and past Presidents of the WBF a Management Committee, subject to the approval of the Executive. The Committee shall consist of not less than five members nor more than eight members, including the President who shall act as Chairman. The Committee shall include at least one member of the Executive from each of Zone 1 and 2. The Committee shall have and may exercise, when the Executive is not in session, all the powers of the Executive except those requiring a specific number of affirmative votes of the whole Executive and except that the Management Committee shall not have any authority to elect officers to the WBF or to remove a member to fill vacancies in the membership of the Management Committee. The Executive shall have the power at any time to remove a member of the Committee, to approve appointment of a replacement member or to dissolve the Committee.

8.5. Finance Committee

The President shall appoint a Finance Committee which shall consist of not less than three members, including the Treasurer who shall act as Chairman. The function and duty of the Finance Committee shall be to consider and take account of the financial affairs of the WBF and to formulate the financial policies of the WBF for submission and approval by the Executive.

8.6. Constitution and By-Laws Committee

The President shall appoint a Constitution and By-Laws Committee which shall consist of not less than three members. The General Counsel shall be a member of this Committee and shall serve as Chairman of the Committee. The function and duty of this Committee shall be to consider and take account of all matters pertaining to the Constitution and the By-Laws of the WBF, and to formulate and recommend to the Executive any desirable alterations, amendments or repeals relating thereto.

8.7. Rules and Regulations Committee

The President shall appoint a Rules and Regulations Committee and shall designate the Chairman of such Committee. The Committee shall consist of not less than three members, including the President and Secretary. The function and duty of the Committee shall be to consider and take account of all matters pertaining to the Rules and Regulations of the WBF competitions and to formulate and recommend to the Executive any desirable additions, amendments or repeals relating thereto.

The Rules and Regulations established by the Committee for each contest must include the following requirements:

• To be eligible for participation in WBF Tournaments, each contestant, as a condition of admission, agrees to abide by the Olympic Charter as well as all applicable Rules and Regulations of the WBF governing the contest. He must notably:
  
  • respect the spirit of fair play and non-violence, and behave accordingly in the playing areas both at and away from the bridge table,
  • refrain from using substances and procedures prohibited by the rules of the IOC and the WBF,
  • respect and comply in all respects with the applicable stipulations of the IOC Medical Code as to the non-use of prohibited drugs by contestants
  • consent to the power of the WBF through constituted authority to enforce proper behaviour and to discipline an offender
  • agree to resolve any dispute or grievance arising out of any decision of the Executive and/or of a Committee or an appellate body established by the WBF, in the event such decision affects or prejudices his rights with regard to his participation and play in a WBF Tournament, through recourse to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with its Statutes and Regulations.
• In the event a team or pair refuses to play in any round or match against another team or pair, the match shall be recorded as forfeited and the offending team or pair and/or the NBO or Zone nominating such team or pair shall be subject to suspension from participating in any WBF contest for such period as the Executive, in its discretion, shall determine. Any such decision of the Executive shall be appealable and liable to be resolved through arbitration before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with its Statutes and Regulations.

8.8. Laws Committee

The President shall appoint a Laws Committee and shall designate the Chairman of such Committee. The Committee shall consist of not less than seven members representing at least three Zones. The function and duty of this Committee shall be to consider and take account of all matters relating to the international laws of bridge. The Committee shall make whatever changes in the laws it deems appropriate, subject to approval by the Executive. The Committee shall interpret the laws; shall periodically review the laws; and at least once each decade shall make a comprehensive study and updating of the entire laws structure. The Laws Committee shall fix its own rules of procedure and shall act as provided by such rules or by direction of the Executive.

8.9. Credentials Committee

The President shall appoint a Credential Committee and shall designate the Chairman of such Committee. This Committee shall consist of not less than five members from at least four Zones. The function and duty of the Committee shall be:

• To determine all questions relating to the rights and eligibility of players or entries nominated to participate in any WBF contest, taking into account reports received from ZCs or NBOs regarding previous discipline or suspension of any players under their jurisdiction. The list of players and non-playing captains nominated by a ZC or NBO as entrants for a forthcoming contest shall be furnished to the Chairman of the Credentials Committee or other designated representative by such date, not less than 30 days prior to the date of commencement of the contest, as the Chairman of the Credentials Committee shall determine.
• To refuse to invite any player or captain to participate in any WBF contest. No reasons need to be given by the Credentials Committee for a refusal to such persons.
• Except for those players being nominated for participation in any WBF Junior Championship or Transnational Event (as defined by the Executive), to determine that any competitor in the WBF Tournaments must be a national of the country of the NBO entering him for participation, subject to the following:
  
  • If a competitor is a national of two or more countries at the same time, he may represent either one of them, as he may elect.
  • If a competitor who has represented one country in a WBF Tournament or a zonal tournament and who has changed his nationality or acquired a new nationality, he shall not participate in a WBF Tournament to represent his new country until three years of such change or acquisition. This period may be reduced or even cancelled upon the request of the NBO with the approval of the Executive.
  • If an associated State, province or overseas department, a country or colony acquires independence, if a country becomes incorporated within another country by reason of a change of border, or if a new NBO is affiliated as a member of WBF, competitor may continue to represent the country to which he belongs or belonged. However, he may, if he prefers, chose to represent his country or be entered in a WBF Tournament by his new NBO if one exists. This particular choice may be exercised only once.

8.10. Appeals Committee

The President shall appoint an Appeals Committee and shall designate the Chairman of such Committee. The Committee shall consist of not less than five members of the Executive, who shall include the President. Other persons may be appointed temporarily to the Committee for any tournament conducted by the WBF.

The Committee shall function as a judicial body to rule on protests and appeals from the decisions of other contest authorities, to determine disputed facts, and to act as an investigative body in its discretion.

8.11. Oversight Tribunal

The President shall appoint an Oversight Tribunal to consist of not less than three (3) members. The function and duty of this Tribunal is to review cases of alleged improper ethics and to make recommendations to the Executive.

8.12. Competition Committee

The President shall appoint a Competition and Tournament Committee to consist of not less than three (3) members. The function and duty of this Committee is to consider important bridge related issues and make recommendations to the Executive Council for implementation.

ARTICLE 9 - WBF TOURNAMENTS

9.1. WBF Tournaments

WBF Tournaments conducted under the sanction and control of the WBF are by invitation only and will include:

• The World Team Olympiad to be held in each leap year;
• The World Bridge Championships to be held in even numbered years, two years from the previous World Team Olympiad;
• The Bermuda Bowl (a zonal team championship) to be held in odd-numbered years;
• The Venice Cup (a zonal ladies teams championshi) to be held every two years in conjunction with the Bermuda Bowl; and
• Such other competitions as the Executive shall authorize.

ARTICLE 10 - TOURNAMENT COMMITTEES

10.1. Organizing Committee

For each tournament conducted by the WBF, the President shall appoint an Organizing Committee. The members of the Committee shall include the Liaison Officer (a member of the Executive designated by the President), and such other persons as the President may select after consultation with the President of the NBO of the host country. Subject to the approval of the President, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Organizing Committee may be designated by the NBO of the host country provided such designation is made in writing to the President at least six months before the scheduled starting date of the tournament.

Subject to approval of the President, it shall be the function and duty of the Organizing Committee to make all necessary arrangements incident to the staging of the tournament.

10.2. Tournament Rules and Regulations Committee

The President shall appoint a full Tournament Rules and Regulations Committee for each tournament consisting of those members of the standing Rules and Regulations Committee present at the tournament, plus such other persons as the President shall appoint. The Chairman of the Rules and Regulations Committee of the WBF shall act as Chairman of the Committee. The function and duty of this Committee shall be to interpret the rules and regulations formulated by the Rules and Regulations Committee for the tournament.

10.3. Tournament Appeals Committee

A full Tournament Appeals Committee shall be appointed by the President to serve at each tournament conducted by the WBF. The Tournament Appeals Committee shall function as a judicial body to rule on protests and appeals from the decisions of other tournament authorities, to determine disputed facts, and to act as an investigative body in its discretion.

• Members. The Tournament Appeals Committee shall consist of those members of the standing Appeals Committee present at the tournament, plus such other persons as the President shall appoint. Appointments may be made by the President at any time, but at the start of any tournament, the President shall make additional appointments, in order to provide for a minimum of seven members who will be in attendance at the tournament. The President or his designee will act as Chairman of the Tournament Appeals Committee.
• Meetings. The Tournament Appeals Committee shall meet only at the site of the tournament for which it is appointed. It may meet no earlier than 24 hours before the start of the first session of the tournament, and shall be deemed dissolved no later than 24 hours after the end of the last session of the tournament. At each meeting the Chairman shall preside, in his absence the President, and in the absence of both, the person designated by the President. Any question unresolved by the Tournament Appeals Committee after its dissolution shall be determined by the Executive.
• General Powers and Duties. The Tournament Appeals Committee may, in its discretion:
  
  • Hear and adjudicate appeals from rulings of a Tournament Director.
  • Inquire into all occurrences and circumstances related to an appeal or involving the behaviour of a player, pair, team, captain, official or any other person connected with the tournament; render judgement on the facts as it determines them; direct and specify any adjusted score to be entered; and recommend to the Executive that disciplinary action be taken against any person or team.
  • Investigate any matter that may affect the efficiency and integrity of the WBF. In such cases the Tournament Appeals Committee has power to determine all facts and decide all questions under the Constitution and By-Laws and the regulations adopted for the current tournament.
  • Approve or disallow substitutions.
  • Recommend that the Executive disqualify or suspend any contestant during the current tournament or any part thereof, within 12 hours of the incident.
  • Recommend that the Executive assess disciplinary penalties against a team or pair that forfeits a match, within 12 hours of the incident.
  • In the exercise of these powers, the Tournament Appeals Committee is empowered to conduct interviews, examine documentary matter, and require the testimony of any person present at the tournament and under the jurisdiction of the WBF.
• Quorum. A quorum shall be three members and the vote of a majority shall prevail.
• Procedure. The Committee may establish such rules and regulations for its own procedure, not inconsistent with the Constitution and By-Laws, as it may deem appropriate for the efficient performance of its functions.
• Process of Appeals. Any captain, player, tournament official or other person connected with the conduct of a tournament may present to the Tournament Appeals Committee a matter subject to its jurisdiction.
• Report to the Executive Council. It shall be the duty of the Chairman of the Tournament Appeals Committee to file a report with the Executive on all cases and all matters heard by the Tournament Appeals Committee. The report shall be in writing and filed as promptly as practical with the Secretary and shall set forth in concise form a statement of the question or matter involved, the facts, and the decision of the Committee.
• Appeals Referred to the Executive. Appeals referred to the Executive shall be heard by a special meeting of the Executive convened by the President for that purpose. At such special meeting, a quorum shall consist of not less than three-fourths of all members of the Executive present or represented at the tournament and any decision shall be made by a two-thirds vote of such quorum. The Chairman of the Tournament Appeals Committee shall give a detailed report in writing of the findings of the Tournament Appeals Committee and the Executive shall call in such of the players, captains or other persons directly or indirectly involved in respect of the appeal as the Executive shall consider necessary or appropriate in the circumstances. The judgement of the Executive on the appeal shall be final.

ARTICLE 11 - FINANCE

11.1. Dues and Fees

The amount and time for payment of all dues, fees and other charges shall be as from time to time fixed and determined by the Executive subject to review by the Congress.

11.2. Funds

The monies of the WBF shall be deposited in the name of the WBF in such bank or banks or trust company or trust companies as the Executive shall designate and shall be drawn out only by cheque signed by persons designated by resolution of the Executive.

11.3. Fiscal year

The fiscal year of the WBF shall begin on the first day of January in each year, unless otherwise provided by the Executive.

ARTICLE 12 - BOOKS AND RECORDS

12.1. Records

The books, accounts and records of the WBF, except as may be otherwise required by law, shall be kept at its principal office or at such other place or places as the Executive may from time to time appoint. The Executive shall determine whether and to what extent the accounts and books of the WBF or any of them, shall be open to inspection of the members, and no member shall have the right to inspect any account or book or document of the WBF except as conferred by law or by resolution of the Executive.

ARTICLE 13 - NOTICES

13.1. Notices

Whenever the provisions of the Constitution or these By-Laws require notice to be given to any member of the Executive or Delegate to the Congress or Officer, they shall not be construed to mean personal notice; such notice may be given in writing and transmitted by air mail post paid, electronic mail or telefax to the address as shown on the WBF records and the time when same is transmitted shall be the time of giving such notice.

13.2. Waiver

A waiver of any notice in writing signed by an Executive member or Delegate, or Officer, whether before or after the time stated in said waiver for holding a meeting, shall be deemed equivalent to a notice required to be given to any such Executive member, Delegate, or Officer.

ARTICLE 14 - SEAL

14.1. Seal

The corporate seal shall be in such form as the Executive may from time to time prescribe.

ARTICLE 15 - RULES OF ORDER AND QUORUM

15.1. Rules of Order

Roberts' Rules of Order (revised) shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by the Constitution or by the By-Laws or any special rules of procedure adopted by a duly constituted body of the WBF.

15.2. Quorums

Except as otherwise required by the Constitution or the By-Laws or by special rules of procedures adopted by a duly constituted body of the WBF a majority of members of any body of the WBF shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present in any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient for the approval of any matter.

ARTICLE 16 -INDEMNIFICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND OFFICERS

16.1. Indemnification of Members of the Executive and Officers

The WBF shall indemnify any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, is or was a member of any Executive or any officer of the WBF or served another corporation of any type or kind, domestic or foreign, or any partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, in any capacity at the request of the WBF, to the extent permitted by law. The WBF may purchase and maintain indemnity insurance to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE 17 - AMENDMENTS

17.1. Amendments

Alterations, amendments or repeal of the By-Laws may be made in accordance with Article 11 of the Constitution.

Certified as the Official By-laws of the World Bridge Federation, effective from 2003.

José Damiani, President
Jeffrey D. Polisner, General Counsel

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