The use of bidding boxes, a relatively recent innovation in bridge, has some obvious advantages. Generally, their use results in a quieter game with fewer misunderstood calls and reviews of the bidding. Another, less obvious advantage is that members who are hearing impaired, can enjoy a game that is primarily visual.
However, this last point highlights a problem in the use of bidding boxes. Some individuals have impairments that make the use of bidding boxes difficult or impossible. It can be difficult to reconcile the needs of these two groups when they play against each other. This policy is designed to take this into account and set appropriate procedures to achieve this.
The following are impairments that we have identified that impact the use of bidding boxes.
Visual impairment - For such an individual to participate, verbal bidding is required.
Hearing Impairment - For such an individual to participate, the use of bidding boxes is required.
Physical Impairment - an individual for whom using a bidding box is impossible or who finds it difficult or painful to do so.
While not an actual impairment, there is also a problem for many players in the mixed use of verbal bidding and bidding boxes during an auction. Many find this mixing of verbal and visual bidding to be a distracting experience that reduces their enjoyment of the game and makes it difficult for them to play at their best. This is especially true for newer players.
We are introducing the following policies and procedures at Unit 390 events to ensure that, to the best extent possible, all individuals having any difficulty with respect to bidding boxes can have their rights protected as fully as is possible
1. Any player has the option to bid verbally if, in their opinion, physical limitations make the use of bidding boxes difficult, uncomfortable or impossible. As a unit, we will not question the authenticity of anyone's impairment and no one will be asked to substantiate a disability.
2. At tables where bidding boxes are not being employed, the needs of those individuals with a hearing impairment will take precedence. The pair not using bidding boxes, must, for that round, use them and employ the method suggested under Procedures point 1(b).
3. At tables where bidding boxes are being employed, the needs of those individuals with a visual impairment will take precedence. The pair using bidding boxes, must, for that round, bid verbally.
4. Procedures listed below will apply for all situations where the use of bidding boxes varies from the norm.
1. Where one player at a table is unable to use bidding boxes, there are two options available:
All bids at that table, by all players, should be made verbally and bidding boxes should be removed (prior to the start of the game) to a location where they will not to be easily for inadvertent use, or
As an alternative, the player's partner or an assistant can place cards from a bidding box on the table in response to a verbal call by the player unable to use the bidding boxes
2. Intermittent or inconsistent use of bidding boxes within a session is not allowed, unless this is required by the director to assist players with a hearing impairment. Where bidding boxes are not in use, verbal bidding by all players is required.
3. When a person with any impairment that restricts their use of bidding boxes, attends a Unit 390 event, they should inform the head director of this, prior to the start of the game, so that plans can be put into effect to assist them and ensure the smooth running of the game.
All players are reminded that it is in the best interest of bridge to be generous and show good will in adhering to these policies and procedures. Where verbal bidding is used, it should be made in a clear and consistent manner, with sufficient volume to be easily heard by all at the table. No one should question the sincerity of anyone's impairment or seek to undermine the spirit of this initiative.
Approved by Unit 390 Board of Directors, October, 2004