NORTHERN IRELAND BRIDGE UNION 
A MEETING OF THE GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD IN KELVIN AND MALONE ON WEDNESDAY 23 June 2010 AT 7.30PM
AGENDA
- Apologies
- Minutes of Meeting held on 28 April 2010
- Matters Arising
- Chairman/Vice Chairman’s Report
- Secretary’s report
- General Matters
- Correspondence
- Competitions Secretary’s Report
- Forthcoming Competitions
- Results of Competitions played since last meeting
- Treasurer’s Report
- Current state of play
- Forecasts of future expenditure
- Masterpoints Secretary’s Report
- Current state of play/re-gradings
- Work of Sub-Committee
- Schools Bridge Report
- Schools/under 25 Development Committee Report
- Schools Report
10. Election of Sub Committees (a) Co-opted members of General Purposes Committee
(b) Finance Sub-Committee
(c) Competitions Sub-Committee
(d) Representative Match Sub-Committee
(e) Rules, Ethics & Appeals Sub-Committee
(f) Gradings Committee
(g) Intermediate ‘A’ & ‘B’ Sub-Committee
(h) Sponsorship Sub-Committee
(i) Schools Bridge Sub-Committee
(j) Emergency Committee
- Congress Organiser’s Report
- Reports of IBU/BGB Unions
- Irish Bridge Union – A Hill
- Bridge Great Britain – S Millership
- Sub-Committee Reports
- Intermediate ‘A&B’ Committee
- AOB
- Chairman’s Insignia
- To confirm date and place of next meeting as Wednesday 8 September 2010 at Kelvin and Malone at 7.30pm.
- Liz Scott
Hon Secretary
NORTHERN IRELAND BRIDGE UNION
General Purposes Committee
A meeting was held at Kelvin & Malone on Wednesday 28th April 2010 at 7.30pm.
Present: T O’Gallagher (Vice-Chairperson), L Scott (Secretary), N Irwin (Treasurer), B Scott (Competitions Sec), S Millership (Int Match Manager), D Cannell (Magazine Editor), A Anderson (K&M).
1 Apologies: A Hill, R Burns, T McKeever.
2 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 24th February 2010 were passed on a proposal by B Scott, seconded by S Millership and signed by the Vice Chairman, T O’Gallagher.
3 Matters Arising
B Scott said that, although it was not in the last minutes, but in the previous minutes, he wished to know what the position was regarding the Chairman’s Jewel. N Irwin said that she was dealing with it and that she thought it may well cost more than the original amount levied by the Committee. She is to progress it further. B Scott requested that the matter be finalised prior to the AGM in June if possible but, failing that, for the Congress in September. S Millership asked if the Chairman had spoken to the Selection Committee as he had agreed to do so at the last GP meeting. The Secretary will remind him.
4 Report of Chair/Vice Chair – T McKeever/T O’Gallagher
The Vice Chairman said that he had attended the Fermanagh Congress and had been made to feel very welcome.
5 Secretary’s Report – L Scott
L Scott read out a letter of thanks from the EBU to the organiser of the Camrose Weekend. She also read out a letter from Siva who is Secretary of the Sri Lankan Bridge Federation advertising a Bridge Festival in August or September. The letter was asking A Hill if he would TD and also wanted to contact F O’Boyle for the same reason. Siva also sent his regards to various members of the Union. L Scott also said she had been contacted by E Devlin reminding her of the TDs course and S Millership said that she would run it in September, hopefully. D Cannell asked that perhaps we should think about running a beginners course and a more advanced course. S Millership agreed that this would be possible. D Cannell then asked if the NIBU followed the same regulations as the EBU, ie announcing bids at the start of the play. S Millership said that we weren’t quite as strict as the EBU, however she would check the Manual and update it if necessary. The Secretary said that she had been asked by E McNicholl for the use of our Bridgemates for his charity night. All agreed that this would be appropriate.
6 Competition Secretary’s Report – B Scott
B Scott welcomed the fact that entries for competitions had continued to increase from last season. Winners of recent events were: Mid-Ulster Pairs (34 pairs) – Ken Hawtin and Helen Cole, Louis Herbert Handicap Pairs (19 pairs) – Sam Jones and William Dukelow, Inter A and B Trophy (14 pairs) – James and Kathleen McAllister, Northern Ireland Teams (15 teams) – Bill Scott, Derek Hanna, Tony O’Gallagher, Toni Sproule,
Robb Cup Inter B Championship (16 pairs) – Calvin Jones and Malcolm McDowell. B Scott expressed thanks to Raymond Johnston for his organisation of the Mid Ulster Pairs, to Anne Hassan for preparing a booklet of hands for the Robb Cup and to Ian Hamilton for discussing the hands at the Robb Cup. He reported that the leagues had all concluded with the following winners: Premier I – Ian Lindsay’s team, Premier 2 – Sandie Millership’s team, Senior – Derek Hanna’s team, Inter A – Paul McGill’s team, Inter B – Ros Young’s team. The Mackinnon Cup had been won by Shirlie Brown’s team. The other KO Cups had reached the final stage. Forthcoming events are: 12 May - Inter A – Senior Pairs at K&M; 23 May – Inter Club Teams (Helm Cup) at K&M. B Scott thanked Alan Hill and Sandie Millership for sharing the bulk of the TD duties throughout the season and Ian Lindsay for his work as league organiser for Premier 2, Inter A and Inter B leagues. He said that Brunswick club, with 6 league teams, had asked if the number of Thursday nights in use could be reduced as their attendances had suffered very badly. A Anderson said that 2 seasons ago league matches were played on Monday nights also so perhaps we should think about using Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights next year. B Scott said that, while the current policy of presenting trophies at the AGM had been well-intentioned, it hadn’t been a success because most winners didn’t turn up to receive them and they ended up resting in an officer’s house for a year. He suggested that trophies should be presented on the night of competitions with a close record kept of the names of recipients. This was agreed unanimously. It was also suggested that we re-introduce the Allen Mixed Teams trophy which had not been played for a number of years.
7 Treasurer’s Report – N Irwin
The Treasurer presented those present with a copy of her income and expenses account for Feb-Apr and said that there had been a lot more going out than was coming in, however a lot of the money had been spend in hosting the Camrose matches. She said that due to the “volcanic ash” problem the Lady Milne Team had had to resort to using 2 cars to travel to England to play. P Dufton and D Greenwood were thanked for the use of their vehicles. B Scott proposed that the each be given 25p per mile to cover their expenses. This was seconded by L Scott. N Irwin expressed her thanks to all who had banked money for the Union during her absence.
8 Masterpoint Secretary’s Report – R Burns
As the Masterpoints Secretary had sent an apology no report was given.
9 Schools Bridge Report
No report.
10 Congress Organiser’s Report – A Hassan
No report as Congress Organiser was not present.
12 Report of Sister Unions – IBU/BGB
IBU - A Hill had sent a short report through the Secretary saying that the IBU Meeting had been on the 1st March but that there was nothing of import for the NIBU. He asked that entries for the IBU Club pairs final on May 15/16 should be given to him.
BGB – S Millership said that the meeting was next week so there was nothing to report.
13 Magazine
D Cannell asked that Clubs be reminded and asked for contributions/articles for the next magazine. All contributions are gratefully received.
14 AOB
L Scott, on behalf of the outgoing President, said that the Election Committee had proposed Alan Sharp as the incoming President. The Vice Chair, T O’Gallagher said that it was with delight that he recommended S Millership as the new Vice Chair and said he looked forward to working with her. He said that she worked extremely hard for the Union.
A Anderson said that it was pleasing that the results were appearing on the website more quickly, however he said that the home page needed serious updating.
14 Date of next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday 23rd June 2010 at Kelvin and Malone at 7.30pm.
Signed_____________________________Dated___________________________
A MEETING OF THE GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD IN THE HOME OF THE SECRETARY ON WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2008 AT 7.30PM
AGENDA
- Apologies
- Minutes of Meeting held on 10 September 2008
- Matters Arising
- Chairman/Vice Chairman’s Report
- Secretary’s report
- General Matters
- Correspondence
- Competitions Secretary’s Report
- Forthcoming Competitions
- Results of Competitions played since last meeting
- Treasurer’s Report
- Current state of play
- Forecasts of future expenditure
- Masterpoints Secretary’s Report
- Current state of play
- Schools Bridge Report
- Congress Organiser’s Report
- Trials – Selection Committee Report
- Camrose
- Lady Milne
- Withdrawal of pair from Lady Milne Trials
- Reports of IBU/BGB Unions
- Irish Bridge Union – A Hill
- Bridge Great Britain – S Millership
- Sub-Committee Reports
- Intermediate ‘A’ & ‘B’ Committee
- AOB
- To confirm date and place of next meeting as Thursday, 26 February 2009 at Kelvin and Malone at 7.30pm.
Liz Scott
Hon Secretary
NORTHERN IRELAND BRIDGE UNION
General Purposes Committee
A meeting was held at Kelvin & Malone on Wednesday 10th September 2008 at 7.30pm.
Present: K Hinds (Chairperson), T McKeever (Vice-Chairperson), A Hill (President), L Scott (Secretary), A Anderson (Competitions Sec), R Burns (Masterpoints Sec), A Hassan (Congress Organiser).
1 Apologies: N Irwin, S Millership, R Johnston, T O’Gallagher, D Cannell, I Orr.
2 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 18th June 2008 were passed on a proposal by A Hill, seconded by A Anderson.
3 Matters Arising There were no matters arising.
4 Report of Chair/Vice Chair – I Orr/K Hinds
K Hinds said that he had attended the Bangor Congress and it was very enjoyable. He added that the North/South match was also enjoyable and a great experience. K Hinds said that he and the Congress Organiser had met and were actively endeavouring to source a new venue for our 2009 Autumn Congress. He told the Committee that Killyleagh are now in the final stages of the purchase of Bridgemates. The Chairman said that he was very willing to attend any club at their invitation.
T McKeever said that the printing of the diaries was well in hand and that he hoped they would be on sale at the Autumn Congress.
5 Secretary’s Report – L Scott
L Scott said that she had received some correspondence from R Johnston re the death of Nelson Ruddell which she agreed to pass on to our Magazine Editor to include in the next issue, if there was room. She said she had posted to all Club Secretaries the request for entries for the Interprovincial to be held on 15th and 16th November 2008. The Secretary reported, on behalf of S Millership Chair of Selectors, the new arrangements for the Trials and also that the team lost 685-749 in the Sonya Britton. The Secretary said that the summer had been fairly quiet for her which is normal for this time of year.
6 Competition Secretary’s Report – A Anderson (Temporary)
A Anderson said that he had little to report and that he still had a few venues for competitions to source. He added that he would not remain as Competition’s Secretary after the 31 October 2008 due to work commitments.
7 Treasurer’s Report – N Irwin
The Treasurer had sent, via the Secretary, a report on the financial position and the statement was handed out to those present at the meeting. There was nothing to discuss about the report as it was all in order, as usual.
R Burns said that he had one appeal re regarding. After discussion it was agreed to uphold the appeal.9 Schools Bridge Report
9 Schools Bridge Report
T McKeever said that at this stage in the year there was nothing to report.
10 Congress Organiser’s Report – A Hassan
A Hassan said that things were ready for the Autumn Congress in the Tower Hotel in Derry and that entries appeared to be up. She asked that members of the Committee assist in the ‘clearing up’ after each session. She added that numbers were good for the 75th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday 13th September and that she had managed to get the services of “The Guildhall Quarter” to play during the pre dinner drinks, thanks to John Bergin. A Hassan advised the Committee that J Baird had baked an ‘Anniversary Cake’. A Hassan had gotten pens to leave on tables as a small memento of the evening. K Hinds thanked Anne for the huge amount of work that she did for the Union as Congress Organiser and said that it wouldn’t happen without her.
12 Report of Sister Unions – IBU/BGB
A Hill said that N Irwin was now President of the IBU and congratulations were offered. He said that the IBU Simultaneous Pairs would be 3 separate competitions held on Monday night, Tuesday night and that Wednesday competition and Thursday’s competition was the same boards. He said that the NIBU Team for the Interprovincial to be held on 15th and 16th November in the Athlone Springs Hotel would be selected on Sunday.
13 Magazine
The magazine had again been circulated through clubs and it was very good. D Cannell was congratulated and thanked by the Committee for the amount of hard work he puts into it. D Cannell would like the clubs to submit articles.
14 AOB
Lottery funding was discussed and it was decided to set up a Sub Committee to look into this and report at the next GP Meeting. The Sub Committee are K Hinds, A Hill, N Irwin and A Hassan.
Date of next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday 3rd December 2008 at Kelvin and Malone at 7.30pm.
NORTHERN IRELAND BRIDGE UNION
General Purposes Committee
A meeting was held at Kelvin & Malone on Thursday 3 May 2007 at 7.30.
Present: R Johnston (Chairperson), I Orr (Vice Chair),I Hamilton (President), L Scott (Secretary), A Anderson (Competitions Sec), R Burns (Masterpoint Sec), A Hassan (Congress Organiser), D Cannell (Hon Magazine Editor), I Lindsay (Imm Past Pres),A Hill (K&M), T Sproule (K&M), A Lever (Imm Past Chair), S Millership (Int Match Manager), J Millership (Brunswick).
1 Apologies
N Irwin.
2 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 22 February 2007 were passed on a proposal by R Burns, seconded by D Cannell, and signed by the Chair.
3 Matters Arising
Item 5 – re bridge Teaching. Before we can put a link on the NIBU website, S Millership to check the teaching programme with D&D Greenwood as the committee is unsure of what exactly is being offered.
Report of Chair/Vice Chair – R Johnston/I Orr
R Johnston welcomed everyone to the GP meeting and congratulated A Hassan and A Anderson on the success of the Spring Congress at Armagh City Hotel. He went on to say that the facilities were excellent. He also added that although the accounts had not yet been finalised, he expected a satisfactory report from the Hon Treasurer. I Orr (Vice Chair) apologised for her non attendance at Congress but said that she had to attend a family wedding. I Orr proposed that K Hinds be recommended as Vice Chair for the year 2007/2008 and this was unanimously agreed.
5 Secretary’s Report – L Scott
The secretary reported that she had received, from Kelvin & Malone, a Sports Recognition form applying to the Sports Council for recognition as Bridge as a sport. The NIBU as the Governing body had some parts to fill in. L Scott said she had forwarded the form to all officers of the Union and that I Hamilton (President) had done all the filling in but there were still a few things we had to clarify. The Secretary will ask the Hon Treasurer for a copy of our Insurance details and she will contact S McCaughan for advice on Child Protection legislation all of which is required by the Sports Council. L Scott had also received a letter from S McCaughan requesting clarification of the ‘Officials Team Selection’ for the NIBU/CBAI match. This selection was normally done by the Chairperson and had usually comprised those persons who represented the NIBU on the IBU Committee. This year it appears that most of the IBU representatives had already been selected for other teams. There followed some discussion and A Hill and I Lindsay agreed that they would speak to S McCaughan who is a member of the Selection Committee. The Secretary then read out a letter from J Millership requesting clarification of the League Rules which allow for matches to be rearranged to another date. He felt that there were far too many rearranged matches and this was unacceptable. The Competitions Secretary the read out the rules relative to this and after debate it was suggested and agreed that representatives from Premier 1 and Premier 2 Leagues, along with the top Senior League arrange a meeting to stress the importance of playing their matches on the appropriate night. All boards for League matches are pre dealt and when a match has been rearranged pre dealt boards are no longer available and this produces an unfair result. A suggestion was made and agreed to by the Competitions Secretary that substitutes should be available on all League nights to fill in as required. The Secretary also said that she had sent a sympathy card from the President, Chair and members to the Hon Treasurer on the death of her mother and had received a thank you letter from the Hon Treasurer which she read out.
6. Competitions Secretary’s Report – A Anderson
A Anderson reminded all present that the Senior/Inter ‘A’ Competition was to be held on the 16 May and he urged all Seniors present to link up with and Inter ‘A’ and play in the competition. He suggested that this would perhaps encourage more people to play in competitions. He also reminded us of the Helm Cup Competition to be held on 20 May in the Park Avenue Hotel. He has arranged that S Jones would direct this competition. A Anderson informed the meeting that he had received only one entry for the Allan Mixed Teams competition this year and as the competition had not been supported last year either he suggested that this competition be removed from the NIBU calendar. A vote ensued and it was agreed by 6 votes to 3 with 2 abstentions to remove this competition from the calendar.
7 Treasurer’s Report – N Irwin
As the Treasurer was unable to attend the meeting no report was given.
8 Master Points Secretary’s Report – R Burns
R Burns asked the Hon Secretary to remind all Clubs that their Masterpoint returns were due and to suggest to them that if there was a member of their club whom they considered should be re-graded to send the name(s) to him for consideration.
9 Schools Bridge Report
There was no report.
10 Congress Organiser’s Report – A Hassan
A Hassan reported that the Spring Congress had been successful but that a date for next year had not yet been arranged as the Armagh City Hotel was only available on the 9 May 2008 and it was thought this might coincide with a CBAI Congress. She said she would liaise with the Secretary of the CBAI re dates.
11 Report of the Sister Unions
IBU – A Hill reported that the IBU were endeavouring to raise money to send the Silver Medalists to the Bermuda Bowl in Shanghai. He said that sponsorship had been offered for €20,000 but that the IBU had to raise that amount and to that end they were selling the book ‘Silver for Ireland’ at a cost of £10 and endeavouring to raise the €20,000 by other means also.
BGB – S Millership read out a comprehensive report from the BGB meeting of 24 April. As it was now compulsory to use screens at these matches and as standard tables didn’t allow for these screens, she proposed that the NIBU buy some tables. This was unanimously agreed. The Lady Milne team had been overcharged at this competition and S Millership gave the Secretary a cheque to be divided between the competitors. A ‘Seniors’ Camrose would be introduced next season, providing sponsorship from Bernard Teltcher was still available.
12 Report of Sub-Committees/Newsletter Editor
D Cannell said that the Newsletter was due to be printed soon and asked for all contributions to be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
13 AOB
S Millership (International Match Manager) had a problem with the location of the NIBU/CBAI match. She had hoped to schedule the match to be played in Armagh but there was a problem with accommodation. R Burns proposed and T Sproule seconded that Kelvin & Malone would be suitable. S Millership suggested there would be a problem with accommodation and catering. A Hill proposed and I Lindsay seconded that an outside venue should be arranged. A vote was taken on both proposals. The proposal by R Burns was defeated by 4 votes to 5; the proposal by A Hill was accepted by 5 votes to 1, both having one abstention. S Millership to further research a potential venue.
The subject of Bridgemates was raised. These had been borrowed for both the autumn and Spring Congresses and were a great success. The meeting agreed that the NIBU should consider buying these at an approximate cost of £900 for 6 tables including the server, additional bridgemates would cost £100 plus vat per table. J Millership proposed that the Secretary contact each club as enquire as to whether they would wish to purchase some for their clubs as this may inevitably bring the price down.
I Hamilton suggested that the Kelvin Cup rules needed to be revised and I Lindsay agreed to provide revised rules.
The GP Committee agreed the recommendation that A Hill become President and K Hinds Vice Chairperson.
There was no further business.
14 Date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday 20 June 2007 at 7.30pm at Kelvin & Malone.
Signed _____________________________________ Dated ______________________
NIBU Alerting and Systems Policy
Alerting
As from 16th September 2004 the Alerting policy of the NIBU
has changed. The new policy is as set out in the diary. Your attention
is drawn to the following excerpts
At the start of every round each pair must inform their opponents of their basic system (e.g. forcing club, strength of no trump opening, 4 or 5 card majors) and their carding methods and in particular any unusual openings for which opponents may need to prepare.
During the bidding no call above the level of 3NT is to be alerted unless it occurs on the first round of the bidding. Calls above the level of 3NT after the first round of the auction are to be alerted at the end of the bidding. The dummy or declarer alerts the defenders before the opening lead. The defenders alert after the opening lead has been made but before it is faced.
Alertable calls
The following bids are considered natural and do not require an alert:
Any offer to play in a suit for the first time, which shows
• Three
or more cards in a minor suit
• Four or more cards in a major
suit
And says nothing about
any other suit
The following conventional bids in common use need not be alerted:
Stayman 2 club response to 1NT (provided it guarantees a 4 card major)
Strong Acol 2 club opening bid
Doubles
Any double of a one level suit opening or response at the one level by an opponent is deemed to be a TAKE OUT DOUBLE. All other doubles are deemed to be PENALTY DOUBLES. Any variation from this rule must be alerted.
Systems
The NIBU has adopted the English Bridge Union Orange Book as far as Systems and conventions approval is concerned. Copies of this can be downloaded from the EBU website at www.ebu.co.uk on the Internet. The following levels apply to NIBU events:
Open non-handicap NIBU competitions Level 4
Junior, Intermediate and Handicap competitions Level 3
Any system may be played in the Premier League 1 and the Kelvin cup, provided 1 weeks notice in writing has been given to the opposing Captain, of any systems not allowable at level 4 with full description and a suitable defence. The opposing team shall have sole seating rights whenever such systems are played and may consult a written defence during bidding.
It is the duty of each player to check whether the system/convention they are using is allowed in the competition in which they are participating.
If Clubs wish to adopt the Orange Book the NIBU recommends that they use Level 3. This allows all the usual conventions while protecting club players by banning odd bids with the exception of Multi.
EBU Permitted Conventions Broad Descriptions
What follows is merely a broad guide and should not be relied upon.
Level 1
System Old fashioned simple Acol
Conventions Only Stayman, Baron, Blackwood, Gerber, 5NT Grand Slam Force
No sputnik double
Level 2
System Natural systems, Strong Club, Canapé
Conventions Snap, Support bids, Bergen raises, fit jumps, Complete freedom to FG from strength, and following a FG bid and from openers rebid. Two suited overcalls if 1 specified. Texas . 2NT may be a weak minor two-suiter 5 Hcp range. All continuations after a 1NT opening.
Two in a suit openings may not mix weak and strong options
Three in a suit must be natural or pre-emptive.
Level 3
Systems
Conventions Except for a slightly restricted Multi 2 ¨ two in suit openings may not mix weak and strong options. 3 level opening bids must have 4 in bid suit. Transfer overcalls.
Level 4
Systems
Conventions Light opening bids. Transfer and Relay responses. Wide variety of opening two bids but if a weak variety then at least 1 suit specified.
Variety of 3 level bids. 2NT may be weak 1 of 2 suits.
Level 5 Details to be decided by sponsoring organisation
Systems
Conventions
Note on levels 1-4
Multi is illegal at level 2, slightly restricted at level 3
In practice odd 3 level bids are only permitted at level 4
2 ¨ 0-11 and 2 unspecified 5 cards suits are not permitted
2NT both minors is permitted at level s 2 and 3 with a 5 point range, unrestricted at 4
2NT one unspecified minor is only permitted at level 4
HUM (e.g. forcing pass) systems are not permitted at any level
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