The important job of a bridge
tournament
director (TD) is acting as the judge but is also responsible,
among other
duties, for the orderly progress of the game, and usually for arranging
and
preparing a tournament.
As the judge the TD is responsible for maintaining order and for giving
rulings
following irregularities during play. Some of these rulings are simple
but,
especially at a Championship, they can be very difficult and
necessitate
discussions with other TDs and even other players. These rulings can
affect the winners of the Competitions. Players are not always happy
with TD rulings
but they have an option to appeal. In the European Bridge League
(EBL) the
appeal is heard by a 'reviewer' whose decision is final. I share the
reviewer
job with two other persons and for the European Championships which
took place
in Madeira I was the reviewer. Amazingly, there were no appeals - I
cannot
remember another Championship where there were no appeals. The main
reason for
this is the quality and high standard pf the TDs (pictured above) at
this event.
The TDs are trained and chosen by a TD Committee of which I was
Chairman. (At Madeira
I decided to relinquish this post but remain in an advisory position).
My first international role as a TD was in 1980 but I took a 17 year
break
because of work duties. In 1997 I went on a training course and resumed
my activities
as an international TD. I worked my way through the ranks and
eventually was
appointed head of the TD training courses which are held every year.
The 15 TDs
above (+ 1 absent) are all graduates of these courses. Two of them were
my
mentors, and 2 trained with me. I trained another two and trained and
certified
ten of them. The next course will be in Warsaw in September and that
will be
my last as organizer although I will still be involved in the
preparation of the course.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my years as a TD and as a trainer of TDs.
Apart from bridge, the two F's (friends and food ) have been amazing. We
have visited many countries and there is a special relationship between
TDs and the differences in
country, culture, food and religion are unimportant. I have
made
friends from all over the world and we are always delighted to see
each other again. I maintain contact and friendships with many of them
even when we are not at competitions.
Search this site. |