2008 FEBRUARY DISTRICT DIRECTOR COLUMN

I will use this month's column to finish highlighting some of the Board's actions in San Francisco.

Readmission of Expelled Members. The Board passed a regulation that under no circumstances will the Board hear a request for readmission before 5 years from the date of expulsion or resignation to avoid possible disciplinary actions, provided that under no circumstances will the Board hear a request for readmission in regards to a second expulsion or resignation.

Should the Board decide to hear a request, the following guidelines shall be used in considering possible readmission: (1) Admission of Guilt, (2) Appropriate written apology, and (3) Support for readmission from the player’s local bridge organization(s). This request for relief shall be made no more frequently than every three years.

Life Master Committee. The Board has requested the ACBL President to establish a committee to study the requirements for becoming a Life Master and other ranks. (I know that this topic always produces many comments, so if you have one, please email me at pinsky4bridge@earthlink.net I have been appointed to this committee so I can pass your comments on to the Committee first hand.)

CEO Review Committee. Jay Baum, our present CEO received a new three year contract. One of the reasons for the length of term is to provide for stability of the organization for the possible move of ACBL headquarters in the next few years.

Board Operations. The Board revised some of its policies pertaining to the Board. We first voted to discontinue the policy of reimbursing board members for one companion transportation cost per year and increased the Board stipend to $1000 three times a year (from $750) to reflect travel to District and Unit events, telephone expenses, mailing, and miscellaneous office expenses connected with the office of District Director, and Chairman of the Board of Governors. The Board also approved a policy regarding Board Management Communications.

IT IS A DIFFERENT VIEW FROM DUMMY

Dan Morris, 2008 ACBL President has announced committee appointments for the upcoming year. I requested that I be appointed to different committees from last year so I can continue to learn first hand the mechanics of each committee. For this year, I will be sitting on the Audit Committee, CEO Review Committee, Conditions of Contest Committee, Governance, Grand National Teams Credentials, and the Lifemaster Requirement Committee. I was also appointed to a sub committee to review the ACBL Board of Directors Behavioral Code.

Finally this past month, I had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of the new Antelope Valley Bridge Club along with our president, Bill. They have moved into a new space as part of a senior community. As part of the ceremony, I was able to present to the AV Committee on Ageing their ACBL charity grant. However, the game did not proceed as planned as the Husbands (Bill and I) lost by a few matchpoints to the Wives (Diana and Kathy). Congratulations Ladies!!