Club Handbook

The Akaroa Bridge Club, formed in 1974, is a non-profit incorporated society affiliated to NZ Bridge Inc.

The AGM is held at the end of January each year when the Patron, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and at least 3 other committee members are elected. The committee members are responsible for running the club which includes organising the programme, appointing Directors and computer scorers, supper, stationery supplies, lessons, social functions, tournaments, financial records, finding partners, updating the website, handicaps, complaints and any other duties as required.

Sessions:

Monday night. Mixed grade club night weekly from the end of January to the beginning of December. 

Venue: Akaroa Golf Club, 77 Pawsons Valley Rd, Duvauchelle. Bring a torch.

Time: 7.30–10.30pm. Players to be seated by 7.20pm.

Wednesday Social Bridge. Wednesday evenings. All welcome, no partner required. Often there are Holiday Bridge sessions in December and January.

Venue: Akaroa Sports Pavilion, 48 Rue Jolie, Akaroa

Time: 7.00pm – 9:30 pm

Membership:

An application form is available online. Members of The Akaroa Bridge Club reside in Akaroa, the rural areas and bays of Banks Peninsula plus international members who visit over the summer months. Club members range in experience and ability from beginner through to senior. There are approximately 60 members.

Upon paying the annual subscription new members are given a NZ Bridge number. Affiliated members are entitled to play at other clubs throughout NZ, subject to individual club rules.

Visitors may play at the club but may not play more than four times in one year without becoming a financial member.

Resignation: Members wishing to cancel their membership must do so in writing by the end of January.

Subscriptions:  The subscription is made up of two amounts. As Akaroa is a NZ Bridge affiliated club, a portion of the subscription is paid quarterly to NZ Bridge Inc as an affiliation fee. The second part is the club membership fee. Members may belong to more than one club but need only pay one affiliation fee. The subscription fee is $40.

Table Fees:  A table fee is paid each night by all players. The fee is $5.00. The club encourages contactless payment, with members paying an amount into the club’s bank account, which is then debited when they play. Members can also pay in cash.

Visitors:  Visitors are welcome at most sessions. However there are some members’ only sessions because of the organisation required, e.g. mid-winter pot luck dinner, teams event and end of year Christmas party and prize-giving.

Partners:  The annual programme of competitions is available at the end of the year. Players are encouraged to arrange partners. Don’t be afraid to ask a member to partner you. If you are unable to find a partner contact the Secretary.  (akaroabridgeclub@gmail.com).

Competitions:  The Bridge Club year is divided into major and minor competitions as stated in the programme. To be eligible for a placing, players have the same partner for the whole competition. Substitute partners may only be used in accordance with the rules of each competition.

Handicaps:  Handicaps are used for some competitions as stated in the programme. These are calculated based on results and take into account the ability and experience of the pair. Handicappers are appointed by the committee at the beginning of each year.

Grades:  The Akaroa Bridge Club is a mixed grade club.

Supper:  Finish time is approximately 10.30 pm. Members enjoy a social time over supper in the middle of the evening. There is no supper roster. All members are encouraged to help with dishes, packing up etc.

Seating:  Anyone who needs to remain seated throughout the evening, please notify the Director before play starts.

The Cards:  The Akaroa Bridge Club uses a dealing machine. The computer files used come from X-Club and are played at the same time as at other affiliated bridge clubs throughout New Zealand.

Opening:  Boards may not always have an opening hand and may be passed in.   The result is recorded as a "Pass In".

Results and Hand Records:  At the end of play the results are calculated. The results and hand records are emailed to all members and uploaded to the website.

Systems and Information:  The system played is Acol. Visitors are requested to pre-alert any alternative systems, e.g. Precision.

Social Functions:  There are two social exchanges annually: Diamond Harbour and The House of Cards club from Christchurch, with Akaroa hosting on alternate years. There is a mid-winter social function with a pot luck dinner followed by casual play for members only. The last night of the club year is a social function and prize giving for members and spouses/partners.

Lessons:  The committee may organise lessons from time to time. These will be advertised.

Beginners:  Beginners may use an Acol cheat-sheet at The Akaroa Bridge Club sessions.

Director Duties:  For each competition there is a Director and scorer appointed by the committee. It is the Director’s (or his/her delegate’s) responsibility to arrive early, set up the room, turn on the heating, check the hot water is on and to lock up at the end of the evening. They ask for assistance when required. At the end of each competition the Director hands the keys to the Director of the next competition. The Director also keeps the time (about 6.5 to 7 minutes per board) during play, rules on any infringements and generally makes sure the evening runs smoothly.

Recorders:  Any member who feels another player’s conduct is unethical or improper and should not go unchecked but does not feel it warrants a written complaint can report it to one of the club’s Recorders who will investigate and if appropriate speak to the person(s) concerned. The club Recorders’ names and contact information is listed on the Committee page of the club’s website. (akaroabridgeclub.co.nz/contacts/committee).