private match procedures

In private matches such as the Scottish Cup, Gold Cup and league fixtures, a Tournament Director is not normally present.

While most matches proceed without issue, players and captains should understand the correct procedure should an irregularity occur during play.

These procedures are designed to ensure rulings are handled fairly, consistently and in accordance with the Laws of Duplicate Bridge.

If an Irregularity Occurs

If a problem arises during play, both captains should be consulted immediately, even if they were not involved in the board itself.

Delaying discussion until later in the match may jeopardise a side’s rights in the same way as failing to call a Director in a formally directed event (Law 9B1(a)).

Examples of irregularities may include:

  • Leads out of turn

  • Revokes

  • Hesitations

  • Mistaken explanations

  • Unauthorised information

Immediate Rulings

Where the matter can be resolved directly by reference to the Laws of Bridge, the captains should agree a ruling immediately.

This typically applies to factual situations such as:

  • leads out of turn,

  • insufficient bids,

  • revokes,

  • or other procedural irregularities.

Judgement-Based Situations

Where the issue involves judgement rather than fact — for example:

  • hesitations,

  • tempo issues,

  • or disputed explanations —

the matter should normally be postponed until the conclusion of the set.

At that stage, the captains should attempt to agree an outcome for the board.

Referee Consultation

If the captains cannot agree a result, an approved referee should be consulted. The approved referees are:

Appeals Procedure

Either captain may appeal a referee’s ruling. If an appeal is made, the match result as played should be submitted to the competition convener together with:

  • A £10 deposit (refunded only if the appeal is deemed non-frivolous)

  • Full details of the board, including: Dealer, Vulnerability, Bidding and Play

  • The result of the board at all tables

  • Details of the original ruling and who provided it

  • A written explanation outlining the grounds for appeal

  • Statements from both sides, signed by the appropriate captains

Postponed Rulings

If the captains are unable to obtain a ruling during the match, or agree that the matter should instead be determined later by a referee, the result should still be submitted to the convener together with the relevant information listed above.

In these circumstances, no deposit is required unless a subsequent appeal is lodged.

Knockout Matches

Where a postponed ruling or appeal could potentially result in a tied knockout match, additional boards should be played at the time in order to provide a mechanism for breaking the potential tie.

Further Guidance

Players are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Laws of Duplicate Bridge and to approach irregularities calmly, fairly and collaboratively. These procedures exist to protect both sides and help maintain the integrity of competitive bridge across Scotland.