New Member Code of Conduct – Protecting the Club We All Love

The Board has adopted a new Member Code of Conduct, which sets out the behaviours expected of all members and helps ensure our Club remains a welcoming, respectful and enjoyable place for everyone.

Nothing New… Just a Commitment to Our Culture

If you've been part of our bridge community for any length of time, there is very little in the Code that will surprise you. In fact, most of it is simply common sense.

Treat people with respect.
Be honest.
Be patient.
Look after our Club.
Follow the rules.
Support one another.

These are the values that have made our Club such a wonderful place over many years, and now they are formally captured in one document that applies to everyone across Lindfield Bowling & Bridge Club.

Bridge Should Challenge Our Brains… Not Our Blood Pressure!

Let's be honest.

Bridge players can occasionally become just a little... passionate. Sometimes it's our partner. Sometimes it's the opponents. Sometimes it's the director. Sometimes its the dealer! And occasionally it's because dummy didn't put down quite the cards we were hoping for! We've all been there.

Before we sigh dramatically, roll our eyes or respond in the heat of the moment, let's remember why we're here.

To enjoy great bridge.
To catch up with friends.
To keep our minds active.
To have fun.

Kindness costs nothing, but it makes an enormous difference.

Calling the Director Isn't Personal

One area worth mentioning is calling the director.

Some newer players worry that calling the director is rude or suggests someone has done something wrong.

It definitely doesn't.

Directors are simply the referees of our game. They are there to help everyone apply the Laws of Bridge fairly and consistently. Most director calls happen because someone has made a simple mistake—a faux pas, not an attempt to cheat.

Unless you're one of those mythical players who has never revoked, bid out of turn or forgotten a convention (we're still looking for one!), we've all needed a director at some point.

Respect Our Volunteers and Staff

Our Club simply couldn't operate without its volunteers and staff.

Behind every bridge session are people who organise events, answer emails, balance the books, prepare rooms, direct sessions, serve behind the bar, organise catering, maintain our technology and make hundreds of decisions that members never even see.

Your Committee members and Directors are volunteers who freely give their time because they care deeply about the future of the Club.

Sometimes difficult decisions need to be made. Not everyone will agree with every decision, but every decision is made after discussion, research and careful consideration of what is believed to be in the best interests of the Club and its members.

The Code makes one thing very clear: Harassment of Club Officials, volunteers and employees will not be tolerated. Everyone deserves to be treated with courtesy, dignity and respect.

Responsible Service of Alcohol

As a licensed Club, we also have legal obligations under NSW liquor licensing laws.

Members are asked to follow staff directions regarding alcohol service, not bring alcohol onto Club premises for personal consumption, and understand that staff may be legally required to refuse service in certain circumstances. These requirements help protect both our members and the Club's liquor licence.

Social Media Matters Too

The Code also reminds us that our responsibilities don't end when we leave the Club. Posts on social media - even in private groups - can still harm individuals or the reputation of the Club.

Before posting, ask yourself:

"Would I be happy for the Board, my fellow members or the person concerned to read this?"

If the answer is no, it's probably worth reconsidering.