D17 NATIONAL DIRECTORS REPORT
JANUARY 2022

Cindy Shoemaker
ACBL National Board Representative 
1-719-337-6258
Greetings:

The ACBL Board of Directors held a Special meeting on Zoom Monday, January 17, 2022. 
Here are the highlights:
NEW NABC START TIMES TO DEBUT IN PROVIDENCE 2022
The start times for NABC events (excluding NABC Fast Pairs) will change from 1 pm and 7 pm to 10 am and 3 pm for NABCs beginning in Providence summer of 2022.
Significant savings will occur as a result of this change. Nighttime hospitality costs will be reduced as well as director costs as regional 1 and 7 events require two extra director sessions.   

Player feedback requesting a daylight schedule prompted the change as local players do not wish to drive home during rush hour or close to midnight. 

The Competition and Conventions Committee will now establish start times and schedules for NABCs.  
 NEW DISCIPLINARY BODY STREAMLINES CHEATING PROCESS
The ACBL Board approved the creation of the Institute of Bridge Arbitration (IBA) -- an independent, impartial body of volunteer bridge experts who will make final decisions on questions regarding high-level ethical bridge violations. The IBA will streamline the adjudication of major cheating cases. In addition, it will remove the need for ACBL Board of Director involvement in making final decisions in charges of this level, allowing the Board to focus on strategic directives. 

Effective date: February 1, 2022.