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Use of Foreign Languages at the Bridge Table
The following advice was sent to all states in 2002 and is reprinted in its entirety to answer recent questions on the use of foreign languages at the bridge table.
The issue of whether a foreign language can be used at the bridge table was recently addressed by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
The Management Committee of the Australian Bridge Federation was happy to approve the terms of the Conciliation Agreement.
These were that the use of foreign languages is acceptable at the Club before the session starts, during breaks in play and when play is finished.
The use of a foreign language is not allowed while the cards are out of the board. Between hands, if players cannot use good English, they should request approval from opponents to use a foreign language.
If permission is granted it is the responsibility of those communicating in the foreign language to explain as well as they can what was said.