ABF Travel Policy for Overseas Destinations
Table of Contents
1. Purpose
To outline the Australian Bridge Federation’s (ABF) position on travel by Australian representatives to international competitions, including the conditions under which participation and ABF travel subsidies are approved, and how decisions will be made in the event of changes to government travel advice.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all players (teams, pairs, individuals) and appointed officials (e.g. non-playing captains) who are ratified by the ABF to participate in international competitions.
3. Definitions
DFAT: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia), which issues official travel advisories.
Travel Advisory Levels: DFAT’s safety ratings —
- Level 1: Exercise normal safety precautions
- Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution
- Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel
- Level 4: Do not travel
Augmentation: Replacement or addition of team members according to ABF augmentation rules.
Ratified Representative: A player or official officially approved by the ABF to participate in an international event.
4. Policy Statement
ABF travel policy for participation in overseas competitions (both target and non-target events) by Australian representatives is as follows.
This policy applies to players (teams, pairs, or individuals) and officials such as non-playing captains whom the ABF ratifies:
- We only enter international representative events if the DFAT travel advice for the destination is level 1 (overall, exercise normal safety precautions) or two (high degree of caution). We will not enter events if the DFAT advice is level 3 or 4.
- If DFAT increases its advice level following entry but before the event starts:
- We will withdraw if the advice is elevated to level 4 (do not travel). Representatives will be required to reimburse the ABF for any travel subsidy already paid, except to the extent that they have already incurred expenses that are not recoverable under any policy of insurance.
- If the advice changes to level 3 (reconsider the need to travel), we will consider whether to take part on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the representatives.
Individual players, pairs or teams will have the right to withdraw if they choose.
For teams events, the rest of the team may continue if it still has enough members and may augment in accordance with ABF rules.
Arrangements for reimbursement of travel expenses as above will apply with respect to the withdrawal of each team member who chooses that option.
In the event of augmentation, the ABF will not offer any subsidy above the amount recovered from the withdrawing player(s).
- If DFAT increases its advice level to level 3 or 4 after players arrive at the venue, team captains, in consultation with the designated ABF representative on site (if applicable), will be empowered to decide what action to take. Any costs incurred as a result will be a matter between participants and their travel insurers.
Note that players are covered by an ABF travel insurance policy while traveling to represent Australia. They are free to arrange their own cover if they wish. Generally, travel insurance policies do not cover cancellation costs if a “Do Not Travel” advisory is issued by DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) for your destination, especially if you choose to travel there despite the advisory. Some policies may offer some coverage if a travel advisory is issued after you’ve purchased the policy and booked your trip, allowing you to claim for cancellation costs. However, this is not always the case, and you should always review your specific policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for details on what is and isn’t covered.
Captains and players should communicate with the ABF’s Executive Director to understand the details of the ABF’s travel policy.
5. Responsibilities
ABF Board:
- Determines event participation based on DFAT advice.
- Approves overall policy and funding guidelines.
Executive Director:
- Provides clarification and guidance to players and captains.
- Manages financial implications and ensures compliance with insurance and subsidy terms.
Team Captains:
- Empowered to make safety and withdrawal decisions after arrival if DFAT advice escalates.
- Must consult with any designated ABF representative on-site.
Players/Officials:
- Must comply with travel policy and DFAT warnings.
- Responsible for understanding their insurance coverage.
- Required to reimburse subsidies under certain withdrawal scenarios.
6. Procedures
Prior to entering any event, DFAT advice will be reviewed.
Upon an elevation to Level 3 or 4 before travel, the ABF will either:
- Withdraw fully; or
- Consult with participants to assess feasibility and risks.
After arrival, captains will determine next steps in consultation with ABF representatives.
All players are expected to review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of their insurance policies.
Subsidy reimbursement will be assessed based on actual unrecoverable expenses.
No additional funds will be provided to cover costs from augmented replacements.
7. Review Cycle
This policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if DFAT policy, insurance practices, or international travel risks materially change. The review is the responsibility of the ABF Executive Director.
13 March 2026
