About the FABC
 

WHAT IS THE FEDERATION OF AFFILIATED BRIDGE CLUBS NSW (FABC)?

The FABC was created with the purpose of assisting the NSW Bridge Association to help clubs, especially in the country regions.

Clause 3 of the FABC constitution reads:

"The objects of the Federation shall be:

(a) To represent its member clubs on the Council of the Association.

(b) To assist the Association in the promotion and administration of bridge in New South Wales."

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FABC

The FABC has three main functions:

1.         Provide clubs with information regarding affiliation with the NSWBA, the Masterpoint scheme, and encourage new clubs to use this scheme;

2.          Assist clubs in the conduct of their activities;

3.          Organise and run four events during the year:

(a)             State Open Pairs Championships

(b)             State Mixed Pairs Championships

(c)             State Wide Pairs Championships

(d)             State Teams Qualifying (Country & Metro sections)

For each of these events, the FABC appoints a convener who organises the activities up to the stage of State finals. From this point, the organisation becomes the responsibility of the NSWBA.

To assist in the discharge of these responsibilities, the FABC nominates three members of its Committee to be members on the NSWBA Council.

The FABC has divided NSW country into 11 regions. A representative is appointed to each of these and he/she co-ordinates the activities within the region, transmitting queries and information between the clubs and within the FABC.

Around June each year, the FABC holds a meeting of the Council and the Regional Representatives so that all matters of interest can be discussed and outstanding issues resolved.

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TRAINING AND TEACHING

The FABC promotes bridge through financial assistance to clubs for the conduct of teaching tours and/or Director's training seminars.

These Teaching/Director tours are organised either directly by offer from teachers, through request from clubs, or by State associations.

The general policy of the FABC is that it will not subsidise a teacher but will consider the situation of a group of clubs, whether within a region or not, that wish to organise a seminar in a location central to them. This consideration is in the form of underwriting the possible loss sustained by the clubs, with the proviso that the members attending classes be charged a reasonable fee for the sessions.

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BIDDING BOXES

LOAN SERVICE FOR BIDDING BOXES FOR ALL NSW COUNTRY CLUBS

The FABC inaugurated a service to provide all NSW country clubs with an opportunity to borrow a set of bidding boxes for use by members at Club competition. This allows all bridge players to experience using the boxes prior to competing at a more senior level of competition. Many clubs have taken up this offer and the feedback has been most positive. If there are any further clubs interested in this service, they may contact the Secretary on 02 9411 6647 to arrange delivery. This service is free of charge to all Affiliated Clubs.

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ADMINISTRATION

The FABC publishes and updates the Club Handbook that attempts to answer all questions relating to the running of a bridge club, from the wording of the constitution to the organisation of a congress.

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