[blml] Law 25A

[Sven Pran]

> On Behalf Of Roger Pewick
> >> On Behalf Of Roger Pewick
> > .............
> > It is a well established understanding of Law 25A that "pause" is 
> > to be measured from the moment the player discovers his mistake 
> > until he gives some indication that he had made an inadvertent
> > mistake. He need not immediately actually name his intended call.
> 
> Not only is there no basis in law for for such a regulation, it further is
> in direct contravention of L25A.

I think you should find the following minutes (and particular #7) from WBFLC
Maastricht 2000 relevant?

6 The Committee examined a statement that "When bidding boxes are in use the
attempt to correct an inadvertent call (Law 25A) must follow instantaneously
upon the player's discovery of his mistake. (Should LHO have meanwhile made
a call over the player's first call Laws 25A, 21B and 16C apply)."  The
Committee finds this principle acceptable and urges regulating authorities
to incorporate it (or an alternative statement) in their tournament
regulations. Directors are recommended, where there is no regulation to
cover the point, to follow the above guidelines. 

7 The Committee discussed the word 'inadvertent' used in the laws. A guest
suggested that an action is inadvertent if, at the time the player makes it,
he decides one course of action but actually does something else through
misadventure in speaking, writing or selecting a bidding card. Mr. Wignall
made observation that the etymology of the word indicates a turning away of
the mind, so that the action does not occur as a conscious process of the
mind.

The Committee acquiesced in the views expressed.

Regards Sven