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American Bridge Association NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AUGUST 17-21, 1974 PHILADELPHIA, PA. [[image- ABA logo]] [[image- drawing of cards fanned out; one card is marked 'MDBU']] Dr. Arnold P. Jones Jr., President Judge Kenneth Shorter Kenneth Cox The AMERICAN BRIDGE ASSOCIATION invites you to join the ranks of an organization which provides the type of entertainment and competition which has been accepted internationally as the very best. These pages describe the organization and explain just how easy it is to become a member. They also describe the game of Duplicate Bridge, which has indeed become the international pastime. * * * * WHAT IS THE ABA? The American Bridge Association is a nationwide organization composed of groups of individuals dedicated to the development of duplicate bridge and to the elimination of bigotry and racial barriers, not only in bridge, but over the widest possible range of activities touching the lives of all people. It provides both financial and human resources to support activities of other groups also dedicated to obtaining and preserving the rights, dignity, and general welfare of individuals. BASIC STRUCTURE The ABA is divided into six sections: Southern, Eastern, Western, South Western, Great Lakes, and Midwestern. Within each section are units which are made up of eight or more members. Where there are no clubs there are individual members. Clubs are operating in many cities and any two of these clubs located in the same city or an adjacent city may form a unit. This combination of clubs and units makes it easier for the national administration to maintain control and coordination. There is, of course, the national Constitution and By-Laws by which control is implemented. WHY JOIN THE ABA? Aside from enjoyable games and tournaments with trophies and other awards there are: 1. Voting Privileges. 2. Subscription to a bi-monthly Bulletin included in the membership dues. 3. An opportunity to be identified with a program of cash contributions annually to other worthwhile organizations. 4. Enjoyable membership in a national bridge family. 5. An opportunity, as a new member, to become a member of our recently organized KIBITZERS-NATIONAL which is made up of new players only. HOW TO JOIN THE ABA If there are clubs near you, you may apply for membership. However, you and at least 15 other players may form a club and apply for membership thru the local unit, if there is one. Where there is no unit eight players may form a club and apply to the ABA executive secretary for a charter. If there is no club near you and not enough players to form a club you may join as a member-at-large. Annual dues are only $3.00 and a club charter is only $5.00 per year. As a new club you will of course want to be a member of KIBITZERS-NATIONAL and should write the president of this group for details. THE KIBITZERS-NATIONAL The group, made up of new player clubs, was organized on August 7, 1970 following the Kibitzer Open Pair played during the 1970 summer nationals in Atlanta, Georgia. The players are of all ages but are players who have joined the ABA since the 1969 New York Nationals. These Players know what they want and KIBITZERS-NATIONAL gives them the opportunity to learn the structure and operation of the ABA in more orderly fashion. They may, therefore, more solidly present their ideas, complaints, and suggestions to the administration and membership as frequently as necessary. Their basic function is membership recruitment, but, in addition, they will plan entertainment activities for themselves during tournaments in which they participate, and publicize their recruitment activities through all available news media. KIBITZERS-NATIONAL is sponsored by the ABA Membership Chairman who is capably assisted by a group of experienced and interested ABA members. Some of these were appointed, some volunteered, and some were chosen by KIBITZER members. It is hoped that new clubs choose the name Kibitzer but it is not mandatory. The only requirement is all members are new members. RECRUITMENT Every Member's Responsibility 1. Make certain that you are familiar with ABA regulations. If this brochure does not answer your question, the person to write or call is listed on the fly sheet. 2. Study the map on the back page of the brochure to learn which section you are in. 3. For any activity involving expense write the vice-president of your section and the national membership chairman. 4. Select comfortable but inexpensive playing sites. Plan regarding operational expenses and set playing fees accordingly. 5. If you know of a college that is interested in competing with other colleges in bridge, please write the ABA Membership Chairman. 6. ABA members who are teachers should write Mrs. Freddie Jones regarding Bridge and the teaching of reading. (See fly sheet) 7. Select bridge instructors and directors with care. Any part of the program that results in loss of members or potential members must be discouraged and eliminated. 8. New players SHOULD, if possible have their own club, but in all cases the relationship between old and new members and clubs should be good. 9. Request permission to visit other organized groups 194