CHAPTER IV
General Laws Governing Irregularities 

LAW 9 - PROCEDURE FOLLOWING AN IRREGULARITY 

A. Calling Attention to an Irregularity

1. During the Auction Period

Unless prohibited by Law, any player may call attention to an irregularity during the auction, whether or not it is his turn to call.

2. During the Play Period

(a) Declarer or Either Defender

Unless prohibited by Law, declarer or either defender may call attention to an irregularity that occurs during the play period.

(b) Dummy (dummy's restricted rights are defined in Law 42 and Law 43)

(1) Dummy may not call attention to an irregularity during the play but may do so after play of the hand is concluded.

(2) Dummy may attempt to prevent declarer from committing an irregularity (Law 42B2).

B. After Attention Is Called to an Irregularity

1. Summoning the Director

(a) When to Summon

The Director must be summoned at once when attention is drawn to an irregularity.

(b) Who May Summon

Any player, including dummy, may summon the Director after attention has been drawn to an irregularity.

(c) Retention of Rights

Summoning the Director does not cause a player to forfeit any rights to which he might otherwise be entitled.

(d) Opponents' Rights

The fact that a player draws attention to an irregularity committed by his side does not affect the rights of the opponents.

2. Further Bids or Plays

No player shall take any action until the Director has explained all matters in regard to rectification and to the assessment of a penalty.

C. Premature Correction of an Irregularity

Any premature correction of an irregularity by the offender may subject him to a further penalty (see the lead penalties of Law 26).