ACBL assigns a seven-digit player number to each member. The member retains this number for the duration of his or her membership. When a player reaches Life Master status, this is indicated by a change in the player number by the substitution of a letter for the first digit, alphabetically from J for 1 to R for 9. Player numbers were instituted by ACBL in July 1961. Masterpoint awards are processed and recorded electronically at ACBL Headquarters.