In response to your first question: From Robert's Rules of Poker, V. 11 - Chapter 3 General Poker Rules, Sub. Irregularities:
2. You must protect your own hand at all times. Your cards may be protected with your hands, a chip, or other object placed on top of them. If you fail to protect your hand, you will have no redress if it becomes fouled or the dealer accidentally kills it.
In answer to the second question, I need more information. Is Player A and experienced player who should know better or is this player 'new' and inexperienced? Is this the first time this has ever happened or is this "typical" behavior for this person? Penalties can range anywhere from a verbal warning to disqualification.
Finally, the rules promulgated by the TDA are intended to supplement basic poker rules there never has been any intention that they 'stand alone'. Many of us here refer to Robert's Rules of Poker as the standard for "Basic Poker Rules". If you cannot find a copy, try Google. I know that version 11 is available at no cost on-line.
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