Code of Conduct
(Last Updated July 2023)

• Purpose: We pride ourselves in hosting chill family friendly events. While this list of rules might feel lengthy please note; we are not a prison ward, and are pretty lenient even with the few rules we have. The main purpose of this document is to give an idea of what is expected from you as both a player and a person. As long as you use your head and your better judgment, you have nothing to worry about. In general, respect others, respect yourself, respect property, and have fun!

• Preface:
  1) The following document is specifically rules regarding the behavior expected from attendees. This is not the game(s) ruleset. If you’re looking for game rules check the pages for each specific game on the rules page.
  2) Certain rules may vary depending on the event. They might vary in terms of both function and in severity. It is ultimately up to the TO to determine what constitutes breaking these rules and to determine the punishment in the event these rules are broken, any alterations to this document will be stated in the description on the event page.
  3) Most of these rules are in place as part of our agreement to use our venue, so any violations will be dealt with immediately and efficiently. So please be mindful, if you attempt to break any of these rules in secret and are caught it can ruin the opportunity we have for everyone and jeopardize our ability to use the space again in the future.

• Note: All players who receive disqualifications due to violations of the Code of Conduct, General game rules or for any other unforeseen reason will not have their tournament fees refunded.

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• 1.1.1 All Children Under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. - We pride ourselves with hosting an event suitable for all ages. However, we are requiring that any and all children under the age of 13 be accompanied by a legal adult guardian at all times.

• 2.1.1 Bring your own controller. - We occasionally have a few extras, but we cannot guarantee that they will be available for everyone. Please come prepared in the event that we will not have a controller for you to use.
  - 2.2.1 Just because a controller is there does not give you permission to use it. Controllers that are tied to the system such as the Nintendo Switch Joycon Controllers belong to the owner of the system and are not intended for you to use. Please bring your own controller.
  - 2.3.1 Some events like challenge games will have controllers provided for you. These games typically require a unique controller or peripheral and are normally featured as our side-events or challenge games.  These games will be clearly marked on their respective rule page.
  - 2.4.1 For questions regarding controller legality, Please refer to the appropriate section in the games ruleset for more information on controllers for each specific game.

• 3.1.1 No banned/illegal substances permitted inside the venue. - If you are caught with these items or evidence of the presence of these items; it will result in immediate disqualification from the event, eviction from the venue and disqualifications to all future events, and in extreme situations may lead to the contacting of law enforcement.
  - 3.2.1 No smoking in or around the Rotary Room or Trailhead Facility. These same regulations apply for e-cigarette and other similar devices.

• 4.1.1 Fighting and Weaponry are not permitted inside the venue.
  - 4.2.1 Despite the competitive atmosphere, PLEASE be chill! Throwing controllers or acting in a way that could pose a danger to other player may result in disqualification from the event and eviction from the venue.
  - 4.3.1 We consider the use of our venue a privilege. Anyone acting in such a manner that causes damage to the venue or property will be subject to an immediate event disqualification and ban from future events. 

• 5.1.1 Clean up after yourself! - We consider the use of a venue a privilege, and a big part of us being able to use such nice facilities is due to our compliance with the venue's rules and us doing our part in keeping our venue nice and clean.
  - Outside food/drink is permitted in the facility so long as you clean up after yourself.
  - Alcohol may be purchased from the Trailhead Facility, alcohol not provided by the venue is NOT allowed.

• 6.1.1 Respect Property - Any person caught tampering with, damaging, manipulating, or attempting to add/remove anything from a console or any equipment in the venue without permission from Tournament Officials or the device owner, will be immediately disqualified and ejected from the venue.

• 7.1.1 No taking of anything that does not belong to you. - If you are caught stealing you will be disqualified from the event and asked to leave the venue and you will not be permitted to return.

• 8.1.1 Label your items! - Mistakes happen, but do your part in making sure they do not happen to you! Anything you bring into the venue is your own responsibility.
  - 8.2.1 All Tournament Officials and Venue Officials therein claim no responsibility for items lost, damaged, stolen or  destroyed as a result of being on tournament grounds.

• 9.1.1 Harassment of any form is prohibited - This may result in disqualification from the event. Under extreme circumstances will also result in eviction from the venue.

• 10.1.1 Disrupting someone mid-match, intentionally or accidentally, is not acceptable. - Please do your best to make sure you are not disrupting a match. This can result in a penalty at T.O.'s discretion.
  - 10.2.1 Please note however, this is not a “Do not talk around competitors” rule. If you are planning to compete and are sensitive to sound please understand between natural conversation, cheering and matches being called the venue will be loud. Please make the necessary preparations (Headphones, earplugs, etc) in order to ensure this does not become an issue for you.
  - 10.3.1 Please disconnect all wireless controllers from the setups after your games If you choose to use a wireless controller. You must FULLY, completely, and 100%-ly disconnect it from setups before leaving. If you fail to do so you may need to leave your wireless controller at the TO booth during matches. Repeat offenders will be subject to disqualification from this event. This has been a HUGE problem in the past, your controller is your responsibility and if you fail to do you part you will be required to use a wired controller at all future events.

• 11.1.1 Keep any vulgar language and other profanity to a minimum. - Part of our agreement in order for us to use our venue is due in part to our cooperation in keeping the event as 'PG' as possible. While this is not a “No Cussing Rule.” We would just like to encourage everyone to be on their best behavior and be mindful of their surroundings especially when there are younger ears present.

• 12.1.1 No refusal to play on certain setups - With the exception of extreme circumstances, all players agree to have their matches recorded if requested by the TO.
  - 6.2.1 By attending, the Tournament Organizer is granted permission to record and re-distribute your name, likeness and game performance on stream and via other media. By attending, you waive any claim for compensation of these recordings.
  - 6.2.1 If for any reason you are uncomfortable with your image being recorded for public display, and you are asked to play on stream. Please inform the Tournament Organizer and if at all possible we will arrange for you to play on a different setup.
  - 6.2.2 The only exceptions will be for matches played in Winners Finals, Losers Semifinals, Losers Finals, and Grand Finals. As these tend to be the most hyped and influential matches, and as such they will almost always be streamed or recorded. If so requested, Tournament Organizers will attempt to make changes so that a player's wishes can still be accommodated and still allow for player's to play on stream. 
  - 6.2.3 One of the few perks we are able to offer any potential sponsors/partners for our tournament is advertising space on our live streams. Because of this our goal is to put matches that are the most hyped or influential of the tournament on stream. If accommodations still cannot be made, the player may either be forced still to play on stream despite previous circumstances, or may be forced to disqualify themselves from the tournament and drop out of the bracket.

• 13.1.1 You must register for the event on-time - Make sure you are registered for the event according to the stipulations listed on the event page. Once the registration deadline is closed, no further entries will be permitted.
  - 13.2.1 Refer to the event schedule found online at the event page for more information in regards to when the cutoff for sign-ups will be. Please note in some cases pre-registration must be made online and may close multiple days before the event.
  - 13.3.1 Please ensure you are checked in and completely registered at the time of the event. Many events will require some form of “check-in” on the day of the event in addition to registration. Make sure you are in the bracket before the bracket starts!

• 14.1.1 Be Punctual. - If your match is called, you have 5 minutes to show up or you risk being disqualified from the event. We will typically call out 1 warning before your 5min timer starts. Do not leave the venue during the bracket! These events run late enough as it stands, so let's try not and keep everyone out too late!

• 15.1.1 Do not leave the tournament while you are in bracket! - If you leave, and we call your match. You will have 5 minutes to show up before being disqualified.
  - 15.2.1 Do not leave your setup during a match. Please make sure you take care of all your business in between matches, not during. If you leave for any reason (Restroom, Food, Rage, etc.) you may be disqualified and you will lose the match.
  - 15.3.1 Report the results of your match to the TO desk immediately after a set. Do not continue to play friendlies on the setup after your match is over.
  - 15.3.2 To encourage parity, It is generally considered the winner's responsibility to report matches
  to the TO desk.

• 16.1.1 Please refrain from playing friendlies on the main setups unless there is space available. - In order to ensure the event runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The TO has the right to kick you off a setup at any time, or disqualify you for repeated offenses.
  - 16.2.1 There will be plenty of time for friendlies both before and after the main events. Typically as the bracket progresses we will open up tournament setups that we no longer require for friendlies. These will be announced during the tournament.
  - 16.3.1 Additionally, there are generally dedicated friendly setups available to use during the tournament.

• 17.1.1 Do NOT “over-wander” the venue. - We have only been granted permission to use certain parts of the venue for this event. Please remain in areas dedicated for the tournament, and do not explore any parts of the facility that we are not permitted to use.

• 18.1.1 Please pay your tournament fees appropriately. - We ask all tournament related fees be paid in cash and with appropriate bills. We are not a bank and cannot promise we will be able to break your large bills. If possible please try to pay tournament fees in exact change.
  - 18.2.1 We will not accept any bills larger than 20s.
  - 18.3.1 We do not accept Credit/Debt/EBT cards or Checks as payment.
  - 18.4.1 Electronic Payments can be made via PayPal or Venmo via pre-arranged special agreement with tournament staff. You will need to provide payment confirmation to the host upon check-in.

• 19.1.1 Collusion and Bracket Manipulation - Players suspected of colluding may be immediately disqualified from the tournament. This includes intentionally throwing a game, splitting a payout, or committing any other form of bracket manipulation. The TO reserves the right to deny payout of event winnings to any player suspected of colluding. 

• 20.1.1 Third party recording equipment must be pre-approved by event staff. - All outside recording equipment with the exception of handheld video cameras and phones are not permitted without permission. In bringing these items Tournament Staff is granted license to use, modify, and redistribute any and all photographs and recordings that are taken on tournament grounds.

• 21.1.1 COVID-19 - We will not be requiring any kind of vaccination proof or a negative test to participate in the event. We suggest everyone make their own judgement call based on their own situations, risk and comfort level as to whether or not attending this event is right for them.
  - 21.2.1 Masks are not required at this event.
  - 21.3.1 Sanitizer stations will be present at several locations at this event and there will be plenty of space to allow for social distancing.
  - 21.4.1 This really should go without saying. If you are sick, with any ailment (Not just Covid). Do not attend this event. If you are visibly ill and chose to attend this event, putting others at risk of infection you will be forced to leave the event immediately and will be permanently banned from all future events.
  - 19.5.1 Rules and Protocol regarding COVID-19 is subject to change depending on local/state guidelines at the time of the event.

• 22.1.1 Unforeseen Circumstances - The TO reserves the right to settle any unforeseen situations that may occur outside of these terms, and his/her judgment is final. In extreme situations, rules may be altered between phases of a tournament in the best interests of the event. 

• 23.1.1 Don't be a buster. - Have fun.