Draft

We’ve always done it that way is fine, if you never want to change or improve.
If the WE is exactly the same people, if you want welcome people in who aren’t already part of the we then please take a moment to stop and look at what you do. Without effort it’s easy for a group of people to beome very similar and unintentionally exclude others not like you.

Running an public welcome games group takes effort, you need to question, review and listen.

I am going to review two common responses to the question about code of conduct (we have several guides on this topic already)

Article one: Just don’t be a d*ck.

When dealing with issues at a public event, what is acceptable behaviour varies and needs to be set by policy and enforced, your culture is the heart of your event and is set by the organisers and mirrored by the guest.
Unfortunately for many people they won’t know their behaviour is not suitable and this could be for many reasons, background, mental health, neurodivergence. There is also an amount of unwanted behaviour you may have to tolerate, mitigate and manage.

Saying don’t be a d*ck, over simplifies it, you need to set the rough terms (be respectful of people and property etc) and then enforce ideally with a code of conduct to help clarify.

People when challenged may take offense – again many reasons including genuinely being upset and angry for themselves. (We are working on a guide on how to confront / correct / support people )


Orginal comment, does not address the question of how to support players, communities and bad behaviour.

5min correction, which needs a lot more work

This was then posted.
I have many things I don’t like about this and two big issues on the rules side

1) Not leaving a game.
If you are not enjoying a game or have to go due to any reason, ask, most games can support a player dropping out it better that than some one not enjoying themsleves and a player playing randomly can derail a balance games.

Ideally as part of the teach the game type, duration and complexity should have been explained to help ensure the players are right for the games.

Please bear in mind their may be content in the game which could be traumatic for some.

If you aren’t enjoying a game please ask if you can leave or if you more support would help you.
Do ask questions before the game start to see if a game is suitable, the rules teacher should explain the duration, theme style, complexity and confrontation level before the game starts.


2) No phones- you will survive.
This is not neurodivergent support, lots of folks will need to stim, or may be waiting on a vital call, as long as folks are paying attention and are ready for their turn. Great.

I would rephrase this with the intent first.
Be ready for you turn to help keep the game flowing.
(Optional, be mindful to avoid distracting other players around the table)

Take a moment to look at the poster and see if there is anything else which you would change?

Potential issues.

Too wordy and unclear
Sarcasm
Threats of violence
Religious references
War references
Pop culture reference – required knowledge
Unnecessarily words
Jokes mixed in with rules.
Hard to read fonts.
Highly specific arbitary rules
Patronizing
Forcing people to stand up and celebrate (MUST!)


Please take a moment to read this as if you were
English as second language or low literacy,
Neurodivergent or takes things literally
From a background where the pop culture references don’t make sense.
Visually impaired.

Is this a comedy or is this rules? Pick one please..

I am likely overthinking and over analysing, an I being woke?

Yes, I want to analyse, listen and improve to make the best event and experience I can for everyone often folks from communities who most need the support.

If folks find offense at removing a funny poster that at glance appears good but, please consider what you consider what have actually lost.. A poster you probably haven’t read of glanced at in years. What have you gained a much clearer set of rules that supports everyone.

I almost all cases inclusion measures designed for one group support and improve it for many.