Code of Conduct

Purpose

We’re here to have fun, make friends, and grow our gaming community. This Code of Conduct sets expectations so everyone feels welcome, safe, and respected.

Core Values

• Respect First: Treat people, staff, and property with care.
• Good Sportsmanship: Play fair, be gracious in victory and defeat.
• Inclusivity: Everyone belongs—no harassment, discrimination, or bullying.
• Safety & Comfort: Keep the space clean, calm, and family-friendly.

Behavior Expectations

Respect & Language

• Be courteous. Use clean, inclusive language.
• No slurs, hate speech, insults, or personal attacks.
• Keep volume reasonable; no heckling or taunting.

Harassment‑Free Space

• No harassment (verbal, physical, or online), stalking, unwanted advances, or intimidation.
• Respect boundaries—if someone says “no,” accept it.
• Report issues to staff immediately.

Sportsmanship (All Games)

• Play fair: No cheating, marked cards, loaded dice, or device‑assisted play unless explicitly allowed.
• Own mistakes: If you misplay or notice an error, call a judge/staff and rewind if possible.
• Be punctual: Arrive on time; avoid slow play. Keep turns moving.
• Resolve disputes calmly: Pause the game and ask staff/judges for a ruling. Their decision is final.
• Be gracious: Shake hands/fist‑bump, congratulate opponents, and keep post‑game chat positive.

TCG‑Specific (Magic, Pokémon, etc.)

• Shuffle sufficiently, present decks for cut; don’t stack or search excessively.
• Keep materials organized and visible (graveyard, exile, discard, prize cards).
• Maintain accurate life/score tracking and game state.
• Only use sleeves and accessories permitted by event rules.

Miniatures / War Games (Warhammer, etc.)

• Handle all models (yours and others’) with care; ask before touching.
• Measure carefully; agree on terrain effects before the game.
• Keep movement and dice rolls clear and visible.
• Use event‑legal bases, proxies, and lists as required.

Board / RPG / Video Games

• Know the rules or be open to learning—ask staff for help.
• Take turns fairly; share community resources.
• In RPGs, collaborate—spotlight for everyone, no disruptive behavior.

Health, Hygiene & Cleanliness

• Wash hands, use deodorant, and keep food/drinks away from play areas unless allowed.
• Clean up your space; throw away trash and return loaners.
• Stay home if you’re sick.

Age & Supervision

• Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for their minors’ behavior.

Property Care

• Treat store fixtures, terrain, and demo games with care.
• You’re responsible for damage caused by negligence.

Prohibited Items / Behavior

• No weapons, illegal substances, or alcohol (unless a permitted event).
• No gambling, counterfeits, or buying/selling that violates store/event rules.
• No soliciting or disruptive recording/streaming without permission.

Trading & Buying/Selling (If Applicable)

• Follow staff instructions for trade‑ins and cash/card deals.
• Card and product trades between customers are “as‑is;” be honest about condition.
• No pressuring others into trades.
• No cash sales between customers in the store.

Event Etiquette

• Check in early; bring required materials (decks, dice, measuring tools, lists).
• Know the event rules/format; ask if unsure.
• Do not leave mid‑round without informing staff.
• Report results promptly; respect time limits.

Enforcement & Consequences

Staff may take action at their discretion. Typical steps:

1. Friendly Reminder (clarify rule/expectation)
2. Official Warning
3. Match/Game Loss or Round Penalty (events)
4. Removal from the Event or Store for the Day
5. Temporary Ban (e.g., 1–4 weeks)
6. Permanent Ban (for serious or repeated violations)

Zero Tolerance: Harassment, threats, violence, hate speech, theft, or vandalism will result in immediate removal and possible ban, and/or notification to local law enforcement as necessary.

Reporting Problems

Tell any staff member right away or email info@desertratgames.com. We’ll act as promptly and discreetly as possible. If you see something, say something—help us keep the community safe.

Appeals

For bans over 1 week, you may email an appeal to info@desertratgames.com within 7 days. Include your name, date of incident, and why you believe the decision should be reconsidered.

Consent to Be Photographed

We occasionally take photos/videos for social media. Tell staff if you prefer not to be included; we’ll respect it.

Acceptance

By entering Desert Rat Games, participating in events, or using our space/equipment, you agree to this Code of Conduct and any event‑specific rules.