Code of Conduct

Version 16-08-2024

The Code of Conduct applies to all participants: organisers, players, and crew.

General

Be kind to one another

Treat everyone with respect and kindness.

Everyone is welcome

We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. This event is a safe space for LGBTI+ individuals. 

Zero tolerance for misbehaviour

• Racism, bullying, and similar behaviour are not tolerated.

• Anyone behaving inappropriately will be removed from the event.

• The organisers have the final say.

Participant Responsibility

Commitment

We ask commitment. As a participant you carefully read all documents provided by the organisation. If we e-mail you with a question, we expect a reply. As a participant you make sure you’re able to attend the event by taking time off from work, etc.

Be prepared

• Read all the mandatory material the organisers send you. We put a lot of work in creating all sorts of written material for you. We will always clearly state which reading materials are mandatory and which are optional for those interested.

• Familiarise yourself with all safety regulations. There is a “Safety” chapter in the Design Document.

Know your own limits

• Participants are responsible for reporting any physical or psychological issues on the signup form that are necessary to ensure a safe event for them.

• Trigger warnings or taboo subjects present at an event are published on the event website under "The Experience." Please review these critically to ensure the event is suitable for you.

• Clearly state any limits or topics you don't want to engage with at signup. We will consider this in the matching process.

• Clearly state your personal boundaries to other participants.

Respect personal boundaries

• Everyone has the right to set their own boundaries. Respect them, even if they differ from your own.

• In any scene, the strictest boundaries apply.

• Boundaries can be adjusted at any time.

• Violating boundaries after a warning will result in removal from the event.

• Avoid public criticism of other players (e.g., on blogs)

Stay in-character

• Maintain in character behaviour and attire in in character spaces. If you need to go out of character, use the off-play area.

Handling conflicts between participants

• If someone's (in character) behaviour bothers you, clearly communicate your boundary. They might be unaware they are crossing a line while trying to create an engaging scene.

•  If boundaries are not respected after clear communication, involve the organisers or a safety person.

Cancellation by participant

• Inform us as soon as possible if you are unexpectedly unable to attend.

• Please only cancel in case of a serious reason (for instance illness).

Smoking

You can only smoke at a dedicated area, outside the gates of the terrain. 

Alcohol

We don’t serve alcohol. Consuming your own alcoholic beverages is not forbidden, but strongly discouraged due to the nature of the event. If the organisers determine that a participant is too intoxicated to safely attend the event, they have the right to ask that person to leave.

Organiser Responsibility

Confidentiality

All information on the signup form will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will only be accessed by the organizers. Relevant medical issues will be shared with the safety person as necessary.

Safety measures

For this event, we ensure the following:

• An independent safety person.

• Clearly defined safety words and symbols.

• A designated off-play area.

• Player list review by participants.

• Enough breaks, food and drinks available.

Consideration of themes

We design the event with sensitivity to themes that might be taboo for some participants and clearly state these as trigger warnings on the website.

Risk assessment

We reserve the right to withhold admittance of a potential player if, based on their answers on the signup form, we feel there is a personal risk of psychological or physical harm to the player or any co-players.

Enforcement of conduct

Participants who violate this Code of Conduct or engage in inappropriate behaviour will be promptly removed from the event. In cases of criminal behaviour, law enforcement will be contacted and involved as necessary.

Independent safety person

• The safety person is independent from the organistion and will not share information with the organisers, unless given permission by the participant, or if the safety persons considers the safety of the participant or those of others at stake.

• Their job is to be there for you if you need a private chat, for instance if the story really gets to to you, if you feel unwell, or if you are uncomfortable with a scene, a storyline or another participant.

• Anything you share with the safety person will be kept confidential. But, if they consider you or others in danger, a professional (like a family doctor/GP) might be contacted. This will always be discussed with you at forehand.

• The safety person aids within the scope of the event, and will not act as a psychologist for non-event related topics. They will be available up to seven days after the event.

Handling Player Reviews as organisers
If you mention someone from your personal sphere whom you prefer not to encounter at the event (e.g., an ex-partner), we encourage you to resolve this matter privately. Please discuss among yourselves who will attend and who will withdraw, as we, as organisers, will not make this decision for you.

If you raise a concern about someone based on a dangerous situation, we will take the matter seriously. We will conduct interviews with both the person who raised the concern and the person in question. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality. Depending on the nature of the situation, we may involve our confidant to conduct the interviews and provide independent advice.

If there is any doubt regarding the safety of our participants, we will err on the side of caution and not admit the individual in question. Ensuring the safety of all participants is our top priority.

Please note that 'flagging' someone based on hearsay is not permitted. You must provide verifiable facts or first-hand accounts. Acceptable grounds for flagging include: involvement in a criminal case, being banned from similar events (please provide a contactable organiser for verification), or direct personal experience.

In cases where false flagging is identified, the individual who made the false report will not be admitted to the event.

If you are uncertain whether to flag someone, we encourage you to contact us for a private discussion. We are here to help you navigate these concerns responsibly.

Complaints

Our foundation is committed to maintaining a positive and respectful environment. We value feedback and take all complaints seriously to improve our events. We encourage individuals to raise concerns directly with the involved parties if comfortable. Many issues can be resolved through open and honest communication.

If the issue is not resolved informally or is of a serious nature, a formal complaint can be submitted. Complaints should be in writing and sent to obscurusnl@gmail.com.