code of conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

Firelands Games LTD is an organization devoted to playing, presenting, and enjoying all things gaming. We initially got together because of our love of games of all types. One thing these games have in common are rules. As students of history we know rules are what help groups of people, armies and societies function in productive ways. As gamers we know how essential this can be to ensure a good time.  The following are our rules for a fun and safe convention. If you have any questions comments or concerns about our policies please email us at: firelandsgames@gmail.com

Here are the rules:

• Follow all show policies, venue rules, and staff directions

• Be respectful at all times

• No running, throwing, or other unsafe behavior

• Support the staff, GMs and others in maintaining a safe environment

• Report concerns to Firelands Games staff

• Don’t harass anyone for any reason: PERIOD

• Respect physical and social boundaries

• No stealing, cheating, trolling or other obnoxious behavior

• Be friendly

• Explore something new

• Pay attention to personal hygiene

• Staff members and venue employees have the final word

BE SAFE, BEHAVE, AND ABOVE ALL ENJOY!

Everyone should observe common sense rules for behavior, personal interaction, courtesy, and respect. Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.  Firelands Games LTD reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the membership and badge of any participant not in compliance with this policy.

Anti-Harassment Policy

Firelands Games LTD is committed to providing a safe environment, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Harassment or unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, visual, or in any other form, is strictly prohibited.  Our Anti-Harassment Policy applies to all persons involved in the operation or attendance of a Firelands Games LTD convention or sponsored event, and to its online social community.  Firelands Games LTD will not tolerate harassment of anyone by anyone, including participants, vendors, hosts, or even our own staff.

Firelands Games LTD defines harassment as any behavior that threatens a person or a group or produces an unsafe or non-inclusive environment.  Harassment includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal comments or non-verbal expressions related to gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religious beliefs.  Harassment also includes, but is not limited to, sexual or discriminatory images in public and quasi-public spaces (online and offline), intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.  Harassment may take the form of comments, epithets, slurs, jokes, teasing, display or discussion of written or graphic material, repeatedly standing too close or brushing up against someone or any kind of unwanted touching, giving gifts of an unwanted or sexual nature.  Advocating or encouraging any of the above is also considered harassment.

Harassment at Firelands Games LTD does not include respectful disagreement or critique offered in good faith presented in a civil manner.  Firelands Games LTD reserves the right to alter or broaden its definition of harassment at its sole discretion.

No one should tolerate any conduct of this type.  Should you experience or witness harassment, you may choose to take any of the following actions:

1. If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, ask the offender to stop.  Whether the offending behavior is intentional or unintentional, expressing your discomfort to the offender directly often puts a stop to that conduct.

2. Leave the area.  While this may be unfair, it is sometimes best for your safety and well-being if you choose to leave the area, especially if you feel uncomfortable around the offender or their conduct.  After separating yourself from the conduct, you may still choose to take additional actions.

3. Report the incident directly  to Firelands Games LTD staff, on-site or online.  You may go to the Registration Desk or stop a staff member. Staff will be wearing shirts clearly marked with Staff on the back. Explain your issue and file an incident report in person.  This can also be done anytime during or after the show. 

4. Contact the police or other appropriate authorities.  Your health and safety are our most important concern.  If you require immediate assistance from law enforcement, medical services, or other governmental entities, please do not hesitate to contact such services directly.

Based on any informal or formal complaint or report of harassment, Firelands Games LTD may take further steps to resolve the issue as deemed appropriate by the board.  Note that this list is not exhaustive and other appropriate action may be taken as necessary.

1. Read and investigate all reports.  Firelands Games LTD documents and reviews all reports.  Reporting parties may be contacted for further clarifying information, unless they have submitted a report anonymously or asked to not be contacted further.  Note that Firelands Games LTD will not share the results of these reports with anyone, including the person who filed the report, unless required by law.

2. Intercede if and when appropriate.  Firelands Games LTD volunteers or board members may take immediate action to address harassment concerns, including but not limited to, escorting participants to a location in which they feel safe, refunding tickets, canceling events, moving event locations, requesting participants leave a specific area, removing offenders from the event, or banning offenders from the show.  Bans and removals may be on a temporary basis, for the duration of the show, or permanent.

3. Contact police and medical authorities when appropriate.  If, upon review, Firelands Games LTD finds that relevant local government officials should be notified, Firelands Games LTD may contact such entities and/or share confidential information as required by law.

4. Sanction participants based on our investigations.  Firelands Games LTD participants found to have violated the Code of Conduct or Anti-Harassment Policy may be subject to sanctions, including but not limited to:

   • Verbal or written warning

   • Requiring the participant to avoid any interaction with, and physical proximity to, the party or parties involved

   • Temporary suspension from any Firelands Games LTD sponsored events or online services

   • Permanent ban from any Firelands Games LTD sponsored events or online services

   • Immediate expulsion from the convention without refund

   • Reporting of the incident to the appropriate authorities

The Code of Conduct & Anti-Harassment Policy applies to all physical and online spaces within Firelands Games LTD's control, Firelands Games LTD social media pages, streamed programming, and Firelands Games LTD forums.  

Costume and Weapons

Uniforms of current active service members are not allowed as costumes. These include uniforms for the police, active military, security guards, deputies, fire marshals, paramedics, etc.

Costumes need to be cleared in advance by a staff member.  If someone shows up in costume that was not cleared prior to the convention it may not be allowed in or on the property.  

No real weapons or functional props are allowed at the convention. All weapon replicas must be cleared by convention staff prior to the convention start. If allowed, it will be tagged by the staff for clearance.  This tag must not be removed.

Animals

Service animals will need to follow the guidelines of the Liberty Aviation Museum.  Basically if they allow them then we will as well. Service animals are defined as animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

Emotional support animals are prohibited.

Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Substances

Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages outside of authorized areas prohibited. Illegal substances at Hold the Line will not be tolerated. Violators will be asked to leave the building and charges may be filed for prosecution.

Smoking

Smoking, including the use of electronic smoking devices, is not allowed inside any of the convention facilities, including public areas and participating hotels. Smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices is allowed outside in designated smoking areas. Cigarette butt litter is a hazard to the environment. Please do your part to keep Liberty Aviation Museum clean and dispose of your trash in the proper receptacles.

Advertising

Advertisement during Hold the Line must be approved and cleared by Firelands Games LTD  staff. Any unapproved flyers, posters, or advertisements of any kind placed in or around the convention center, including hotels, will be removed and you may be asked to leave the show. Your badge will be revoked, and you will not receive a refund.

Liberty Aviation Museum Policy

We are all guests at the museum.  By obtaining a badge for the convention (or even people just observing) you are bound by any and all conduct, policies, terms & conditions set forth by the Liberty Aviation Museum.  In short, use common sense rules for behavior, personal interaction, courtesy, and respect.

Care of Convention Property

A lot of time, effort & care has gone into providing a fun & successful convention for everyone to enjoy.  Please take care of convention items, painted terrain, miniatures and all other properties.  If something gets damaged please provide a fix for the item or contact one of the staff members.

Pick up after yourself. Leaving trash on and under tables makes for an unpleasant environment for everyone and greatly prolongs the event space cleanup at the end of the day.