Corrective Actions

Larp License LLC is a licensing company, which means that it licenses materials out to individual businesses. It cannot control what those individual businesses choose to do and how they manage their communities. Larp License LLC can only choose to not renew a license, and thus not allow a branch to continue running the Dystopia Rising materials.

With that being said, we truly believe that since Dystopia Rising is designed to be an entertainment larp, each branch’s goal is to provide a fun, entertaining weekend event once a month to its players.

We are not, nor do we purport to be, judge, jury and executioner (so to speak) on people’s actions in their lives. However, we acknowledge that due to the repeated attendance model of Dystopia Rising events, comprehensive communities grow around these events. Because of that, we have built a formalized set of guidelines as a resource for how we want branch communities to operate, what actions are encouraged and what actions are not permitted.

While our focus is and should always be on positive ways to make that a reality, there are instances where actions and choices of a player steps over those lines. As a business, each branch has the right to refuse service to a person (within, of course, the laws surrounding discrimination). This right is provided to businesses in the United States by federal law. For example, if a customer is causing a disturbance, is a health or safety hazard to staff or other patrons, is making customers uncomfortable, or is being rude or not participating in a business in the spirit of how it’s intended, then refusal of service is generally allowed by Federal Law.

With a goal of allowing players to recognize and correct their problematic actions, we have a formal set of actions that can be taken before a final refusal of service is made by individual branches. This is an optional corrective procedure we provide games when they feel a person might be able to correct their actions to rejoin the game or if an individual has not acted in a way that immediately requires a refusal of service, but could be a sign of repetitive negative behaviors that should be watched out for.

A Corrective Action occurs when a player’s actions require a response because they have been determined to be detrimental to the well-being or safety of the local community and/or the well-being and safety of the national neighborhood of communities. This can range in severity from a simple verbal reminder of how things should work all the way to removing a player from a game entirely.

These issues may occur at a DR event or on an official DR method of social media or communication. While we don’t suggest having oversight or control on what someone does outside of Dystopia Rising events and avenues, issues that are brought to a team’s attention may warrant a conversation or a gentle warning. As example: If a regular attendant is found to habitually posting discriminatory memes and posts on Facebook, the community manager or conflict resolution person at their branch may message them to ensure they are aware that such behavior is not welcome or encouraged at an event.

The intention of a corrective action is always that the player understand how their actions were harmful to themselves, others or the community as a whole so that they can improve. Corrective actions are not intended as a punishment. Even if a person is no longer allowed at a branch it is with the sincere hopes that they find a constructive and positive outlet in a new community.

To be clear, neither your local branch nor this licensing entity. are making any calls on illegal actions other than our ability to refuse service based on those actions. If any illegal activity is uncovered, you are strongly advised to contact the proper authorities to deal with that situation. In extreme circumstances, it is within the rights of a branch to report illegal activity to the authorities.

All local branches are individual, stand-alone companies and are obligated to follow all local and state laws. The below process is written as guidelines for managing issues that arise in local, individual communities. This is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of potential offenses and the local branch has the responsibility to manage corrective actions as appropriate for the offense.

WHAT MAY WARRANT A SANCTION/CORRECTIVE ACTION

The following is a list of things that may be justifications for a corrective action. The context and severity should be taken into account with all of these on a case-by-case basis, but the below list is a general guideline for possible reasons for a corrective action. This is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of potential offenses and the local branch has the responsibility to manage corrective actions as appropriate for the offense.

Not complying with federal or state law.
Discrimination in the form of race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
Sexual misconduct including harassment and assault.
Threats that affect or are perceived to affect the safety, health, or well-being of another person at or pertaining to an event.
Possession of a dangerous weapon, concealed or unconcealed, at an event including social gatherings run by the franchiser. This includes all guns, explosives, or other devices which in the manner used or intended are capable of causing death or bodily injury.
Incompetence or negligence which leads to harm or harassment of another person or the community as a whole.
Possession of narcotics, alcoholic beverages or other unlawful drugs including smoking while under the legal age. This also includes attending game events and social events in which alcohol is not allowed, while under these effects, even if taken at an off-site location.
Dishonesty to a Guide about issues or while inquiring into a corrective action. This also includes misrepresenting yourself as operating in an official capacity.
Theft of any kind including the out of character theft of personal and game property.
Any Guide accepting anything of any perceived value for their influence or judgment.
Using one’s position for personal gain including the use of confidential information received through one’s position to obtain any favor, financial gain or social status.
Inappropriate handling or release of confidential or un-authorized documentation of IP material.
Repeated or purposeful missing of NPC, Clean Up or other community activities without a clearly communicated and approved reason.
Conviction of a felony.
Inappropriate use of language towards any Guide which impedes operations or interferes with the ability to maintain their function.
Failure to act safely or use safety equipment which can result in endangering self or others.
Failure to abide by game rules or genre breaches that impact the quality of the game as a whole.

WHAT DOES NOT JUSTIFY A SANCTION/CORRECTIVE ACTION

While the actions listed above are grounds for giving a corrective action, there are certain things that do not meet these criteria. While not limited to the below list these are some examples of actions that while troubling may not be used as grounds of removal or correction. This is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of potential offenses and the local branch has the responsibility to manage corrective actions as appropriate for the offense.

Personal Dispute, related to past grudges, ending friendships or the general dislike of an individual.
Romantic Relationships, relating to the ending of a partnership and the feelings associated to this.

These above issues while not grounds for corrective action, may be grounds to request to not show up at events run by the local branch in question or not be a Guide or Freelancer. While we as a company don’t believe these are worthy of removal as a network, we also ask that all parties respect that these events are the workplace for the game runners, and they are required to attend. If a personal relationship makes it as such that both parties cannot be at the same location and maintain a professional relationship, then we ask that the worker’s desires are respected in order for them to complete their job to the best of their abilities.

Are there national Refusals of service?

The short answer is no. The organization that handles license agreements for branches, produces resources, provides the database, and organizes the owners for quarterly meetings does not dictate who the individual businesses can or will allow at their events. ROS from a “higher source” instead is focused on who they will, and will not, allow to have a continued branch license with.

Levels of Corrective Action

Below are the levels of corrective action that a player may receive. Please make sure that you are fully aware of what the consequences are of these corrective actions when speaking with your local branch.

WARNING

A Warning is a gentle reminder of how to act in regard to the community standards. It could be as simple as “Check your swings” or even “We don’t talk about that topic here.”

Everyone slips up and that is fine. Warnings should be taken as strong advice and actions adjusted accordingly.

These are issued by Guides at any point after the infraction.

VIOLATION

A Violation is much like a Warning but here it is clear that this was an improper action and not a misunderstanding. It could be a matter of intention, previously being informed and repeating the behavior, or how the severity of it affected the other party(s).

This is still a gentle reminder but should be accompanied with a full explanation of what happened, why it is an issue and asking for an assurance that it won’t happen again.

If a Guide is given a Violation then they cannot be a Guide for any event for the duration of that Violation, which is to be determined by the local branch they received the Violation from. This is due to Guides only being allowed to hold that position if they are in good standing in the network. This includes Guides given Violations at events where they are not a Guide.

These are issued by Guides at any point after the infraction.

SUSPENSION

A Suspension is a player not being allowed to attend DR events, be they games or social events, for a period of time that can be durations of 3 – 12 months based on the severity of the offense.

Suspensions are not taken lightly. This action should be used if the player has exhibited a pattern of behavior that Warnings and Violations have not changed. It could also be used to demonstrate the severity of the offense.

The hope is always that this player will take this time and removal from events and officially run community functions to rethink the behaviors and actions they have taken so they can return as a better community member.

Suspensions can only be issued by a local branch’s Conflict Resolution Lead at any point after the infraction.

Suspensions are issued at a local level for a single branch only. If you receive a suspension you are required to contact the local branch you wish to attend for the duration of the Suspension before attending, as it is in the purview of the local branch if they wish to not uphold the suspension.

INDEFINITE SUSPENSION

An Indefinite Suspension is much like a Suspension only it hinges on the player fulfilling some kind of condition before their return.

This might be an apology to the person they wronged, a conversation with the issuing branch demonstrating their understanding of the issue and a promise to not repeat it, the fulfillment of an agreed upon obligation or fulfilling a missed event payment.

This stipulation is not a punishment but a reasonable solution to a problem the player can work on.

Indefinite Suspensions can only be issued by a local branch’s Conflict Resolution Lead at any point after the infraction.

SUSPENSION PENDING INVESTIGATION

This is to be given to a player who has been accused of something that if true would make them worthy of a Suspension, Indefinite Suspension or Refusal of Service.

This is to give the local branch time to gather their facts, talk to all of the involved parties and make a decision while still removing a possible harmful or toxic player from an event in the meantime.

If it is seen that a player is withholding information in order to draw out the time the Suspended player is removed, they may be allowed back in play while still compiling evidence.

Indefinite Suspensions can only be issued by a local branch’s Conflict Resolution Lead at any point after the infraction.

REFUSAL OF SERVICE

Any business has the right to refuse service to any customer as long as it is not because of discrimination as defined by local, state and federal laws.

If a local branch decides to refuses service be aware that while this is just for the one branch, any other branch may also reserve this right.

If someone are refused service at any branch you are required to contact any other branch you intend to visit through email if, at least seven days before attending their event to allow them time to make their decision.

Refusal of Service can only be issued by a local branch’s Conflict Resolution Lead or owner at any point after the infraction.

Refusal of Service are issued at a local level for a single branch only. If you receive a Refusal of Service you are required to contact the local branch you wish to attend, as it is in the purview of the local branch if they wish to not uphold the Refusal of Service.

REMOVAL OF GUIDE OR FREELANCE POSITION

An action which is worthy of a violation or suspension also will result in that player being removed from the position of Guide. A violation will remove the guide for the duration of the violation. A suspension is a full removal of the Guide title, though a player may re-apply for the position. Approval or denial is in the purview of the local branch.

A Guide is trusted to hand out certain corrective actions and be positive members of the community who represent the game’s best intentions, and writers are trusted to know what a positive play space is and create it for the players. If a Guide is seen by the community to not be trusted or represent the ideals we hold as a community then their dismissal from this position might be necessary.

A freelancer, be it writer, crafter or other, must not be in bad standing with the network as a whole to do business. This means that someone should either have never attended an event (and therefore is not in good or bad standing) or is not currently under a corrective action.

This is given in conjunction with another corrective action.