CODE OF CONDUCT

These expectations apply at all BGI activities (public or private), plus our online spaces (Facebook, Discord, BGA groups), and anywhere members represent BGI.

1. Be welcoming. Greet new folks, offer seats, and help everyone feel included regardless of identity, background, ability, or skill level. Harassment or discriminatory behavior is not tolerated.
2. Play to include. Teach patiently, ask before offering advice during turns, and match game complexity to the table. If experience levels differ, agree up front on a teaching game vs full-speed competition.
3. Respect the table & the pace. Be on time, stay engaged during others’ turns, avoid slow-play, and follow the flow of phases. Use breaks respectfully.
4. Care for games & the space. Clean hands, no food/drink on components unless the owner is okay with it, and handle game components gently ( e.g. get owners consent before shuffling cards). Return everything as found.
5. Keep it courteous. Celebrate good plays, concede gracefully, no gloating or rules-lawyering; resolve rules by group consensus or owner/host decision.
6. Mind content & comfort. Avoid offensive language/topics; be attentive to noise and sensory needs; if someone says a topic, joke, or behavior isn’t okay—STOP.
7. Ask before photos or tagging. Get consent before photos/streams; don’t post others’ names, faces, or kids without permission. (See Online below.)
8. House rules & hosting. Hosts may set reasonable table rules (seating limits, no-food tables, pet-free, etc.). Respect venue rules and staff
9. Fair play & safety first. Cheating, intimidation, or aggressive behavior is not acceptable. If tensions rise, call for a brief pause and request an admin or host to mediate.
10. Online conduct (Facebook & Discord). Follow all rules posted on FB and Discord, which are not limited to but include: Treat people online as you would in person; no harassment, hate, trolling, or doxxing; keep discussions constructive and on-topic; spoiler-tag when appropriate; no ads/recruiting without admin/mod approval. Posts violating these norms may be removed; repeated issues may lead to mutes or bans. 

Reporting & Support

• See something? Say something. If you feel unsafe or see a problem, tell the event host/admins immediately (in person or via DM). We’ll listen, document, and act.

• You can also report privately by emailing us at boardgamingindy@gmail.com

 

Consequences (Enforcement Ladder)

Depending on severity or repeated issues, organizers may:

1. Give a verbal reminder.
2. Ask for a break or table change.
3. Remove someone from the event.
4. Mute/ban from Facebook/Discord.
5. Suspend or permanently ban from BGI spaces.
   BGI spaces include:
   -Our local game stores that host BGI events.
   -Members’ homes when used as official BGI event locations.

 

Serious violations may also be reported to venue management or local authorities. Online behavior outside our spaces that creates risk or a hostile environment for BGI may also be considered.

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Here’s a short form of the above “rules”

Board Gaming Indy

1. Be Welcoming – Greet new folks, include everyone.

2. Play to Include – Teach patiently, share turns fairly.

3. Respect the Pace – Be on time, stay engaged.

4. Care for Games – Clean hands, handle gently.

5. Keep it Courteous – Celebrate good plays, resolve calmly.

6. Mind Comfort – Avoid offensive topics, stop if asked.

7. Ask Before Photos – Get consent before posting.

8. Respect Hosts – Follow house & venue rules.

9. Fair Play – No cheating, intimidation, or aggression.

10. Online Conduct – No hate, harassment, or trolling.

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