Harassment

If you find yourself in a situation of harassment at Gamealot, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Please follow these steps:

Address the Offender:
- If you feel safe and comfortable, directly communicate with the individual responsible for the behavior. Clearly express your discomfort and ask them to stop. This direct approach may put an end to the conduct, whether intentional or unintentional.
Leave the Area:
- If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it's entirely acceptable to leave the area. Your safety is paramount. Separating yourself from the situation can help you regain composure. Afterward, you may consider taking further actions.
Seek Assistance from Gamealot Staff:
- If you are comfortable doing so, seek help from a Gamealot staff member.
Formally Report the Incident to Gamealot:
- Report the incident formally to Gamealot either in person or online. You can file an incident report in person at the Registration desk. Alternatively, you can submit a report during or after the convention by emailing us at gamealot@gmail.com
Contact the Authorities:
- If you feel that your health and safety are at risk, do not hesitate to contact the police or other appropriate authorities. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and immediate assistance can be obtained by reaching out to the necessary services.

Gamealot is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all attendees. We encourage you to take these steps in response to any incidents of harassment, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a secure and inclusive convention experience.

We ask that all attendees of Gamealot operate with the assumption of good intentions on the part of other gamers. Play games with a spirit of fair play and camaraderie, treating fellow attendees, staff, and vendors with courtesy and respect. Respect the physical and social boundaries of others, including their personal property. Ensure that your actions contribute to a positive and inclusive gaming environment. Refrain from engaging in unsafe activities such as running, jumping, throwing, or any other disruptive behaviors that may jeopardize the safety of attendees or the integrity of the event. Avoid stealing, cheating, trolling, or griefing. Uphold the integrity of the gaming experience and demonstrate good sportsmanship. Collaborate with fellow attendees to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. If you observe any concerns, report them to the designated Gamealot team members wearing (wearing what?).

We recognize that participants may encounter disagreements or interpersonal conflicts from time to time that may not necessarily escalate to the level of harassment or abuse. Gamealot does not engage in arbitrating such conflicts, and we kindly request that attendees refrain from bringing these disputes into the convention space. Let's focus on creating a positive and enjoyable gaming atmosphere for everyone, leaving personal conflicts aside during the event. Gamealot reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the membership and badge of any participant not in compliance with this policy.

Inclusivity

Gamealot strives to create a safe and inclusive space that welcomes board gamers from all walks of life. We hope to build a community space that includes all gamers.

We celebrate all races, ethnicities, body-types, the full spectrum of genders, all sexual identities, and persons with a range of abilities and ability challenges. While this list of identities is not complete or perfect, we function with a spirit of inclusiveness.

We believe that a diverse range of experiences and perspectives is absolutely necessary in building a thriving and healthy gaming community. We welcome you to share your perspective and experiences with us at Gamealot.

We endeavour to remove as many barriers as possible and provide all the tools we can to create a safe and inclusive space for all within the gaming community.

Harassment Reporting Process at Gamealot

Introduction:

Gamealot is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. Harassment of any form is strictly prohibited, and we take all reports seriously. This reporting process is designed to ensure that attendees can promptly and confidentially report incidents of harassment.

1. Identify the Board Members:

Two designated Board Members are available to receive harassment complaints:
- Christa Engel (she/her)
- Brad Pasmeny (he/him)

2. Reporting Options:

Attendees can choose to report harassment in person or in writing. In-person reports can be made directly to one of the designated Board Members during the convention. For a written report, attendees may use the online reporting form available on the convention website.

3. In-Person Reporting:

If you choose to report in person, approach one of the designated Board Members during the convention. They will provide a private space to discuss the incident confidentially.

4. Written Reporting:

If you prefer to submit a written report, use the online reporting form available on the convention website. Provide as much detail as possible about the incident, including date, time, location, and any individuals involved. You may choose to remain anonymous if desired.

5. Confidentiality:

All reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Only the designated Board Members and necessary convention staff will be informed to conduct a thorough investigation.

6. Investigation Process:

Upon receiving a report, the designated Board Members will initiate an investigation to gather relevant information and perspectives. They may interview witnesses, review any available evidence, and take appropriate action based on their findings.

7. Communication and Updates:

The reporting individual will be kept informed of the progress of the investigation, while respecting the confidentiality of all parties involved.

8. Resolution:

Once the investigation is complete, the Board Members will determine an appropriate course of action based on the severity of the harassment. This may include warnings, expulsion from the convention, or other measures as deemed necessary.

9. Follow-Up:

Gamealot is committed to preventing future incidents. After resolving a complaint, the convention organizers will assess and implement any necessary changes to policies or procedures to enhance the overall safety and inclusivity of the event.

10. Non-Retaliation Policy:

Gamealot prohibits retaliation against individuals who make good faith reports of harassment. Anyone found to be engaging in retaliatory behavior will be subject to disciplinary action.

Remember, the well-being and safety of our attendees are of the utmost importance. Gamealot appreciates your cooperation in creating a welcoming and respectful gaming community for everyone.

Consequences

Suggested framework for consequences based on the severity of the harassment:

1. Verbal Warning:

Severity Level: Low

Example Situation:
- A participant makes a casual and unintentionally insensitive comment during gameplay, unaware of its impact on another player.
Consequence:
- The participant receives a verbal warning from a designated staff member, emphasizing the importance of respectful behavior.

Description: For minor or first-time incidents, a verbal warning may be issued by designated staff or Board Members. This serves as an initial cautionary measure to make the individual aware of their behavior.

2. Written Warning:

Severity Level: Moderate

Example Situation:
- An attendee repeatedly interrupts others during a game, creating a mildly disruptive environment.
Consequence:
- The individual is issued a written warning, outlining the specific behavior that needs to be corrected and the potential consequences for further violations.

Description: A written warning is issued for more serious or repeated incidents. This formalizes the acknowledgment of the inappropriate behavior and indicates that further violations may result in escalated consequences.

3. Temporary Suspension:

Severity Level: Moderate to High

Example Situation:
- A participant engages in persistent and targeted microaggressions, making another attendee feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.
Consequence:
- The individual is temporarily suspended from the convention, with the duration determined based on the severity and recurrence of the behavior.

Description: In cases where the harassment is more severe or persistent, a temporary suspension from the convention may be imposed. The duration of the suspension will be determined based on the circumstances and the need for corrective measures.

4. Expulsion:

Example Situation:
- A participant engages in aggressive behavior, such as yelling or making explicit threats, creating a hostile environment for others.
Consequence:
- The individual is expelled from the convention immediately, and their badge is revoked. This measure is taken to prioritize the safety and well-being of attendees.

Severity Level: High

Description: Expulsion from the convention is reserved for severe or egregious cases of harassment. Individuals expelled will be required to leave the premises immediately, and their convention badge may be revoked. This measure is taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.

5. Reporting to Law Enforcement:

Severity Level: Extreme

Example Situation:
- A participant physically assaults another attendee, posing a direct threat to their safety.
Consequence:
- The convention organizers report the incident to law enforcement for further investigation and potential legal action.

Description: In cases where the harassment involves criminal behavior, such as assault or threats of violence, the convention organizers may report the incident to law enforcement for further investigation and legal action.

Additional Considerations:

Ban from Future Events:

Individuals who engage in severe or repeat offenses may be banned from attending future conventions organized by the same entity to prevent the recurrence of harassment.

Page updated

Report abuse

Sign up for our emails so you don't miss out on any critical updates!