The Tasmanian Association of Pinball Players (TAPP) is committed to fostering a friendly, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all members, participants, and spectators. This Code of Conduct outlines our community’s expectations for behaviour during TAPP events, ensuring respect, safety, and fairness for everyone involved. By participating, you agree to adhere to this Code.
Core Principles
- Respect: Treat everyone with courtesy and kindness.
- Inclusivity: Welcome players of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Safety: Maintain a secure and supportive environment.
- Sportsmanship: Compete with integrity and fairness.
TAPP reserves the right to update this Code as necessary to meet the needs of the community.
1. Respectful Behaviour: The Foundation of Our Community
- Treat all participants, volunteers, event hosts, and spectators with respect and courtesy.
- Avoid behaviours that could be considered disruptive, harassing, or discriminatory, including:
- Offensive language, gestures, or slurs.
- Physical intimidation, unwanted physical contact, or threatening behaviour.
- Disrespectful commentary on someone’s skill level, appearance, background, or other personal attributes.
- Inappropriate jokes, including those based on stereotypes, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other personal characteristic.
- Note: Even comments intended as jokes can cause harm and are not acceptable.
- Respect others’ personal space and boundaries at all times.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Any form of harassment, intimidation, or discrimination will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to verbal, physical, and written (including digital) forms of misconduct.
2. Respect for Venues, Machines, and Equipment
TAPP is grateful to our venue hosts. All participants must treat facilities, machines, and equipment with care and respect.
- Refrain from actions that could damage pinball machines or equipment, such as slamming buttons, striking machines, or causing intentional harm.
- Report any mechanical issues or malfunctions to the event host or organisers immediately.
- Do not attempt to repair or adjust machines unless authorised by event staff.
- Clean up after yourself and keep the venue tidy.
Venue-Specific Policies: Each venue has its own rules and restrictions, such as those related to age limits or food and drink. While TAPP welcomes players of all ages, participants must respect these venue-specific requirements and behave appropriately in shared spaces.
3. Inclusive and Accessible Environment
TAPP is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community where players of all skill levels, genders, ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds feel valued.
- Promote a welcoming atmosphere, especially for newcomers and those new to pinball.
- Avoid actions that create a hostile or unwelcoming environment.
- If you require accommodations to participate (e.g., mobility assistance), contact the organisers in advance so we can assist.
TAPP is dedicated to making our events accessible to all while complying with venue-specific restrictions.
4. Fair Play and Sportsmanship
- Follow the rules and guidelines provided by TAPP and event organisers.
- Compete with integrity. Actions such as deliberately throwing games, tampering with machines, or cheating undermine the competitive spirit and are not tolerated.
- Notify a tournament official immediately if you observe a malfunction, scoring error, or other issue.
- Avoid interfering with other players during their games.
- Celebrate the achievements of others and encourage camaraderie.
Commitment to Integrity: Players must respect the competitive spirit of the event and avoid unsportsmanlike conduct.
5. Alcohol and Substance Use
- Responsible alcohol consumption is permitted at events where the venue allows it.
- Intoxication leading to disruptive or unsafe behaviour will result in removal from the event.
- Illegal substances are strictly prohibited.
Safety First: Participants must ensure their actions do not compromise the safety and enjoyment of others.
6. Accountability: Organisers’ Discretion and Consequences
TAPP holds all participants accountable for their actions and words.
- Consequences for violating this Code may include, but are not limited to:
- Verbal warnings.
- Removal from the event.
- Suspension from future events.
- Permanent bans from TAPP events for serious violations.
- Decisions regarding participant behaviour are at the discretion of TAPP organisers or event hosts and are made in the community’s best interest.
- Appeals may be submitted in writing to TAPP organisers within seven days of an event.
Fairness and Transparency: To the best of TAPP’s ability, all decisions will be based on evidence and context to ensure impartiality.
7. Reporting Issues
If you experience or witness behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it promptly.
- Reports can be made to a TAPP event organiser, host, or volunteer.
- Alternatively, concerns can be emailed to TAPP.
- Anonymous reports (e.g., from a disposable email) are welcomed.
- All reports will be handled confidentially to protect all parties and ensure a fair resolution.
No Retaliation: Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern will not be tolerated.
8. Community Spirit
TAPP thrives on sportsmanship, camaraderie, and enthusiasm for pinball. We encourage participants to:
- Mentor newcomers to the pinball scene.
- Volunteer at events to support the community.
- Share knowledge about pinball strategy, techniques, and history.
- Celebrate each other’s achievements and contribute to a positive atmosphere.
9. Application to Online Behaviour
This Code applies to both in-person and online interactions, including social media, forums, and virtual events hosted by TAPP. Respectful communication and inclusivity extend to all digital platforms.
10. Periodic Review and Updates
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of our community. Updates may be made as required.
Agreement
By participating in TAPP events, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Thank you for contributing to a welcoming, respectful, and fun pinball community.
Contact for Questions or Feedback
If you have any questions about this Code or suggestions for improvement, please contact TAPP organisers. We welcome your feedback!