WTF Pinball Collective
Code of Conduct

Mission

WTF (Women / Trans / Femme) Pinball Collective is an inclusive pinball league hosted at Pinball Jones that was founded on the principles of safety, respect, and belonging for women, trans, and femme-identifying players, including non-binary and genderqueer folx. 

Our community mission is to foster a supportive environment where participants of all skill levels can learn, play, and grow without intimidation, unwanted attention, or barriers. Whether you’re flipping for the first time or chasing high scores, WTF is all about building connections and having a great time together.

Diversity and Inclusion Policy

The WTF recognizes that there are many genders and that gender identity is a complex spectrum that is not static and goes beyond a conventional binary system. WTF was formed with the intent of fostering a supportive environment where women, cis, trans, and non-binary players for whom womanhood is a part of their gender identity or experience can learn, play, and grow in the pinball community without intimidation, unwanted attention, or barriers. We understand that identity and experience are unique to the individual and will not require proof of any identity for admission to the league. 

It is the intention of the WTF to include those who have good-faith reasons to want to be included in this league, and treat information about gender identity of players as sensitive and private. It is up to the individual members to decide whether they choose to share their gender identity and pronouns with other league members. 

If an individual is found to have joined WTF with the willful intent to subvert this Code of Conduct or detract from other members’ enjoyment of the league, the player will be disqualified from the league and barred from future participation in WTF events. We are committed to prioritizing player safety and will continue to expand our understanding of gender identities.

This policy is aligned with the IFPA Diversity and Inclusion Code. A link to the IFPA code can be found at the bottom of this document.

Code

The WTF Pinball Collective Code of Conduct aims to create and preserve an inclusive, safe, and welcoming community for everyone by setting expectations for all those who attend events, as well as being a resource to those who have questions or concerns regarding player behavior or rule interpretation.

This Code of Conduct applies to our online spaces (Discord, Instagram, etc) in both public and private channels, as well as our physical space at Pinball Jones. 

We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone and will not tolerate:

  • Ableism
  • Ageism
  • Body Shaming
  • Bullying
  • Disrespectful Behavior
  • Homophobia
  • Racism
  • Sexism
  • Transphobia

If you witness any harassment or questionable behavior, please notify a league official as soon as you feel safe in doing so, either in person or via email. The WTF email, which is managed by the league council, is located at the end of this document. Your message will be responded to quickly and discreetly. If a council member is the harasser or victim in an incident, they will recuse themselves from the process.

Anti-Harassment Policy

Harassment and hostility will not be tolerated during or outside of league and tournament activities. We strive to create an accepting environment and do not allow harassment of any kind. Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive verbal comments as pertaining to the mission statement.

Harassment also includes:

  • Deliberate intimidation
  • Inappropriate photography or recording
  • Inappropriate electronic communication
  • Inappropriate physical contact and unwanted sexual attention
  • Racial slurs
  • Stalking
  • Theft
  • Other inappropriate behavior

Harassment of someone not affiliated with an event which occurs during league and tournament play also falls under these guidelines. 

Any harassment, expressed threats, or violent actions may result in immediate ejection from the league or tournament and a permanent ban from future events. Actions will also be reported to the Pinball Jones staff and may be subject to discipline per the venue’s discretion.

Aggression Toward Inanimate Objects

Abusive handling of machines outside the parameters of normal play during league or tournament play (including warm-ups) is grounds for a warning. Destruction or damage to league or Pinball Jones property or the property of other players is also grounds for a warning, ejection from the event and/or venue, or permanent ban. Repeated warnings can lead to more severe consequences such as ejection or permanent ban.

Interactions with League Officials

Any player who behaves rudely or inappropriately toward council members may be warned, disqualified or asked to leave the tournament or league play, at the council’s discretion. Council rulings are final and always in the best interest of fair play. Please also remember that council members volunteer their time to run these events and may be handling multiple questions or ruling, so your patience is always appreciated during interactions.

Be Respectful of Time: Expeditious Play and Personal Responsibility

Excessive delays of reporting to games, reporting results, or absences during gameplay after a match has begun will result in a warning. Repeated offenses will result in disqualification and/or ejection from the current competition.

Be a Good Sport

Poor sportsmanship, including excessive gloating, pouting, or complaining that interferes with other players’ enjoyment may result in warnings or disqualification.

Game Rulings 

Tournament Directors (TDs) will be following IFPA standard rules for game play calls. A link to the IFPA rules is at the bottom of this document. 

Acceptance of Rules and Policies

By participating in organized play at any WTF events using this code of conduct, players are affirming that they will abide by the rules of behavioral expectations. If a player has received warning(s) for violating the player code of conduct, they may be subject to expulsion from other WTF Pinball Collective events or becoming barred from league and tournament play. If league members bring a guest(s) to an event, it is with the understanding that they also abide by this code.

Enforcement

The WTF Council is the primary authority responsible for enforcing this policy during an event. Council members may take immediate action and may skip steps depending on severity, intent, or prior behavior. If someone needs to be removed from the premises, the council members are encouraged to work with Pinball Jones staff if an event is being held at the venue.

What you can expect from us

As TDs and council members, we recognize the trust our participants put in us to run high quality events and handle all situations with professionalism. We commit to fully hearing all concerns, not dismissing personal experiences, and treating participants with respect throughout the process. We are working hard to build a welcoming and respectful community, and we recognize there is always more we can do. If you have any suggestions for edits or additions that will improve this Code of Conduct, please email your recommendations to the council at:  [email protected] or comment in our Discord at https://discord.gg/amcayxDD

Contacts

Please feel free to reach out to the council with questions, concerns, or suggestions: 

Contact: [email protected]

  • WTF Pinball Collective council Members
    • Erika Stonebay (Tournament Director) 
    • Andrea Exedine
    • Andy Roetman
    • Aprille Sonnier
    • Savannah Brown  

IFPA Tournament Rules

https://www.ifpapinball.com/rules/

IFPA Diversity and Inclusion Code

https://www.ifpapinball.com/inclusion/

Credits