Corrective Actions

Larp License LLC licenses materials to independent businesses (branches), which manage their own communities. While it cannot control these businesses, Larp License LLC can choose not to renew a license, thereby discontinuing their use of Dystopia Rising Live materials.

Dystopia Rising Live is designed as an entertainment LARP, with the goal of providing fun, monthly events. While Larp License LLC is not a governing authority over individuals’ actions outside the game, it recognizes that communities grow around these events. To support positive community operations, it has established guidelines outlining encouraged actions and prohibited behaviors.

Branches, as independent businesses, have the legal right to refuse service within the bounds of anti-discrimination laws. For example, refusal of service is generally permitted if a customer causes disturbances, poses safety risks, or disrupts the intended spirit of the business.

To help players address problematic behavior, Larp License LLC provides branches with an optional corrective action process. This process ranges from verbal reminders to banning a player and is intended to address actions detrimental to the local or national Dystopia Rising Live community. Corrective actions are not punishments but opportunities for growth, aiming to help players understand and improve their behavior.

Issues may arise during events or on official social media platforms. While branches do not monitor players’ actions outside these avenues, significant concerns may warrant a discussion or warning. For instance, if a player regularly shares discriminatory content online, the local branch may address the behavior to maintain community standards.

Corrective actions aim to support player growth and ensure community well-being. Even if a player is banned, the hope is they find a positive outlet elsewhere. Illegal activities uncovered by branches should be reported to proper authorities, as Larp License LLC and its branches do not adjudicate legal matters.

All branches are independent entities that must follow local laws. These guidelines are a framework for addressing issues, leaving branches responsible for managing corrective actions as appropriate.

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 Directors or Owner 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. Suspension Pending Investigation can only be issued by a local branch’s Directors or Owners 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 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.