Player Conduct, Event & Judging

At Collective Gaming, we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, fair, and enjoyable environment for all players, spectators, staff, and community members.

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Whether participating in casual games, organized play, leagues, tournaments, hobby events, or other store activities, good sportsmanship and community-minded behavior are expected from everyone.

Events & Player Conduct at a Glance

• Treat players, staff, Judges, Tournament Organizers, and spectators with respect.

• Follow the applicable game rules, event packet, organized-play requirements, and staff instructions.

• Event registration is generally first paid, first served unless otherwise stated.

• Event cancellations should be submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before an event and no-shows are generally nonrefundable.

• Arrive on time and prepared with all required gaming materials.

• Cheating, harassment, threats, discrimination, theft, deliberate stalling, and event manipulation are prohibited.

• Judges may issue rulings and penalties necessary to keep events fair and on schedule.

• Final Judge or Tournament Organizer rulings must be respected.

• Participants may be warned, penalized, disqualified, removed, suspended, or banned depending on the severity of misconduct.

• Players and spectators are responsible for their own personal property.

• Prize support and promotional items may depend on attendance, availability, and organized-play allocations.

• Concerns may be reported privately to staff, a Judge, Tournament Organizer, or management.

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The summary above is provided for convenience. The complete policy below governs Collective Gaming events and gameplay.

General Player Expectations

Participants are expected to treat fellow players, staff, Judges, Tournament Organizers, and spectators with respect at all times.

Players must follow the core rules of the game system being played, any published event packet or tournament rules, applicable organized-play requirements, and reasonable instructions provided by Collective Gaming staff or event officials.

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Questions, rules disagreements, and misunderstandings should be handled calmly and in good faith. Players are encouraged to ask for clarification rather than allowing a disagreement to escalate.

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Players are responsible for maintaining a reasonably clean and organized play area and should clean up after themselves when a game or event concludes.

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Participants are expected to arrive on time for scheduled games, rounds, and events. If a player expects to be late, they should notify Collective Gaming when reasonably possible.

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Players are responsible for bringing any required:

• armies or models;

• decks or cards;

• dice;

• measuring tools;

• tokens;

• rulebooks or reference materials;

• army or deck lists; and

• other equipment identified in the event requirements.

Positive Gameplay and Sportsmanship

Collective Gaming encourages players to contribute to a positive play experience.

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Good sportsmanship includes:

• helping clarify measurements or rules references in good faith;

• offering friendly reminders regarding phases, effects, objectives, or required actions;

• communicating clearly about game state, intent, measurements, and dice results;

• demonstrating patience toward newer or less experienced players;

• winning and losing respectfully; and

• avoiding unnecessary arguments or antagonistic behavior.

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Players should strive to create an environment where both casual and competitive participants feel welcome.

Event Registration and Participation

Event capacity may be limited. Unless otherwise stated, registration may be handled on a first-paid, first-served basis.

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Registration is not considered complete until any required entry fee and registration information have been received and Collective Gaming has confirmed the participant's place in the event.

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Certain events may require:

• deck lists or army lists;

• point totals;

• player identification numbers;

• organized-play accounts;

• model requirements;

• team information;

• equipment requirements; or

• other event-specific materials.

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Players are responsible for reviewing the event listing and arriving prepared.

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Collective Gaming may establish event-specific requirements regarding format, points, deck construction, army construction, proxies, modeling standards, painted models, equipment, age requirements, team composition, or other participation conditions.

Event Cancellations and Refunds

Participants who need to cancel their registration should notify Collective Gaming at least twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled event start time.

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Cancellations received at least twenty-four (24) hours before the event will generally be eligible for:

• a refund to the original payment method; or

• store credit.

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Cancellations received less than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled event start time, as well as no-shows, are generally nonrefundable unless Collective Gaming determines that exceptional circumstances warrant otherwise.

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Collective Gaming may establish different cancellation or refund terms for a particular event when necessary because of:

• organized-play requirements;

• product commitments;

• limited capacity;

• special materials;

• prize support; or

• other event-specific circumstances.

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Any different terms will be disclosed before registration.

Late Arrivals and No-Shows

Participants are expected to check in and be ready to play by the published event start time.

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Depending on the event format and applicable organized-play rules, late arrivals may result in:

• a warning;

• game or match loss;

• delayed entry;

• removal from a round;

• loss of a reserved seat; or

• another reasonable event-specific consequence.

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A participant who can no longer attend should notify Collective Gaming as soon as reasonably possible so staff can adjust pairings, waitlists, table assignments, or event planning.

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Repeated no-shows may result in restrictions on advance registration for future events.

Judges and Rule Disputes

For structured events, Collective Gaming may designate one or more Judges, Tournament Organizers, or event officials to:

• interpret game rules;

• resolve disputes;

• maintain event timing;

• administer penalties;

• oversee pairings and scoring; and

• help ensure that the event proceeds fairly and efficiently.

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Judges may be Collective Gaming staff members or trusted community members selected for their knowledge, judgment, and ability to remain impartial.

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When reasonably practical, a Judge should not participate competitively in the same event they are responsible for judging in order to reduce potential conflicts of interest.

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Players should call a Judge when a rules disagreement cannot be resolved quickly and amicably between the players.

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Rules questions and disputes must be presented respectfully and honestly.

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Players may not deliberately withhold relevant information, misrepresent the game state, or attempt to influence a Judge through intimidation, hostility, pressure, or repeated argument.

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Judges are expected to make rulings in good faith using the applicable:

• game rules;

• published FAQs;

• event documents;

• organized-play guidance; and

• reasonable judgment.

Appeals and Final Rulings

A player may respectfully request clarification of a Judge's ruling.

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If an event provides an appeal process or Head Judge, a player may request an appeal in accordance with that process.

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Once the applicable appeal process has been completed, the ruling of the designated Head Judge, Tournament Organizer, or Collective Gaming management is final for purposes of that event.

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Repeated arguing, refusal to accept a final ruling, harassment of a Judge, or deliberate disruption of the event may result in penalties or disqualification.

Competitive Integrity and Cheating

Players are expected to compete honestly and in good faith.

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Cheating includes, but is not limited to:

• intentionally misrepresenting rules or game state;

• manipulating dice or other randomization methods;

• using marked cards or unauthorized materials;

• falsifying scores or match results;

• knowingly providing false information to a Judge;

• intentionally moving models or game pieces improperly;

• concealing information that must be disclosed under the rules;

• colluding with another participant to manipulate results;

• bribery; or

• deliberately attempting to gain an improper competitive advantage.

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Accidental mistakes are not automatically considered cheating.

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Judges and staff may consider intent, repetition, severity, and the effect on the game when determining an appropriate response.

Any attempt to manipulate pairings, standings, rankings, tiebreakers, prize distribution, or event results may result in immediate disqualification and additional restrictions on future participation.

Slow Play and Stalling

Players are expected to play at a reasonable pace appropriate for the game system and event format.

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Prohibited stalling may include:

• deliberately delaying decisions;

• intentionally manipulating the event clock;

• excessive unnecessary rules discussions;

• repeatedly leaving the table without justification; or

• otherwise intentionally delaying completion of the game.

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Judges may issue reminders, warnings, time extensions, penalties, or other remedies when slow play materially affects an event.

Unacceptable Behavior

The following conduct may result in disciplinary action:

• unsportsmanlike conduct, including taunting, intimidation, excessive arguing, or deliberately antagonistic behavior;

• cheating or intentional manipulation of game results;

• harassment, bullying, threats, discriminatory language, hate speech, or targeted personal attacks;

• repeated disruption of games, events, staff operations, or other customers;

• intentionally damaging store property, terrain, tables, merchandise, or another person's property;

• theft or attempted theft;

• aggressive, threatening, or unsafe conduct;

• excessive intoxication or irresponsible alcohol use;

• refusal to follow reasonable instructions from Collective Gaming staff, Judges, or Tournament Organizers; or

• retaliation against a person for reporting a concern or requesting Judge assistance.

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Depending on the circumstances and severity, Collective Gaming may issue:

• a verbal or written warning;

• game or match penalties;

• game or match loss;

• disqualification;

• removal from an event;

• removal from the premises;

• temporary suspension from events;

• restrictions on future participation; or

• a permanent ban from Collective Gaming activities.

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Removal or disqualification for misconduct does not automatically entitle a participant to a refund.

Alcohol and Intoxication

Where alcoholic beverages are available or permitted, participants are expected to consume responsibly and comply with all applicable laws and venue rules.

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Collective Gaming reserves the right to:

• refuse alcohol service;

• restrict consumption;

• remove a participant from an event; or

• require a person to leave the premises

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when staff reasonably believe the individual is intoxicated, disruptive, unsafe, or otherwise unable to participate appropriately.

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Alcohol consumption never excuses harassment, aggression, cheating, property damage, or other prohibited behavior.

Reporting Concerns

If a participant witnesses or experiences behavior that makes them uncomfortable, unsafe, or concerned about the integrity of an event, they should report the issue to a staff member, Judge, Tournament Organizer, or management as soon as reasonably possible.

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Reports may be made discreetly.

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Collective Gaming will make reasonable efforts to handle concerns appropriately and limit unnecessary disclosure of sensitive information.

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Retaliation against a person who makes a good-faith report is prohibited.

Event Integrity and Results

Participants who withdraw or drop from an event should notify staff promptly so pairings, standings, and event records can be updated.

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Players must accurately report match results and should verify submitted results before leaving the table.

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Any concessions, intentional draws, or similar competitive arrangements must comply with the rules of the applicable game system and organized-play program.

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Participants may not use such arrangements to engage in:

• bribery;

• prohibited prize splitting;

• collusion;

• falsification of results; or

• manipulation of event standings.

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Collective Gaming may investigate unusual results, suspected collusion, prize manipulation, or other activity that raises reasonable concerns about event integrity.

Prize Support and Promotional Items

Prize support, promotional items, store credit, trophies, promotional cards, raffles, giveaways, participation rewards, and other event incentives are subject to the specific terms announced for each event.

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Prize structures may depend on:

• attendance;

• event format;

• product availability;

• manufacturer or publisher support; or

• organized-play allocations.

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Promotional items supplied by manufacturers, publishers, distributors, or organized-play programs are subject to availability and are not guaranteed unless expressly stated otherwise.

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Collective Gaming may make reasonable adjustments to prize distribution before or during an event when circumstances such as attendance, allocation shortages, or product availability require a change.

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Unless otherwise announced, prizes must be claimed according to instructions provided by Collective Gaming.

Unclaimed prizes may be forfeited after a reasonable period or handled in accordance with applicable organized-play requirements.

Personal Property

Players and spectators are responsible for their own:

• miniatures;

• cards;

• dice;

• gaming accessories;

• electronics;

• bags;

• clothing; and

• other personal belongings.

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Collective Gaming is not responsible for lost, misplaced, stolen, swapped, or damaged personal property except to the extent responsibility cannot legally be disclaimed.

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Players are encouraged to clearly identify valuable gaming materials and avoid leaving property unattended.

Store Terrain and Equipment

Store terrain, tables, mats, gaming accessories, demo materials, and other shared resources must be treated with reasonable care.

Participants may not intentionally modify, damage, remove, or misuse Collective Gaming property without permission.

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Participants may be held responsible for intentional or reckless damage to store property.

Spectators

Spectators are welcome when space and event rules permit.

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Spectators must not:

• interfere with gameplay;

• coach participants unless expressly permitted;

• reveal hidden information;

• comment on strategic decisions;

• obstruct aisles;

• distract players; or

• otherwise affect the integrity of a match.

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Judges or staff may ask spectators to move or leave an event area when necessary to protect competitive integrity, safety, space, or event operations.

Minors

Minors may participate in events when permitted by the applicable event rules and store policies.

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Collective Gaming may require a parent or legal guardian to remain present for younger participants depending on the participant's age, event duration, event type, or other circumstances.

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Parents and guardians remain responsible for supervising minors where supervision is required.

Event Changes, Cancellation, and Rescheduling

Collective Gaming may modify, postpone, reschedule, shorten, combine, or cancel an event because of:

• attendance;

• staffing;

• weather;

• facility conditions;

• product delays;

• organized-play requirements;

• technical issues;

• emergencies; or

• circumstances outside Collective Gaming's reasonable control.

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If Collective Gaming cancels an event before it begins, affected participants will generally receive a refund of the applicable event entry fee or another remedy agreed upon with the participant.

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If Collective Gaming materially changes an event date or time and a registered participant can no longer attend as a result, Collective Gaming may provide a refund, store credit, or transfer to another event as appropriate.

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Collective Gaming is not responsible for transportation, lodging, lost wages, or other third-party costs incurred in connection with an event cancellation or schedule change.

Photography and Media

Collective Gaming may photograph or record events for community, promotional, website, or social-media purposes where legally permitted.

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Participants who do not wish to appear in photographs or recordings should notify staff when practical.

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Additional consent may be required when appropriate for minors.

Safety and Venue Conduct

Participants and spectators are expected to follow:

• posted safety instructions;

• occupancy requirements;

• emergency procedures;

• venue rules; and

• reasonable staff directions.

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Hazards, injuries, threats, damaged equipment, spills, or other safety concerns should be reported to staff promptly.

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Food and beverages may be restricted in certain gaming areas when necessary to protect merchandise, gaming materials, equipment, terrain, or the premises.

Need Help?

New to a game system? Unsure about terrain placement, event requirements, scoring, or rules? Ask.

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Collective Gaming staff and Judges are here to help keep events organized, fair, and enjoyable.

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Players should never feel that asking a good-faith question will be held against them.

Enforcement and Participation

Participation in a Collective Gaming event constitutes agreement to comply with:

• this policy;

• applicable event-specific rules;

• applicable organized-play requirements; and

• reasonable instructions from Collective Gaming staff and event officials.

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Collective Gaming reserves the right to refuse registration, remove a participant, or restrict future participation where reasonably necessary to enforce this policy, protect the safety or integrity of the community, comply with organized-play requirements, or address serious or repeated misconduct.

Applicable Law

Nothing in this policy is intended to waive or restrict any right or remedy that cannot legally be waived under applicable law.

Changes to This Policy

Collective Gaming may revise this Event, Player Conduct & Judging Policy from time to time.

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Unless otherwise required by law, the version in effect at the time of an event will generally apply to that event.

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Questions regarding events, registration, cancellations, judging, player conduct, prize support, or participation may be submitted through Collective Gaming's official website or designated customer-support channels.