Code of Conduct

(Last Updated: APRIL 2025)

• Purpose: We pride ourselves in hosting chill family friendly events. While this list of rules might feel lengthy please note; we are not a prison ward, and are pretty lenient even with the few rules we have. The main purpose of this document is to give an idea of what is expected from you as both a player and a person. As long as you use your head and your better judgment, you have nothing to worry about. In general, respect others, respect yourself, respect property, and have fun!

• Preface:
  1) The following document is specifically rules regarding the behavior expected from attendees. This is not the game(s) ruleset. If you’re looking for game rules check the "ruleset/stage list" section.
  
  2) Certain rules may vary depending on the event. They might vary in terms of both function and in severity. It is ultimately up to the TO to determine what constitutes breaking these rules and to determine the punishment in the event these rules are broken, any alterations to this document will be stated in the description on the event page. Additional rules may also be present, and listed on the event page. (An Example is  rules regarding outside food/drink, as this is largely venue dependent and as such would be out of place in a region-wide ruleset).
  
  3) Most of these rules are in place as part of our agreement to use our venue, so any violations will be dealt with immediately and efficiently. So please be mindful, if you attempt to break any of these rules in secret and are caught it can ruin the opportunity we have for everyone and jeopardize our ability to use the space again in the future.

• Note: All players who receive disqualifications due to violations of the Code of Conduct, General game rules or for any other unforeseen reason will not have their tournament fees refunded.

• Note #2: Though there is much overlap, we have separate rules/code of conduct for in-person events and online interactions. Both sets are outlined here.

• Note #3: Punishments received for violations at any single EWA/NID event may carry over to ALL other EWA/NID events.

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In-Person Code of Conduct
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• 1.1.1 All Children Under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. - We pride ourselves with hosting an event suitable for all ages. However, we are requiring that any and all children under the age of 13 be accompanied by a legal adult guardian at all times.

• 2.1.1 Bring your own controller. - We occasionally have a few extras, but we cannot guarantee that they will be available for everyone. Please come prepared in the event that we will not have a controller for you to use.
  - 2.2.1 Just because a controller is there does not give you permission to use it. Controllers that are tied to the system such as the Nintendo Switch Joycon Controllers belong to the owner of the system and are not intended for you to use. Please bring your own controller.
  - 2.3.1 Some events will have controllers provided for you. These games typically require a unique controller or peripheral and are normally featured as our side-events or challenge games.  These games will be clearly marked on their respective rule page.
  - 2.4.1 For questions regarding controller legality, Please refer to the appropriate section in the tournament ruleset for more information on controllers for each specific game.
  - 2.4.1 Early Transparency: Typically we allow all box-style controllers as well as 3rd party motherboards for NGC and Pro Controllers (Examples being PHOB and Pro GCC) as well as case mods for all controllers. Controllers with macro buttons and turbo functionality are typically banned in tournaments.

• 3.1.1 No banned/illegal substances permitted inside the venue. - If you are caught with these items or evidence of the presence of these items; it will result in immediate disqualification from the event, eviction from the venue and disqualifications to all future events, and in extreme situations may lead to the contacting of law enforcement.
  - 3.2.1 Use dedicated areas for the use of tobacco products Please only smoke in the designated smoking areas outside at least 25ft (20ft in ID) away from any entrances in accordance with State laws. These same regulations apply for e-cigarette and other similar vape devices even if they do not contain tobacco.
  - 3.3.1 Alcohol influenced belligerence will result in a ban. In venues that allow alcohol, substance abuse can and will result in punishment if someone is to become overly belligerent. Alcohol is NOT a valid excuse for poor behavior or for breaking other rules outlined in our code of conduct.
  - 3.4.1 Marijuana. Be mindful of event location. Marijuana is still an illegal substance in Idaho and will be treated as such for events located in the state. 

• 4.1.1 Fighting and Weaponry are not permitted inside the venue.
  - 4.2.1 Despite the competitive atmosphere, PLEASE be chill! Throwing controllers or acting in a way that could pose a danger to other player may result in disqualification from the event and eviction from the venue.
  - 4.3.1 We consider the use of our venue a privilege. Anyone acting in such a manner that causes damage to the venue or property will be subject to an immediate event disqualification and ban from future events. 

• 5.1.1 Clean up after yourself! - We consider the use of a venue a privilege, and a big part of us being able to use such nice facilities is due to our compliance with the venue's rules and us doing our part in keeping our venue nice and clean. Please check specific event details on start.gg for more information regarding the permission of outside food and drink in the venue. Regardless of that ruling we still simply request you clean up after yourself.

• 6.1.1 Respect Property - Any person caught tampering with, damaging, manipulating, or attempting to add/remove anything from a console or any equipment in the venue without permission from Tournament Officials or the device owner, will be immediately disqualified and ejected from the venue.

• 7.1.1 No taking of anything that does not belong to you. - If you are caught stealing you will be disqualified from the event and asked to leave the venue and you will not be permitted to return.

• 8.1.1 Label your items! - Mistakes happen, but do your part in making sure they do not happen to you! Anything you bring into the venue is your own responsibility.
  - 8.2.1 All Tournament Officials and Venue Officials therein claim no responsibility for items lost, damaged, stolen or  destroyed as a result of being on tournament grounds.

• 9.1.1 Harassment of any form is prohibited - This may result in disqualification from the event. Under extreme circumstances will also result in eviction from the venue.
  - 9.2.1 Unsporting behavior - Fostering a safe and welcoming environment for our community is our top priority. Therefore it is imperative that this group and its members conduct themselves in a manor that is both civil and welcoming to both existing and new members.
  - 9.3.1 Local Law - This really should have gone without saying, but if a member of this group is known to have broken the law, they will be dealt with extreme prejudice and under extreme/unforeseen circumstances action will   be taken against them even if they are not charged with a crime. 

• 10.1.1 Disrupting someone mid-match, intentionally or accidentally, is not acceptable. - Please do your best to make sure you are not disrupting a match. This can result in a penalty at T.O.'s discretion.
  - 10.2.1 Please note however, this is not a “Do not talk around competitors” rule. If you are planning to compete and are sensitive to sound please understand between natural conversation, cheering and matches being called most venues will be loud. Please make the necessary preparations (Headphones, earplugs, etc) in order to ensure this does not become an issue for you.
  - 10.3.1 Unsportsmanlike Behavior - All Players are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship and maintain respect for one another and for all TOs and spectators. Players are expected to be on their best behavior at all times and to avoid any behavior inconsistent with the principles of good sportsmanship, honesty, or fair play. Behavior that is considered to be inappropriate and in violation of the Code of Conduct includes, but is not limited to;
  - Interfering with tournament operation.
  - Acting in an disruptive manner, or to distract, annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person.
  - Intentionally delaying or slowing gameplay or tampering with gameplay in any other known or unknown manner
  - Taking any action or performing any gesture directed at an opposing Player, official or spectator, or inciting any other individuals to do the same, which is insulting, mocking, disruptive or unsportsmanlike.
  - Touching or otherwise interfering with the players, controllers, consoles, TVs, lights, cameras or other tournament and/or production equipment;
  - Engaging in any other type of behavior deemed inappropriate by the Tournament Organizers in their sole discretion
  - Otherwise violating these rules.
  - 10.4.1 If a Match is interrupted for reasons beyond the control of the Teams (Power Outage, Player crash, server crash, network outage, etc.) the Match Officials may decide to replay the Match.

• 11.1.1 Misinterpretation/Misconfiguration Games or sets are not to be replayed due to a misinterpretation of the rules OR misconfiguration of game settings unless under extreme circumstances. Game settings should be configured according to the specific game’s ruleset section. It is the player's responsibility to ask the TO for any clarification of the rule set in the event of a disagreement, and the outcome of a game or set with misconfigured rules will not be changed after the fact.
  - 11.2.1 Games/Matches will NOT be replayed for players/teams that forgot to ban a stage or forgot to incite a double blind,
  -  11.2.1 In the event players begin a game with misconfigured player-specific controls (tag/controller settings, etc.), players may not back out of a game to correct their settings after ten seconds have passed. After this time limit has passed, players must use their misconfigured settings, subject to tournament staff discretion.
  - 11.2.2 If a game was played under a misconfiguration of the Game settings, that could have materially affected the result of the game, a player may petition to have that game replayed. The final decision is at the discretion of the TO. This must be done immediately after the game in question; after the next game is started, the previous game shall not be replayed regardless of whether the rules were set correctly. 

• 12.1.1 Keep any vulgar language and other profanity to a minimum. - Part of our agreement in order for us to use our venues is due in part to our cooperation in keeping the event as 'PG' as possible. While this is not a “No Cussing Rule.” We would just like to encourage everyone to be on their best behavior and be mindful of their surroundings.

• 13.1.1 Coaching - Coaching is defined as an attempt to give advice to any player during a tournament set. Coaching is not permitted during the duration of a tournament set, whether during a game or in-between games in a set. Tournament staff reserves the right to judge on what is deemed “Coaching” and the severity of the violation.
  - 13.2.1 Grand Final Exception The only exception to this rule is when a Grand Finals reset occurs, as they are considered separate tournament sets; in this instance, players are given a two-minute break in which coaching may occur.
  - 13.3.1 Coaching vs Cheering:
    CHEERING = Nondescript statements such as “Let’s go!”, “you got this!”, or “mess them up!”. These are not   violations. These are not seen as coaching violations, as they do not qualify as advice that can be applied to      gameplay.
    COACHING = Specific statements pointing out habits, specific options, or timings that can be applied to gameplay.   Coaching is further broken down into violations with varying severity.
  - Minor violation - General statements such as  “Play Slow”, “Take your time” or “Hit him!”
  - Major violation - Specific statements pointing out habits, specific options, or timings such as “Watch for his neutral getup!”, “Watch the timer!" or “He keeps rolling!"
  - Severe violation - Physical interference to either player.
  
  If coaching occurs during this window, the coaching party will receive penalties as outlined below:
  - 1st offense/Minor: Verbal warning to the player and the coach. This warning persists for the entire event.
  - 2nd offense/Major: Player receives a game loss and/or the coach is removed from the tournament station. - 3rd offense/Severe: Coaching party receives complete disqualification and removal from the event.
  
  - 13.4.1 Websites/Data: Using digital databases, websites, or printed out information regarding frame data, combo percentages, or any other public information not found in-game during a set is also considered “Coaching” as defined above as a major violation.
  - 13.5.1  Event Specifics: Some events (such as arcadians, seshes or events with a more casual atmosphere may elect to not ban coaching. Please check the event page for specific tournaments for any final judgement on this or any other rules.
  
  

• 14.1.1 No refusal to play on certain setups - With the exception of extreme circumstances, all players agree to have their matches recorded if requested by the TO.
  - 6.2.1 By attending, the Tournament Organizer is granted permission to record and re-distribute your name, likeness and game performance on stream and via other media. By attending, you waive any claim for compensation of these recordings.
  - 6.2.1 If for any reason you are uncomfortable with your image being recorded for public display, and you are asked to play on stream. Please inform the Tournament Organizer and if at all possible we will arrange for you to play on a different setup.
  - 6.2.2 The only exceptions will be for matches played in Winners Finals, Losers Semifinals, Losers Finals, and Grand Finals. As these tend to be the most hyped and influential matches, and as such they will almost always be streamed or recorded. If so requested, Tournament Organizers will attempt to make changes so that a player's wishes can still be accommodated and still allow for player's to play on stream.
  - 6.2.3 If accommodations still cannot be made, the player may either be forced still to play on stream despite previous circumstances, or may be forced to disqualify themselves from the tournament and drop out of the bracket.

• 15.1.1 You must register for the event on-time - Make sure you are registered for the event according to the stipulations listed on the event page. Once the registration deadline is closed, no further entries will be permitted.
  - 15.2.1 Refer to the event schedule found online at the event page for more information in regards to when the cutoff for sign-ups will be. Please note in some cases pre-registration must be made online and may close multiple days before the event.
  - 15.3.1 Please ensure you are checked in and completely registered at the time of the event. Many events will require some form of “check-in” on the day of the event in addition to registration. Make sure you are in the bracket before the bracket starts!

• 16.1.1 Be Punctual. - If your match is called, you have 5 minutes to show up or you risk being disqualified from the event. We will typically call out 1 warning before your 5min timer starts. Do not leave the venue during the bracket! These events run late enough as it stands, so let's try not and keep everyone out too late!

• 17.1.1 Do not leave the tournament while you are in bracket! - If you leave, and we call your match. You will have 5 minutes to show up before being disqualified.
  - 17.2.1 Do not leave your setup during a match. Please make sure you take care of all your business in between matches, not during. If you leave for any reason (Restroom, Food, Rage, etc.) you may be disqualified and you will lose the match.
  - 17.3.1 Report the results of your match to the TO desk immediately after a set. Do not continue to play friendlies on the setup after your match is over.
  - 17.3.2 To encourage parity, It is generally considered the winner's responsibility to report matches
  to the TO desk.

• 18.1.1 Please refrain from playing friendlies on the main setups unless there is space available. - In order to ensure the event runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The TO has the right to kick you off a setup at any time, or disqualify you for repeated offenses.
  - 18.2.1 There will be plenty of time for friendlies both before and after the main events. Typically as the bracket progresses we will open up tournament setups that we no longer require for friendlies. These will be announced during the tournament.
  - 18.3.1 Additionally, there are generally dedicated friendly setups available to use during the tournament.

• 19.1.1 Do NOT “over-wander” the venue. - We have only been granted permission to use certain parts of the venue for this event. Please remain in areas dedicated for the tournament, and do not explore any parts of the facility that we are not permitted to use.

• 20.1.1 Please pay your tournament fees appropriately. - Typically we ask all tournement fees to be paid in cash as not every tournament venue or host will allow the use of electronic payments for bracket fees. Please check the page for each event to see if electronic payments are accepted. Come prepared.

• 21.1.1 Collusion and Bracket Manipulation - Players suspected of colluding may be immediately disqualified from the tournament. This includes intentionally throwing a game, splitting a payout, or committing any other form of bracket manipulation. The TO reserves the right to deny payout of event winnings to any player suspected of colluding. 

• 22.1.1 Third party recording equipment must be pre-approved by event staff. - All outside recording equipment with the exception of handheld video cameras and phones are not permitted without permission. In bringing these items Tournament Staff is granted license to use, modify, and redistribute any and all photographs and recordings that are taken on tournament grounds.

• 23.1.1 COVID-19/Illness - We will not be requiring any kind of vaccination proof nor a negative test to participate in the event. We suggest everyone make their own judgement call based on their own situations, risk and comfort level as to whether or not attending this event is right for them.
  - Masks are not required.
  - Sanitizer stations will be present at several locations at our event and there will be plenty of space to allow for social distancing.
  - If you are sick, with any ailment (Not just Covid). Do not attend any event. If you are visibly ill and chose to attend, putting others at risk of infection you will be forced to leave the event immediately and will be permanently banned from all future events.
  - Rules and Protocol regarding COVID-19 is subject to change depending on local/state guidelines at the time of the event.

• 24.1.1 Unforeseen Circumstances - The TO reserves the right to settle any unforeseen situations that may occur outside of these terms, and his/her judgment is final. In extreme situations, rules may be altered between phases of a tournament in the best interests of the event.
  - 22.2.1 The "right" to play video games - It is not a diplomatic right to participate in an gaming event. All events are technically a private event, and will each come with their own set of rules and regulations that may differ from this document. Tournament Organizers have the right to bar anyone entry to their events and have the right to deal with any unforeseen situations as they arise. 

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Online Code of Conduct
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• #0 All violations to the In-Person code of conduct will receive an online suspension equal or greater than the punishment received from the event organizer.

• #1 Follow all State Laws and Regulations. This group is based out of Spokane, WA. Online you must follow all laws and regulations for Spokane. In person you are expected to follow the law for whichever state the tournament is in.

• #2 Do not Block any of the Mods/Admins. If you are found out doing so you will be kicked from the groups.

• #3 All Posts and Discussion MUST be Smash/Nintendo/Gaming/Community related. This group is not for you to advertise and discuss whatever you want. Posts must be relevant to the group and its members. General discussion, is allowed but please keep too personal conversations and any other talk that breaks the other rules in your DMs.

• #4 Please use the correct channels in the discord server for requesting Wifi/Netplay matches. Do not clutter the facebook group or conversation channels with these requests. 

• #5 This group is NOT for you to advertise personal streams/videos. We have a dedicated section of the discord for advertising personal streams and content. If you are streaming a community event you are welcome to share this in our announcement channels and on the Facebook page. However personal projects are only permitted in the dedicated discord section.

• #6 Be Respectful. Healthy debates are natural, however threads should not devolve into flame wars. Participating or Instigating such activity will not be tolerated. Any form of hate speech or bigotry is not permitted. See rules 1 and 9 for more details.

• #7 Do not repeatedly submit false/incorrect reports on threads or comments. Do not repeatedly submit false/incorrect reports on threads or comments, or otherwise abuse the reporting system in any way. Also, do not comment on threads/comments announcing you have reported them. Do NOT excessively ping Mods!

• #8 Do not excessively flood, spam, or otherwise harass this group and its users. Posting Memes, copypasta, etc. are totally fine (and more or less encouraged), so long as they are not spammed and they also follow the other groups rules. (Specifically rules 1, 3 and 6). Just be respectful and tasteful.

• #9 No political Talk/Arguments. AT ALL. There are plenty of places to discuss politics. But not here. Keep it to yourselves or your DMs.

• #10 No Advertising or Selling without Admin Permission. Advertising here is not welcome. This includes (but is not limited to) any type of referral links, soliciting, begging or selling/advertising anything. We may allow certain posts (such as For Sale posts) on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Please ask one of the admins or mods for permission.

• #11 Any in-person bans issued to a player will also cause the violator to be banned in all EWA/NID online social spaces. However; online bans issued to a player may not corelate to the violator being banned from attending events in person unless under extreme circumstances or unless previously established. 

• #12 Rules may be added or changed without warning if necessary. Ultimately it is up to the discretion of the Mods/Admins to deal with any unforeseen situations and dish out punishments for rule violations according to their judgement.