Code of Conduct
PREFACE
Esports encompasses a thriving community, practiced by people in various situations and from different backgrounds. This provides great potential for esports to be inclusive. At US Esports we strive to promote an inclusive community at the aggregate level, and leadership and gamesmanship at the individual level. This document is a tool to ensure we realize that potential. Together, we can create an esports environment where people can feel welcome, meet, compete, and evolve. There are a variety of figures engaged in the community, including players and organizers (such as coaches, staff and volunteers). This code will focus on the role these figures place in the US Esports, hereinafter as US Esports, and how it impacts the experience of those engaged in the community. To accomplish this, we need to follow a common set of rules, and take individual responsibility for how we treat each other, both online and offline.
1. WHO IS AN ESPORTS PLAYER?
When we write about esports player, we are referring to the broadest possible sense. Anyone that plays competitively against others in a game on a computer, console, or other device can be considered an esports player. This document focuses on organized esports, and skill level is not important in this context. The contents of this document can apply to everyone, from beginners to professional players.
2. RULES FOR A BETTER SPORT
Esports should be an open and welcoming environment, where all parties involved feel safe, have fun, and develop their skills. To create such an environment, we need to take personal responsibility for how we behave toward our fellow players, coaches, staff, volunteers, and spectators. By following the rules set out below, we make the esports environment a place for everyone. Note that these rules applies to outside matches as well, and is not limited to US Esports tournaments.
3. ETHICS FOR PLAYERS
Players include those who are on the active roster, and those who are associated with the team in other capacities. As a player adhering to the rules below, you ensure that your event promotes an open and welcoming esports environment.
3.1. Player Code of Conduct
3.1.1. Offensive expression. Avoid expressing ourselves in an offensive manner toward other players or their actions in the game, regardless of whether they are opponents or teammates.
3.1.2. Offensive language. Avoid using language, nicknames or other expressions that insult another player’s gender, gender identity, origin, physical ability, sexual orientation, religion or age.
3.1.3. Team dynamic. Always support your team, communicating positively and with respect.
3.1.4. Violent language. Avoid using language or actions that refer to sexual violence or other violence.
3.1.5. Violent actions. Avoid acting in a threatening or violent manner.
3.1.6. Cheating. Avoid cheating or hacking.
3.1.7. Private information. Avoid sharing our account information or any other private information that could put ourselves or our peers at risk.
3.1.8. Harassment. You may not harass other players, team members, or other associated parties.
3.1.9. Sexual Harassment. You may not sexually harass other players, team members or other associated parties. There is zero tolerance for any sexual threats or coercion or the promise of advantages in exchange for sexual favors.
3.1.10. Discrimination and Denigration. You may not offend the dignity or integrity of a country, private person, or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory, or denigratory words or actions on account of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability status, gender identity, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, sexual orientation, or any other reason.