Server Rules

## **Preamble**

All rules listed in this document apply to those participating in ROTR activities. Those subject to these rules are all regular players, donor players, and staff members under the Owner. This document aims to cover all (if not, most) of the aspects in which regulations will be required in regards to the server. However, this does not mean that common sense is not a factor when dealing with punishments, conflicts or anything else in which the rules are concerned. All players on ROTR, who are subject to all rules, must realize that there are several instances where common sense, courtesy, and a sense of morality are required. **Due note that all rules are flexible under the say of the Owner.**

## **Accountability**

All players who do and do not put their eyes on this document, who play on the ROTR server under the leadership of the staff members, are responsible for following all of these rules in which their actions apply to. Whether or not players on the server have read these rules and regulations prior to them joining the server, these rules are still applicable as long as there has been a possible location for said player(s) to view these rules.

## **Section 1. Rights and limitations of Staff**

1. All staff members work under those of the position of Owner, and are subject to any change, punishment, criticism, or task in which the Owner or those of greater authority put upon said staff members.

	1. Though staff members work under the direction of the Owner (and Head Administrator) they are by all rights allowed to give their opinion and say in projects, tasks, and any subject on the server.
2. Those in any staff position must use common sense and high maturity when dealing with issues or any aspects pertaining to regular players on the server.

	1. The Anti-Alec Clause: Staff members do not have the right to force players or other staff members to do as they please; for example: randomly killing, teleporting without permissions or context, kidnapping players, testing weapons on players and causing them to be killed and resulting in lost items, and forcing players to do certain things. The list just stated is not limited to just those examples.
	2. Staff members may not give advantages or disadvantages to players when they have not been purchased. This includes (but is not limited to) items, weapons, armor, money, kits, health, food, or items in which were lost for reasons not associated with said staff members. This rule is enacted to prevent favoritism and make things fair for players, as well as reduce conflicts.
	3. Those on staff may make their own judgement call on settling issues with players. However, they must consult Section 4 before making a judgement on a player’s punishment. They must solve this issue with maturity, and not be a part of the argument or say things  which will add fuel to the disagreement or issue. They must show respect for both parties, and accurately and maturely make a decision on what is to be done about the issue, regardless of their personal beliefs that would be considered an act of inappropriate judgement. (I.e Banning a person because they didn’t like something they said, or punishing because they think it’s funny/the player was being annoying but not doing something that other staff members would consider punishment worthy)

## **Section 2. Description of Staff positions**

The main responsibility of every staff member is to better the Server and tend to the happiness of ALL players. The ranks are listed from highest to lowest.

### Position of Owner:

* An owner has all rights and privileges that are and are not expressed within this document. They have executive power, meaning they may add and remove from the server as they please. However, this does not mean that it is reasonable to do so without consulting members of the staff team. The Owner(s) is(are) responsible for making sure all staff members are working within the descriptions of their positions and carrying out their tasks as previously agreed upon. All other positions work under them.

### Head of Staff:

* The head of staff is the owner’s second in command. If the owner is not there, then they work like the owner (see above) except for adding and removing from the server, unless given written confirmation from the owner himself. If the owner is there, then major decisions will be passed through the owner first. The head of staff works like an admin, making sure the other staff members are doing their jobs correctly. Head of Staff will be appointed by the owner.

### Head Staff Members:

* A Head Staff Member has more power than an Admin, Moderator, Builder, and Developer. They have the same responsibilities as Head of Staff if there isn't one. They, along with the owner, vote on what to do with staff punishment, or other major decisions regarding the server. There will always be an odd number of Head Staff Members, and at most there will be nine Head Staff Members. Replacing them will be on a vote from either the Head Staff Members, if the owner sees them not working as much without explanation, or if a Head Staff Member steps down and says to replace him/her with someone else. If a HSM steps down and says to be replaced but doesnt say by whom, the owner can either put it up to a vote of the HMS or pick who he feels best deserves the position.

### Position of Admin:

* An Admin is under the owner, and head staff members, and may or may not have access to the files. They are responsible for making sure all positions below them are carrying out their tasks, as well as promoting the general welfare of the server through their actions and interactions with other players/staff members. They are also responsible for making sure the wishes of the owners and other staff members, in addition to the players, are carried out within compliance to the rules. They work under the Owner, and the positions of Mod, Builder, and Developer are under them.

### Position of Lead Staff Member:

* A step for those who have not been staff long enough to be Admin, but show dedication towards the server. The LSM can be Mods, Builders, or Devs. Each division of the LSM is in charge of its rank that it is above; Lead Mods are in charge of Mods, Lead Builders are in charge of Builders, and Lead Devs are in charge of devs. There is no set limit the amount of LSM.

### Position of Moderator:

* A Moderator is responsible for carrying out tasks delegated by the Admins or Owner. The main responsibility of a Moderator is to moderate the players and ensure happiness between them. A mod works closely with the players to gather information on what they do and do not like about the server; thus, they serve to be a “PR” sort of person to get public opinions. They also ensure reporting of misdoings by staff below them.

### Position of Builder:

* The position of builder is only to carry out building projects assigned to them, or at other times, freelance building. They do not typically have any special permissions and are not responsible for solving disputes on the server or delegating punishments, as that is the position of Moderator. However, they may attempt to if no other staff members are around; these punishments, though, must be reported to higher authority to be dealt with. They should be able to build satisfactory and professionally.

### Positions of Developer:

* The details of this position vary per instance. Typically, a developer is responsible for working closely with other developers (as well as owners) on the server, in addition to (possibly) having access to the files. This is if it is deemed necessary by the Owner themselves. A developer should have experience with working with configuration files, managing and keeping inventory of plugins/memory usage/everything technical, as well as knowing the Java or Skript programming languages. If requested, they should be able to develop plugins.

### Multi-Positional Clause:

* In the event that a staff member has multiple positions, ranks and/or jobs, said staff member is prohibited from altering the chain of command as to “be their own boss”. This pertains (but is not limited to) making their own rules and giving themselves their own instructions to follow based on the chain of command listed above.

## Section 3.  Player Rules and Offenses

In the clauses of Section 3, a majority of punishments are outlined. While these are in outline format and do not particularly go in depth, it must be noted that what is listed here is not the limit of these rules, regulations, and in Section 4, punishments. Anything that is found offensive, derogatory, goes against typical morals and is seen by the majority as harmful, may result in punishment, even if it does not concretely fall into any single category listed. However, this being stated, staff members must still remember to use proper and mature judgement and be able to make just/fair decisions when delegating punishments. But even still, it is the responsibility of the player to follow all rules and regulations set forth and approved by the staff members of SW: TROTR. Common sense is a factor; this being said, rules can only be listed so far until matters are taken into the hands of the players/staff members interpretively.

### Misuse of Server Resources:

* Do not abuse/spam commands. For example, but not limited to,  /ticket, /pm or /msg.
* Report bugs; do not exploit them.
* Do not create lag machines.

### Chat Offenses:

* Do not spam. This includes sending the same or a similar string of text multiple times within a short period of time while others find it annoying/wish for the offender to stop.
* Do not be rude/discriminate. Antagonizing, insulting, and discriminating other players fits into this category.
* No advertising to the extent that one wishes to recruit members to another server (or hurting/insulting SW: TROTR in the process) and is doing so in the public chat.
* Do not troll. This includes (but is not limited to) saying things in chat to mislead or misguide players and/or staff, or done just to antagonize/joke around after already being told to stop. (Note: This clause requires further explanation, please read Section 4 Clause D)

### Client Offences:

* Do not use hacks in any way, shape, or form.

## Section 4.  Punishments

The following punishments listed pertain to violations of speech while on ROTR:

* Spam: Something will be considered spam after the same player has repeated the same or similar string of text within a short duration of time. Depending on how extreme the spam actually is, a staff member may decide to give the suspect a warning. If violations further continue, the staff member may mute the player for a time they deem acceptable; this should be between 10 and 30 minutes. A third offence may result in over an hour.
* Rudeness: A string of text is considered rudeness when it can be deemed as an insult or an attack to another player or staff member verbally. This includes name-calling involving swears/slurs in a non-joking and actually offensive manner, cursing another player, as well as continuing to be seen as an annoying or rude person. If violations persist multiple times, similar to spam, a warning will be issued if the strings of text are actually being offensive/hurting others’ feelings. A continued offence may result in a mute lasting longer than a half hour, and so forth.
* Advertisement: If a player wishes to discuss another server with other players, this is fine to an extent. If they continue to post IP’s, or insult SW: TROTR in doing so in order to promote another server, they are eligible for a mute between 15 minutes and an hour. Further offenses may result in a long mute, as well as a tempban.
* Chat Trolling: If a player is attempting to provoke other players or staff members verbally, they may be deemed as a “troller” and be constituted as trolling.  Messing with other players will be tolerated to an extent; it is okay if a player wishes to get a joke out of another or annoy them; this will not always result in a mute or ban or other punishment. However, if multiple players are showing to wish for the said player to halt their “trolling” and provoking, it is in that player’s best interest to stop. If they continue to do so after they are wished to stop, or trolling with others in a way that can be seen as offensive, they may be muted for an hour or more. Further offenses may increase this time to a longer mute, or tempban.

### Bans:

* Repeated Chat Offences: Any rule (but not limited to) the chat offenses specified in the previous clause, if repeated for multiple offenses, is eligible for a ban. A ban should only be put into place if the rule(s) has(have) been broken numerous times; this being said, somewhere between 7-10 offenses. If such actions continue, multiple day bans are allowed if staff members deem in necessary.
* Using a Hacked Client: Any action that is unnatural on the server, and is not the result of an unpatched glitch, is considered hacking. This includes clients with hacks. Once it is confirmed that said person is hacking, a 30 Day ban will result. However, this 30 day ban extends permanently as long as the player fails to make an appeal. If an appeal is created on the server’s website, the staff members will review it 30 days after the ban and decide whether or not to unban the offender. If not, the ban will persist.
* Hacking the server: Will result in permanent ban and we may pursue legal repercussions if deemed necessary. Same punishment rules apply to the previous clause, B.
* Exploiting Bugs: While bugs are at the fault of plugins or negligence of the staff, continuing to exploit bugs, glitches, and faults within the server after told not to may result in punishments. All bugs are expected to be reported to the staff in one way or another; thus, if one is told to stop exploiting for the betterment of the server and fails to do so, they may receive a tempban between 1 and 2 days, or one that fits the satisfaction of the staff member delegating the punishment, at least within reason.  If the said bug is not patched and the offender continues to violate this rule, an even longer ban may be put into place.
* Creating Lag Machines: This clause is especially applicable to players with access to certain resources. If players in any world or gamemode design structures or devices that continuously lag the server, resulting in (but not limited to) multiple players crashing, the server crashing, falling Ticks Per Second rates, FPS lag, they may be punished. This also applies if said gamemode becomes unplayable due to the lag and is blatantly at the expense of others. Once a warning is issued, if the device or structure is not destroyed or fixed in a way as to not generate enormous amounts of lag, that player may be banned for multiple days if deemed acceptable by staff member(s). Multiple offenses will result in longer bans.

### The PW Clause:

* Mention of the server Potter World is a bannable offence. Player's and Staff both can be banned from the server for a short period of time for mentioning the server due to the owners unfair treatment from that server. The owner or ROTR helped them out a ton when he was Head of Staff on there, then got run off the server by someone he said would be a good staff member. He never got any credit for what he did for the server. Until credit is given to him, the mention of this server, saying Potter World or PW, is bannable. Players and Staff get one warning about this rule, that is all, then they get temp banned

## Section 5. Donations

Donations to the server are encouraged by all players. This money is used to support the server and its staff; this being stated, donating does not give regular players any increased number of rights or privileges other than those stated by said donation item or package, and does not guarantee a player the ability to win games in which said donation item is applicable to. This means that donations are not implemented on a “pay to win” basis, and have been balanced to the best of the staff’s abilities in order to provide a fair experience to all players. However, this does not mean that donors do not have advantages over regular players.

### Protection of Purchase Clause:

* The player has every right to items in which they have purchased via the server’s website and/or on the server itself, or in special circumstances, in person. The item the player has paid for (perhaps even by law) is required to be provided at the earliest opportunity. As a result, the player is entitled to all items and privileges that their donation buys them, and this right is not able to be infringed upon, except only in the exceptions listed below.

	+ The donor has committed a punishable offense. The donor is not exempt from any of the other rules and regulations, and still must follow every guideline in this document. Failure to do so will result in the same punishment regulations as any other player; their rank will not be revoked as a punishment, but default punishments will be enacted regardless of their donations. If the donor is banned they will not get a refund.

### Chargeback Clause:

* Any player who receives a chargeback will be banned from the server!

### Purchase of a Side/Class Change:

* If a player is to purchase a side or a class change, that are not permitted to change from non force user, to a force user. However, they may change from a force user to a non force user.

## Section 6. Relationships and Appropriate and Inappropriate Behavior

Staff members relationship drama should never carry onto the server itself, however it may be talked about in calls with other staff members they feel close to. All staff relationships, staff dating staff, must be told to everyone to avoid any future issues should the two get into a fight and split. Staff members are required to act professionally towards each other even if you did date one of the staff members and you dislike him/her. Staff members should and will always be appropriate when around a regular player. That means, no inappropriate jokes, comments, behavior, and builds. If a staff member is reported for said actions they shall receive a written warning. After receiving five warnings they must report to the owner to figure out what will happen to them. If they have to be reminded about their behavior twice after said meeting, the head staff members and owners will vote on the staff member's fate.

### Staff Dating Staff:

* As said before all relationships with a staff member must be reported to either the owner himself, his head of staff, or his head staff members. This may sound like invasion of privacy, but it is to avoid any future conflict that may be presented. For example if they couple doesn't tell the head staff members or owner about it, and said couple is in an argument, they could be complaining about each other to other staff members gaining “support” for their side of what caused the argument. Then if it was eventually brought to the light, the team would be divided on who was right about that argument and who was wrong, causing the whole team then to fight with each other, placing a rift within the staff “family”. If the couple breaks up, they can privately tell the higher staff members (Server Council), owner, head of staff, head staff members. The Server Council will not tell anyone else about fellow staff members relationships, if they do, they will receive two warnings.

### Staff Dating Player:

* If a staff member is dating a player, they must still tell the Server Council about it. They cannot give said player any perks or special treatment, if they do, no matter their rank as staff, they will be punished. They must not bring their relationship drama onto the server, they may have it in calls or on Discord if and when we get one, but not on the server at all.

### Player Dating Player:

* **NO DRAMA ON THE SERVER!** If you’re in a fight please leave it out of the server, or TeamSpeak chat. If you want advice speak to a parent please. If they can’t help you, ask to privately talk to a high ranking staff member about it, Admins, Heads of Staff, or Owner. No promises that they can help you, but sometimes an outside person can help. From a certain point of view. **\*\*\*IMPORTANT\*\*\*** Both people must be present if speaking to a staff member!