Penalty – Match Loss

Definition

A player takes action towards one or more individuals that could reasonably be expected to create a feeling of being harassed, threatened, bullied, or stalked. This may include insults based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. Threats of physical violence should be treated as Unsporting Conduct – Major.

It is possible for an offender to commit this infraction without intending malice or harm to the subject of the harassment.

Examples

1. A player uses a racial slur against their opponent.
2. A player takes inappropriate photos of another player without express permission.
3. A player asks another participant for a date, is denied, and continues to press the issue.
4. A player purposefully obstructs another player with the intent of inducing physical contact.
5. A player uses an event-wide chat channel to bully another player.

Philosophy

A safe environment is a basic expectation of any tournament attendee. Harassment undermines the safety and integrity of a tournament. Players who purposefully create harmful or unwelcoming situations in a tournament are expected to immediately correct the behavior and demonstrate remorse or be removed.

Because of the confrontational nature of this infraction, judges need to end any match in progress and separate the players if applicable. Care should be taken not to escalate the situation if at all possible. The offender will be removed from the area or taken to a private chat channel to receive the penalty and education about why the behavior is unacceptable, regardless of excuse. They may need a few moments to cool down afterwards.

Officials must investigate these matters as soon as they are brought to their attention. If they determine that the infraction does not meet the criteria for Unsporting Conduct – Major, it is still recommended that judges evaluate whether or not the behavior fits Unsporting Conduct – Minor or Unsporting Conduct – Moderate instead. At minimum, it is recommended that the players be talked with in order to avoid future misunderstandings.

Additional Remedy

The player must correct the behavior immediately. If the offense occurs at the end of a match, it is acceptable for the judge to apply the penalty to the next match instead.

Upgrade: If the offense was committed with malicious intent, the player displays no remorse, or the offense is repeated at a later time, the penalty is Disqualification and removal from the venue (or online event channel, if applicable.)