Blood on the Clocktower Melbourne
Code of Conduct

The Blood on the Clocktower Melbourne (BOTC Melbourne) community provides a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our community, methods for reporting any issues as well as the possible consequences for unacceptable behavior.

This Code of Conduct applies to everyone attending Blood on the Clocktower events in Melbourne and surrounds (including venue staff) as organised by members of the BOTC Melbourne community and will be enforced.

All Blood on the Clocktower Melbourne events operate under this Code of Conduct. We expect everyone playing in our games to follow its terms. In addition, we expect our community members to follow any and all rules of the venue hosting the events and to follow the values of BOTC Melbourne when interacting with people in this community outside of official events.

TERMS

At all times, our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of attendees at events. All attendees are responsible for protecting the safety and wellbeing of others in this community by ensuring to:

Welcome and include new players

We should all help new players feel part of the group; give them the space and support to learn, set a good example, let them speak. We all might lie about our roles but should never lie about mechanics. Be the kind of player you would like to play with.

Be mindful

Be mindful of your surroundings and fellow participants; Clocktower can get very passionate at times but we are all responsible for managing our emotions and behaviours. Be mindful to avoid trolling, excessive sarcasm, loud or obnoxious behaviour, unequal treatment of players, excessive consumption of alcohol or other drugs, over speaking etc.. Be alert to the way you can impact your fellow players and storytellers and the mood of the town.

Be respectful 

In any situation we can find ourselves in positions of influence and power, whether real or perceived. (e.g. veteran vs new player). It is important to recognise these situations exist and address our behaviours and act accordingly.

Our community has no tolerance for racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia. We reject all intolerance of size, gender identity, sexual identity/expression, (dis)ability, age, education level, and cultural background.

Be sportsmanlike

Win or lose with grace. Be a team player who cares about the experiences of everyone else in the game. Be a storyteller that cares about the experience of your players.

Look out for each other

Often we can address small issues to prevent them becoming big issues. If you see someone who may be unaware of how their behaviour is impacting others, consider a quiet word with them, or highlight it to your storyteller or event organiser who could do the same.

Equally if you see someone who may be struggling, consider reaching out to check if they are okay and providing them with support if wanted.

Never engage in harassment 

Harassment includes any unwelcome behaviour that could reasonably be expected to make someone feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated.

Whilst not an exhaustive list, forms of harassment can include:

  1. Unwanted physical contact;
  2. ‘Jokes’;
  3. Offensive language and shouting;
  4. Behaving in an intimidating manner, including stalking or following;
  5. Gossip;
  6. Offensive, obscene or insensitive messages via text, social media etc.;
  7. Coercion for sexual favours or sexually suggestive remarks;
  8. Repeated unwanted requests for external social activities;
  9. Verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature;
  10. Photography or recording without consent;
  11. Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviour.

Harassment can occur within Clocktower events but also outside of our games.  Harassment that occurs outside of organised events is equally unacceptable.

REPORTING SUSPECTED VIOLATIONS

If you believe this Code of Conduct has been violated, you can take the following steps.

  1. Make a note of the date, time and location of the incidents/s;
  2. If you are comfortable to, speak with the other person and explain how their behaviour is unwelcome;
  3. If you are uncomfortable doing this yourself, consider enlisting a friend to speak to them with you or advocate on your behalf.
  4. If the unwelcome behaviour continues, or you feel it is too serious to address personally, speak to an Event Host, Melbourne Organiser or a Grievance Collective member.

The Grievance Collective is available at any point to discuss the issues and advise organisers on how to respond. Organisers have final say in decision making and responses.

Conflicts of Interest
If there is
a Conflict of Interest (e.g. a complaint against an Organiser) the appropriate steps will be taken to ensure a fair assessment of the complaint.

Privacy and Confidentiality
Maintaining privacy and confidentiality is important to us. Any reports, shared details and information will be kept private and only shared or discussed with people who need to know in order to properly address the complaint.  

RESPONDING TO VIOLATIONS

If someone’s behaviour is found to be unacceptable for any of the reasons outlined in this Code of Conduct the BOTC Melbourne Community has a right to respond.

 Responses include:

  1. Doing nothing if we determine no violation has occurred.
  2. A private or public reprimand/warning of violating the Code of Conduct.
  3. A request for an apology, private or public.
  4. A restriction from leadership roles, including the role of Storyteller.
  5. A temporary or permanent ban from our community events.
  6. Reporting to law enforcement or other appropriate authorities.

Once a response is decided upon, it will be communicated to the affected individuals and go into effect immediately. Responses are event specific but notice of decisions may be shared with other Organisers where relevant.

No Retaliation
All complaints are received in good faith. Whatever the decision and subsequent outcome, retaliation in any form is unacceptable. Retaliation is any behaviour that would violate the Terms of this Code of Conduct, engaged in as a reaction to a complaint. Retaliation will lead to further responses from the community leaders.

END MATTER

If you have any questions or feedback about this Code of Conduct. Feel free to reach out to an Organiser or email clocktower.melbourne@gmail.com.

This document does not supersede the laws of the governing area.

BOTC MELBOURNE CODE OF CONDUCT — Version 2, 2-MAR-2026

This Code of Conduct is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license.