Code of Conduct:
This section uses the acronym TO in lieu of Tournament Organiser. This is the designated member of the QRFL who is running the tournament or workshop. It also uses the term roboteer to mean "an attendee who is participating in the building and fighting of a robot" as opposed to "attendee" which refers to both roboteers and spectators.
Terms as used in the QRFL Code of Conduct:
TO / Tournament Organizer - The designated member of the QRFL who is running the tournament or workshop
Attendee – A Roboteer or spectator attending the tournament or workshop
Roboteer - An attendee who is participating in the building and fighting of a robot
This is a Queer, Left-Wing Activist organisation. Although we are open to all we will not tolerate any behaviour that contravenes this ethos. Also just don't be a dick.
Things QRFL stands opposed to and will not tolerate:
- Homophobia
- Transphobia
- Anti-LGBTQIA+ Rhetoric
- Racism, including anti-immigration sentiment
- Elitism
Other important values of the QRFL:
- This is a beginner league, but not everyone wants help. Don't offer unsolicited advice or criticism. Let people make (safe) mistakes. It's the best way to learn. (it is always nice and welcome to tell people when you think they've done something cool or interesting though!)
- It IS a competition, but it's really not that serious. The robots are nasty but the roboteers are friendly. You're obviously allowed to want to win but be civil and courteous to those around you!
- Be kind! If asked for help, remember that you were probably stuck on a similar problem at one point!
- This is a social space, but not everyone is social. People may not always want to be best friends; they may be shy or quiet. if you are asked to leave someone to their own devices or to back off, please do so.
- In a similar vein, this is not a place to hook up with people. If you meet someone and something happens then obviously that is fine, however if you are flirting uncomfortably with everyone in the room then you will be asked to leave
- Respect pronouns. No one wants your opinion on their pronouns. Call them what they want to be called, and refer to them how they want to be referred to. (Trans Rights Are Human Rights)
- The QRFL is a fundamentally vegan organisation, although non-vegans are welcome to attend our events they are not catered for, and are expected to be respectful of the place they are in.
People do make mistakes, however intentionally going against this code of conduct will simply result in you being barred from the league. The TO Reserves the right to eject anybody from the league who actions or words are seen to be going against the league values.
Legal Stuff:
Although the TO has taken reasonable precautions to mitigate the risks, robot fighting can be dangerous. You are attending these workshops and tournaments at your own risk.
Workshops:
During the workshops you will have the opportunity to use sharp, hot or otherwise dangerous tools. The risks will be explained at the start of the workshop, however it is the responsibility of the attendee to make it known if they require further training or aid when using a tool. There are always many solutions to a problem and attendees are able to complete the workshop at individual skill and comfort levels.
Roboteers are expected to have researched additional hazards if present in their individual systems, such as (but not limited to) pneumatics, blades, drills or spinners. The TO has the right to refuse any design either due to the hazards imposed or due to lack of confidence in the roboteer's understanding of the inherent risks.
Once the robot is built it can still be dangerous, attendees are expected to familiarise themselves with the risks associated with their specific build and mitigate them appropriately while outside of the workshop or tournament.
Tournament:
During the tournament, to mitigate risks to the public, attendees are expected to comply with instruction from the TO. Roboteers are required to declare any risks their robot poses. Non-compliance with safety instructions will result in immediate ejection from the tournament and potential barring from future events.
Photography and filming:
Photography and filming for personal use is allowed and encouraged, However photography for professional / stock use is specifically prohibited without signed permission from the TO, any people in the picture AND the builder of any robots photographed.
The QRFL reserves the right to photograph and film robots and attendees for promotional and marketing purposes. If you wish to opt out of this please make yourself and your robot known to the TO and we will do our best to comply!