Code of Conduct

The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, Inc. (HMGS) is in the business of educating through gaming, which is – ultimately – having fun while learning about history.  After all, we wouldn’t be holding three conventions and promoting many outreach events if we didn’t all have a great time together!  And as every gamer knows, a thorough rulebook is the key to everyone having a good time, so here are our rules for a safe and fun HMGS.  If you have a question about a certain policy or guideline, be sure to read through all of our policies, but if that still doesn’t answer your question, email policy@hmgs.org.

Be Safe

• Follow all show policies, venue rules, and staff directions
• No running, jumping, throwing, or other unsafe shenanigans
• Support each other in maintaining a safe environment
• Report concerns to HMGS staff

Play Nice

• Don’t harass anyone (see our Anti-Harassment Policy)
• Respect everyone’s physical and social boundaries and personal property
• No stealing, cheating, trolling, or griefing

Have Fun

• Make a friend
• Play some new games
• Explore
• Remember to eat, sleep, and shower

Everyone should observe common sense rules for behavior, personal interaction, courtesy, and respect.  Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.  HMGS, Inc. reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the Membership and badge of any participant not in compliance with this Code of Conduct and its Anti Harassment Policy.

In addition, if you are attending any of our conventions, all attendees agree to abide by this Code of Conduct, the Anti Harassment Policy AND the following Convention Rules.

Convention Rules

Please immediately report all violations of this policy and rules to a convention Senior Staff member.

Attendee Conduct

Everyone knows that historical miniatures gamers are among the most responsible and polite people in the world.  However, we think it prudent to remind convention attendees that they are expected to abide by the rules of the convention, as well as any directions given by Convention Staff, and of course everyone must abide by federal, state, and local laws.

Event Hosting

HMGS and Convention Management reserve the right to refuse any request for an event to be run at an HMGS convention or to terminate events in progress, should, in the judgment of HMGS or Convention Management, said event host not be following policies as outlined hereafter. Convention management will investigate all complaints, and the specific situation will be discussed with the event host(s) prior to any action taken for the event in question, or any future events run by the same event host(s).

Lost or Damaged Materials

HMGS and the convention facility (i.e., convention center, hotel) assume no responsibility for lost or damaged items or possessions, including, but not limited to convention badges or gaming items.  The Registration Desk will maintain a “Lost and Found” location.  If you find any lost items, please notify convention personnel immediately.  Property found on the convention site during the convention will be returned to the owner if possible by the end of the weekend.  We will leave all unclaimed items with the facility.  HMGS strongly encourages you to leave nothing unattended.

Smoking and Alcohol

HMGS conventions are smoke-free conventions.  There will be no smoking or vaping allowed in any convention area.  Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor common areas or in designated registered guest smoking rooms, and areas specifically marked to allow smoking.  Hotel and convention staff will strictly enforce this, and offenders may have their badges revoked and be asked to leave if they violate these rules.

Alcohol is available from designated facility outlets.  We request that all attendees be discreet and exercise common sense.  Drunk and unruly behavior will not be tolerated, and offenders may have their badges revoked and be escorted from the convention.  No outside alcohol is permitted.

Regalia and Weapons

HMGS, Inc. and Convention Management reserve the right to bar anyone from the convention if it is determined that clothing or symbols worn by an attendee, hereby known as regalia, are inappropriate for the convention.  Regalia that depict racial, ethnic, religious, sexist, or distasteful messages are prohibited.  Determination that a person is wearing such shall be at the discretion of the Convention Director or Senior Staff.  At the discretion of the Convention Director, an event host may be allowed to tastefully display “symbolic” uniform parts (e.g., German Wehrmacht caps or British Airborne Berets, etc.) for opposing forces in the game.  This is not, however, an endorsement of such practices.

Real or simulated weapons will not be permitted in the convention areas without official permission, nor will any items that, in the Convention Director’s judgment, pose a hazard to our guests.  Active Duty Military, Law Enforcement, Security, Police, and Emergency Services are exempt from this policy while carrying weapons in the performance of their official duties.

Trash

Receptacles are provided for your use; please use them!  If you notice an overflowing can, please notify any Convention Staff member to have it taken care of.