The Online Warfare Pact exists to promote a positive game play environment in the virtual gaming Community. In the current multi-player gaming environment, there are a number of barriers to be overcome if we are to be successful:
(1) Cheating: Cheating is defined as any method used to gain an advantage not available to normal players. This definition includes any form of wall hack, aim-bot, speed cheat, spiked models, and scripts used to take advantage of non-standard functionality (i.e. zoom scripts).
(2) Bug abuse: This is defined as the willful use of known bugs in the engine and mod. Spawn camping also falls into this category. A map bug is defined as using any area of the map where you can see outside the maps’ visible area, i.e. you can see the bottom of the skybox.
(3) Disruptive and Abusive Behaviour: Any activity by a player that disrupts or spoils the enjoyment of the game for other players. Often a judgement call, this includes (but is not limited to) team killing on purpose, repeated spamming, repeated verbal abuse, etc. Disruptive play does not include "camping" but does include derogatory or offensive names of players.
(4) Racism: Racism is defined as defaming or insulting a person or group of people based on national, ethnic, geographic, or religious background. There is no place for racism in the world and it is not acceptable in the game. Ever.
(5) Deathmatch Mentality: [OwP] aims to enhance team play in games and modifications. Unfortunately, they are rarely played as a team. Too often games degenerate into mad melees, with every man for himself and objectives falling by the wayside.
(6) Abuse to an Admin: Opposition to the activities of an admin whilst fulfilling his duties. This is a tricky one and admins are advised to use the least confrontational approach available. This is the issue most likely to raise complaints.
Approach to adminning as an OwP Server Admin
The role of an OwP Admin is a special one. It falls to the Admin to ensure that their server provides an environment that cultivates a sense of team and community in keeping with the goals of the OwP. Whilst an admin is entitled to run their server as they wish, in order to qualify as an OwP affiliate server and thus attract the highest quality team players, it is expected that an OwP admin will agree to the following Code of Conduct
Popular servers that encourage a sense of team play and community are free from disruptive, abusive and cheating players and players are treated on an equal and fair Basis. An admin is not necessarily required to be conspicuous to be effective, especially when participating in games. Avoid showing anger, retaliating with abuse, or rising to the taunts or actions of a disruptive player – try to remain detached and professional at all times. Also, be polite - social skills are one of the most important weapons in an effective server admin’s armoury.
As an OwP Admin, you must be familiar with the OwP rules and Code of Conduct, and abide by them. Remember this is not just about wearing the tag. You must act the part as well, in order to set the tone and example for the players and new users on the servers. What is true for the players is even more true and vital for the Admin.
As an admin you set a much more prominent example and your players will take their cue from that. The bywords of an OwP Admin must be PATIENCE, and a DESIRE TO EDUCATE rather than punish. Inside every “n00b KAR whore” is an important member of the community.
The job of Admin is a responsibility, NOT a position of privilege. You are trusted by the players to look after their interests; even more so when you are affiliated with the OwP. Whilst we are sure that you have your players’ best interests at heart, these guidelines exist to offer a consistently high quality level of server administration across the OwP community.
Procedure for implementing an OwP-wide ban
Due to the severe nature of this action, the burden of proof expected from the admin is significantly increased. In order for such a request to be considered, an admin must provide sufficient evidence, in the form of log excerpts, screenshots and/or short demos. Take screenies. Banned players have the right to appeal. We need both your reports and screenshots of the offender to make an informed decision, and if necessary to defend your position.
You can only be certain if they are using a cheat with obvious, visible effects such as wallhack cheats (who have been observed for some time) or cheat detection software, such as plugins for AdminMod like Jedinocheat and Dissolution. It is not advised to kick people only suspected of cheating e.g. extremely high scores, or other cases where you suspect but can't prove a player is cheating.
If you feel a players actions warrant a more permanent ban, you should email details to Elrond in the first instance, who will require a demo, a WON ID, time and date, and a brief outline of the abuse of service. He will then consider whether an [OwP] wide ban is warranted.
