CODE OF CONDUCT

Effective 2025 · All Members & Staff

1. Purpose & Scope

This Code of Conduct ("Code") establishes the standards of behaviour expected of every member, player, staff member, coach, and affiliate of Error 404 Velocity Gaming ("the Organization"). It applies across all activities associated with the Organization, including competitive matches, team practice sessions, social media activity, Discord communications, public appearances, streaming, and any other context in which a person represents or is associated with the Error 404 Velocity Gaming brand.

This Code applies regardless of platform, time zone, or whether the activity is during official Organization hours. Membership in Error 404 Velocity Gaming is a privilege that carries responsibility — not just to the Organization, but to every member of the community we are building.

2. Core Values

• Respect — treat every person with dignity. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
• Integrity — be honest in all dealings. Do not misrepresent your rank, achievements, or identity.
• Commitment — show up, honour your obligations, communicate proactively.
• Growth — embrace feedback, review your performance, seek to improve continuously.
• Accountability — own your mistakes, don't deflect blame onto teammates.

3. In-Game Conduct

• Do not use offensive, hateful, sexual, or abusive language in any in-game chat, voice chat, or in-game name/tag.
• Do not intentionally ruin games, grief teammates, or engage in unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Do not stream snipe, exploit bugs unsanctionally, or undermine competitive integrity.
• Comply with all game publisher Terms of Service and tournament-specific rules.
• Do not rage-quit, disconnect without cause, or abandon ranked/competitive games.
• Respect the call of the In-Game Leader (IGL) or Division Captain during competitive play.

4. Online & Social Media Conduct

• Do not post, share, or engage with hateful, discriminatory, defamatory, sexually explicit, or violent content.
• Do not publicly disparage, mock, or argue with rival teams, players, tournament organizers, or sponsors.
• Do not publicly air internal team disputes or grievances against fellow members.
• Do not post content that could embarrass the Organization, including illegal activity, substance abuse, or extreme political advocacy.
• Use of the Organization's logo, branding, or name in personal content must be approved by management.
• Stream and create content — but never at the expense of the Organization's image.

5. Communication Standards

Internal Communications — Discord, WhatsApp, group chats, and team calls must remain professional and respectful. Personal attacks, bullying, harassment, and intimidation are strictly prohibited.

Media & Press — no member may speak to media or press on behalf of the Organization without express prior written consent from management.

Confidentiality — internal communications, strategies, roster discussions, financial matters, and management decisions are confidential and must not be shared externally without authorization.

6. Attendance & Commitment

• Attend all scheduled scrimmages, practice sessions, meetings, and matches unless prior notice is given.
• Advance notice of absence must be given a minimum of 24 hours prior, except genuine emergencies.
• Repeated unexcused absences (3+ within 30 days) may result in removal from the roster.
• Members on an active tournament roster must confirm availability before the event is submitted.

7. Prohibited Conduct

The following will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including permanent removal:

• Match-fixing, betting manipulation, or any conduct compromising competitive integrity.
• Use of unauthorized software, cheats, hacks, aimbots, or unfair third-party tools.
• Sharing account credentials, boosting, or playing on another member's account.
• Harassment, threats, stalking, or intimidation of any individual.
• Theft, fraud, or financial misconduct involving the Organization or its members.
• Any criminal offence under Botswana law or any other applicable jurisdiction.
• Deliberate, sustained, or public damage to the Organization's reputation, image, or commercial interests.

8. Disciplinary Process

Minor infractions are addressed informally with a verbal or written warning. For repeated or serious breaches: written notice is issued, the member has seven (7) calendar days to respond in writing, management reviews and issues a formal decision (warning, suspension, roster removal, or permanent ban). Conduct involving cheating, match-fixing, harassment, or criminal activity may trigger immediate temporary suspension pending investigation. A member may appeal a decision in writing within seven (7) days; the appeal decision is final.

9. Reporting

Any member who witnesses or experiences conduct that violates this Code is encouraged to report it to Organization management. Reports are treated with discretion and confidence wherever possible. Retaliation against a good-faith reporter is itself a violation of this Code.

10. Governing Law