Constitution

From SFWiki

1 Strike Force Constitution History
2 Article 1: Overview
3 Article 2: General Rules
4 Article 3: Activity and Social Aspects of Guild
5 Article 4: Guild Matches and Alliances
6 Article 5: Structure of guild
7 Article 6: Game specific rules
8 Article 7: Entry to guild
9 Article 8: Tagging
10 Article 9: Guild Punishments/Expulsions - Applies to full members only.
11 Article 10: Inactivity
12 Article 11: Other Games

Strike Force Constitution History

Constitution of SF - v17
v0.1 20:31 03/06/99
v1.0 01:53 14/06/99
v1.1 02:51 27/06/99
v2.0 02:55 27/06/99
v2.1 00:32 08/07/99
v2.2 14:26 24/07/99
v2.3 00:51 31/07/99
v3.0 02:41 19/09/99
v3.1 02:51 05/10/99 (Unreleased)
v3.2 23:17 05/10/99
v3.3 02:52 22/10/99
v4.0 22:36 08/11/99 (Private guild area release Version)
v4.1 03:33 08/12/99
v4.2 21:35 07/01/00
v5.0 02:43 16/04/00
v5.1 02:44 04/05/00
v5.2 02:44 28/06/00
v5.3 19:55 05/07/00
v6.0 14:28 16/05/01 (Release of Magestorm Millennium)
v6.1 00:38 19/05/01
v7.0 23:24 07/08/01 (Re-establishment of level requirement)
v7.01 04:18 29/08/01
v8.0 17:57 08/02/02 (Magestorm ROC Published)
v8.1 01:26 23/02/02 (Section 7H Added)
v9.0 04:18 26/06/02 (Major Re-write)
v9.1 03:08 14/08/02 (Minor Refinements)
v10.0 00:24 18/12/02 (Major re-write encompassing council changes)
v11.0 05:50 01/07/03 (Minor refinements on member conduct)
v12.0 16:36 21/01/04 (Section 11B Added, Minor Refinements)
v13.0 15:00 26/12/04 (Major Re-write, includes GW)
v13.1 21:07 01/08/05 (Rewrites, new recruitment)
v14.0 08:20 04/08/05 (Removal of Predominantly MS related sections)
v15.0 18:20 01/11/05 (1E+, 4G+, 7B, 7I+, 7J+, 7K+, 10B+)
v16.0 12:26 04/02/06 (1A, 3F, 4G, 5B, 7L+, 8A, 10C+, 11A, 11B)
v16.1 22:30 13/06/06 (7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 7I, 7J)
v16.2 19:39 18/01/07 (2A, 2B, 3F, 4D, 5C, 5D, 7A, 7C, 7D, 7J)
v17.0 15:16 29/09/07 (1A, 1D, 1F+, 3C, 4D, 4F-, 4G-, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5G, 6A, 6B- 6C-, 7A, 7B, 7I, 7K, 9C, 10C, 11A, 11B-)

(All times and dates are British Standard)

Author - RomBurns - Guildmaster

Article 1: Overview

A) Strike Force (occasionally henceforth "SF") represents a gaming guild of many years of experience. We represent stability and consistency. The Constitution is therefore the central document detailing how SF should be governed, and its structure. SF is officially recognised in Guild Wars. Magestorm was the origin of SF and influenced the majority of the guilds structure. Since we have become active in Guild Wars and City of Heroes/Villains, ongoing changes to the structure have presented themselves.

B) You should always be aware that membership of this guild is a privilege and not a right. You are expected to hold these guidelines above everything else. We actually expect you to have read these guidelines before applying. If your intention is to just 'skim' read them and say you have agreed without fully reading and understanding them, we would rather that you didn't apply. Whatever game you play, we expect you to follow the rules of the game first, and these guidelines a close second.

C) Membership of this guild requires activity. We are a socially active guild, the whole point of us being here is to make new friends and have fun by playing games. While there is a certain air of 'competitiveness' naturally within this and most guilds, it comes second to the social aspects. If you're not having fun within a guild, then the point of the guild becomes questionable. All we ask in this respect is that you are true to yourself in your participation, but we encourage regular activity.

D) The Guildmaster may amend new Constitutions only. However, in order to be carried, they must pass a Legacy Council vote. Once amended, the old constitutions are considered 'obsolete' and may not be used as a method to appeal any decision. New Sections added are denoted by a change in the version number. Reworkings or rewordings are indicated by a change in the "point" number.

E) Listed in the notes for a version update will be each individual subsection which has been either edited, or added (additions will appear with a plus sign next to them, any removals by a minus sign).

F) The games we play, which have officially recognised SF chapters are Guild Wars, City of Heroes/Villains, Gunz, Drift City and Gunbound. Each game is run locally entirely at the discretion of the council of that game (see below). This constitution supersedes any local rulings, and will prevail on all matters.

Article 2: General Rules

A) ALL members must obey the official rules (e.g. Terms of Service, Rules of Conduct and any other official set of rules put forward by the creators of the game) of the respective games they play) Strike Force has no place for hackers, hexers, cheaters and bug abusers.

B) Members should always be aware that their actions within the game not only fall back on themselves, but also their guild. To keep our reputation a honourable one, as well as keeping the game fun for everyone, Strike Force members must behave civilly and reasonable towards other players of the game. When you wear our tag, and represent the guild you will be expected to play always to the best of your ability, and avoid antagonising people. We do not require you to take abuse, but you are not to start petty arguments or behave unnecessary rude towards others.

Article 3: Activity and Social Aspects of Guild

A) Being in an online guild serves 2 purposes: Competing with other guilds as well as meeting, playing with and having fun with other members of our guild. While we strive to be a competitive guild, the second part of that will always be the most important. If you do not get along with the members of Strike Force, you should not be part of this guild. We regard ourselves not only as members of a guild, but also friends.

B) Therefore it is a given that all members of SF (and their allies) will treat each other with respect. While in game you are expected to maintain the reputation of SF. Public disagreements with other SF members will not be tolerated, if you have a problem with another member you are expected to report it to the GM/AGM. All other players of the game are expected to also be treated with a certain level of respect, again if you have a problem with anyone report it to either the SF GM/AGM, or the leadership of the guild the person is a member of.

C) Website. Our website is currently located at http://www.strikeforceguild.com. It will be updated with various news articles and reports, along with information that we feel will be useful to our members and associated visitors. Our current website is owned and maintained by SF_RomBurns.

D) Message Boards. Currently located at:

http://www.strikeforceguild.com/boards

They are for everyone's use, and all members should free to use them. There is a set of private message boards available, please contact RomBurns with your account name, and you will be able to view them. Please note that frequent use of the message boards is a substantial part of being in an online guild. There we meet, joke, but also discuss strategy and tactics.

E) Meetings Will be important in discussing guild issues, being present is not required, but they may prove useful. Attend them if you can when they are planned.

F) Ventrilo - SF has a Ventrilo server which is one of the main meeting points for us all. It is the centre of our social interaction, and we encourage its use. Indeed, this is the main way we get to know prospective recruits. The principles of the Constitution apply to all communications on Vent, and inappropriate behaviour will be subject to disciplinary action.

Article 4: Guild Matches and Alliances

A) Official Guildmatches will be played as far as possible to rosters that will be constructed well in advance of the actual match. The GM/AGM (or highest rank attending the match) reserve the right to change rosters/players at any time up to and including the start of the match. We may decide to run specific builds, therefore we will look for players which can fit these builds, and play them well. There will of course be opportunities when we do less serious PvP runs.

B) In the construction of battle plans, all members are encouraged to submit their ideas, all final decisions however rest with the GM and Council. Many tactics will be discussed on the private boards. We therefore urge you to use them frequently.

C) Match Fixing/Leaks - SF takes a very dim view of anyone discussing tactics with the enemy, or playing in such in a way as to give the enemy team an advantage. If it is discovered you have done so, you will be instantly removed, with no opportunity for appeal.

D) Alliances - Depending on the game, SF may be involved in an alliance with other like-minded guilds, see the guidelines for the individual game you play for more information.

E) Training matches/sessions - We may decide to organised unrated matches for training purposes. We will provide as much prior warning as possible.

Article 5: Structure of guild

A) 1 Guildmaster. - RomBurns,

B) 2 Assistant Guildmasters. - Emerald, Chrome. It is a requirement of the merger with Healers of Faith (HF) that one of these positions is filled by a former HF member. This person is currently Emerald.

C) Legacy Council retains overall control of the guild, their decisions override any local ones made by the officers responsible for the guild in any individual game.

D) Legacy Council is formed by the Guildmaster and Legacy Council members. Only if a member resigns/is removed will the lineup change. The members of the Council are: RomBurns, Chrome, Emerald, Cow, Nail, Uberfish, Xeeron.

E) Website Manager - Designer and maintainer of website. Liaises directly with Guildmaster and Council in bringing all important information to members attention, as well as the general public. - Currently fulfilled by Cesario.

F) All other members are deemed just as important to SF, however they have no specific role, roles may be assigned to them if and when necessary.

G) Guild Manager - The Guild Manager position is the elected leader of the individual game chapter. They are responsible for maintaining individual rule sets for the game they play, maintaining a local council and enforcing the universal recruitment rules. They are able to make local decisions for the benefit of their guild chapter, but these may be blocked by GM/AGM. This role should be on an elected basis, with each term lasting no longer than 6 months. There is no limit to the amount of terms a Guild Manager may serve. Guild Managers must be full members.

Article 6: Game specific rules

A) Article 6 is suspended. Game specific rules are determined by the members which lead a guild chapter. They should be contacted for further information.

Article 7: Entry to guild

A) Entry to guild will be based on a decision taken by all elected council chapter members, for the game concerned.

B) Prospective members must show a certain commitment to the game, and show skills which can be vouched for by one or more SF members. The first stage in this is acceptance into our "probationer" program. All members must meet the minimum standards dictated by our recruitment form, available on the SF Website. We expect all members applying are currently free of any guild affiliation. Applications should be made by a forum post on the relevant game forum.

C) Assuming a player meets the minimum requires as determined by the application form, they will be accepted as a "probationary" member. Probation will last for as long as council deems it appropriate. After 2 weeks, a standard vote will be conducted for members transition to full member status. There is no time limit on this vote.

D) Council will vote on all applications to the guild, after the two week period, unless directly blocked by GM/AGM. Procedure for voting will remain the same for all candidates. The application form of the candidate will be forwarded to the voting council. If the voting cannot be 'swayed' by any amount of counter votes at any point, then voting will be automatically closed and the result will stand. The convention for voting remains: "yay" for agreement. "nay" for disagreement. If no vote can be decided upon a council member may reply with "Abstain".

E) Council members should not discuss with anyone else, (excepting council) member or otherwise, the way they voted. This is primarily to maintain the privacy of our council. At no point in the future after a vote has been conducted will the exact results be revealed.

F) If vote cannot be agreed, vote is opened up to a general guild referendum where every roster member of the chapter will have a vote. The voting convention remains the same, however, members should take extra special care to ensure their voting choice is not revealed to anyone else aside the Guildmaster. Any votes that are communicated to the guild as a whole will be voided. Decisions about which way to vote must be made by the person acting individually, and not under the influence of anyone else, member or otherwise.

G) SF Leaders reserve the right to carry out secret testing at any time. You will not be informed that you are being tested.

H) While this procedure primarily relates to new candidates to the guild, any form of decision relating to the guild can be made using this voting convention.

I) Suspended Article.

J) During the probationary time, the member will get to know the guild, and the guild will get to know the person. SF reserves the right to terminate the probation, and expel potential members at any time.

K) Upon successful completion of the probationary period, members are promoted to full member status. They are added to the mailing list, gain additional forum rights and make take part in any "all-guild" votes. They are also free to transfer to other game chapters, unless blocked by a Guild Manager, GM, AGM.

L) This process does not apply to former HF/SF members from Magestorm who will be granted automatic membership for so long as that membership was in good standing. This is at the sole discression of the GM, and the AGM elect of HF.

Article 8: Tagging

A) SF Maintains the stance of 'Guild before Player - Tag Before Name' in keeping with our beliefs that in the field of battle no player is fully independent. We all rely on each other to ensure total victory. Although we believe in individual performance, success only comes by being part of a collective, working together for a common goal. This only applied in Magestorm, but will apply to any future game we play where tagging may be appropriate.

Article 9: Guild Punishments/Expulsions - Applies to full members only.

A) Reprimand - If you receive a Reprimand, it will usually because you have had a complaint against you received. They may be issued by the GM/AGM/Guild Manager only. They are best described as official 'warnings'.

B) Suspension from guild - May only be performed by the GM/AGM. The member that is suspended from the guild will have to leave the guild for the time being specified by the GM/AGM (usually 3 month). He must de tag all his characters. However after the period of time, he will be re accepted into the guild without formal voting, if the reason for the Suspension is no longer given. Think of this as testing period.

C) Dismissal from guild. - May only be performed by the GM/AGM, or by a general vote from all members requesting that a member be removed. This is also the only way the GM/AGM may be removed other than by resignation. This may occur as the result of a formal guild warning having to be issued from the Game Ops. In this case, the dismissal will be instant. A GM/AGM will be expected to resign. A Game Manager may temporarily remove a full member from their roster, however, the final decision must be ratified by GM/AGM decision. Only one GM/AGM agreement is required.

D) Procedure for voting removal. - A minimum of 2 members is required for the vote proceeding. Both must send emails to the Guildmaster indicating that they wish a member removed, this member must be clearly identified. A similar procedure will occur if an AGM/Council Member is asked to be removed, however, all current Council deliberations will be suspended until the matter is resolved. The GM will then announce the identity of the person being voted out. All members (including the one in line for removal) will have 7 days to make their decision about whether to expel the member, using the conventions established in section 9. If the vote goes against the member, they will be removed. In the event of a tied vote, the GM will have a final deciding vote.

E) GM Removal - In the case of the GM being asked to step down, two or more members must make the call for removal to the AGM. The AGM must then report the action to the GM. Council at this point will be permanently dissolved, and the AGM will have temporary absolute power. The AGM will launch the formal voting procedure, although the GM will still have a vote. Votes must be reported to the AGM only. The results will then be announced, first to the GM, and then the rest of the guild. In the result of the GM being elected to leave, the AGM will maintain absolute power while a new GM is elected. Because of the seriousness of the situation the guild would be under at this point for such an action to have occurred, it is entirely at the discretion of the AGM how to handle the election. If a new GM cannot be agreed upon, the steps to dissolve the guild must be taken. If the GM survives the vote, normal guild activity may proceed, and Council may be reinstated.

Article 10: Inactivity

A) At some points in time, there will be guild sweeps. These are done for 2 reasons: Finding out about permanently inactive members of the guild (WARNING: Permanent inactivity without justification will lead to removal from the guild) as well as getting a regular update of the characters played by the guild members.

B) Lost members - A recent guild sweep led to the introduction of the "Lost" list. These are former members which for whatever reason have lost contact with us, or been inactive for a substantial period of time with no contact. If they do choose to make contact with us again, in most cases they will have to re-apply. However as guidance, the GM should feel free to fast-track them through the probationary system.

C) Legacy members - These are established SF members, largely from the time of Magestorm, that remain in good standing and relationship with SF. They will be granted automatic membership to any game chapter.

Article 11: Other Games

A) Article 11 is currently suspended.

Finished - 15:56 29/09/2007