Level Up: Waukee

Joint Code of Conduct

Effective Date: 11/20/2025

This Code of Conduct applies to all activities hosted by Level Up Waukee Games & Goods, LLC (“the LLC”) and Level Up: Waukee Community Gaming Initiative (“the Nonprofit”). Although these organizations are legally separate, they share a commitment to creating welcoming, safe, and positive gaming spaces for youth, families, and the community.

By participating in our events, programs, volunteer activities, or visiting our spaces, you agree to follow the expectations outlined below.

1. Our Shared Values

We believe gaming is at its best when everyone feels safe, respected, and included.
We commit to spaces that promote:

  • Respect for others

  • Inclusivity across all backgrounds and identities

  • Safety for youth and adults

  • Sportsmanship, fairness, and fun

  • Kindness, patience, and cooperation

Whether you are a visitor, player, volunteer, or staff member, you shape the community experience.

2. Expected Behavior

Everyone participating in LLC or Nonprofit activities must:

2.1 Treat Others with Respect

  • Listen to others

  • Use appropriate, non-abusive language

  • Avoid disruptive behavior

  • Show patience with new or younger players

2.2 Create a Welcoming Environment

  • Support players of all skill levels

  • Be open to playing with new people

  • Avoid gatekeeping or belittling others’ experience or interests

2.3 Follow Game and Event Rules

  • Respect the Game Master/Facilitator's role

  • Follow posted event instructions

  • Play fairly, with honesty and good sportsmanship

  • Accept outcomes gracefully (good or bad)

2.4 Respect the Space and Materials

  • Use terrain, dice, books, and supplies responsibly

  • Clean up after yourself

  • Treat shared items with care

  • Ask permission before touching someone else’s gaming materials

2.5 Maintain a Safe Environment

  • Report safety concerns to staff or volunteers

  • Follow any posted supervision requirements

  • Comply with Youth Protection rules

  • Keep aisles and exits clear

  • No running, climbing, or unsafe physical behavior

3. Prohibited Behavior

The following behaviors are not allowed at any Level Up event, program, or space:

3.1 Harassment or Discrimination

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Bullying or intimidation

  • Threats or aggression

  • Hate speech or slurs

  • Unwanted physical contact

  • Targeting someone based on race, gender, identity, age, ability, orientation, or appearance

3.2 Disruptive or Unsafe Conduct

  • Excessive shouting or profanity

  • Intentionally ruining games

  • Preventing others from participating

  • Bringing weapons (real or replica) unless explicitly permitted by event rules

3.3 Inappropriate Behavior Around Youth

  • Violating Youth Protection rules

  • Sharing inappropriate stories, jokes, or language

  • Attempting one-on-one unsupervised interactions with minors

  • Photographing minors without consent

3.4 Substance Misuse

  • Alcohol or cannabis use during youth events

  • Showing up intoxicated

  • Using tobacco or vaping outside designated areas

3.5 Cheating, Manipulation, or Abuse of Rules

  • Stacking decks

  • Misrepresenting rolls or outcomes

  • Using system exploits to ruin play for others

4. Youth Safety and Supervision

Because the Nonprofit serves youth and the LLC hosts mixed-age gaming:

  • Children under 14 require a parent/guardian on site

  • Youth must be checked in/out per event rules

  • Adults may not initiate private communication with minors outside program settings

  • Volunteers must complete background checks when required

  • No adult may be alone with a minor (two-adult rule when possible)

Full details are outlined in the Youth Protection Policy.

5. Photography and Media Conduct

  • Photos and videos may be taken only in compliance with posted waiver rules

  • No photographing minors without parental consent

  • If someone asks not to be photographed, that must be respected

  • Images may be used for community or promotional purposes (per Privacy Policy)

You may request the removal of photos at any time.

6. Personal Belongings

Participants are responsible for their own items.

Please:

  • Keep bags and valuables with you

  • Label your materials when possible

  • Understand that Level Up is not responsible for lost or stolen items

7. Consequences for Violations

If someone violates this Code of Conduct, staff or volunteers may take one or more actions:

  • Verbal warning

  • Removal from a game or table

  • Removal from the event

  • Temporary or permanent ban from future activities

  • Contacting parents/guardians (for minors)

  • Contacting authorities when required for safety

The LLC and Nonprofit may enforce consequences independently based on the event, activity, or setting.

8. Reporting Concerns

We encourage anyone to report behavior that makes them uncomfortable.
You can speak directly to:

  • Event staff

  • Volunteers

  • A designated safety officer

  • An organizer or board member

Or email:
levelupwaukee@gmail.com

Reports will be taken seriously, handled discreetly, and escalated appropriately.

9. Agreement to These Terms

By attending any Level Up event or entering a Level Up space, you acknowledge that:

  • You understand and agree to this Code of Conduct

  • You accept that consequences may result from violations

  • You may be asked to leave if behavior puts others at risk

Our goal is to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and inspired to play together.