Updated Disciplinary Procedure

Kirok · November 24, 2017, 09:50:10 AM

Fleeters,

I hope your had a great Thanksgiving.

Last week we started working on updating the Disciplinary Procedures to match our current command structure.

The Disciplinary Procedure was written to match or mirror the standardized format in which you the players should follow if you ever wish to verbalize a complaint about how things are going on the site. If the event occurred on your SIMM, you should talk to the CO/XO of the SIMM to resolve the issue. If you are not satisfied with the results of that discussion, you can always go to the CO of your respective Task Group. If you are not satisfied with the results of that discussion, you can elevate the issue to me, the Task Force CO. Note - if the issue is of a more serious offense such as hurtful messages of a racial or sexually oriented nature the complaint can be elevated directly to the Task Group CO.

We rarely have issues pop up. But this is designed to give you the players the ability to appeal a decision if needed. And us the ability to handle things more effectively and promptly.

Here is the updated document which I will place in the help files later today:

Quote from: Kirok on November 19, 2017, 08:18:06 PM
Guys,

We have updated the Disciplinary procedure.

Please take a look at it before we post it in the help file.

HELP TOPIC: Disciplinary procedure in Shadow Fleet

The disciplinary procedure in Shadow Fleet is based on a "three strikes" system, with a player's first offense based on a simple informal warning, rising to permanent suspension from the fleet.

Category One: Informal Warning

Should a player commit a low-level offense such as godmodding, minor insults to other players or posting non-canon material in missions, it is the responsibility of the SIMM's Commanding Officer to issue an informal warning. This should take the form of simple words of advice and suggestions for improvement so that they don't make the same mistake again.

The aim of the informal warning is to provide players with a polite reminder before going down a more serious route. Informal warnings do not need to be mentioned on the Monthly SIMM Report.

Should a player commit a more serious offense such as posting hurtful messages of a racial or sexually oriented nature, this stage may be skipped altogether and the player placed on a Stage Two or even Stage Three warning as appropriate.

Category Two: Formal Warning

If a player continues with their behavior without taking onboard the advice they have previously been offered, it is up to the Commanding Officer to issue a more formal warning. This would take the form of a stern reprimand warning the player against continued behavior of this nature. While the message should be stern and authoritative, it should also be polite and respectful in accordance with the Shadow Fleet Rules surrounding communication with other members.

The aim of the formal warning is to enter an official record about a player's misconduct. As such, this will be discussed with the Task Group Commanding Officer before the warning is issued. Follow up with the Task Group Commanding Officer should occur as needed after the warning has been issued.

Category Three: Escalated Referral

If a player continues to exhibit behavior that is related to the previous formal warning, the next step is the escalated referral. If this occurs, the Commanding Officer will message the Fleet Commanding Officer with a break-down of what has occurred, the circumstances surrounding the player's infraction and his/her recommendation as to further action to take. The Fleet Commanding Officer will then consider the situation and issue one of the following resolutions:

No further action: The player's conduct is deemed not to warrant further action by the Fleet Commanding Officer and the matter will be referred back down to the SIMM Commanding Officer to deal with internally.

Enhanced formal warning: The Fleet Commanding Officer will issue the player with their own formal warning not to continue their course of action or risk an escalated response, as outlined in the following points.

Loss of rank and/or position: Should it be deemed an appropriate response to the matter in question, the Fleet Commanding Officer has the authority to authorize a reduction in rank and/or position for the player concerned up to and including three ranks below present standing depending on the severity of the offense. For example, a Lieutenant Commander could, in theory, be demoted to the rank of Ensign for a serious infraction against the Shadow Fleet Rules. This option may be considered appropriate only if the Fleet Commanding Officer believes it will have an impact on the player's behavior. If there is any doubt, an alternative resolution should be sought.

Temporary suspension: The Fleet Commanding Officer may issue a temporary suspension from the fleet.

Appeals Process

If you believe you have been wrongly disciplined, or believe your disciplinary proceedings have not followed the procedure outlined above, you may lodge an appeal against it. The appeals process is relative to the stage of proceedings you have reached:

Stage One: If you feel you have wrongly been issued an informal warning, you may contest if by sending a message to your Commanding Officer outlining your reasoning. The Commanding Officer will then further justify why you have been issued with an informal warning, or if appropriate, rescind it.

Stage Two:In the event you are not happy with the Commanding Officer's response, you may request that the matter be referred to the Task Group Commanding Officer who will evaluate it further and issue a final decision.

Stage Three:In the event you are not happy with the Task Group Commanding Officer's response, you may request that the matter be referred to the Fleet Commanding Officer who will evaluate it further and issue a final decision.

Timeline For Disciplinary Actions

After a player has gone through the above process (informal warning, formal warning, escalated referral) the questions still stands on how long the actual punishment is active for. Below is a detail description. Reminder: These are a loose outline and are subject to change.

Rank Reductions

If you have had your rank reduced as a result of disciplinary action, you will not be eligible for a promotion for three (3 months) of the transgression. In certain instances the Task Group Commanding Officer or or Fleet Commanding Officer may see fit to extend this time. If that is the case, the involved parties will be informed as such.

Suspensions

This action is determined by the transgression. The following is a brief overview of some possible options:

Spamming - 1 Month

Unnecessary Violent/Crude Posting - 2 Months

Offensive Out of Character Communications - 2 Months

Other options will be discussed on a base by base basis. Again, this is determined by the upper fleet command. Ship Commanding Officers may make suggestions concerning the punishment of the individual if it pertains to a ship transgression.

Bans

Banning a member is a last resort, and it may not be temporary. In fact, deemed appropriate a planer may be permanently banned. This is to be decided by the Fleet Admiralty, who will review the matter on a case by case basis.