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  1. In Memory of LAJ_FETT: Please share your remembrances and condolences HERE

San Diego, CA San Diego Fan Force Club Charter and Official Rules Of Conduct

Discussion in 'Pacific Regional Discussion' started by Lord_Dubi, Oct 14, 2013.

  1. Lord_Dubi

    Lord_Dubi Jedi Knight star 3

    Registered:
    Sep 3, 2012
    Here is the Club Charter (revised August 27, 2007 - salvaged from the old website backup files)

    Author:
    greyjedi [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 9:40 am ]

    Post subject:
    SDFF Charter with Suggestions/Changes

    Original text is in white.
    Changes/Suggestions are in orange.
    There may be more than one suggestion for change and each is listed in brackets [ ].
    ****************************************************************

    San Diego Fan Force

    Club Charter

    Adopted May 2003/Revised September 2004

    Mission Statement

    We, the San Diego Fan Force, are a non-profit club comprised of individuals who enjoy the Star Wars films and other aspects of the Star Wars franchise. Our club was created in order to give Star Wars fans in the San Diego region a chance to socialize and engage in activities relating to the varied aspects of the Star Wars franchise. We strive to keep Star Wars alive in the eyes of the San Diego community, and endeavor to give back to the community through charitable events. The San Diego Fan Force is the officially recognized FanForce chapter for San Diego.

    By-Laws

    [Recommend change "By-Laws" to "Charter".]

    [Recommend change "non-proft" to "not-for-profit".]

    I. Name and Date of Club Formation

    The name of our club shall be the San Diego Fan Force. Our club was established on April 13, 2002, and became an official chapter of FanForce on May 8, 2002.

    [The San Diego FanForce was added as the official FanForce chapter in the San Diego area on May 8, 2002.]

    II. Policies

    • The San Diego Fan Force is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm, Ltd., or its subsidiaries.
    • The San Diego Fan Force does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, religion, physical handicap, sexual orientation, race, nationality or ethnicity.

    III. Membership

    Membership is open to everyone. To become a member you simply need to post on the boards. There are two classes of membership:

    • Active Membership: Active membership is attained when a member lives in San Diego county, posts on the forums regularly, and attends the majority of our meetings and events. Active members have full voting privileges. Active members are also eligible to serve as officers of the club.

    [Active Membership: Active membership is attained when a member lives in San Diego county, posts on the forums regularly, and attends at least three meetings and/or events in a one-year period. Active members have full voting privileges. Active members are also eligible to serve as officers of the club.]

    • Honorary Membership: Honorary membership is open to anyone irregardless of geographic residence. Honorary members are allowed to post on our forums, receive our newsletter, and attend meetings and events of their choosing, yet are not eligible to vote on any club issues. Honorary membership may often be bestowed upon “celebrities” in the Star Wars community such as Star Wars actors, authors, those working for LFL etc.

    [Honorary Membership: Honorary membership is open to anyone regardless of geographic residence. Honorary members are allowed to post on our forums, receive our newsletter (recommend removal), and attend meetings and events of their choosing, yet are not eligible to vote on any club issues. Honorary membership may often be bestowed upon “celebrities” in the Star Wars community such as Star Wars actors, authors, those working for LFL etc.]

    [Recommend deletion of "receive our newsletter".]

    IV. Membership Dues

    We have no membership dues. Becoming an SDFF member is free, and as a member you will never be obligated to pay anything. However, some things do require money. In these circumstances, the Treasurer will collect money on a voluntary basis. Each member can choose to contribute or not, and can contribute as much as they feel comfortable with. The Treasurer will record who paid and what amount, so that if the total amount needed is not reached, every member who paid will get their money back.

    V. Official Meetings

    We will have a minimum of one official meeting per month. Additional meetings may be called when there is a need. Meetings will either be a pot-luck affair, or we will ask for a small donation to defray the cost of food and drinks. Occasionally an “Officers meeting” may be called for the officers of the SDFF only. The SDFF will make every attempt to pick a date for the meetings that will work for the majority of the member’ schedules.

    [We will have a minimum of one official meeting per month. Additional meetings may be called when there is a need. Occasionally an “Officers Meeting” may be called for the officers of the SDFF only. The SDFF will make every attempt to pick a date for the meetings that will work for the majority of the members’ schedules.]

    VI. Voting Regulations

    All active members will be allowed to vote on any issues brought up at a General meeting or any issue being voted on the forums. Guests of members, first time attendees, and members not living in the geographic area of San Diego county will not be allowed to vote. An exception will be made for those members who are residents of San Diego County yet are currently attending elsewhere, provided their breaks are spent in San Diego county. An exception will also be made for persons whose permanent residential address is in San Diego County, but whose jobs might not permit them to be in county most of the time, such as those in the military.

    All elections will be won by a simple majority either by the show of hands, or by posting your vote on the forums. There are a few exceptions to these rules:

    • The positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected positions and will be voted on by a simple majority. Yearly elections will be held for these four positions to allow other members a chance to serve. Elected officers will serve until they resign, move out of the geographic area of San Diego county, or are removed through a ¾ vote of no confidence by the remaining club officers. Proxy voting via PM or email will be allowed for election of officers.

    [Elected officers serve a one-year term. Nominations take place during the August meeting with a nomination and a second. Elections are held at the September meeting with a complete transfer to occur no later than the October meeting.

    Elected officers will serve their term until they resign, move out of the geographic area of San Diego county, or are removed through a majority vote of no confidence by the club membership.]

    [While members are encouraged to be actively involved in the club, those members who currently hold elected positions in another club may be considered ineligible for nomination to an elected position within the SDFF.

    Members who are serving as elected officers of the SDFF are highly discouraged from running for an elected position in another club. Should an elected officer of the SDFF take an elective position in another club, the Council retains the right to remove the member from office and temporarily appoint another Council member to fill the position until a special election can be held.]

    • Occasionally an issue will come before the club that requires discretion and will be voted on by the SDFF officers. In order for a decision to pass in the Jedi Council, it must receive ¾ votes or better for passage.

    [Recommend deletion of the word "Jedi".]

    • Other officer/VIP positions will be appointed at the President’s discretion. These honorary positions are awarded to people who perform a service to the club above and beyond the call of duty, charitable and otherwise. The President will attempt to ensure that the members of the Officers Council will represent the other club members by appointing council members of varying ages, interests, and talents. The titles may be rescinded if the member acts in a way that is unbecoming to a club officer.

    [Other officer/VIP positions may be appointed at the President’s discretion. These appointments must be ratified by the elected officers with a majority vote. The incoming President may choose to keep or remove appointed officers, which must also be ratified by the newly elected officers with a majority vote. In the event of a deadlock, the elected officers will request mediation by a FanForce Administrator not associated with the club or its members. The decision of a FanForce Administrator/Mediator will be binding.]

    • Club Founders will hold life-time honorary officer positions unless they resign, move out of the geographic area of San Diego county, or are voted out by a unanimous decision by the other officers.

    [Club Founders will hold life-time honorary titles until such time as they request that title be removed. Founding members have the same rights and privileges as active members.]

    [Recommend deletion of this paragraph.]

    VII. Misconduct

    While it is hoped that no member must be expelled from the group, it is prudent to have measures in place should the need arise. If any member of the club feels that another member or officer should be expelled, that person is encouraged to approach any officer they feel comfortable approaching with his/her complaint. The complaint must be in writing and delivered via PM, email, or written letter to the officer. The officer receiving the complaint must present the complaint to the council of officers within 24 hours. At that time, the council will begin an investigation and discussion of the complaint, and determine the best course of action.

    [The complaint must be in writing and delivered via PM, email, or written letter to the officer. The officer receiving the complaint must present the complaint to the officers within 24 hours. At that time, a committee will be formed to begin an investigation and discussion of the complaint, and determine the best course of action.]

    General Misconduct:

    • Any person attending an SDFF meeting or event who acts disorderly or is in any way disruptive will be asked to leave the meeting or event.

    • Consumption of alcohol or other illegal substances, or the possession of firearms at an “official” SDFF event are not allowed.

    [* The SDFF is primarily a social club, however activities such as the possession of illegal substances, allowing minors to consume alcohol, or other illegal acts at an “official” SDFF event are not allowed.]

    • Any violation of the Terms of Service at FanForce will be considered a violation of SDFF by-laws. If a permanent ban vote is passed by 2/3 of the officers’ council, that member will be banned from attending all future meetings/events, and banned from posting on the Fanforce, SDFF, and Yahoo! groups. The SDFF will actively seek a restraining order against any member if deemed necessary to protect the other members.

    [*Any violation of the Terms of Service at FanForce will be considered a violation of SDFF TOS. If a member must be banned for their actions, the committee will discuss and agree on the terms of the ban with either the FanForce RSA or GSA. A permanent ban vote must be passed by a majority vote of the officers and committee members. A permanently banned member will be banned from attending all future meetings/events, and banned from posting on the FanForce, SDFF, and other related group message boards. The SDFF will actively seek a restraining order against any member if deemed necessary to protect the other members.]

    Conduct that justifies expulsion:

    • Engaging in any illegal activity while attending a club function

    • Threatening another member with physical violence on the forums or during a meeting or event
    [* Threatening another member (includes physical violence, verbal abuse, blackmail, or forced coersion) on the forums, by PM or IM, or during a meeting or event]

    • Committing physical violence against another member

    • Harassing or stalking another member via email, phone, PM, instant messenger, or written letter

    • Repeated unsolicited sexual advances toward another member.

    The SDFF reserves the right to call in local law enforcement officers to enforce these rules.

    VIII. Underage Members

    Anyone, regardless of age, may become a member, post on the forums, and attend official meetings and events. However, anyone under 18 years of age will be required to fill out a Parent Consent Form to participate in any SDFF meeting and event. The form the parents will be asked to fill out is as follows:

    Parental Consent Form

    Star Wars has always been a story for all ages. The San Diego Fan Force is comprised of members that reflect all ages. However, it is important for parents to be aware of several things if they choose to let their minor child join the club.

    1) No one will be supervising minors. While it is never the club’s intention to allow a minor to get into trouble, the responsibility of the child’s actions lay with the child and his/her parents or guardians.

    2) The club encourages parents to attend meetings and events to get to know the members of the group and what types of activities the club engages in.

    3) While no alcohol will ever be served or consumed at any official meeting or event by a club member, be aware that an official meeting or event may take place in a venue such as a restaurant where alcohol is being served to others.

    [3) While no alcohol will ever be served to minors by another club member, be aware that an official meeting or event may take place in a venue such as a restaurant where alcohol is being served to others.]

    4) The group attempts to maintain all discussions at the PG level. However, some inappropriate language might inadvertently be used.

    5) Members of the club will not be responsible for transporting a child to meetings and/or social events. If a parent chooses not to attend a meeting or event with his/her child, it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the child has a safe mode of transportation to and from the meeting or event.

    6) A parental waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian and the child before that child is allowed membership in the club.

    7) The parents must provide the club with a current address, home phone number, work phone number, and cell phone number. The parents must also provide the phone number of a family friend or relative not residing in the same household.


    IX. Promotional Release

    Members of the SDFF often will be photographed and videotaped while out in public at events, or at club meetings. Below is the Promotional Release Form for the SDFF:

    I, the undersigned, hereby consent to the use of any videotapes, photographs, slides, audiotapes, or any other visual or audio reproduction in which I may appear by the SDFF. I understand that these materials are being used for promotion of the SDFF, which includes recruitment and fund-raising efforts.

    I release SDFF from any liability connected with the use of my picture or voice recording as part of any promotional, recruitment, or fund-raising program.

    Date______
    Signed______________________________

    [Members of the SDFF often will be photographed and videotaped while out in public at events or at club meetings. Members who participate in public events automatically consent to the use of their image for club publicity and promotion.]

    [Recommend deletion of this section.]

    X. Vehicle Use Policy Statement

    Designated Drivers must meet the following qualifications:

    1) Licensed driver must be 21 years or older

    2) Driver must be group leader designated by SDFF to drive the vehicle as transportation for other group members

    3) Driver must have a satisfactory Traffic Violations and Vehicle Accident Record.

    4) Driver must sign acknowledgement of the “Responsibilities of Designated Driver”, which includes an understanding of insurance coverage as it pertains to the driver.

    5) Drivers for the SDFF will obey state traffic laws, and drive defensively and carefully, and be willing to sign an affidavit to that extent

    6) Liability and property damage insurance is required for cars carrying passengers (children or adults) to and from SDFF events. Proof of insurance must be provided and kept updated and on record with the club before anyone can act as a driver for any event.

    7) The SDFF intends to use Driver Checklists for trips, which include: complete directions, contingency plans for emergencies and regular eventualities (restroom stops), contact numbers of cell phones in other vehicles, FRS radios for communication with other vehicles, and a list of names of all people riding in that particular vehicle to make accurate headcount for return trip.

    Cool Seatbelts are required for all passengers in vehicles used for SDFF events.

    Sample Affidavit:

    Acknowledgement of Responsibilities of Designated Driver

    I have read and will adhere to the responsibilities governing the use of personal vehicles while transporting people to and from SDFF sponsored activities.

    I am aware that automotive insurance liability will generally follow the flow below in the event of an accident, and as such, subject me to certain liability risks.

    Owner of vehicle_________________________
    Driver of Vehicle_________________________
    Signature of Driver_______________________
    Date _____/_______/_________


    [Recommend deletion of this section.]

    XI. Officers of the SDFF

    Purpose Statement

    Our purpose statement comes from the description of the Jedi High Council in the Star Wars Episode I Visual Dictionary. It states that:

    “The Twelve members of the Jedi High Council represent a gathering of great minds who have proven themselves and their abilities in the service of peace and justice. Confident in their attunement to the Force, the Council members work together in trust, free from the petty constraints of ego and jealousy. Their Council Chamber is a place of open thought and speech, a realm of mutual respect and a haven of shared noble purpose. The Council is composed of five permanent members who have accepted a lifetime commitment to the difficult work of the Jedi. In addition, four long-term members serve until they choose to step down, and three limited term members sit for specified terms. This balance of membership keeps the Council wise and vigorous.”

    [Recommend deletion of reference to Jedi Council.]

    [The officers of the San Diego FanForce shall consist of four elected officer positions with additional appointed officers at the discretion of the incoming President and elected officer approval. Appointed officers will have access to any private discussion forums available to the elected officers so that they may add their input on club matters.]

    [Members who hold officer positions in other Star Wars-related clubs (e.g., 501st, Rebel Legion, Jedi Assembly, etc.) will not be eligible to run for an elected position in the SDFF.]

    [The four elected positions consist of: ]

    Supreme Chancellor/President (Elected)
    [Recommend deletion of "Supreme Chancellor".]
    • Chairs meetings
    • Serves as liaison between members and officers
    • Serves as liaison between the SDFF and Fanforce
    • Serves as a liaison between the SDFF and the San Diego Community
    • Serves as a point of contact for local businesses and media
    • Receives reports from other officers and offers direction
    • Sets meeting agenda items with the help of other officers
    • Helps organize events as needed

    Vice-Chancellor/Vice-President and FanForce City Rep (Elected)
    [Recommend deletion of "Vice-Chancellor".]
    • Assumes leadership if president resigns
    • Presides over meetings in President’s absence
    • Fulfills duties of other officers if they are absent from meetings
    • Assists President in organizing meetings and events, and whatever else is required

    Secretary (Elected)
    • Helps the President in preparation for meetings, gathering topics etc.
    • Writes and publishes meeting minutes and SDFF online Newsletter
    • Records meeting attendance
    • Provides the Parental Consent, Promotional Release, other forms and insures that all information is up to date
    • Keeps a list of all the officer names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, and makes this information available to the other Council members as needed
    • Manages all documents needed for the club
    • Manages the SDFF Online Store

    Treasurer (Elected)
    • Single point of contact for all financial matters
    • Maintains active log of club treasury, income, and expenditures
    • Collects all money taken along with the member’s name, the amount they have paid, and the cause

    [The following are some, but not all, of the possible appointed officer positions:]

    Webmaster (Appointed)
    • Single point of contact for all matters dealing with the SDFF website

    Public Relations Officer (Appointed)
    • Establishes and maintains contacts with outside organizations for the promotion of the club
    • Tracks and identifies the need for promotional materials
    • Coordinates promotional activities
    • Responsible for writing up announcements of various club events and submitting them to the Official Site, the Star Wars Insider, Bantha Tracks, and local media.

    Internet Relations Officer (Appointed)
    • Responsible for notifying the club of any articles of interest to the club on the internet
    • Assists the Public relations officer as requested

    Meeting and Event Coordinator(s) (Appointed)
    • Responsible for setting up location for each meeting and/or event
    • Serves as a liaison between the SDFF and the San Diego Community
    • Serves as a point of contact for local businesses and media
    • Coordinates events for the SDFF

    Club Historian (Appointed)
    • Single point of contact for collecting all pictures, clippings, flyers, and other media that serves as a record of Club activities
    • Maintains and updates the SDFF Album

    Club Photographer (Appointed)
    • Responsible for taking pictures at any and all club events
    • Responsible for getting event photos to the Historian

    501st/Rebel Legion Liaison (Appointed)
    • Single point of contact for the 501st/Rebel Legion
    • Responsible for informing the SDFF of any 501st/Rebel Legion activities that may be of interest
    • Responsible for taking pictures of, and helping in the application process of, any members interested in joining the 501st/Rebel Legion

    In Service To The Club (Appointed)
    • Miscellaneous appointments of club members to recognize their efforts for the club. These titles may be rescinded if the member acts in a way that is unbecoming to an officer of the club.


    XII. Dissolution of the Club

    If, for any reason, the San Diego Fan Force should ever disband, the officers shall be charged with the liquidation of all club assets, settlements of all liabilities, and taking down the website. The current assets of the club include:

    • Darth Maul lifesize statues (Real value unknown... minimum value of $100)
    • SDFF Banner and Banner Stand ($182)
    • SDFF Photo Album (Value Unknown)
    • SDFF Promotional materials, videos, flyers, business cards, buttons (Value unknown)
    • Articles obtained from the scene where Jabba’s Sail Barge scene was filmed, (Value Unknown)
    • Amount of funds in club treasury (Has never exceeded $50)

    [• Darth Maul lifesize statue (Real value unknown... minimum value of $100)
    • SDFF Promotional materials, videos, flyers, business cards, buttons (Value unknown)
    • Articles obtained from the scene where Jabba’s Sail Barge scene was filmed, (Value Unknown)
    ? Items donated to the club by sponsors, (Value Unknown)
    • Amount of funds in club treasury. All donations by club members should be refunded. In the event that the member cannot be reached for a return of funds, said funds will be donated to a charity.]
     
  2. Lord_Dubi

    Lord_Dubi Jedi Knight star 3

    Registered:
    Sep 3, 2012
    The Official "Rules of Conduct" and "Terms of Service" (also salvaged from the backup file)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Author:
    me*gonk [ Sat Jun 09, 2007 10:09 am ]

    Post subject:
    Fan Force Official Terms of Service

    Above and beyond our charter are the Rules of Conduct for Fan Force.

    They can be found at the link below and I have also copied and pasted them here for you to look at.

    http://boards.theforce.net/ASP/tos.asp

    RULES OF CONDUCT
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    User agrees not to post material that is knowingly false and/or defamatory, misleading, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, that otherwise violates any law, or that encourages conduct constituting a criminal offense. In compliance with the Federal Trade Commission's Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), you must be at least 13 years of age to use this system. Also, as a general guideline, all users here should respect one another's opinions and beliefs. User also agrees not to post spoilers regarding the upcoming Star Wars prequel in any forum outside of those specifically labelled as allowing spoilers (this includes posting spoilers of any type in your profile and signature). This applies to private messages as well.

    User agrees not to post any material that is protected by copyright, trademark or other proprietary right without the express permission of the owner(s) of said copyright, trademark or other proprietary right. User agrees not to use nicknames that might be deemed abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise inappropriate. User agrees not to use nicknames that might mislead other Users. This includes, but is not limited to, using nicknames that impersonate developers or other users.

    For answers to most questions, please see the Informational Threads forum.

    Also, we encourage all new users to visit the Welcome Forum.

    TERMS OF SERVICE
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    User acknowledges and agrees that the use of the Jedi Council Forums is a privilege, not a right, and that the administration of the Jedi Council has the right, at its sole discretion, to revoke this privilege at any time without notice should the administration deem it necessary. User agrees that this Agreement in its entirety applies to both public and private messages.

    The goal of the Forums is to foster communication and the interchange of ideas within the online Star Wars community. User agrees and acknowledges that any posts, nicknames or other material deemed offensive, harassing, baiting or otherwise inappropriate may be removed at the sole discretion of the administration.

    The Jedi Council Administration has the right but not the obligation to monitor and/or moderate the Forums, and offers no assurances in this regard.

    The Jedi Council Administration is not responsible for messages posted on the Forums or the content therein. The accuracy, completeness, or usefullness of any messages found on these boards is not vouched for by the Jedi Council Administration. Each message expresses the views of its originating user, not necessarily those of the Jedi Council Administration or TheForce.net. This includes messages posted by Jedi Council moderators, managers, VIPs et al.

    Any user who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to contact us. We have the ability to remove messages and we will make every effort to do so within a reasonable time if we determine that removal is necessary. This is a manual process, however, so please realize that we may not be able to act immediately. Removal of messages is at the sole discretion of the Administration.

    In order to contact a moderator who can help you with your questions, simply check the "users online" page, and look for any user with a multi-colored name (there are, however, some 'VIP's' with colored names. Please click on the actual user's name to view his or her profile. If the profile says moderator, manager, or administrator next to their name, they can help you with your questions).

    The administration reserves the right to reveal the identity of and/or whatever information we know about any User in the event of a complaint or legal action arising from any message posted by said User.

    Advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes and other commercial solicitations are inappropriate on the Forums.

    Author:
    Miana [ Sat Jun 09, 2007 1:51 pm ]
    Post subject:


    NOTE: We currently are going through and updating the Fan Force TOS, since they're severely outdated. :p

    Author:
    Miana [ Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:12 am ]
    Post subject:

    ----------

    Fan Force Rules, 2007 edition


    **********

    1) Club Membership

    FanForce is open to every Star Wars fan with very few exceptions. General club membership cannot be denied for a lack of costume or a lack of money for dues. costumes are NOT REQUIRED to join any FanForce. Membership also cannot be denied based on a person's gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age (for people over 18 ). All official FanForce events need to be open to all ages, and family friendly.

    The membership must use and maintain the forum provided by TFN to keep their official status as a FanForce. Also, there must be at least three members for the chapter to be official.

    2) Becoming an Official Chapter

    The first step to becoming an official FanForce Chapter is getting a chapter forum. There need to be three separate people from the same area interested in the chapter before a forum will be created. After a forum has been created, the club members need to have three meetings (with at least three members each) within a year. These meetings need to be announced on the chapter forum to be considered toward the three required, and they should be announced on the TFN main page if possible. After or during the third meeting, the first annual Chapter Rep election should be held (see the rule on Chapter Reps). Also, so stay official, a club must continue to have at least three meetings per twelve month period.

    3) FanForce is not a costuming group

    Fan Force is intended to be primarily a social group. While costumers can be a part of any Fan Force, costumes are not, nor will they ever be, required to join a FanForce or hold an officer position in the club. There are other groups where having a movie accurate costume is a requirement for official membership. This is not the case in Fan Force. Anyone is welcome, costume or not.

    Some successful and active FFs around the globe have active costume aspects of their group, but do maintain a balance of events. Also, if a FF attends a costumed event, non-costumed fans and members must be allowed to attend and participate.

    4) Distance between Chapters

    It is generally best to have a chapter centered around a particular city. The rule of thumb on the minimum distance between chapters is fifty miles, give or take. This is subject to population density. Areas that are more densely populated could have chapters that are closer together, while more sparsely populated areas may have chapters farther apart. Special circumstances can be considered.

    5) Meetings

    All official FanForce meetings and events must be open to all ages and be family friendly. All members must be welcome at all events (unless removed from the group with GSA and RSA approval). Some meetings should be in public places to help new potential members feel more at ease. Meetings need to be announced on the chapter forum at least 1-2 weeks prior to the meeting, and should be announced on the TFN main page as well.

    Alcohol is allowed to be consumed and served at meetings, but all laws concerning alcohol consumption must be followed. If a chapter is found to have knowingly served alcohol to a minor, they may lose their status as a FanForce and legal action will be taken.

    Meetings cannot all be costumed events, and even costumed events should be welcoming to those members without costumes.

    6) Chapter Forums

    Chapters need to use their TFN forum often for event postings, chapter updates, and some socialization to draw in new members. The forum is the chapters main connection with FanForce. If a chapter only uses their forum to announce events, or does not use it at all, then the chapter will lose their claim on the forum, and their right to be called a FanForce. Off site forums are allowed, but they are not to replace the TFN forum. The FanForce administration cannot protect chapters as well if the bulk of what happens with the chapter is on a different forum and cannot help to settle disputes because there is no access to the forum, PMs, or the like.

    If four weeks pass with no posts on the chapter forum or just event posting, the RSA will warn the chapter that they are going to lose their forum unless significant changes are made. Two weeks after that, the chapter will lose their forum and cease to be an official FanForce chapter. Four months with out an official meeting of some sort planned and the chapter will lose their official status, and then the forum.

    Threads in the FanForce forums must have a purpose. If a chapter has a few social threads and topic threads (ie threads on Movies, TV shows, things to do in the city, etc) that is fine. But, the should be threads on club business as well not just social threads.

    7) Chapter Reps

    To be a Chapter Rep (CR) a person must be at least 18 years of age and live in the city/region they are Representative for twelve months of the year. There can also be only one CR per chapter. CRs are expected to uphold the CR Code of Conduct both on and off forum. They are also expected to report any problems on their forum or with their chapter to their RSA or a GSA as soon as possible. Condoning or encouraging negative behavior/posting habits could result in a demotion or ban of the CR in addition to the person(s) causing the problem.

    Chapter Reps need to sign in several times a week to check their chapter forum, check their PMs, and check the CR forum. CRs need to post at least every other week in their own forum. They also need to contact their RSAs often regarding events and forum changes (headers, banners, etc). If a CR goes two weeks with out logging in, s/he will be demoted and the RSA will facilitate elections for a new CR. If a CR informs his/her RSA before an absence, the two week rule can be waived.

    Chapters need to have annual elections for the position of Chapter Rep. The elections can take place in forum or in person. If the elections are in person, at least two people other than the current CR (who are not related to or in the same household as the CR) need to PM the results of the election to their RSA. Elections in forum will be handled by a PM vote to an RSA who is unaffiliated with that chapter. If a chapter has not had annual elections, then the RSA will step in to start the election process.

    Club Officers

    Club officers are held to the same standards as Chapter Reps, and they too must follow the Chapter Rep Code of Conduct. Eligibility to be a club officer or Chapter Rep cannot be denied based on a lack of costume, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age (over 18 ).

    9) Property

    Everything given to or purchased by a FanForce belongs to the FanForce chapter and not any one person. This includes but is not restricted to: all money, banners, mascots, costuming items, logos, and websites. If a person leaves FanForce then s/he needs to surrender all FanForce property to a club leader. The club name and logo all belong to FanForce and not to any one person. After something is created and given to a chapter, the creator releases all right to the image/item (i.e. graphics, site design). These things effectively belong to FanForce. Any disputes about property, names, or logos will be decided in favor of the people who stay TFN.

    10) Due and money issues

    Dues are allowed, but not to be abused. If money is collected for any reason (dues, charity, any mass purchases) then the chapter needs to have a treasurer. This needs to be a different person than the CR and should not be in the same household or related to the CR. No exceptions. If it is found that a person or chapter is abusing dues or charity money the person(s) involved may be removed from FanForce.

    11) Buying/Selling/Trading/Advertising

    Buying, selling, or trading in FanForce forums will follow the following guidelines. A link to an EBay auction may be posted if it is your own auction or you have express permission from the person auctioning the item off, or if you have suspicions about the auction being a scam. Items are not allowed to be bought, sold, or traded for in the forum. eBay or other reliable auction site links are allowed because there are already protections for both the buyer and seller in place, so FanForce cannot be held accountable. Discussion of group purchases is fine.

    Advertising is not allowed except for FanForce charity events or a FanForce sponsored group event (ie group garage sale). People who sign up to just advertise will be banned and their posts removed.

    Anything that doesn't fall into one of those categories goes to the FanForce collecting/trading forum.

    12) FanForce reserves the right to ban for things that happen off of the message boards.

    FanForce is a group that meets in person. Thus we have stricter rules regarding some off forum activities. We reserve the right to ban someone from TheForce.Net and from FanForce activities for things that happen in real life. A few things may result in a temporary ban, others in permanent. Using FanForce as a recruitment for other activities may result in a ban. Breaking local laws in regards to a FanForce event may result in a ban (i.e. having or distributing illegal drugs, serving alcohol to minors, purposefully harming/assaulting an other member, etc). Harassment of another FanForcer or family member of a FanForcer could result in a ban. If that member feels sufficiently harassed that s/he files a restraining order against another member, this will result in a ban of the problem person. If it is discovered that a member is a registered sex offender, that person will be banned permanently. Note: the FanForce administration does need significant proof that a person is guilty of any accusation before banning will occur.

    13) FanForce reserves the right to

    FanForce reserves the right to refuse a chapter/forum's creation, refuse a title to a member, and refuse to let a person become a CR or officer in a chapter. As with all posters, the role of CR is a privilege, not a right. As such, a CR's privileges may be revoked at any time. FanForce may ban a person or shut down a chapter for breaking the rules and/or TOS. FanForce also reserves the right to change and update these rules as necessary.

    14) Miscellaneous

    There can only be one CR per chapter. The CR does not necessarily have to be the club president/leader. Chapters are allowed to decide their own areas of focus based on members interests, but they must be open to all forms of Star Wars fandom. Charity work is allowed, but not necessary. Using a FanForce chapter in a negative manner will result in a removal of the chapter, and possibly the banning of the responsible parties. All Jedi Council rules and TOS apply to FanForce. Individual chapters may make their rules tighter, but may not lighten them.

    Like everything, there are exceptions to some things, but this is pretty much the newest one we're going by (and yes, we haven't fixed all the spelling/grammar errors yet). :p