Code of
Conduct.

This code applies to everyone involved in a Refs Inc event: players, team captains, coaches and team staff, referees and officials, volunteers, and spectators. Registering for, working at, or attending a Refs Inc event means agreeing to it. It sits alongside the tournament rulebook, which governs conduct during play.

The standard we hold

Everyone at a Refs Inc event is expected to:

• Play and compete fairly, within the rules and the spirit of the game.
• Treat other players, referees, staff, and spectators with respect, on and off the field.
• Put safety first, and follow every safety instruction from an official without argument.
• Accept referee decisions on the field, and raise disputes only through the proper channel (the team captain to the head referee).
• Represent their team and the sport well, win or lose.

What is not acceptable

The following will not be tolerated at any Refs Inc event:

• Abusive, threatening, intimidating, or discriminatory language or behaviour toward any person.
• Harassment or bullying of any kind, including online.
• Physical violence, or threats of it.
• Cheating, including wiping hits, playing on, and any attempt to fix or throw a match.
• Attending or competing while impaired by alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Deliberately unsafe conduct, especially anything involving eye protection or velocity.

Safety and eye protection

Paintball is safe when the rules are followed and dangerous when they are not. Goggles that meet the required standard are worn at all times in any area where a marker may be fired. Removing eye protection in a firing area, or interfering with velocity or safety checks, is treated as a serious breach of this code as well as the rulebook.

Alcohol, drugs and conduct off the field

Refs Inc events are alcohol-and-drug-free for anyone competing or officiating. This code applies in the pit, the car park, and anywhere else on the venue for the duration of the event, and to conduct that affects the reputation of the sport or the organisation.

Referees and officials

Referees hold themselves to the same standard and more. They officiate impartially, apply the rulebook consistently, communicate calls clearly, and never let a personal or team interest affect a decision. Abuse of a referee by anyone is a breach of this code.

If the code is breached

On-field breaches are dealt with through the rulebook's penalties, suspensions, and ejection provisions. Off-field or more serious breaches are handled through the complaints and disputes process, and may result in removal from the event, suspension from future events, or referral to the committee. Breaches involving the safety or welfare of a child are dealt with under the member protection and child safety policy.