N'Crowd exists to promote the enjoyment of model railroading, particularly N-scale railroading, and to educate and welcome the public. Members are expected to support that purpose and help maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable club environment.
This Code applies to all N'Crowd activities, including meetings, the club layout room, public events, shows, social functions, email, text messages, Discord, and other club communications.
General Conduct
Members shall:
- Treat fellow members, visitors, Papa Ben's employees and customers, and members of the public with courtesy and respect.
- Act like responsible adults and be considerate, patient, and kind to one another.
- Resolve disagreements calmly and in good faith. Differences of opinion about club operations, leadership, modeling practices, or other matters do not justify disrespectful conduct.
- Follow the N'Crowd bylaws, club rules, and reasonable directions from club officers, Board members, event coordinators, and Discord moderators.
- Protect confidential or personal information and refrain from representing personal opinions as official positions of N'Crowd.
Club Layout and Train Room
While using the layout room or participating in other in-person club activities, members shall:
- Conduct themselves safely and responsibly and follow all layout, electrical, equipment, and operating procedures.
- Handle club property and the property of other members with reasonable care.
- Return throttles, tools, rolling stock, and other equipment to their proper locations after use.
- Obtain permission before borrowing, modifying, repairing, relocating, or removing club property or another member's property.
- Promptly report damaged, malfunctioning, misplaced, or missing equipment to a club officer or Board member.
- Keep aisles, work areas, and emergency access points reasonably clear.
- Cooperate with members staffing the layout and help maintain a welcoming environment when the layout room is open to the public.
- Avoid interfering with Papa Ben's business or advising customers about the store's inventory, pricing, suppliers, or other matters handled by store management and employees.
- Ensure that Youth Members are accompanied by a parent or guardian as required by the bylaws.
Discord and Other Club Communications
When using the N'Crowd Discord server or other club communication channels, members shall:
- Communicate respectfully, including when disagreeing with another member or a decision of club leadership.
- Refrain from personal attacks, insults, harassment, threats, deliberately inflammatory posts, or repeated attempts to provoke arguments.
- Keep posts reasonably relevant to the purpose of each channel and follow moderator requests to move or discontinue a discussion.
- Refrain from posting unlawful, sexually explicit, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate material.
- Respect the privacy of others and do not post private communications, personal information, or members-only club information without permission.
- Avoid excessive, repetitive, or disruptive posting that interferes with the usefulness of a club communication channel.
Board members serving as Discord moderators may redirect discussions, remove inappropriate material, or temporarily limit participation when reasonably necessary to maintain an orderly club forum.
Concerns and Accountability
Members should report significant safety issues, property concerns, harassment, or repeated violations of this Code to the President or another Board member. Reports will be reviewed as fairly and discreetly as reasonably possible.
Whenever practical, the club will first attempt to resolve conduct concerns through respectful discussion and corrective guidance. Serious or repeated violations may result in restrictions on participation, suspension, or termination of membership in accordance with the N'Crowd bylaws.
By applying for or renewing membership, each member acknowledges this Code of Conduct and agrees to comply with it.