Helix Gaming is governed and sustained by the following policies.
Note: Policies are subject to change.
Activity Policy
While HLX is a more laid-back community, we ask all members (not on LOA) to participate in different activities within the community. Participation is the key to bringing members together, and assuring that we remain a healthy and active community.
Court System Policy
If a person is Membership Revoked, a former HLX member looking to rejoin, or has received a Ban from the Discord, website, or the HLX Community, the person may make their appeal through the Helix Court System. However, please be aware of any minimum time requirements before appealing. All appeals will be processed in a transparent and unbiased manner by HLX Senior Leadership. Once an appeal has been processed and decided upon, the decision made is final. If an appeal is denied, a subsequent appeal may be made after 30 days from the date of the ruling. At any point in this process, the HLX Board of Directors may add or remove any stipulations in regards to said member’s return. If the member contacts any court judges before or during the investigation, they will be automatically denied and must wait an additional 30 days before they can re-appeal. The Helix Court Judges have the right to determine what rank is suitable for the member to return, in which case the ruling will be final. Individuals who are not directly involved with a case asking for information or arguing with decisions may result in disciplinary actions.
Diplomatic Affairs Policy
Members are NOT permitted to contact any other organization or company on behalf of Helix Gaming to facilitate or discuss community operations/regulations. Report ALL questions, concerts, and comments about external organizations or their members to your Senior Leaders who will ensure the information reaches the appropriate individual(s).
Disciplinary Policy
Strike Policy: If a member breaks the Code of Conduct (mild or serious infractions), he/she will be subject to a “Strike”. A strike is valid for 365 days, after which the Strike will be removed and will no longer count towards the member.
-One Strike will result in the member being placed into the “1 Strike” Discord Role.
-Two Strikes will result in the member being placed into the “2 Strikes” Discord Role.
-Three Strikes will result in a Membership Revoke of the member.
NOTE: In certain situations, an automatic Membership Revoke may be warranted given substantial evidence and serious violations of the HLX Code of Conduct. If a member leaves because a strike was given, that member is subject to MR. Only Senior Leaders can issue a strike against a member with proper evidence. All evidence will be posted into the Strike Channel in the HLX Discord.
MEMBERSHIP REVOKE: A Membership Revoke is used when a member has severely (or continuously) broken the CoC, to the extent that senior leadership deems them entirely unfit for the community and must be removed immediately. See Membership Reinstate Policy.
The following list includes, but is not limited to, actionable offenses which may result in a member being Membership Revoked:
-Harassment (including Sexual)
-Threats of Violence (credible)
-Information Technology
-Sabotage
-Stalking
-Felonious Activity
We do NOT condone illegal activities of any sort. All are subject to immediate removal from the community.
Disciplinary Levels of Escalation: There are 4 primary disciplinary levels of escalation that must be considered when rules have been broken by a member of HLX.
-Verbal Warning: A verbal warning is a disciplinary step taken for minor offenses and breaches of CoC. Be mindful that this is meant to be the only warning necessary. An offense of the same type or nature after the member has previously been warned should automatically qualify for stronger disciplinary action. Be sure to always utilize the golden rule and select the appropriate environment to talk with a member.
-Strike: A strike is a disciplinary action recommended by Co-Division Leaders and above for conduct violations of the CoC. Strikes may also be given out in response to repeated minor conduct violations given the member has received a verbal warning for similar conduct in the past. Strikes are not meant to be given out to members that fail to properly execute the duties of their staff role.
-Membership Revoke: Only Directors and above may recommend a member for Membership Revoke. This is the absolute final step in the disciplinary process and holds much more weight than any other level. Membership Revoke recommendations are voted upon by Directors and above. Membership Revokes are meant to remove members that commit serious or repeated violations of the Code of Conduct.
Documentation that is not submitted into HLX Discord server about the strike, the strike will not adhere to the person. All information regarding the strike must be documented.
Discord Participation Policy
All members of HLX will be required to have access, in some part, to the Discord App for the sake of proper communication within and without the community. This is accessible through any smartphone, PC, laptop, and some consoles. Other Discord servers in relation to HLX shall not be created unless it is created and operated by the HLX Board of Directors.
Equal Opportunity Gamers Policy
Helix Gaming is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Community for all gamers alike. Discrimination against anyone, including but not limited to game (play/skill), race, age, sex/sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, or other personal interest, or investment, is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Helix Gaming strives to provide a community environment that is fair and equal to all of its members.
Gaming Violence Policy
HLX believes in maintaining a safe and healthy gaming experience by promoting an open, friendly, and supportive gaming environment for all its members. Violence and/or threats of violence have no place in our community. Violence and/or threats are never an effective solution to any problem. Members are expected to immediately report any violation(s) of this policy to their superior officer(s). Any member found threatening another member, will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including, Strike, Demotion, and/or Membership Revocation from HLX!
Harassment/Intimidation Policy
HLX will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of our members in any situation. Harassment is governed by state laws, which vary from state to state, but is usually defined as a course of conduct that annoys, threatens, intimidates, alarms, or puts a person in fear of their safety. Harassment is unwanted, unwelcome, and uninvited behavior that demeans threatens or offends the individual. Intimidation includes, but is not limited to, knowingly putting another person (or persons) in fear of harm to one’s physical, mental, emotional, or personal loss. Additionally, intimidating any HLX Member in any way that holds their membership, rank, or title hostage in lieu of inappropriate or non-governed performance is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Example: threatening or intimidation for more than the minimum rank or membership requirements is strictly prohibited. Violations to this policy may result in severe disciplinary action(s), including but not limited to, Revocation of your membership.
Additionally, you may even face criminal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law, should the situation provide for it.
Impersonation Policy
HLX strictly prohibits any member from impersonating or misrepresenting themselves in any way. This includes, but is not limited to, impersonation or misrepresentation of a member’s rank, department affiliation, activity completions (including testing/training), and/or military status for the purpose of manipulation or abuse of rules, policies, or special consideration(s) not deserved. HLX conveys huge respect for all those who sacrifice themselves in defense of their countries. Impersonation of any military affiliation is prohibited, and those caught violating this policy may face severe disciplinary action(s), including but not limited to, permanent revocation of your membership.
Leave of Absence (LOA) Policy
Helix Gaming carries 3 types of Leave of Absence Policies: Short-Term LOA, Long-Term LOA, and Military LOA.
Short-Term LOA: A member may request a “Short-Term” Leave of Absence from their HLX Membership at any time without denial. The member will receive an LOA, and then be subsequently relieved of their duties and responsibilities during their requested absence period. The period which qualifies as a “Short-Term” LOA is 1 to 15 days. Upon returning within the allotted time frame, the member is restored to Active Status and returned to previous duties and responsibilities in HLX. Should the member not return during the time frame, they are automatically upgraded to the “Long-Term” LOA status for the duration of the “Long-Term” time status. The member will then be removed from their role(s) in Helix until their return.
Long-Term LOA: A member may receive a “Long-Term” Leave of Absence from HLX at any time. The same rules apply from “Short-Term” LOA. The period which defines a “Long-Term” LOA is 1 to 90 days. Should a member not return from LOA within that time frame, they will be removed from HLX and considered AWOL.
Military LOA: A member may receive a “Military” Leave of Absence from HLX at any time. Military LOA is 1 to 365 days. Any member found to have falsified their military status or utilizing “Stolen Valor” for the purposes of a Military LOA, may be subject to disciplinary action(s), including but not limited to, Revocation of your membership. LOA’s are subject for reviewal if being misused or come off early.
LOA provides a needed time away for personal reasons. LOA is a consideration to its membership, which HLX recognizes, for needed time away from the community (for personal or real-life demands). If you are on LOA you are on LOA from everything related to HLX. If a member is found to be using the LOA process to shelter themselves from their responsibilities (shirking), they may face disciplinary action(s), including but not limited to, Membership Revocation.
Member Reinstate Policy
A person wishing to return to the community that has been previously Membership Revoked or has been a member of Other Clans/Communities will be evaluated by the Helix Court System.
Open Door Policy
In HLX, we wish to ensure that members of all ranks are given a path to speak to leadership. This includes, but is not limited to, topics about harassment, discrimination, and general clan questions or concerns. It is preferred that you use the Chain of Command and speak directly to the leaders placed over you. However, if after talking to your leadership you feel the need for additional discussion, you are welcome to talk with your higher leadership by sending a private message to any or all members of the XGN High Council. The Open Door Policy is not an invitation to circumvent the Chain of Command. You, as a member of HLX, must always take responsibility, knowing that circumventing the Chain of Command may result in disciplinary action. The relationship between you and your leaders will be one of the most important relationships you will have in HLX.
Real Life Policy
Real-life comes first, but not to the detriment of the community. HLX recognizes that members have a real-life presence outside of the community, and members are expected to handle their personal life first. However, the responsibilities you voluntarily accepted are still expected to be upheld. If you cannot uphold your duties, then either do not accept, or please surrender the responsibility. Be aware that all requirements of staff members within HLX will take a certain amount of your time away from your gaming and/or personal life. This is voluntary. DO NOT accept a staff position if you will not be able to meet those requirements.
Sevens (7) Policy
The symbol of the number Seven (7) is given to Leaders in Helix Gaming that have shown good leadership skills, commitment, and loyalty to the community. Those who acquire the 7 will do so to pay respect to the many leaders of HLX that come before them and set and example of excellence.
Slander Policy
Slander is the oral communication of false statements that are harmful to a person’s reputation. Libel is the written or printed communication of false statements through words, pictures, or any form other than spoken words or gestures. Defamation is the communication of a false statement, or claim, which harms the reputation of an individual person or group. If the statements are proven to be true, it is a complete defense to a charge of slander. Oral opinions that don’t contain statements of fact don’t constitute slander. Slander is also defined as an act of communication that causes someone to be shamed, ridiculed, held in contempt, and lowered in the estimation of the community. The basic elements of a claim of slander include: A defamatory statement Published to third parties Where the speaker or publisher knew or should have known, that a statement(s) was false.
Social Media Policy
HLX is a gaming community as well as a social media community. We handle official business on multiple platforms. We also support the gaming app, Discord, for all chats outside of the console/forums as well as other social media platforms including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. All members will still be subject to all HLX policies and the Code of Conduct on any account linked with the HLX brand. For example, any private account on any social media is private; however, any account with HLX or is linked to the community in the name or day-to-day activity is considered your Helix Gaming account. Any chat holding more than 10 members with HLX accounts will be considered an unofficial HLX chat and will be shut down immediately as we have provided sanctioned Discord chats for every member (This means all HLX business is to be handled within HLX provided discord channels.) Any breach of this policy will have consequences. While HLX does support the separation of community business and personal affairs, if an account is to be personal it is expected to not involve community affairs. If a personal account is known to belong to a member and is found to be disrespecting, slandering, or defaming another member, it will be subject to the terms outlined in the HLX Policies and Code of Conduct.
Statement of Neutrality
HLX is a Neutral/Non-Aggressive Gaming Entity. We neither condone, nor participate, in hostile activities including, but not limited to, Poaching, Clan-Hitting, or Public Defamation. We are a friendly and safe gaming community that works vigorously to encourage and maintain a safe and positive gaming environment for gamers around the world. HLX does NOT accept members of any other organized gaming group. All former members of another team must meet the standards and follow the process listed in the Code of Conduct rule #4 as well as the “Training” policy. Additionally, recruits may not be recruited into HLX within 30 days of previous membership of any gamer community, or clan including those within HLX. NOTE: All recruits of HLX must NOT have another organized gaming group within their platform name and must NOT be permitted to join the community until they have changed said username.