All attendees and players at this year's Southern Hemisphere Pinball Championships (and all other affiliated events throughout the weekend) will be expected to adhere to IFPA Christchurch's official code of conduct. It's simple really - be kind and respectful and we'll all have a great time. A huge thanks to our mate and beloved Wolfpack member Andy Chapman for putting the code together!

For the continued enjoyment of all players, especially younger and newer players, please read the below so we can provide a happy, social environment for everyone.

Because despite what the 'Wolfpack' label may suggest, we're not animals!

IFPA Christchurch is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We are trying to grow our community, and it is imperative that we clearly define acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in order to honour the vision and values to make our tournaments fun, safe, and successful.

Harassment and hostility will not be tolerated. We strive to create an accepting environment and do not allow harassment, cheating, or arguing with officials, hosts or competitors. Additionally, harassment, cheating or poor behaviour transpiring in any pinball event, may be subject to the same repercussions discussed below.

IFPA CHRISTCHURCH CODE OF CONDUCT

WHY DO WE NEED A CODE OF CONDUCT?

Check it out! Here we see four happy pinballers who played well, had fun and followed the code! Do you too wish to be this stoked? Read on to find out how!

Aggression Toward Inanimate Objects

Abusive handling of machines, outside the parameters of normal play, during league or tournament play is grounds for a warning. Destruction or damage to tournament property or the property of other players is also grounds for a warning. Repeated warnings can lead to more severe consequences such as ejection or permanent ban. Pinball machines are expensive and often difficult to fix, please respect our host’s property and the privilege we are granted by being invited to play their machines.

Interactions with tournament Officials

Any player who behaves rudely or inappropriately toward tournament directors or supporting staff may be warned, disqualified or asked to leave the tournament or league play, at the tournament director’s discretion. Tournament director rulings are final and always in the best interest of fair play.

Please remember that your tournament directors have experience and also have an official set of rules that they are making rulings from. You cannot win a rule argument with a tournament director as they are simply an extension of IFPA rules that were written long ago and inherently agreed upon when you participate in an IFPA Christchurch event.

Being a Good Sport

Win gracefully, lose gracefully, and don’t take competition too seriously. No cheating of any kind will be accepted. Excessive gloating, pouting, or complaining makes you look bad and interferes with other players’ enjoyment. Being an excessively poor sport to the extent that it impacts the play or enjoyment of other players may result in warnings or disqualification.

Acceptance of Rules and Policies

By participating in organised / IFPA events, players are affirming that they will abide by the rules of behavioural expectations. If a player has received warning(s) for violating the player code of conduct, they may be subject to expulsion from the tournament or becoming barred from tournament play.

Note: These rules are based on, and are an extension of, the PAPA/IFPA Competition Rules applied throughout New Zealand.

The Professional & Amateur Pinball Association / International Flipper Pinball Association Complete Competition Rules can be found here: https://www.ifpapinball.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PAPA_IFPA-Complete-Competition-Rules-2023.09.pdf