The Sith Dynasty Code of Conduct

Laws, by-laws, protocol and code of conduct as ratified in 2023.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Lucas film acknowledges the Sith Dynasty. As such we portray and represent Star Wars characters to the public, with Star Wars being the acknowledged and legal sole property of Disney and LFL, the proprietor of all things Star Wars.

Meaning of the Code of Conduct

Professionalism by our members will be paramount. The professional conduct of our members is nonnegotiable and is expected.

  1. Whatever is stated or whatever happens between our members and others outside of our personal club space, is none of our business. If a Sith Dynasty member is found to be slandering another club within their own personal speech or upon their personal social media pages, the Sith Dynasty will not intervene. In those cases, it becomes a matter of the individuals or club involved, and outside of the personal domain of the Sith Dynasty.
  2. Sith Dynasty has a zero-tolerance policy for such actions taking place within any of our personal domains, to include official club events, our website, and social media pages. This includes any such behavior within a members private PM box within our clubs social media pages. No verbal or slanderous statements will be tolerated. Please take any drama outside of club confines.
  3. Sith Dynasty maintains that what our members do outside of official club capacity is none of our concern, we do maintain that while in an official club capacity (meaning at our club events or upon our club website Discord, or social media sites) there is a zero tolerance policy for bashing or slandering of our members, other clubs or their membership. This protocol especially pertains to the Disney Corporation and Lucasfilm Limited. In circumstances such as proven harassment, slander, bullying in any form, or drama of any kind upon the "clubs social media sites", or "during any of our approved events", there may arise a need for intervention and or disciplinary action.

Personal Speech and Private Matters

  1. Following Protocol Deals With Cases Of Disputes Occurring Between Our Members, Or Our Members And Members Of Other Clubs. This Protocol Also Includes Disputes In Or Outside Of Approved Events, Or Disputes Upon Our Website Discord And Social Media Outlets. This protocol also includes slanderous speech towards other clubs.
    1. Although we monitor our Social Media outlets and Discord Channels for improper post content and will delete anything of a personal dispute nature creating drama upon any of our public outreach sites, we do not monitor the personal and private speech of our membership.
    2. We do not become involved in the personal and private disputes and matters of our membership and others.
    3. We do not monitor the private speech nor opinions voiced by our members in any capacity.
    4. We believe that taking those kinds of actions to be an infringement upon a persons individual rights to freedom of speech, and the ability to settle personal problems as adults.
    5. We do not see ourselves as having a moral nor legal responsibility to reach into the lives of others.
    6. We do not have the right to reach into the personal affairs of our membership.

General

  1. While taking part in Sith Dynasty events and activities, members shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
  2. Sith Dynasty has a zero-tolerance policy on bullying, harassment, slander, violence and/or threats of violence against its members, other club members or event guests. Members shall not harass or mistreat fellow members or any event participant. This includes any and all touching of persons, without express permission, and/or groping of other members or event participants. Any violation this rule will be an automatic suspension.
  3. Members are encouraged to bring forth any concerns regarding criminal, inappropriate conduct, or behavior detrimental to the Dynasty directly to the Vanguard Team or the HDLMV. Information regarding illegal or inappropriate activity regarding members of Sith Dynasty are subject to review by the HDLMV, XO, Emperor and High Council and may lead to membership revocation and reported LFL and to the appropriate outside agencies.
  4. Members shall not participate in political, religious or protestation gatherings or make related statements or gestures while representing Sith Dynasty in or out of costume or while displaying Sith Dynasty merchandise.
  5. No Sith Dynasty Member, other than the High Dark Lord Galactic Intel Inquisitor (HDLGII), shall contact Lucasfilm Ltd. or The Walt Disney Company on behalf of the Sith Dynasty.

Professionalism

  1. Members shall conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner towards fellow members, persons, premises and property while representing Sith Dynasty in and/or out of costume, in support roles, or while wearing or displaying Sith Dynasty merchandise.
  2. Members shall not participate in any event while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or illegal substances and shall not use or consume alcohol, marijuana or illegal substances while participating in events.
  3. Members shall maintain a socially acceptable standard of personal hygiene while representing Sith Dynasty.
  4. Members shall not use tobacco products in view of guests while participating in Sith Dynasty events and shall respect venue rules/regulations regarding prohibition of and/or designated areas for smoking or vaping.

Event Safety

  1. The safety, health and well-being of members of Sith Dynasty are of the highest importance. Members are encouraged to participate at events with regard for their own safety and personal needs and to take breaks as needed, stop when needed, ask for assistance when needed and maneuver at venues at a safety level comfortable for them.
  2. Members are fully authorized to terminate an event if conditions appear to be unsafe or uncomfortable, whether due to the physical environment or conduct of event guests or hosts, etc.
  3. Members are entitled to request law enforcement, medical assistance, security aid or other authority at any time deemed appropriate while participating in an event.
  4. Members who carry and display lightsabers, props and prop weapons must interact with event guests and fellow cosplayers with regard to the safety of persons and property.
  5. Members wearing costumes, carrying equipment and moving amongst guests and fellow cosplayers must do so with regard to the safety of persons and property.

Props, Prop Weapons and Poses

  1. Members shall respect all LFL/Disney and event/venue directives posted regarding display of lightsabers, props and prop weapons.
  2. Members who carry and display lightsabers, props and prop weapons must interact with event guests and fellow cosplayers with regard to the safety of persons and property.
  3. While representing Sith Dynasty, members shall not engage in lightsaber or prop weapon choreography demonstrations or swing or handle any lightsabers, props or prop weapons in a manner depicting combat in crowded or confined areas.
  4. When posing with lightsabers, props or prop weapons for combat scenes during photography, members must handle their lightsabers, props or prop weapons with regard to the safety of all persons and property at all times.
  5. Members may safely display "force" movements, gestures and reactions during photography and for entertainment purposes but not directly at any event participant.
  6. If an event involves a skit or other controlled costume display or activity, such as at a sporting event half-time, members may safely display lightsabers as part of the performance but shall not engage in lightsaber dueling or striking apart from slow, controlled pressing of blades against blades as part of the choreographed performance. Actions involving prop blasters shall not be part of any performance. Pikes or staffs may be displayed if cosplayers are clearly posing apart from the main action depicting "spectators" and shall limit waving of pikes and staffs to vertical lifts when safely away from other participants.
  7. At no time will cosplayers be photographed stabbing, slashing or pointing in a violent manner lightsabers, physical force chokes, or pointing blasters directly at event guests.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Violations*

  1. The SD Vanguards are tasked with collectively reviewing complaints or concerns involving member behavior, matters of misconduct or activities deviating from Sith Dynasty bylaws or ethics. Such matters may be brought to their attention by Dynasty officials, Dynasty members, outside sources or may be personally observed by the Vanguards. In all instances where vanguards are aware of such matters, vanguards must take action.
  2. Incidents shall be reviewed collectively by the appointed vanguard team. All incidents known and/or being reviewed by the vanguards shall be reported to the HDLMV.
  3. Incidents can be settled within a private council between the HDLMV and the parties involved, or tribunal between the accused, accuser and the two members of the vanguard team with the HDLMV as moderator. If taken to a tribunal, disciplinary actions will be decided upon by the HDLMV, XO and Emperor. The nature and severity of the offense will decide the nature and severity of the disciplinary action taken.
  4. If incidents are found to be substantiated as violations by the HDLMV they will recommend sanctions to the XO, Emperor and HC. If there is overwhelming evidence of egregious misconduct or repeated reports from any persons, either inside/outside the dynasty or event participants, against any member of the Sith Dynasty the XO and Emperor will adjudicate said offense(s) and determine the sentencing, up to and including banishment from the dynasty.

    Violation Sentences:

    1. First offense: Verbal warning and suspension of social media privileges for two months.
    2. Second offense: Written warning and suspension from merchandise purchases, and social media for a period of four months.
    3. Third offense: Suspension from ALL Dynasty activities for a period of six months.
    4. Fourth and final offense, removal from Sith Dynasty if recommended by the HDLMV, XO, or Emperor and approved by the High Council.
  5. If violations are found to be immoral, unethical, or criminal, the HDLMV reserves the right to immediately remove members from the Sith Dynasty.
  6. If the temple vanguard is unable to directly handle an incident or complaint, they shall inform the HDLMV who is tasked with making final decisions on disciplinary matters.
  7. Any findings of misconduct, where removal from the Dynasty is approved, shall be reported to Lucasfilm Ltd. by the HDLGII and, in instances where discipline matters cannot be directly handled by the Sith Dynasty due to the severity, such incidents shall be reported to Lucasfilm Ltd.
  8. Officials of Sith Dynasty may find it necessary or appropriate to forward complaints of conduct to appropriate outside agencies.

* The Sith Dynasty and our vanguard team cannot foresee nor list every situation or grievance which may arise. The High Council of The Sith Dynasty and our Vanguard Team will review each new situation as it arises and determine which category each occurrence should be placed on a case-by-case basis.

Appeal Process

  1. Any member who is found to have committed a violation and wishes to appeal this finding shall contact the Dynasty Executive Officer. XO will collectively review the findings of the HDLMV and consider the totality of the circumstances. The Emperor will then consider the XO's recommendations and make the final decision whether to uphold the imposed disciplinary action or set aside the sentencing. The accused member will be notified in writing of the outcome of the appeal.

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

It is important to remember that our primary focus for public appearance attendance is at venues where children will be present. This includes Conventions.

  1. Therefore, this club has A Zero-Tolerance Policy for accepting Anyone With A Sex Crime Conviction. The situation involving the sex crime conviction will 'NOT' be considered for a continued Membership or club participation waiver. The law is the law, and LFL/Disney nor the justice system will excuse any action this club takes to forgive someone based upon their personal story of injustice.
  2. Being discovered to have a Sex Crime Conviction will result in an immediate removal from the club. The removal will be permanent and include all Official Social Media Capacities. You will not be allowed to be in or around club events, and if discovered there, it will be reported to the authorities. Your Designation number will be retained, however, within a retired status. You will no longer be able to participate or associate with our club in any way. Not under any circumstances.
  3. If later you are relieved of said conviction and desire reinstatement to the Dynasty, you must first supply legal documentation of innocence. If said documentation is presented, your social media privileges will be reinstated as a dynasty member. If said documentation is submitted, and if a year has elapsed since your removal, you will be required to re-submit your costume for approval. At that time, you will be reinstated as an Official Member with full rights and privileges. Suppose said documentation is presented, and it has been less than a year since your dismissal. In that case, you will immediately be re-instated as an Official Member with full rights and privileges.
  4. If you are charged with any crime, regardless of its severity, you will be relegated as an inactive member until your trial has been completed. You will not be allowed to troop until a verdict has been rendered. We apologize for this strict rule. It must be upheld.