This document is a draft of a code of conduct for [[NASPA]] members that will take effect on July 1st, 2009.
On that date, it will replace the [[Behavior Policy]].
== Behavior Contrary to the Integrity of the SCRABBLE Game ==
The favorable reputations of [[SCRABBLE]]® Brand Crossword Game and the North American SCRABBLE Players Association (NASPA) are valuable assets. They create tangible benefits for all NASPA members.
SCRABBLE players and officials serve as ambassadors for the game. Accordingly, everyone involved in organized SCRABBLE is obligated to refrain from engaging in conduct or behavior detrimental to the integrity of SCRABBLE when attending a [[club or tournament]] or [[club]]. SCRABBLE participants should also strive to present a positive image during events even when they are away from the tournament area, in such places as restaurants or hotels.
Players and directors are also responsible for ensuring that their friends, spouses, relatives, and other associates who attend events with them do not negatively disrupt the event or impede officials from doing their jobs at SCRABBLE events.
A SCRABBLE event should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Behavior that is deemed harmful to this objective will not be tolerated. Players are obligated to inform club and tournament and club directors about any incidents which are detrimental to the positive atmosphere at a SCRABBLE event. In order to create a pleasant atmosphere at SCRABBLE events, the following guidelines have been established.
[[Directors]] shall issue penalties when any of the following transgressions occur:
=== Classification 1 Code Violations ===
Players shall not at any time engage in behavior that intimidates, threatens, or harassess fellow players, club officials or tournament officials. This includes (but is not limited to) sexual harassment, stalking, confrontational or antisocial behavior, spoken or written threats, or any other malicious acts that can reasonably be perceived as intimidation.
Directors are empowered to remove and disqualify any player from a club or tournament or club who behaves in the aforementioned manner. NASPA has the right to suspend and/or revoke the membership of any player deemed guilty of such a transgression.
==== a. Cheating ====
Players at SCRABBLE clubs and tournaments and clubs are honor-bound not to cheat. Cheating is a serious infraction that cannot be tolerated. Those who are caught cheating at a tournament will be immediately ejected and disqualified from the event. Any prize money will also be forfeited.
Acts of cheating can include (but are not limited to)