PÕQ Clan Charter

Since the PÕQ Clan is massive in size, we feel it is necessary to set out a clear set of rules and guidelines for how we expect our members to conduct themselves, what is expected of them, and how they will benefit as a member. This might sound simple and/or obvious, but these are important things to remember as a member of this clan.

"Being a Member"

When you’re in-game, it is expected that you are working toward the goal the team is trying to accomplish, not just trying to get the most kills (excluding slayer). There are many people who play online games who believe they are heroes. Some of them are genuinely good at playing Halo however; we are not in the clan to elevate any specific individuals to a higher level than the clan as a whole.

“Treat Others With Respect, Integrity, Honesty And Friendship"

An important element as a member of this Clan is respect. If you don't respect your fellow clan mate, then how can you expect others to respect you? This goes for the people we play with as much as your fellow clan mates. Online gaming attracts trash talking and animosity, but we should always try to rise above it and continue to treat fellow players and opponents with respect. Remember that you are representing the clan as a whole whenever you play in public wearing the clan tags. Even if you are playing under a pseudonym, poor behavior has a habit of coming back to haunt you. Getting kicked or banned under a pseudonym can still have repercussions

We expect honesty and integrity in our membership. It is very important that everyone within the clan can share their honest opinion with each other in a respectful constructive way. Honesty is important for the friendships we have within the clan, so if you don't feel you can be honest with us then this clan is not for you. Gaming online provides a sense of anonymity, however words are powerful and feelings can be injured easily. Be mindful of your tone so as not to offend anyone, including guests who visit our servers often. Do not think that there will not be consequences for one’s actions in-game.

Clan Rules

1. Recruitment

Clan Membership Types: All clan members must be at least 16 years of age to be considered for Regular Clan Status. We have recently included a Junior PõQ~ group to our clan. They are recognized by their tags PõQ~. The process for being accepted for our PõQ~Juniors differs a little from that of the regular membership. A separate leadership team mentors younger players leading them into Regluar Clan Status when they reach 16 years of age. Our requirements and standards have not been relaxed to accommodate their young age. Rather, we have introduced the PPS (PÕQ Player Squad) where young players can play with other PÕQ members and be evaluated prior to being accepted into the clan. We believe that all PÕQ members should be of high caliber in both skill and team sportsmanship. Junior PõQ members are expected and encouraged to represent the PÕQ Clan as any other regular member would.

Attitude: All recruits must demonstrate a good attitude and friendly personality, since by joining the PÕQ~Clan they will become our representative in the games they play and their conduct and behavior will be under close scrutiny. If a member acts in an inappropriate manner, or breaks clan rules, then that member will be removed from the clan.

Single Membership: All members are encouraged to be solely committed to the PÕQ~Clan, and should not play for any other Halo PC clans. While this is not strictly enforced, your enrollment in any additional clan shows you are not dedicated to the PÕQ~Clan and you will be overlooked whenever nominations are made for Administrators.

2. Communication

In order for this clan to work properly, communication is vital. Just as we expect people to be honest, we feel it is important that our members are able to express their feelings and thoughts to each other. All our members communicate regularly through a program called Xfire and our Clan Forums. You need to have Xfire installed, and be registered on the forums so that you can communicate with us. We expect you to check our clan forum regularly for news, announcements, events and general updates.

When playing in clan servers or clan sponsored games, it is expected that you will use your appropriate clan tag. On occasion, you notice a Leader or Administrator not wearing their tags. In these cases, these individuals may be involved in recruitment or investigating other issues.

3. Teamwork, Fair Play and Clan Activity

As a member of the PÕQ~Clan you are at all times an ambassador for the clan. This means that your behavior must at all times reflect the values of the clan. This goes beyond your attitude and friendliness towards other clan members and members of the public and extends to how you play on clan servers.

As a clan we are more interested in playing games to enjoy them and work as a team than for anybody's individual personal glory. This means that we expect members to play for the team regardless of if they are playing in a clan practice, a match or on a public server. So long as you are representing the clan, you should always carry our values with you.

Cheating is something that we as a clan will not tolerate. If it is discovered that you are using any aimbots or hacks, you will be expelled from the clan immediately without exception.

Minimum Game Play: Although there is no official requirement for you to play, it is requested that members play regularly (minimum of 1 hour a week) in order for us to maintain a decent level of teamwork and skill level. Members who log the least amount of hours are unlikely to be picked for scrimmages and battles. Remember that Xfire tracks everyone’s in-game hours. 

AFK? We know that many of you are involved in schooling, or various job activities that occasionally may keep you from playing for extended amounts of time. Halo is just a game. If you feel you need to take a short leave from gaming and the clan, just let us know by posting on the Inactive section of our forums, accessible from our home page. Even if you decide to become inactive, you would be welcome to stay in touch with us and visit the forums; becoming busy doesn't mean you have to abandon your friends. We do send out activity checks via e-mail on occasion. If you have been unresponsive for 6 weeks, giving us no reason for your absence, we will assume you have chosen to leave and your name will be deleted from the member’s list and clan sites.

If your reasons for leaving are related to the clan itself, then we ask that you talk to a leader beforehand, so that we can resolve the problems (if we can).

Activity: To be considered active you must visit the forums regularly and contribute in posting, be active in halo, and on Xfire. Should you be Inactive for a period of 35 days or more, you can be removed from the clan. Unless prior notification of absence was made.

4. Clan Resources

Web: We have a clan website, http://www.poqclan.com/. The website includes clan information, a member’s roster, forums for discussion, message board, challenge us link and an online application page.

The clan Xfire page is located at, http://www.xfire.com/clans/poqclan/. The page includes a news center, postings for events, and additional forums for discussion. 

The clan e-mail is contact.poq@gmail.com

Servers: This clan handles 10 servers for the enjoyment of our members, and the halo community. These maps are typically highly modded, making the game experience different than on any other similar maps. Almost all of these servers are open to the public. Most players are here to have fun, but there are some who cheat, are abusive, or just can’t help but to use foul language. These are not the kinds of players we want on our servers. If these types of players cannot be persuaded into better game etiquette with warnings, then it may be necessary to kick, or even ban them from the server. 

5. Game Server Rules: The following rules apply to ALL members of this clan.

Do not swear, do not type in caps, and do not insult any player in any way. Instead, say nice shot, etc. Also say good game, or something similar at the end of the game. Basically, be a good sport.

Do not "Team Kill" or "Betray" anyone, even if they took your flag, or even if they have betrayed you before. If they keep doing this then you can kick them from the server. Or, if you don't have the power to do so, than just wait until they team kill 6 times, then they will be auto banned. Do not encourage people to team kill you so that they will get banned.

If the teams are uneven, then switch to the team that has the least amount of players. DO NOT stay, or switch to the team that has the most players. This will just uneven out the game and make it worse.

Any issue you have with another clan member should never be handled in a server. Any problems will be addressed outside of the game either by Xfire or e-mail. Insulting or arguing with another clan member in a server is punishable by either probation or expulsion from clan. No clan member should ever disrespect another within a server.

6. Discipline and leaving the clan

Although the clan is and always will remain a group of friends and a social gathering, it cannot exist without the rules discussed above. As such, it must be remembered that breaking these rules will not be without consequences.

The following offences are considered gross misconduct and will be punished by immediate dismissal from the clan:

• Use of aimbots, cheats, hacks or glitching or any code which is considered illegal in professional gaming circles.

• Failure to take part in clan activities for 35 days without first announcing their intention to take a break.

• Posting or reproducing internal clan information to individuals or other websites outside the clan without express permission or arrangement.

• Repeated severe bad behavior in contravention of the rules stated above concerning teamwork, fair play and mutual respect

7. Hierarchy and the Decision-Making

Although PÕQ~Clan is for the most part a friendly and democratic clan, in order to ensure the security of the clan, websites and servers, an element of hierarchy is necessary. However, there are certain decisions which the top level of clan members will have supreme authority to dictate.

Leaders: This clan is run by 6 Leaders and 3 Junior Leaders. These leaders administrate the websites, the servers and maps. This group also organizes clan events, accepts new applicants, as well as makes all major decisions for the clan.

Administrators: (along with leaders) are entrusted with rcon codes to our servers so they can monitor game play and handle player issues on the servers. Administrators are held in high regard and they are frequently involved in dealing with many clan issues.

Members: are here to enforce the rules, and play the game they love. They’re also included in group chats, and other clan events. 

Juniors: along with members enforce the rules, and included in all clan events.

Promotion: One of the privileges of being a member in good standing is having access to the rcon codes of the servers to help us police them. Basic membership in the clan does not include this. Only Leaders and Administrators have access to the rcon codes. Having rcon codes are a privilege and this information is distributed by leaders only. Any other clan member discovered to be distributing rcon codes or are in possession of rcon codes without permission are breeching clan security and will be subject to discipline at the leader’s discretion. Members must be in the clan for at minimum of 2 months and have proven themselves to hold fast to all of our rules before even being considered for CEM, the formal process leading to receiving Admin. privileges. Given the number of members in the clan, making 2 months in the clan does not mean you will be promoted automatically. Just as there is a long list of players who want to get into our clan, there is also a long list of members who want to be promoted to Administrators.

8. Conclusion

Being a member of the PÕQ is more than wearing the tag of an elite group of gamers. PÕQ is a Clan where people can meet, share, grow, experience, and appreciate life from different perspectives as we reach into many global communities. Take the time to live and learn and enjoy a game that is just fun to play!

By applying to join the clan it is assumed you have read, understood and agree to the rules in this charter

Ignorance never excuses poor behavior.