The purpose of this document is to provide suggestions for a small SM event. The intent is to safeguard attendees' privacy, reduce civil liability for event organizers, and to establish a procedure in the case of a visit by local authorities.

Setting:

• The entryway (where attendees would sign waivers, etc.) should not be in sight of play areas. This should be strictly enforced. A visibility barrier (sheet, movable wall, etc.) should be in place unless, the play areas (and possibly social areas) are not within sight of this entry room.
• The entryway should be "defined". In other words, sectioned off, or its purpose made very clear that it is a business area - not a social or play space.
• Ideally, a peephole or window (covered with a curtain) would allow the person answering the door to see who is there prior to opening it.
• The entry door should be monitored at all times.
• If you lock the entry door, you may be violating the fire code. (Unless it is equipped with an emergency egress push handle on the interior.)

For a double door entryway (preferred):

• The entryway (where attendees would sign waivers, etc.) should be contained in the space between the doors. This should be strictly enforced.
• No social or play activities should take place in this entry area.
• Ideally, the inner door would have an electronic lock - controlled by persons manning the sign-in desk.
• The entry door should be monitored at all times.
• If you lock the entry door, you may be violating the fire code. (Unless it is equipped with an emergency egress push handle on the interior.)

     

• Post your rules where you can't miss them, possibly in several places. (Handing a copy to each attendee is even better.)
• Consider posting an Event Description / Disclaimer in the entry area. This helps to ensure that anyone entering knows what type of event they are entering
• Highly visible area where emergency supplies are located.
• Items should include:
• First Aid Kit, Paramedic Shears, Bolt Cutter, Fire Extinguisher

Door Answering Procedure for Non-Scene Friendly or Unknown Areas:

Designated Door People:

• "Door People" are the only ones other than "Persons With Authority" to greet people at the door.
• They would exercise the groups attendance procedure (check ID, have waivers signed, etc.)
• If law enforcement or other authority arrives:
• Go outside, and close the door behind you.
• Ask if you can be of assistance. Try to resolve the issue there.
• If they want entry advise them that you do not have the authority to grant entry and that you will go get a person that does.
• Leave the officer outside while you get a "Person With Authority".
• If the officer does not want to wait, do not block his/her entry (obstructing justice).
• Regardless if the officer waits or not, attempt to stop all play and get everyone dressed as soon as possible.
• Locate a "Person With Authority" as soon as possible, and let that person talk to the officer.

Person With Authority:

• A "Person With Authority" are the only ones with the authority to grant someone entry. (property owner, rentor, lessor, or manager type people)
• Go outside to talk with the officer if possible. Try to resolve it there.
• If entry is required, attempt to secure time for people to dress, etc.

Disclaimer: The material presented during this presentation is not offered as legal advice. Many options are suggested for dealing with law enforcement and other authorities. The best course of action for you to take in a given situation is dependent on that situation and is entirely up to the parties involved. No single option is always going to work. Remember that situations, laws, and attitudes will vary from place to place and from time to time.

Web Questions - Email our Webmaster