Esports Policies

Membership Activation

Membership is considered to be activated once payment has been received. On activation, there is implied acceptance of the University’s general liability waiver and agreement to abide by all Cal Esports policies and the Cal Esports Code of Conduct.

 

Membership Benefits

Cal Esports members have access to all Cal Esports facilities and free group events (space permitting). Members are also eligible to purchase certain Cal Esports programs, products, and services at discounted member rates.

Cal Esports members also have access to otherwise inaccessible content in certain games, such as the League Unlocked feature in League of Legends. Ask staff for more information.

Access to the Cal Esports Community Center may be limited during special events. This will always be communicated prior to the event through our website or other forms of social media.

 

Cancellations & Refunds

Day Passes are non-refundable. Semester Passes are refundable up until the first day of the semester in question.

Refundable cancellations may be requested within 5 days from (not including Sundays or holidays) date of purchase.

Exceptions for members within the 4-month commitment period include medical (with doctor’s note) or relocation more than 25 miles outside the area (proof of relocation must been provided).

No refunds will be given for loss of membership privileges due to breach of the Facility Policies (see below).

 

Event Access

Unless otherwise specified, a Cal Esports Membership gives full access to any event held in the Cal Esports Community Center or elsewhere hosted through Cal Esports. This includes but is not limited to watch parties, club meetings, and professional workshops.

Some events such as tournaments may include additional fees. This will always be communicated prior to the event through our website or other forms of social media.

 

Day Pass

A day pass grants access to the Cal Esports Center accounts for the duration of that day. This can include workshops, tournaments, or other events that would be included in the standard membership package.

Cal Esports

We value your membership and are committed to providing a safe and friendly environment for your gaming needs. Cal Esports staff reserves the right to amend facility guidelines and has the final say in rule enforcement. Failure to comply with rules may result in temporary or permanent loss of membership and legal action.

Building policies and rules are applicable to all activity areas, offices, public areas, and Cal Esports event locations. Some areas have additional policies, listed below.

 

Bags and Personal Belongings

Please keep all of your personal belongings within reach or under your desk at all times. Food and drink are not allowed near the computers.

 

Bicycles and Pets

Bicycles, mopeds, roller skates/blades, skateboards, or animals — other than mobility guides for the disabled — are not allowed within our facilities.

 

Children

Children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult while within the Cal Esports Community Center.

 

Photography and Video

Photography or video shooting is prohibited at the Cal Esports Center without prior department and campus approval. This rule is in place to protect the privacy of our members.

 

Smoking

Smoking, vaping, and all tobacco/drug use is not permitted within any facility at any time.

 

Violators

All persons using the facilities are subject to the rules and regulations of the University of California and Cal Esports. Violators will be removed and access revoked.

 

Gaming Equipment

All Cal Esports peripherals, PCs, chairs, and connected hardware is not to be removed from each PC station or altered in any way. Failure to comply will result in a warning or access revoked.

 

Time Limits

During periods of high traffic, users may be required to be removed from their PC station to accommodate other users at the discretion of staff. Please email calesports@berkeley.edu if you have any questions.

 

Beverages and Food

No food is allowed within the Cal Esports Community Center. Only water in a sealed container is allowed, and must be kept on the floor.

 

Attire

Clothing and footwear must be worn at all times.

 

Etiquette

If you change any settings with a monitor or the hardware configuration, please return it to how you originally found it.

If a user brings their own peripherals, they must take them with them at the end of their gameplay session.

All original peripherals must be plugged back in properly before leaving.

 

Prohibited Behavior

Excessive Volume and Disorderly Conduct is prohibited. Aggressive Behavior and excessive swearing fall under the definition of Disorderly Conduct. Damaging any of the equipment or harassing the other patrons will result in the removal of the offender from the center.

Verbal or physical abuse, to participants or staff, and physical abuse to property are not allowed. Aggressive behavior will result in immediate dismissal from the facility and can result in loss of membership privileges and legal action.

 

Cleanliness

Any trash must be thrown away in a trash can before entering the center or in a bin at front desk.

 

Fighting

Spirited competition is encouraged, but please refrain from using heavy profanity and always show the same courtesy and respect for those around you that you would expect in return. Fighting and/or inappropriate behavior at the discretion of the staff will lead to immediate removal from the building.

 

Equipment Set-Up and Take-Down

Cal Esports supervisors and employees will be responsible for set-up and take-down of all equipment. Only authorized personnel will be permitted to access the equipment and its storage.

 

Safety and Wellness

If during gameplay you experience any physical discomfort or strain, please take a break and consider accessing the Tang Center for an evaluation.

If any equipment feels uncomfortable or needs adjustment, speak with a staff member for assistance.

 

Reservations

Reservations for the Broadcast Center should be made by emailing calesports@berkeley.edu. Please refer to our Broadcast Center Policies for more information.

No reservations are needed for regular play, drop-ins are welcome.

 

Eligibility

Only eligible Cal Esports Community Center users ( Cal Esports members, Day Pass users and Competitive Cal Esports Teams) are able to use the Cal Esports Community Center.

 

Club Storage

Club equipment storage is available upon request while space is available.

 

Assistance

Please ask a Front Desk staff member for assistance if you have any questions.

 

Ergonomics Suggestions

Safe and proper use of equipment is required at all times.

Adjust the monitor casing to be 2-3″ above eye level.

Adjust seat to have armrests level with the height of the desk.

 

Exit Policies

All participants must enter and exit through designated doors. Inappropriate use of fire exits will result in possible ban. Please keep all fire lanes and walkways clear from obstructions.

 

Team Training Times

Any Cal Esports Team or Player who wants to reserve space at the center must have their Team Captain email calesports@berkeley.edu at least 24 hours in advance with a request.

 

Rule Enforcement

Cal Esports staff reserves the right to amend facility guidelines and has the final say in rule enforcement. Failure to comply with any rules may result in temporary or permanent loss of membership and legal action.

 

ggLeap

ggLeap is the software service Cal Esports utilizes as a user interface for all Cal Esports computers.

All users are required to make a ggLeap account to access games and services. A ggLeap account is free and comes with a Cal Esports membership. Cal Esports staff will assist you on site with creating a ggLeap account when you are purchasing a membership or a day pass. If you purchase online, you will create your ggLeap account during your first visit to the center.

 

Content Awareness Agreement

Some content in games at the Cal Esports Community Center may be offensive to some users. Please consult the Entertainment Software Rating Board's official content ratings for games at the Cal Esports Community Center for a guide. All games are approved for users above the age of 17.

Broadcast Room Conduct Agreement

 

Reservations

Cal Student Membership is required to reserve the Broadcast Center. The member who made the reservation must be present at all times. Non-members participating in a broadcast are required to purchase a guest pass.

Reservations for the Broadcast Center should be made by emailing calesports@berkeley.edu. Please include your name, proposed date, proposed streaming schedule, the games/software you would like to use, and any special accommodations.

The Broadcast Center can be reserved up to one calendar week in advance.

Goal

The Cal Esports Program values diversity and seeks to create a safe and fun environment that is accessible to all members of the Cal Community.

 

Inclusivity Policy

In keeping with the University’s policy of nondiscrimination, Cal Esports does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth and medical conditions related thereto, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. The Cal Esports Program supports and values an individual’s right to access facilities, programs, and services in accordance with the University Nondiscrimination Policy

The Inclusivity Policy supports the University’s policy of nondiscrimination. The policy states:

The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State Law, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth and medical conditions related thereto, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran.

Computer Use Policy

The Cal Esports Community Center is dedicated to providing opportunities for students to play games together, compete, learn, and thrive in an inclusive environment built for both casual and competitive gamers. All UC Berkeley Information Security Policies will be followed.

 

Rights and Responsibilities

Computers and networks can provide access to resources on and off campus, as well as the ability to communicate with other users worldwide. Such open access is a privilege, and requires that individual users act responsibly. Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.

System administrators may access user files as required to protect the integrity of the computer systems. User data stored on any of the Cal Esports Community Center computers may be subject to search or removal following center policy if the user or files are suspected of misuse, corruption, or damage. Files may be subject to search under court order.

 

Existing Legal Context

All existing laws (federal and state) and University regulations and policies apply, including not only those laws and regulations that are specific to computers and networks, but also those that may apply generally to personal conduct.

Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in the restriction of computing privileges. Additionally, misuse can be prosecuted under applicable statutes. Users may be held accountable for their conduct under any applicable University or campus policies, procedures, or collective bargaining agreements. Complaints alleging misuse of campus computing and network resources will be directed to those responsible for taking appropriate disciplinary action. Reproduction or distribution of copyrighted works, including, but not limited to, images, text, or software, without permission of the owner is an infringement of U.S. Copyright Law and is subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.

 

Examples of Misuse

Examples of misuse include, but are not limited to, the activities in the following list:

• Using a computer account or ggLeap account that you are not authorized to use. Obtaining a password for a computer account or ggLeap account without the consent of the account owner.
• Using the Campus Network to gain unauthorized access to any computer systems.
• Knowingly performing an act which will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks.
• Knowingly running or installing on any computer system or network, or giving to another user, a program intended to damage or to place excessive load on a computer system or network. This includes but is not limited to programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms.
• Attempting to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes.
• Violating terms of applicable software licensing agreements or copyright laws.
• Deliberately wasting computing resources.
• Using any form of online messaging to harass others.
• Masking the identity of an account or machine, which includes the use of Virtual Private Network services.
• Posting materials on electronic bulletin boards that violate existing laws or the University’s codes of conduct.
• Attempting to monitor or tamper with another user’s electronic communications, or reading, copying, changing, or deleting another user’s files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner.
• Hosting downloads for other users on any scale, such as BitTorrent.
• Utilizing campus network resources to host excessive network traffic, such as hosting game servers.
• Downloading or installing unauthorized large files, such as new games or content from the Internet.
• Placing any CD’s or Flash Drives into any PC for any reason is strictly prohibited.
• Utilizing computer resources for Bitcoin mining or other similar purposes.
• Activities will not be considered misuse when authorized by appropriate University officials for security or performance testing.

 

Additional Use Policies

The Cal Esports Information Security Policy applies to use of all Cal Esports computing resources. Additional computer and network use policies and terms and conditions may be in place for specific electronic services offered by the program.

In particular, the bMail and Home IP services, as well as the Microcomputer Facilities, have additional policies that govern use of these services. The University of California Electronic Communications Policy applies to the use of UC computers and networks for electronic communications. You must familiarize yourselves with any of these when you agree to use these services.

 

Appropriate Use

The Center’s Computers, networks, and other property are only to be used for directly authorized activities such as gameplay, streaming, education, and official competitions. The Center strictly prohibits offensive content including but not limited to pornographic, racist, or otherwise offensive or inappropriate content.

Those in violation of these policies are subject to disciplinary and legal procedures in accordance with the severity of their actions.

Cal Esports extends to students, faculty, and staff the privilege to use its computers and network. When you are provided access to our network, you are enabled to send and receive data around the world, play games and communicate with other players, and use Web browsers and other Internet tools to search and find needed information.

The Internet is a very large set of connected computers, whose users make up a worldwide community. In addition to formal policies, regulations, and laws which govern your use of computers and networks, the Internet user community observes informal standards of conduct. These standards are based on common understandings of appropriate, considerate behavior which evolved in the early days of the Internet, when it was used mainly by an academic and highly technical community. The Internet now has a much wider variety of users, but the early codes of conduct persist, crossing boundaries of geography and government, in order to make using the Internet a positive, productive, experience. You are expected to comply with these informal standards and be a “good citizen” of the Internet.

Cal Esports is not responsible for the unregulated behavior of online players in multiplayer games who you play with and against. If you feel that you are being harassed or stalked online, please contact Campus IT resources for assistance.

 

Enforcement

Penalties may be imposed under one or more of the following: University of California regulations, UC Berkeley regulations, California law, or the laws of the United States.

Minor infractions of this policy or those that appear accidental in nature are typically handled informally by electronic mail or in-person discussions. More serious infractions are handled via formal procedures. In some situations, it may be necessary to suspend privileges to prevent ongoing misuse while the situation is under investigation.

Infractions by students may result in the temporary or permanent restriction of access privileges, notification of a student’s academic advisor and/or referral of the situation to the Center for Student Conduct. Those by a faculty or staff member may result in referral to the department chairperson or administrative officer.

Offenses that are in violation of local, state, or federal laws may result in the restriction of computing privileges, and will be reported to the appropriate University and law enforcement authorities.

 

General Information

For clarification of policies and guidelines applying to Cal Esports computing and conduct, including this Computer Use Policy, contact calesports@berkeley.edu. Related policies are available online at the Campus IT policies website.

 

Reporting Misuse

Report misuse of Cal Esports or campus resources to calesports@berkeley.edu.

Reservation Policies

The Cal Esports Community Center is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. When there are conflicting requests, reservations are accepted in the following order of priority:

1. Cal Esports events
2. Campus events sponsored by Cal Esports
3. Campus events not sponsored by Cal Esports
4. Community events sponsored by Registered Student Organizations
5. Community events sponsored by non-RSF student groups
6. Events sponsored by groups not affiliated to the University

 

Making a Reservation

Reservations for events should be submitted via the Cal Esports Community Center Event Reservation Form.

Please include your name, club/group affiliation, event name, event description, whether non-students are attending, proposed date, time, expected attendance, and any special accommodations. Also indicate if any participants are under the age of 18.

 

Time Prior to Reservation

Reservations must be made at least two (2) weeks prior to the proposed event date.

 

Cancellation Policy

Reservation cancellations require at least three (3) days prior notice. Failure to give notice sooner than this deadline can result in reservation penalties.

 

Cost of Reservation

Cal Esports Student Groups: No group fee. All attendees must be Cal Esports Members. Does not apply to informational sessions or ceremonies.

Student, Staff, or Faculty Groups: Minimum of four (4) hours and ten (10) stations for $200. Scalable rate for additional stations and hours.

Community Groups: Minimum of four (4) hours and ten (10) stations for $250. Scalable rate for additional stations and hours.

Resources beyond the center's standard layout may have a fee attached. Extra accommodations include but are not limited to: hands-on Cal Esports staff member assistance, reorganization of the Center's layout, and food or drink accommodations. These fees will be communicated with the reservation request.

 

 

Individual Responsibility Policy

In the event any individual damages equipment or causes harm to another individual, the transgressing person will be held individually responsible and is liable for any damages or penalties incurred.

 

Requirements - Cal Esports Student Groups

The following is required prior to hosting an event.

• Rental Agreement - required for all size of events
• Proof of Insurance - Required for events with community members
• RSO Waiver - Non-Cal Students required to complete

 

Requirements - Student, Staff or Faculty Groups

The following is required prior to hosting an event.

• Proof of Insurance - may be required for special events
• Rental Agreement - required for all size of events
• Activity Waiver - Required for all attendees
• Group Waiver - Event host required to complete

 

Requirements - Community Groups

The following is required prior to hosting an event.

• Proof of Insurance - may be required for special events
• Rental Agreement - required for all size of events
• Activity Waiver - Required for all attendees

 

Data Collection

All Reservation Forms will be stored digitally for up to three years for records. Cal Esports professional staff have access to these records.

Cal Esports Community Center Reservation Form is a Google Form that requires data similar to the UC Berkeley Events request form. All forms are sent to calesports@berkeley.edu.