Battle Ref Guidelines - Revision history

Emmanovi: sp

2026-03-30T18:34:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:34, 30 March 2026
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	* When the combat area is clear, check both sides are ready and restart the combat		* When the combat area is clear, check both sides are ready and restart the combat
	** take care to ensure those involved are not unduly prejudiced by the incident e.g. ensure they have not been cut off by changes in the battle flow.		** take care to ensure those involved are not unduly prejudiced by the incident e.g. ensure they have not been cut off by changes in the battle flow.
	** it may be necessary to allow the casualty to re enter play at a different point or directly back to Anvil if the battle has ended		** it may be necessary to allow the casualty to re-enter play at a different point or directly back to Anvil if the battle has ended
	== Radio Guidelines ==		== Radio Guidelines ==
	* When transmitting		* When transmitting
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	* Avoid swearing on the radio and do not make personal comments, radio is not the place to have 'sensitive' discussions.		* Avoid swearing on the radio and do not make personal comments, radio is not the place to have 'sensitive' discussions.
	* If you expect a long conversation invite the other person to switch to one of the conversation channels		* If you expect a long conversation invite the other person to switch to one of the conversation channels
	* Take care you do not accidentally lean on the transmit button or allow the headset lead to work loose - this can tie up the channel. If this occurs the person transmitting cannot hear any radio calls so check ~~neighboring~~ refs rather than try to use the radio to find them.		* Take care you do not accidentally lean on the transmit button or allow the headset lead to work loose - this can tie up the channel. If this occurs the person transmitting cannot hear any radio calls so check neighbouring refs rather than try to use the radio to find them.
	== Glossary ==		== Glossary ==
	* Choke point - a feature that funnels participants into a smaller area e.g. a gate in the fence, a bridge over a ditch or the Sentinel gate		* Choke point - a feature that funnels participants into a smaller area e.g. a gate in the fence, a bridge over a ditch or the Sentinel gate

Jcrollie at 12:41, 19 July 2025

2025-07-19T12:41:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:41, 19 July 2025
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	* Plot Ref - the referee that will provide any plot clarifications and provide the definitive timings for the Sentinel Gate		* Plot Ref - the referee that will provide any plot clarifications and provide the definitive timings for the Sentinel Gate
	* Team lead ref - the referee coordinating a tea of referees covering an area, nation or other feature		* Team lead ref - the referee coordinating a tea of referees covering an area, nation or other feature

			==Hots and Nots from the debrief==
			[[file:Hots and Nots.PNG]]

Jcrollie at 15:47, 13 July 2025

2025-07-13T15:47:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:47, 13 July 2025
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	* Pronouns - avoid using gendered pronouns and where possible use generic terms such as person/people, player(s), monster(s), referee(s) etc		* Pronouns - avoid using gendered pronouns and where possible use generic terms such as person/people, player(s), monster(s), referee(s) etc
	* Do not ref each other - if another ref needs help they will ask, be prepared to help on request but do not assume - note Contact refs are available if escalation is needed		* Do not ref each other - if another ref needs help they will ask, be prepared to help on request but do not assume - note Contact refs are available if escalation is needed
	* Avoid conflicts of interest where possible - try to avoid reffing your ~~mates/relatives, others will assume you are biased plus unconscious bias may influence you~~		* Avoid conflicts of interest where possible - try to avoid reffing your group or friends to avoid the perception of preferential treatment
	== Combat Safety ==		== Combat Safety ==
	Generally referees will not need to interfere in combat and participants will take care of their own safety. However some situations require the referees to act to prevent injury, typically where large numbers or poor perception of dangers put participants at risk of injury. The first two rules of combat reffing are:		Generally referees will not need to interfere in combat and participants will take care of their own safety. However some situations require the referees to act to prevent injury, typically where large numbers or poor perception of dangers put participants at risk of injury. The first two rules of combat reffing are:

Jcrollie at 08:47, 13 July 2025

2025-07-13T08:47:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:47, 13 July 2025
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	~~Referee responsibilities~~ are ~~outlined in~~ [~~[File~~:~~Empire_combat_roles_and_responsibilities~~.~~pdf\|Combat Roles & Responsibilities~~]], the ~~rest of~~ this ~~guide covers key points you~~ will be ~~expected to~~ be ~~familiar with.~~		=How to volunteer=
			There are two main ways to volunteer
			* Email [mailto:crew@profounddecisions.co.uk crew@profounddecisions.co.uk]
			* Turn up to the ref preparation area at 09:30 on the day your nation is monstering - this will normally be behind the GOD tent
			We run some internal checks on all referees e.g. for conduct etc so recommend the first option so that can be done in advance

	~~Some processes are covered~~ in ~~more detail~~ in ~~[[Battle~~ and ~~Skirmish Processes]]~~. ~~Guidelines on interactions can be found at [[Intervention\|How~~ and ~~When to Intervene]]~~		=What to bring=
			Wear a practical base layer of neutral or IC clothing and footwear that is suitable for battle terrain
			* You will be given a two layer ref tabard to wear so factor that in for hot weather
			* Avoid obvious character / group kit or makeup - there is no space to store your character kit in the prep area but you will be able to return to your tent or car to kit up after the battle
			* Wear a belt to stop your tabard flapping and attach a radio to, plus something to store a notepad and pencil - radio, pad and pencil will be provided
			* You will be exposed to the elements e.g. sun, heat, wind, cold and rain so consider sunblock, a hat, suitable layers etc

	~~Comments~~ and ~~questions can be made~~ on the ~~[https~~:/~~/www.facebook.com/groups/137348119763758 Empire Volunteer Referees] Facebook~~ group or ~~in the ref brief / debriefs pre~~ and ~~post each battle~~		=What to expect=
			Below is the typical running order for a battle but it might vary from battle to battle
			* Ref preparation (09:30 behind GOD) - signing in, getting tabard radio etc and time to read briefing sheets and generally get kitted up
			* Ref brief (approx 10:30) - prep closes and there is a short (roughly 20 min) ref brief on the battle, normally you will then be split into teams and may have further briefing or pre battle tasks
			* Battle - starting at 11:00 and normally 60-90 mins
			* Post battle debrief (optional) - a short (we aim for 20 mins), debrief to drop off tabards/radios etc, pass on individual write ups and group feedback
			* Back into play - you will be able to head into the OOC area or quickly cut through IC areas to kit up and get back to playing

	~~[[File:Quick_Reference_Combat_Guide.pdf\|Quick Reference Combat Guide]]<br />~~		=How to ref the battle=
	~~[[File:Battle_map_(double).pdf\|Battlefield Map]]~~		Below are some guidelines and terminology to familiarise yourself with, if this is your first time reffing Empire battles make this known during prep and to your team leader and they will provide additional guidance and support as needed

	==General==		==General Guidelines==
	*Chain of command - the lead referee(s) will be in overall command, and team lead refs will coordinate the activities and comms for small groups of referees, contact refs will provide where escalation is required		*Chain of command - the lead referee(s) will be in overall command, and team lead refs will coordinate the activities and comms for small groups of referees, contact refs will provide where escalation is required
	* Pronouns - avoid using gendered pronouns and where possible use generic terms such as person/people, player(s), monster(s), referee(s) etc		* Pronouns - avoid using gendered pronouns and where possible use generic terms such as person/people, player(s), monster(s), referee(s) etc

Jcrollie at 18:20, 9 June 2025

2025-06-09T18:20:58Z

Jcrollie at 10:22, 3 June 2023

2023-06-03T10:22:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:22, 3 June 2023
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	Referee responsibilities are outlined in [[File:Empire_combat_roles_and_responsibilities.pdf\|Combat Roles & Responsibilities]], the rest of this guide covers key points you will be expected to be familiar with.		Referee responsibilities are outlined in [[File:Empire_combat_roles_and_responsibilities.pdf\|Combat Roles & Responsibilities]], the rest of this guide covers key points you will be expected to be familiar with.

	Some processes are covered in more detail in [[Battle and Skirmish Processes]]		Some processes are covered in more detail in [[Battle and Skirmish Processes]]. Guidelines on interactions can be found at [[Intervention\|How and When to Intervene]]
	Guidelines on interactions can be found at [[Intervention\|How and When to Intervene]]

	Comments and questions can be made on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/137348119763758 Empire Volunteer Referees] Facebook group or in the ref brief / debriefs pre and post each battle		Comments and questions can be made on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/137348119763758 Empire Volunteer Referees] Facebook group or in the ref brief / debriefs pre and post each battle

Jcrollie at 10:22, 3 June 2023

2023-06-03T10:22:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:22, 3 June 2023
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	Some processes are covered in more detail in [[Battle and Skirmish Processes]]		Some processes are covered in more detail in [[Battle and Skirmish Processes]]
			Guidelines on interactions can be found at [[Intervention\|How and When to Intervene]]

	Comments and questions can be made on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/137348119763758 Empire Volunteer Referees] Facebook group or in the ref brief / debriefs pre and post each battle		Comments and questions can be made on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/137348119763758 Empire Volunteer Referees] Facebook group or in the ref brief / debriefs pre and post each battle

Jcrollie at 10:16, 3 June 2023

2023-06-03T10:16:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:16, 3 June 2023
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	Referee responsibilities are outlined in [[File:Empire_combat_roles_and_responsibilities.pdf\|Combat Roles & Responsibilities]], the rest of this guide covers key points you will be expected to be familiar with.		Referee responsibilities are outlined in [[File:Empire_combat_roles_and_responsibilities.pdf\|Combat Roles & Responsibilities]], the rest of this guide covers key points you will be expected to be familiar with.

			Some processes are covered in more detail in [[Battle and Skirmish Processes]]

	Comments and questions can be made on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/137348119763758 Empire Volunteer Referees] Facebook group or in the ref brief / debriefs pre and post each battle		Comments and questions can be made on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/137348119763758 Empire Volunteer Referees] Facebook group or in the ref brief / debriefs pre and post each battle

Jcrollie at 16:50, 15 April 2023

2023-04-15T16:50:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:50, 15 April 2023
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	** push and hold the transmit button then pause a second		** push and hold the transmit button then pause a second
	** state your name, deliver your message then pause before releasing the button		** state your name, deliver your message then pause before releasing the button
	** if you need to get someone's attention urgently then repeat their call sign ~~thee~~ times		** if you need to get someone's attention urgently then repeat their call sign three times
	* Try to funnel updates or discussions via the area/nation command ref to minimise radio traffic		* Try to funnel updates or discussions via the area/nation command ref to minimise radio traffic
	* Avoid swearing on the radio and do not make personal comments, radio is not the place to have 'sensitive' discussions.		* Avoid swearing on the radio and do not make personal comments, radio is not the place to have 'sensitive' discussions.

Jcrollie at 12:37, 15 April 2023

2023-04-15T12:37:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:37, 15 April 2023
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	* Assess the casualty;		* Assess the casualty;
	** If they are conscious, lucid and mobile they may be happy to step to the side and allow combat to recommence, they may or may not want a medic to attend - always recommend one but it is their choice.		** If they are conscious, lucid and mobile they may be happy to step to the side and allow combat to recommence, they may or may not want a medic to attend - always recommend one but it is their choice.
	** If they are unconscious, immobile or in excessive pain you will likely need to pause or move the combat, plus you have an urgent man down and must call a medic		** If they are unconscious, immobile, have visible injuries (broken bones or excessive bleeding) or in excessive pain you will likely need to pause or move the combat, plus you have an urgent man down and must call a medic
	* When calling a medic via radio, use geographical features to describe location not nearby player / monster formations and give indication of urgency based on your assessment above		* When calling a medic via radio, use geographical features to describe location not nearby player / monster formations and give indication of urgency based on your assessment above
	* Refs in the area should help guide the medic to the casualty and help control the border between active combat and the man down area		* Refs in the area should help guide the medic to the casualty and help control the border between active combat and the man down area
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	** push and hold the transmit button then pause a second		** push and hold the transmit button then pause a second
	** state your name, deliver your message then pause before releasing the button		** state your name, deliver your message then pause before releasing the button
			** if you need to get someone's attention urgently then repeat their call sign thee times
	* Try to funnel updates or discussions via the area/nation command ref to minimise radio traffic		* Try to funnel updates or discussions via the area/nation command ref to minimise radio traffic
	* Avoid swearing on the radio and do not make personal comments, radio is not the place to have 'sensitive' discussions.		* Avoid swearing on the radio and do not make personal comments, radio is not the place to have 'sensitive' discussions.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:20, 9 June 2025
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	==General==		==General==
	*Chain of command - the lead referee(s) will be in overall command, and ~~area or nation commander~~ refs will coordinate the activities and comms for small groups of referees, contact refs will provide where escalation is required		*Chain of command - the lead referee(s) will be in overall command, and team lead refs will coordinate the activities and comms for small groups of referees, contact refs will provide where escalation is required
	* Pronouns - avoid using gendered pronouns and where possible use generic terms such as person/people, player(s), monster(s), referee(s) etc		* Pronouns - avoid using gendered pronouns and where possible use generic terms such as person/people, player(s), monster(s), referee(s) etc
	* Do not ref each other - if another ref needs help they will ask, be prepared to help on request but do not assume - note Contact refs are available if escalation is needed		* Do not ref each other - if another ref needs help they will ask, be prepared to help on request but do not assume - note Contact refs are available if escalation is needed
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	* Check your spacing from other refs and avoid clumping together – look for areas of combat with no refs and move to them		* Check your spacing from other refs and avoid clumping together – look for areas of combat with no refs and move to them
	* Watch the flow of combat to predict where it will move to, check that the retreating side are not moving towards a hazard and adjust your position accordingly		* Watch the flow of combat to predict where it will move to, check that the retreating side are not moving towards a hazard and adjust your position accordingly
	* Pointing out hazardous areas to unit leaders will ~~often~~ negate the needs for more intrusive measures by allowing them to move their unit to a less dangerous fighting area		* Pointing out hazardous areas to unit leaders will sometimes negate the needs for more intrusive measures by allowing them to move their unit to a less dangerous fighting area
	* If you have to direct or reposition units try to avoid favouring either side but if that is not possible then err in the players favour.		* If you have to direct or reposition units try to avoid favouring either side but if that is not possible then err in the players favour.
	* Crush lines and crush doughnuts usually need closer reffing than skirmish combat and may need more intrusive measures. They are more common in open field battles but can occur in the woods. Reffing them can be quite intense and physical and is very much a personal choice.		* Crush lines and crush doughnuts usually need closer reffing than skirmish combat and may need more intrusive measures. They are more common in open field battles but can occur in the woods. Reffing them can be quite intense and physical and is very much a personal choice.
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	** Calling time freeze and expanding the outer ring rarely works as it will normally collapse back in unless the situation is changed.		** Calling time freeze and expanding the outer ring rarely works as it will normally collapse back in unless the situation is changed.
	* Picking up arrows is a courtesy, not a requirement. Never hold arrows in the middle, take them into a crush, or throw them		* Picking up arrows is a courtesy, not a requirement. Never hold arrows in the middle, take them into a crush, or throw them
	== Man Down ==		== First Aid (previously Man Down) ==
	* Check that a person has actually been hurt, they may just be roleplaying or someone may have inappropriately called man down IC		* Check that a person has actually been hurt, they may just be roleplaying or someone may have inappropriately called man down IC
	* Call ~~man down~~, if not already called, but do not spread ~~a man down~~ call if you cannot locate the casualty.		* Call First Aid, if not already called, but do not spread the call if you cannot locate the casualty.
	* Encourage everyone in the area to kneel to help you locate the casualty and secure the area from combat		* Encourage everyone in the area to kneel to help you locate the casualty and secure the area from combat
	* Assess the casualty;		* Assess the casualty;
	** If they are conscious, lucid and mobile they may be happy to step to the side and allow combat to recommence, they may or may not want a medic to attend - always recommend one but it is their choice.		** If they are conscious, lucid and mobile they may be happy to step to the side and allow combat to recommence, they may or may not want a medic to attend - always recommend one but it is their choice.
	** If they are unconscious, immobile, have visible injuries (broken bones or excessive bleeding) or in excessive pain you will likely need to pause or move the combat, plus you have an urgent ~~man down~~ and must call a medic		** If they are unconscious, immobile, have visible injuries (broken bones or excessive bleeding) or in excessive pain you will likely need to pause or move the combat, plus you have an urgent First Aid and must call a medic
	* When calling a medic via radio, use geographical features to describe location not nearby player / monster formations and give indication of urgency based on your assessment above		* When calling a medic via radio, use geographical features to describe location not nearby player / monster formations and give indication of urgency based on your assessment above
	* Refs in the area should help guide the medic to the casualty and help control the ~~border between~~ active combat ~~and the man down area~~		* Refs in the area should help guide the medic to the casualty and help control the area keeping it clear of active combat
	* Wait for the medic to assess the casualty and follow their direction as to whether combat can restart in the area or if the combat should be moved to a new location		* Wait for the medic to assess the casualty and follow their direction as to whether combat can restart in the area or if the combat should be moved to a new location
	* When the combat area is clear, check both sides are ready and restart the combat		* When the combat area is clear, check both sides are ready and restart the combat
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	** state your name, deliver your message then pause before releasing the button		** state your name, deliver your message then pause before releasing the button
	** if you need to get someone's attention urgently then repeat their call sign three times		** if you need to get someone's attention urgently then repeat their call sign three times
	* Try to funnel updates or discussions via the ~~area/nation command ref~~ to minimise radio traffic		* Try to funnel updates or discussions via the team lead refs to minimise radio traffic
	* Avoid swearing on the radio and do not make personal comments, radio is not the place to have 'sensitive' discussions.		* Avoid swearing on the radio and do not make personal comments, radio is not the place to have 'sensitive' discussions.
	* If you expect a long conversation invite the other person to switch to one of the conversation channels		* If you expect a long conversation invite the other person to switch to one of the conversation channels
	* Take care you do not accidentally lean on the transmit button or allow the headset lead to work loose - this can tie up the channel. If this occurs the person transmitting cannot hear any radio calls so check neighboring refs rather than try to use the radio to find them.		* Take care you do not accidentally lean on the transmit button or allow the headset lead to work loose - this can tie up the channel. If this occurs the person transmitting cannot hear any radio calls so check neighboring refs rather than try to use the radio to find them.
	== Glossary ==		== Glossary ==
	* Area/nation command ref - the referee coordinating the referees covering an area, nation or other feature
	* Choke point - a feature that funnels participants into a smaller area e.g. a gate in the fence, a bridge over a ditch or the Sentinel gate		* Choke point - a feature that funnels participants into a smaller area e.g. a gate in the fence, a bridge over a ditch or the Sentinel gate
	* Contact Ref – a ref nominated to assist other referees if they need backup when dealing with a situation		* Contact Ref – a ref nominated to assist other referees if they need backup when dealing with a situation
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	* Lead Ref – the referee in charge of a given combat		* Lead Ref – the referee in charge of a given combat
	* Plot Ref - the referee that will provide any plot clarifications and provide the definitive timings for the Sentinel Gate		* Plot Ref - the referee that will provide any plot clarifications and provide the definitive timings for the Sentinel Gate
			* Team lead ref - the referee coordinating a tea of referees covering an area, nation or other feature