The MMG Spirit of Play

The MMG Spirit of Play

The MMG Spirit of Play

Battle. Bond. Belong.

At MMG, we’re building something special — a community where players of all backgrounds can enjoy great games, make real connections, and grow in the hobby we love.

Whether you’re here for a casual match, a competitive league, or a full-on tournament, this document sets out what we stand for — and what we ask of everyone at the table.

Our Core Principles

  • Inclusivity — Everyone is welcome. We celebrate diversity and want our space to feel safe and respectful for all.
  • Sportsmanship — We play to win, but not at the expense of the experience. Every game should be fair, fun, and enjoyable for both players.
  • Community First — MMG is more than just games. It’s a shared space where friendships form and hobby thrives.

We’re Not Here to Reinvent the Wheel

Every major wargaming system — from 40k to AoS, Blood Bowl to Conquest — already sets out expectations for sporting behaviour, fair play, and community standards. We’re no different, and we support and uphold all such guidance.

This isn’t a replacement — it’s a local layer of reinforcement that reflects the way we play at MMG, shaped by our values and community culture.

Tabletop Conduct

1. Be Clear and Open

  • Declare your intentions and actions clearly.
  • Talk through your plays, especially complex ones.
  • Avoid ambiguity or "gotcha" moments.

2. Pick Out the Misses

  • When rolling dice, identify what didn’t work rather than claiming the hits and leaving your opponent to check.
  • Be transparent with your dice results.

3. Respect Time and Pace

  • Be mindful of slow play. Keep the game moving and avoid time pressure tactics.
  • If you're unsure of something, check the rules — but don't weaponise time.
  • Chess clocks are not just for tournaments. You can always use a chess clock during practice and casual games to get used to using your time efficiently and respectfully.

4. Rules Disputes

  • Check the rules calmly and respectfully.
  • We positively encourage players to ask for a ruling from a referee, judge, TO, or another neutral, experienced player.
  • Don’t let issues fester — a calm third party can often resolve things quickly and painlessly.

5. Win with Grace, Lose with Dignity

  • Celebrate victories without gloating.
  • Take losses on the chin — every game is a chance to learn.
  • Shake hands, fist bump, or thank your opponent — always end on a positive note.

Unacceptable Behaviour

We have zero tolerance for:

  • Harassment or discrimination of any kind
  • Bullying, intimidation, or rules lawyering
  • Cheating or deliberate deception (especially when playing less experienced opponents)
  • Excessive arguing, sulking, or unsporting conduct

If you experience or witness any of the above, please speak to staff or message a mod in confidence. We will listen and act appropriately.

At Events

  • Familiarise yourself with the event pack and your game system’s rules or guidance on sportsmanship and player expectations.
  • Submit timely army/team lists that meet any list-building requirements and/or restrictions.
  • Always bring a hard copy of your list to the event, available for the TO/referee and your opponents to view.
  • We positively encourage the use of chess clocks to help keep games on track and avoid misunderstandings around time usage.
  • During your pre-game conversation, we recommend discussing expectations around things like cocked dice, dropped dice, the use of dice trays, and how you’ll handle measuring and intent throughout the game.

Follow judge or TO decisions respectfully — their word is final. Know that this Code is part of our commitment to building a brilliant player experience for everyone.

Need Support?

If something doesn’t sit right, you can always:

  • Speak to a staff member or event official
  • Quietly ask a trusted player on another table to help clarify something
  • Message Phil or a mod in confidence — we’re here to help

This Spirit Will Evolve

This isn’t a set of commandments carved in stone — it’s a living document shaped by you, the community. As we grow, we’ll keep listening, reviewing, and refining together.

References & Inspirations

This spirit of play draws from and is inspired by the following excellent pieces from the wider wargaming community:

We thank the authors and communities behind these resources — their words help shape the most important aspect of our hobby: how we treat each other.

Thanks for being part of MMG. Keep it fun. Keep it fair. Keep it Mighty.
Battle. Bond. Belong.

Version 1.0 — July 2025

🧭 Read it any time at mightymelee.uk/pages/the-mmg-spirit-of-play

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