Code of Conduct

KC Brick Lab Code of Conduct

1. Purpose & Core Values
KC Brick Lab is a recognized adult fan community. Our mission is to promote creativity, share knowledge, and foster a welcoming environment for all brick builders. We embrace the core LEGO® Group values of imagination, creativity, fun, learning, quality, and caring.

2. General Conduct & Inclusivity
We are committed to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.

  • Respect Others: Treat fellow members, guests, and the public with dignity. Disagreements are fine, but personal attacks and disparaging remarks are prohibited.
  • Family-Friendly Focus: Because our club frequently interacts with the public, all displays, conversations, and custom builds (MOCs – My Own Creations) must remain family-friendly and free of explicitly controversial or political content.
  • Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Bullying, stalking, or inappropriate physical contact will not be tolerated.

3. Intellectual Property (IP) & The LEGO® Brand
As a recognized community, our actions directly reflect on the LEGO brand. We must strictly adhere to the LEGO Group Fair Play Policy (linked here):

  • No Leaks: Never share, post, or promote leaked images of unannounced sets or prototypes. Only officially announced or Recognized LEGO Fan Media (RLFM) approved news may be shared within club channels. We use Brickset and The Brick Fan as our guides (when they post, we share).
  • IP Guidelines: Do not use the official LEGO logo or trademarks on unofficial merchandise (such as custom event t-shirts). Never promote or sell counterfeit building bricks at club-sanctioned events.
  • Naming Standards: Club, sub-group, and event names must not imply official LEGO ownership, control, or endorsement. Use “LEGO” only as a descriptive reference (e.g., “a LEGO fan event hosted by KC Brick Lab”) rather than as part of a formal title, logo, or brand mark, and ensure no name infringes on registered LEGO trademarks. Always format the LEGO® trademark properly, including the ® symbol, per official LEGO trademark usage guidelines.

4. Online & Event Etiquette

  • Digital Spaces: Discussions on club managed social media platforms and servers are for club-related discussions. Spam, irrelevant self-promotion, and aggressive arguments are subject to moderator removal.● Naming Standards: Club, sub-group, and event names must not imply official LEGO ownership, control, or endorsement. Use “LEGO” only as a descriptive reference (e.g., “a LEGO fan event hosted by KC Brick Lab”) rather than as part of a formal title, logo, or brand mark, and ensure no name infringes on registered LEGO trademarks. Always format the LEGO® trademark properly, including the ® symbol, per official LEGO trademark usage guidelines.
  • Confidentiality: Treat club member lists, unpublished project opportunities, and member-provided feedback as confidential. Respect members’ privacy. Do not photograph or publish other members’ creations online without their explicit permission. If you share an image or a build with the club on a club social media platform or at a club function and do not want it shared online please let members know.
  • Event Participation: When staffing club displays, arrive on time, respect event coordinators, and treat museum/convention organizers and attendees politely.

5. Enforcement & Disciplinary Action
Members who violate this code are subject to review by the Brick Table.

  • Warning System: Minor infractions may result in a private verbal or written warning.
  • Revocation: Severe or repeated violations (including harassment, leaking content, or promoting counterfeit brands) will result in immediate removal from the club and revocation of membership privileges.

Complaint Handling Process
When an issue arises, the club handles it with a fair, impartial, and confidential process focused on de-escalation and community safety.

  1. How to Report an Issue
    • Direct Report: Members should submit a private complaint in writing (via email) to a member of the Brick Table.
    • Information Needed: The complaint must include the date/location of the incident, the name of the individual(s) involved, a factual description of what occurred, and the names of any witnesses. Anonymous complaints are accepted but may limit the club’s ability to fully investigate.
  2. The Investigation Phase
    • The Brick Table will conduct an initial assessment within 48-72 hours of receiving the complaint.
    • Both parties (the complainant and the accused) will have the opportunity to present their side of the story and provide any relevant evidence or witnesses.
  3. Resolution Options
    • Informal Resolution: For minor infractions, misunderstandings, or first-time offenses, leadership may mandate an informal resolution (e.g., a private apology, mediation, or verbal warning).
    • Formal Disciplinary Action: If the Code of Conduct is explicitly violated, leadership may impose sanctions such as revoking online forum privileges, suspension from meetings, or expulsion from the club entirely.
  4. Anti-Retaliation Policy
    The club has a strict zero-tolerance policy for retaliation. Members who report concerns in good faith will be protected, and any retaliatory behavior or deliberate false accusations will be subject to strict disciplinary action.