BDSM Etiquette

ETIQUETTE

Always observe the safe, sane, and consensual rule. The safety of everyone is paramount and is also the responsibility of everyone in attendance. If in doubt, err on the side of caution; or consult the Dungeon Master. The Dungeon Master is there to assist you as needed; as well as enforce the Party rules. If the Dungeon Master asks you to stop an activity, you must do so at once. If you disagree with his/her appraisal of the situation, discuss it with him/her quietly. You may be asked to leave the function for disobeying the rules. Remember to negotiate all scenes before you play!

 

Respect should always be accorded to every individual and their possessions. If someone is submissive it does not mean that they will be submissive to you; likewise, if someone is Dominant, it does not mean they are required to dominate you! Avoid bias regarding gender, and please do not make assumptions regarding roles. Someone may be new to the scene, or have fetish interests other than as a Dominant/switch/submissive.

 

Be honest and objective when describing a potential scene, but do not take it personally if you ask someone to play and they turn you down. There are many reasons why people choose with whom to play and/or when to play.

 

Ask permission before touching someone, as some people are very sensitive about their personal space, or may be under orders to avoid bodily contact. Likewise, ask for permission before handling toys or equipment, which belongs to another person.

 

Be aware of verbal, behavioral, or visual cues such as formal body stances, eyes to the floor, strict attention to the Dominant, etc. For example, a sub with a leash in their mouth is not available for conversation. If a sub does not respond to you, they may be under orders not to speak or interact.

 

If a Dom/me or submissive is obviously occupied, do not interfere; and never try to participate in a scene unless you are invited to do so. Please watch scenes quietly and respectfully. Remember that scene-space can be fragile and easily destroyed; so avoid crowding an ongoing scene, limit conversation of any kind, and speak in a quiet tone of voice in any area where play is occurring. There are designated play areas at any Party function. Please be mindful of what is happening around you.

 

If you are playing, try to limit the space you need for a scene and do not monopolize the major equipment, as someone else may be waiting to use it. Also, make sure you have enough room for play without hitting bystanders with equipment or toys! Keep track of your gear and always ask permission before borrowing toys. Clean any borrowed toys after use and return them promptly. Please be considerate and clean up any messes you make.

 

Please do not hesitate to ask for help with unfamiliar equipment or techniques. If you are playing with a new partner, please inform the Dungeon Master so they can assist you as needed. Experienced players know their partners; it is not up to us to place limits on them as long as they are following established etiquette and protocol, and are safe, sane, and consensual.

 

A sub should never be left unattended during a scene. If there is a need for a Dom/me to leave, he/she should appoint someone to watch over the submissive, preferably an experienced player or the Dungeon Master. Shrieking and screaming should be limited, but moaning is always nice.