[ STARFLEET STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES ]

 

SOP	Explanation
Ranks:	The following ranks are used:
	Ensign
	Lieutenant Junior Grade
	Lieutenant
	Lieutenant Commander
	Commander
	Captain*
	Commodore*
	Commandant*
	Admiral*
	* The asterix denotes ranks that are subject to ruling of the CinC
Demotions:	It should be noted that while the accumulation of points leads to promotions, the loss of points will not lead to an In-Character demotion. A player's character will not be demoted for an Out Of Character issue. While points may be deducted for whatever reason, your character will retain his/her current rank. However, in order for your character to advance further in rank you will have to make up the deducted points.
	It is understood that from time to time things may come up that will prevent you from posting the required one post per week, and while the CO is sympathetic to the potential problems, I.E.: Computer failure, real life problems and the like, it is necessary to make every effort to inform the CO or the Executive Officer of any potential absences that may arise. Each incident will be handled on a case by case basis.
Chief of a Department:	The position as Chief of a department is unique and entails certain responsibilities as well as privileges that would not normally be extended to other members of the department. All Chief officers will hold the rank of at least Lieutenant. Anyone holding a supervisory role under the rank of Lieutenant will utilize the title of "Acting Chief".
Chain Of Command:	The Chain of Command will be observed and adhered to. As a member of the crew you may be assigned to a Chief departmental position. In your capacity as a Chief or Acting Chief you will be in charge of everyone under you. While everyone in your department is required to show you the proper respect as the Chief, you in turn are required to show the proper respect to those who might outrank you, even though you are their supervisor.
	Additionally, as the Chief of a department, you will be responsible for the actions of those placed under you. Your supervisor is the Executive Officer who reports to the Commanding Officer.
Posting Requirements:	The rank of CAPTAIN requires 15 posts per month.
	The rank of COMMANDER requires 12 posts per month.
	The rank of LIEUTENANT COMMANDER requires 9 posts per month.
	The rank of LIEUTENANT requires 8 posts per month.
	The rank of LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE requires 7 posts per month.
	The rank of ENSIGN requires 6 posts per month.
	Failure to meet the minimal requirements for rank will result in one point being deducted at months end.
	Each Commanding Officer (CO) is required to monitor their players posting to adhere to these requirements. Deduction of points for failing to post at these rates will be enforced.
	If a player needs to be gone for an extended period of time, they must first notify their CO who may put them on a Leave of Absence where the posting requirements are temporarily waived until that player returns. If a player exceeds the time requested for a Leave of Absence, they will be dropped from the game.
	If players do not post, the following steps are authorized by the CinC:
	1) CO e-mails player if they have not posted at least once in a week and requests an explanation. Player has 72 hours to respond to CO.
	2) If there is no response from player, CO sends a final e-mail giving them an additional 48 hours to respond or they will be removed from the ship and placed in a "probationary" status.
	3) If after the final warning is given there is still no response, CO contacts the CinC to have player removed from the ship and that position is opened up for other interested players.
Subject Line Requirements:	In the Subject line of your post you will put your character's rank, last name followed by the title.
	Do not simply hit the "Reply" or "Reply to All" command and start typing your post or interjecting a line here or there. Start with a fresh e-mail and cut and paste if necessary. If you insist on using the "Reply" command you will clear the subject line and add the appropriate information and remove the ">" markings.
	If you use any parts of anyone else's post that pertains to the thoughts of other characters, as well as their actions and words outside of your character's presence, or anything they say or do that your character is not reacting to should not be included in your post since your character isn't a mind reader and if they are, it's not nice to read minds.
Number of Characters:	Members can only have one character is the position of command at any time in order to allow opportunities to other members to advance in rank.
	Members who wish to have a second character must first reach the rank of LtFC  taking on a second character to ensure that the member is already an established and committed player.
Transfers:	A member wishing to transfer to another duty station must go through the proper channels by submitting in writing, a letter to their GM asking for a transfer.
	No Federation member may hold more than 2 positions within the fleet.
Grievance Procedures:	There could be times when a dispute begins that can not be reached between involved parties. At this time a member should file a grievance with the CinC.
	It is highly strongly recommended that any documentation that has relevance to the grievance or complaint be saved for the duration of the process. If it is discovered that documentation has been falsified, a separate investigation will proceed. Conviction will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or dismissal from the Federation. If appropriate documentation is presented it shall be weighted higher than non-document supported testimony.
	A representative can be assigned for the parties involved if they wish to do so or they can select someone to represent them.
	In the interest of fair play it is recommended that all parties involved in a grievance procedure come to a resolution at the lowest possible level before the need to bring it to the CinC is even needed
	This is only a game and should be a fun experience for all involved.
Mail Lists:	It has been found in the past that mail lists such as egroups are the best way to post to a large group and allows the use of an archive system to be used for future reference to previous sims, especially when space in limited on member's computers. All members should supply their e-mail address to the GM so that they can be added to a mail list.
Starting Ranks:	Regardless of previous rank unless transferring a ship to the Federation, all new members will start at the rank of Ensign unless decided otherwise by the GM and then may start at the rank of Lt JG but no higher.
Concept Changes:	A CO must have written approval from the CinC to change a current concept of a duty station that they inherited from a pervious CO to change otherwise can result in their removal from command.
Changing the SOP:	To alter in anyway the SOP requires a vote by those founders still active to ensure that the vision held for the Federation stays true to what it was originally set out to be or by the current CinC if there are less than 2 founders still active.