Setting Up Fair Server Rules

Setting clear rules isn't just about being strict; it's about creating a place where people actually want to spend their time. Whether it’s "No Griefing" or "No Lag Machines," having a fair, public set of rules prevents 90% of player drama before it even starts.

1. What Should Your Rules Be?

Every server is different, but most successful communities start with these basics:

Respect the Build: No destroying things that aren't yours (No Griefing).
Keep it Fair: No X-ray, flying, or hacked clients.
Be Human: No harassment, hate speech, or excessive spamming.
Save the Server: No massive "lag machines" or auto-farms that crash the TPS.

2. Making Sure Players See Them

Rules don't work if nobody knows they exist. Here are three ways to make them unmissable:

The Spawn Board: Put a big wall of signs at the very first spot players see when they join.
The Discord Channel: Create a locked #rules channel in your community Discord.
The "Welcome Book": Use a plugin to drop a "Rule Book" into every new player's inventory the first time they join.

3. The "Punishment Scale"

Consistency is the key to being a respected admin. We recommend a simple three-step system:

Action 1 (The Warning): A friendly chat or a simple kick to say "hey, don't do that."
Action 2 (The Timeout): A 24-hour mute or a temporary ban for repeat offenders.
Action 3 (The Ban): Permanent removal for serious issues like hacking or massive griefing.

4. Pro Admin Tip: Documentation

If you ban someone, take a screenshot first. Whether it’s a chat log or a CoreProtect lookup, having proof makes dealing with appeals a thousand times easier. It also ensures you’re being fair to everyone.

Ready to start enforcing the law? Check out our Banning Players Guide for the commands you'll need.