Rules of Conduct for watching Squad Games

If your request to observe a squad game has been granted, please remember that your guest status can be revoked at any time. The primary purpose of your presence is your learning experience and you may observe without disturbing the game or any of its participants. When the game is over, thank both squads for allowing you to watch.

How to Attend

• First, find out which squads have a game scheduled. Games are often (but not always) advertised on the Forum Calendar.
• Select one of the games and send a PM to the Squad Leader or an Assistant Squad Leader for permission to attend. Almost always this will be granted, but it is still up to the discretion of the squad itself.
• It's always a good idea to pair up with another Cadet. This way each team can take one so as to keep their game numbers balanced.
• Arrive at the game well in advance of the scheduled game time. 10 minutes or more is advised.
• These games are usually protected by a password. You can get that password from within the Cadet forum or from one of the squad members (who can usually be found in the main game warming up prior to the actual squad game).
• Wear your @Cadet squad tag. This way everyone knows what you're there for.
• Once on Not On A Team (NOAT) just sit there quietly. The teams are in the process of organizing themselves. Especially the commanders who are also busy negotiating settings, map, etc. as well as organizing their team. There is a LOT of pre-game chatter (much of which you can't see because you're not on the team's channel yet). Much more than a typical Pick-Up Game. It's perfectly ok to respond to direct questions, but you shouldn't be adding to the noise.
• It's ok if you state on "All" that you're there to observe, or ask again if you can observe. Just don't bug them too much.
• Once the teams have themselves more or less organized, you'll be invited to join one of the teams. Quickly jump on. You want to be an observer, not a nuisance.

While in the Game

• Don't launch, if the base you are sitting in is about to blow up, switch bases.
• Don't talk / send messages / VCs to anyone in the game, even to other observers.
• Don't move drones or give commands to pilots.
• If allowed into the chatroom (mumble/ts/etc), put yourself on mute.
• Make sure you're on command channel so that you can see all of the commander's orders
• Jump from sector to sector and observer how the game flows - in particular watch how the teams work together to escort cons, attack and defend miners, respond to threats and opportunities.
• Frequently check the F5 screen to see which priority the commander places on the tech he chooses to buy
• Watch how the comm and team manage their own miners, how the miners move from sector to sector and how the miner defense works.

At Game End

• Be sure to thank the teams for the opportunity to observe.
• You should stick around for that after-game chat. Often this chat will contain their observations about key turning points in the game. This can be really good information while it is still fresh in your memory.