The infraction system is a simple system. Infractions that do not include points (known as zero-point infractions) serve as friendly reminders to follow the Code of Conduct you agreed to abide by when your account was created. Infractions with points are more serious and start a tally on your account. When that tally reaches a certain threshold of points, a suspension is given. Higher number plateaus result in suspensions of ever-increasing durations, eventually resulting in a permanent ban from the forums. With the exception of banned accounts, infraction points eventually expire.
There are a number of reasons we do not list out every detail about the infraction system we have. The main reason is that such knowledge could be used to manipulate the system. Players could abuse their fellow players for X amount of posts and then stop to wait until an infraction point on their account expired before they started in again. Using this manner, a person could avoid any real punishment.
The other reason ties into why we don’t allow discussion of moderation on the forums, even when the originating request of such a discussion is a genuine desire for knowledge. Believe it or not, some players would use it as bragging rights. Players would push the system to the edge to ensure they got to behave however they wished without facing any consequences. This simply will not be allowed to happen.
Rest assured though, it takes far more than a single minor infraction to result in a temporary suspension. It takes even more to have your forum privileges permanently revoked!
So how do you avoid getting infractions? It’s pretty simple really. Be sure to review the Code of Conduct and follow those rules. If someone violates those rules, rather than doing the same and getting yourself into trouble, simply report the post or thread in question so the Community team can investigate it.
It really is as simple as that! If you have any questions or concerns about any forum moderation action taken, please send an email to forums@arena.net.
Thanks!