SM Bergen Est. 2000
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Event rules

Rules for events organized by SM Bergen.

These rules apply to all SMB events, with or without play. Their purpose is to support a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone attending.

Rules for events organized by SM Bergen (SMB)

Approved by the board on 28 April 2024. Last revised in March and August 2025.

These rules apply to all events organized by SM Bergen, both with and without play. Their purpose is to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone attending.

Everyone who takes part in SMB events is responsible for knowing and following these rules. Breaches may lead to action from the organizer or the board.

The age limit is normally 20, unless otherwise stated.

Event-specific rules may apply. Participants are expected to read the full event description before signing up.

1. Discretion

Discretion is a fundamental value in SMB.

  • Always treat other people’s identity as confidential.
  • Assume that others want anonymity.
  • Use first names or nicknames unless something else has been agreed.
  • Respect that some people do not want to share personal information.
  • What happens at an event must not be shared with outsiders.

You may share your own experiences, as long as other people cannot be identified.

The address of SMB’s premises, or any other locations used for events, must never be shared with non-members.

2. BDSM activities

All activities must be in line with SMB’s values: respect, safety, care, and discretion.

Consent and interaction

  • All play must be based on informed and voluntary consent.
  • Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
  • A no must always be respected.
  • Negotiation must happen before play starts.

Observation and participation

  • Play may be observed, as long as you do not disturb it.
  • You may ask to join, but you must never push your way in.

Boundaries and consideration

  • Do not interrupt or interfere with other people’s play.
  • Do not touch people or equipment without permission.
  • Respect aftercare and the closing phase of play.

Safety and restrictions

The following are not permitted:

  • Choking or activities involving pressure around the neck.
  • Unsafe use of equipment or practices that involve significant risk.

The following require particular care:

  • Needles, knife play, and similar activities must only take place in well-lit areas.
  • Wounds and blood must be handled hygienically.
  • Body fluids must not be left on surfaces that are difficult to clean.

Open flame is generally not permitted, except for specific activities where the necessary safety measures have been established.

Hygiene and equipment

  • All equipment, furniture, and surfaces must be cleaned after use.
  • Condoms are required when sex toys are used for penetration.
  • A personal sitting cloth or towel is strongly recommended.

Activities involving vomit, urine, or feces are not permitted in SMB’s premises.

3. Safewords

SMB uses standard safewords:

  • Red / Rød – stop immediately.
  • Yellow / Gul – pause, clarification needed.
  • Green / Grønn – continue.

All participants must know what these mean.

If a safeword is not respected, everyone has a responsibility to intervene and notify the organizer.

4. Intoxication

  • BDSM activity must not be combined with intoxication.
  • Heavily intoxicated people may be asked to leave.
  • Narcotics and illegal substances are not permitted.
  • Use of strong medication requires individual assessment.

The event lead and event monitors must be sober.

5. Phones and photography

As a general rule, photography is not permitted.

  • Mobile phones must not be used in the venue, except for payment.
  • Photography, video, and audio recording are prohibited without special permission.
  • Any exceptions must be approved by the event lead and everyone involved.

If approved photos are published, this must be clearly marked. Photos that can be linked to a location must not be published.

6. The organizer’s role

The event lead and event monitors are responsible for running the event and enforcing these rules.

  • They must be sober and available.
  • They have access to all areas.
  • They may give warnings and ask participants to leave.

Everyone is encouraged to report concerns or rule breaches.

Reports may be sent anonymously to the board after the event.

7. Shared responsibility

All participants contribute to the quality of the event.

  • Clean up after yourself.
  • Take part in shared cleanup.
  • Contribute to an inclusive and safe environment.

8. Consequences of rule breaches

Breaches of these rules may lead to:

  • A warning.
  • Being asked to leave the event.
  • Further sanctions at the board’s discretion.

9. Participation, guests, and partner organizations

Events are primarily for SMB members and members of partner organizations.

Guests

  • May only attend after approval.
  • Must be informed about the rules in advance.
  • Must show ID.

The member who invites a guest is responsible for the guest’s behavior.

Cafe meetups

  • Open meetups may be available to everyone.
  • Ordinary meetups may allow guests after advance notice.

Closing

SMB is a member-run community based on trust and respect.

All participants are responsible for contributing to:

  • A safe environment.
  • A good experience for others.
  • Care for the community’s values.

Everyone is expected to arrive clean, well-groomed, and considerate.

Contact:
The board can be reached at: styret@smbergen.org