DMA Training

DUNGEON MONITORS ASSOCIATION
BEGINNING TRAINING CLASS

This is a class for beginning dungeon monitor trainees. This training is accepted by
such groups as SMOdyssey, Byzantine Bazaar, Masquerade, CVBDSM,
the Scenery, HBDSMC, NCBDSM, etc.

To attend the Beginning Dungeon Monitor Training Course we recommend you have the following experience, training and abilities:

A minimum of one year of active involvement in the local SM/Leather/Fetish community.
Attended a minimum of 20 public/semi-public SM/Leather/Fetish Play parties (Dungeon Play parties) where DM's are on staff.
A basic understanding of common play techniques
A strong desire to continue education about different play styles beyond personal areas of interest.
Be able to act in an emergency situation where physical activity and mental/emotional stability are essential.

** Upon satisfactory* completion of this "Beginners Dungeon Monitors Training Course" you will have the opportunity to join the Dungeon
Monitors Association E-list. This list is dedicated to allowing party hosts who are in need of qualified DM's to request your assistance. It is also
dedicated to allowing DM's to communicate with each other regarding DM issues/questions/concerns and facilitate a sharing of our collective knowledge.

*Satisfactory completion requires that you not only take the course, but take and pass a test (80% correct out of 25 questions) if you are
joining after March, 2002.

You must bring a brown bag lunch as there is only 30 minutes allowed for lunch.

FAQ
Below are some common questions that we have been asked about becoming a Dungeon Monitor. Please do not hesitate to let us know if any of
your questions have not been answered.

Thank you,
Domina, for the Dungeon Monitors Association

************************************
Q So when I finish the course I will be a trained Dungeon Monitor?
Certified even?

A No. This course teaches you what you need to begin your journey
as a Dungeon Monitor. At the completion of the Beginning Dungeon
Monitors Course, you will be considered Dungeon Monitor Trainee.

Q So being a Dungeon Monitor is a lot like being the Dungeon
Police right? I get to tell people what to do and interrupt scenes right?

A No. At best, Dungeon Monitors are a lot like Lifeguards. We
enforce the rules and make sure everyone has a great time. A better way to look
at becoming a DM is that you are becoming a facilitator for the
dungeon party. Your job is to make sure that everything goes smoothly and that the
party host/ess's guests are taken care of. That may mean doing something
as simple as moving equipment around to facilitate safe playing,
helping the top tape down an electric cord so bystanders won't trip on it, or even
fetching a glass of water for a player who can not leave the dungeon
floor. The last thing we wish to do is interrupt someone's play. The only
time we interrupt a scene is when there is an inherent risk of danger to the
players or guests and then we try to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Q But I do get to stop people if I don't like the way they play, right?

A No. You only intervene in a scene if there is risk to life and limb,
the bottom calls a safeword, they are breaking party rules, or you see a
situation that is an immediate safety danger to the bottom, top, or
bystanders.

Q Then if I think blood play is unsafe, I can stop people from doing
it?

A No. Safety issues are not predicated on what you think is safe, but on the standards of the community at large. This is why we stress that you need to learn about forms of play even if you would not do it
yourself so that you can assess safety factors knowledgeably. Any time you are in doubt as to whether it is your own prejudices or a real case of safety causing you to want to curtail play, you should consult the party host or the head DM. (Unless the situation will cause imminent serious bodily harm.)

Q I get sick at the sight of blood and I don't think fireplay can be done safely at all. Can I still be a dungeon monitor?

A You need to be able to evaluate scenes that may not be play that you approve of. Blood play and fireplay are acceptable forms of play as long as they don't contravene the party rules. As a dungeon monitor, you
must be able to evaluate and understand all forms of play, not just those you agree with.

Furthermore, DMs are expected to be able to act in an emergency and an emergency might involve blood or fire--not just a play scene. If youdon't think you will be able to deal with emergencies involving these things, please carefully re-consider becoming a DM.

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