Mission Statement

To foster a thriving crossword community in Seattle by creating fun, inclusive tournaments that celebrate the joy, creativity, and craftsmanship of crosswords.

Our Values

At Rain City Crossword, we believe crosswords are at their best when everyone has a place at the table. We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful community where solvers of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels feel safe to learn, compete, collaborate, and connect.

We celebrate curiosity, kindness, and the artistry of crossword construction. Whether you're solving your first puzzle or your thousandth, you'll find a space that encourages exploration, friendly competition, and a shared appreciation for the craft. By fostering belonging and mutual respect, we aim to strengthen Seattle's crossword community—one puzzle, one conversation, and one tournament at a time.

Rain City Crossword Code of Conduct

Rain City Crossword is committed to fostering a thriving crossword community in Seattle by creating fun, inclusive tournaments that celebrate the joy, creativity, and craftsmanship of crosswords. We believe crosswords are at their best when everyone has a place at the table, and we expect all participants to help create an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and safe.

Our Expectations

All attendees, competitors, volunteers, organizers, sponsors, and guests are expected to:

  • Treat everyone with kindness, respect, and courtesy.

  • Welcome and support solvers of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experience levels.

  • Celebrate curiosity, learning, and the shared enjoyment of crossword puzzles.

  • Engage in friendly competition with honesty, fairness, and good sportsmanship.

  • Respect personal boundaries and the comfort of others.

  • Help create an environment where questions, conversation, and new friendships can flourish.

Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are not acceptable at Rain City Crossword events:

  • Harassment, intimidation, bullying, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or any other protected characteristic.

  • Unwelcome sexual attention, inappropriate physical contact, or offensive comments.

  • Threatening, abusive, or disruptive behavior, whether in person or online.

  • Deliberate cheating, tampering with tournament materials, or other actions that compromise fair competition.

  • Any conduct that makes others feel unsafe, unwelcome, or unable to participate fully.

If You Experience or Witness a Problem

If you experience or observe behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please notify an event organizer or volunteer as soon as possible. Reports will be taken seriously, handled respectfully, and addressed as promptly and confidentially as circumstances allow.

Enforcement

Event organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action in response to violations of this Code of Conduct. Depending on the circumstances, this may include a verbal warning, removal from an event without refund, disqualification from tournament play, or exclusion from future Rain City Crossword events.

Our Commitment

We want Rain City Crossword to be a place where people come not only to solve great puzzles, but also to build lasting friendships and strengthen Seattle's crossword community. Every participant contributes to that goal through respect, inclusion, and a shared love of the craft.