The Nuts and Bolts of being a Monitor

Essential information for Meet Rack Monitors

The Meet Rack cannot run successfully without the help of numerous volunteers who Monitor the rack.

This guide clarifies everything about being a Monitor and what the job entails. The setup, the timing, the people we'd like to have as monitors, and things that might happen and how to handle them.

The Short Version

What am I doing?

You are effectively the DM for your section of the Rack (10-20 people). You will help them go up, come down, and most importantly keep an eye on the gropers to ensure they're following the rules.

When/where do I need to be?

Saturday lunch: We will have an All Monitor lunch meeting Saturday at one of the tables outside. Please plan to attend.

Shift 1: Saturday, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Shift 2: Saturday, 8:30pm-10:30pm

The event is most chaotic at the beginning, so it is important to be on time.

We need all monitors, including shift 2 monitors, to arrive at 7:00pm so we can figure out who is doing what.

Yes, there is a half-hour overlap in the monitor shifts to have a smooth hand-over.

Required Skills

  • Comfortable multitasking in a crowded environment
  • Able to advocate for others when strangers are involved
  • Comfortable escalating issues
  • Okay with making mistakes - self-compassion is important

Core Responsibilities

1. Help Participants Navigate

  • Help with setup (blindfolds, rope attachments)
  • Answer questions
  • Direct people to empty spots
  • Manage bags and trip hazards
Pro Tip: Have a quick chat with everyone on your rack to assess their needs and comfort level. This makes them more likely to ask for help if needed.

2. Monitor Groper Behavior

  • Enforce the rules of the Rack (bare skin only, new gloves)
  • Watch for boundary pushers
  • Monitor for "creepy" behavior
  • Prevent negative objectification if you hear it.
  • Communicate issues with Hosts, DM's as needed, and (hopefully not) Incidence Response.

3. Manage Resources

  • Distribute gloves
  • Manage cups and cards
  • Direct to trash locations
  • Provide hand sanitizer
Pro Tip: Keep your vest pockets stocked with gloves and encourage gropers to take multiple pairs.

Handling Issues

When to Intervene Immediately

  • Anytime you see a rule violation - Educate the Groper on the Rules and check-in with the Meet
  • Anytime a person on the Rack calls or signals (Finger Horns)
  • Anytime you see play happening that shouldn't be happening
  • Anytime soneone yells "Safeword"
  • Check-in if you see someone on the Rack distressed, crying, angry, etc.

When to Escalate to Hosts and/or DM's

  • Any rule violation reported by someone on the Rack
  • Unsafe behavior
  • Repeated boundary pushing or Rule violator.
  • Confrontational situations
  • Anytime you feel like you want help handling a situation
Pro Tip: Remember, if someone is pushing the rules on your section of the Rack, odds are good they are doing it elsewhere. If we coordinate about repeat offenders we can keep and eye on them and remove them proactively.

Escalation Steps:

  1. Take care of the person on the Rack first!
  2. Identify and keep track of the Groper or ask for help tracking them.
  3. Get assistance immediately. Do one or all of:
    • Call for help from nearby monitors
    • Contact @Torque
    • Call for DMs
    • Ask bystander or two to fetch help
  4. Check-in with the nearby people on the Rack to make sure everyone is ok.

Ideal Monitor Qualities

  • Can handle crowded, chaotic environments
  • Confidence
  • DM Experience
  • Comfortable with assisting the Meet
  • Previous Meet Rack experience is always great!
  • Self-forgiving attitude
  • Understanding of the service-oriented role of a Monitor

Want to Volunteer?

If you feel you can do this job, we really need the help. We're open to people who can do the whole event or half shifts as described above.

If you're able to help, please reach out to Fetlife - Torque @Torque on Discord or Fetlife as soon as possible.

Thank you in advance — we can't do it without you!