Rope Jam Rules

These rules apply on top of the House Rules for all rope jams and rope-first events.

Focus of the event

  • Rope jams are rope-first social events.
  • Floor work, partial suspension, and full suspension all belong here.
  • Other play is welcome when it stays rope-centred or grows from rope.
  • We aim for a mix of learning, practice, and play.

Using the space

  • Downstairs is a talking, lab-style area for demos, coaching, and working things out aloud.
  • Upstairs is reserved for more focused scenes and play once you are ready to go deeper.
  • Keep the stairwell and walkways clear so people can move safely between rooms.
  • All (house consent rules)[/house-rules] apply.
  • Before you tie with someone, talk about:
    • Health issues, injuries, surgeries, and areas to avoid
    • Medication, fainting history, and nerve issues
    • How intense the scene can be, physically, emotionally, and sexually
    • Limits on exposure, pain, sexual touch, and marks
    • What kinds of positions are fine and which are not
    • Safewords or signals, including non-verbal signals
    • What will happen if someone feels unwell or wants to stop
  • If you are new to rope, say so clearly.
  • Do not present yourself as more skilled than you are, as a rigger or as a rope bottom.

Safety and skills

  • Bring and use safety shears or another cutting tool made for rope.
  • All rope play is at your own risk. Assess any rope, hardware, and anchors before loading them.
  • Do not suspend a partner without:
    • A sharp cutting tool to hand
    • A clear, realistic plan to get them down fast
  • Ties that restrict breathing should be approached with care and clear, informed consent from your partner.
  • Neck rope is generally not allowed. For us this means rope around the neck that is attached to something.
    • Hosts may allow specific neck rope ties if you ask in advance.
  • Avoid putting full body weight on a single wrist or ankle unless you both understand the risks and still consent.
  • Think about the path of your ropes, the load on joints, and the risk to nerves. Both rigger and model are responsible for safety.
  • Watch your rope tails and body movement so you do not hit or trip people around you.
  • If you feel out of your depth, change the scene, lower the intensity, or come back to the floor.
  • If you have a CNC (consensual non-consent) dynamic, talk to a host first or you risk being interrupted.

Using hardpoints and house gear

  • Only use fixed hardpoints, frames and furniture that the hosts have marked for rope.
  • Ask a host before your first suspension, especially if you are new to the space.
  • Do not climb or swing on beams or frames. They are for rope, not for acrobatics.
  • No multi-person suspensions or droplifts without explicit prior permission.
  • Use your own straps, carabiners, and hardware if possible. If you borrow house gear:
    • Check weight ratings and wear
    • Use it within its limits
    • Return it to the right place afterwards
  • Maison Tsuri Neko and its hosts do not accept responsibility for equipment failure, misuse, or resulting injuries.

Photos and privacy at rope jams

  • Photos are allowed only when:
    • Everyone in the frame gives a clear yes
    • Anyone in the background, even a toe, also agrees
  • Do not rely on “I will blur you later”. If in doubt, do not take the photo.
  • Ask a host before using tripods, lights, or other photo gear. Flash is not allowed.
  • For sharing:
    • Keeping photos in a private gallery is fine with consent
    • Posting anywhere online needs fresh, explicit consent from everyone in the image
    • Ask again if time has passed or the context has changed

Follow any extra photo rules or systems for that specific jam.

Rope-centred play guidelines

  • Rope jams are for learning, practice, and rope-centred play.
  • Sex, impact, and other play can happen, but rope stays the main focus of the room.
  • If your scene is very sexual, very intense, or needs more space or privacy, ask a host and move if possible.
  • Avoid long, very loud screaming or heavy public humiliation scenes. These can unsettle others even when consensual.
  • If a scene upsets you or brings up strong feelings, you can leave the room, use the quiet space, or ask a host for support.

Substances and intoxication

  • Rope and altered states do not mix.
  • Rope jams are sober events.
  • Maison Tsuri Neko has a zero-tolerance policy for intoxication at rope jams.
  • If you arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be asked to leave.
  • It is not safe for someone who is intoxicated to tie or be tied.

Cleanliness and gear

  • Coil and store house rope where you found it.
  • Do not take house gear home.
  • Brush tatami and mats after your scene.
  • Wipe sweat, lube, and wax off surfaces.
  • If you borrow shared toys or tools:
    • Clean them after use with the products provided
    • Return them to the shared area

Staying over and winding down

  • If the event allows overnight stays, the house staying-over rules apply.
  • Keep late night noise low so sleepers can rest.
  • After your last scene, check in with your partner. Make sure they are warm, grounded, and supported.

Problems, risky rope and support

  • If you see risky rope, unsafe anchors, or someone in visible distress, talk to a host at once.
  • If a host or monitor stops or changes your scene, follow their instructions. You can discuss details and safer options afterwards.
  • The team can warn, pause, restrict suspensions, or, if needed, suspend or ban people who tie in ways we find unsafe.
  • If an injury or near miss happens, please tell a host what happened. We track incidents so we can improve teaching and safety.
  • You can also reach a host after the event via message, email, or our anonymous form.