How to train new ER:LC moderators
A step-by-step plan for turning new staff into reliable moderators: what to teach, how to test it, how to handle common situations and how to keep your team active.
Dispatcher team · · 3 min read
Most staff problems on ER:LC servers come from one thing: moderators who were given permissions without being taught how to use them. A short, structured training plan fixes that, and it doesn't take long.
1. Choose the right people
Use a short application form. Ask about how they'd handle a few real situations, not just their age and timezone. Look for people who are calm, fair and active in your community already. Someone who's been a good player for a month is a safer choice than someone who joined yesterday.
2. Start everyone at the lowest rank
New staff start as trial moderators with the lowest permissions that let them help, usually helper in game. They can watch, remind players of the rules and report problems to senior staff. Promote them after a set period, such as two weeks, if they've done well.
3. Use a training checklist
- Read and understand every rule, including terms like RDM, VDM and FRP
- Know the punishment ladder and when to skip steps
- Know the commands for their rank (see our commands list)
- Know how to record an action and attach evidence
- Know how to handle a mod call and a report
- Know who to ask when they're unsure
- Shadow a senior moderator for at least one session
4. Teach the common situations
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| A player RDMs once | Private message reminding them of the rule, then a warning if it continues |
| A player keeps ramming cars | Warning, then kick if they carry on; check their history first |
| Someone is exploiting | Record evidence and ban; don't argue in chat |
| Two players argue over a scene | Pause the scene, hear both sides privately, then decide |
| A player argues with a punishment | Stay calm and point them to the appeals process |
| A friend breaks a rule | Treat them exactly like anyone else, or ask another moderator |
5. Make record-keeping a habit
Every warning, kick and ban needs a reason and, when possible, a clip or screenshot. Teach this from day one. Good records protect your moderators when a decision is questioned and show you who keeps causing trouble.
6. Probation and review
During probation, check each new moderator's actions every few days. Are their reasons clear? Are punishments consistent with the ladder? Are they too harsh or too soft? Give feedback early, privately and specifically.
7. Keep staff active
Set a simple activity target, such as a number of hours each week, and let staff request leave so time away isn't mistaken for inactivity. Recognise people who put in the work, and talk to those who've gone quiet before removing them.
8. Remove permissions properly
When someone leaves your team, remove their in-game permissions with :unmod, :unhelper or :unadmin straight away, and take away their staff roles in Discord and any tools you use.
Frequently asked questions
- What permission should new ER:LC staff get?
- Start with the lowest level that lets them help, usually helper, and promote them after a probation period if they've done well.
- How long should moderator probation last?
- Around two weeks works for most servers: long enough to see how someone handles real situations, short enough to keep them motivated.
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Related articles
- ER:LC private server commands list, with examplesThe ER:LC private server commands staff use, grouped by what they're for, with the exact way to type each one and tips for using them well.
- ER:LC server rules template you can copyA complete, numbered set of rules for an ER:LC roleplay server, with each common term explained, ready to copy into your Discord and adapt to your community.
- How to moderate an ER:LC private serverA practical guide for ER:LC server owners: writing rules people follow, building a staff team, handling rule-breakers fairly and keeping records, plus the tools that make it easier.