Forum rules template: community guidelines people actually follow
Good rules make moderation easier and make new members feel safe. Bad rules are either so vague nobody knows what they mean, or so long nobody reads them. Here's a template you can adapt.
Key takeaways
- Keep the core rules short, specific and visible: pin them and link them at sign-up.
- Explain what happens when rules are broken.
- Enforce consistently and publish changes.
A template you can adapt
Welcome to [Forum Name]. This is a community for [topic]. By posting, you agree to these rules.
- Be respectful. Disagree with ideas, not people. No personal attacks, harassment, slurs or threats.
- Stay on topic. Post in the right section. Off-topic chat goes in [Off-Topic].
- No spam or self-promotion outside [Promotions section]. Disclose any business relationship with what you're recommending.
- No illegal content, piracy, or instructions to harm others.
- Protect privacy. Don't post other people's personal information.
- One account per person. Don't impersonate others.
- Search before posting and use clear thread titles.
- Report, don't retaliate. Use the report button and let moderators handle it.
Enforcement: moderators may edit or remove posts. Repeated or serious violations can lead to a warning, a temporary suspension or a permanent ban. Questions? Contact [moderators/contact link].
Tips for writing good rules
- Be specific. "No spam" is clearer with examples: "No links to your own products outside the Promotions forum."
- Match your community. A support forum needs a "no medical/legal advice" note; a buy-sell forum needs trading rules.
- Write for scanning: short numbered rules, bold keywords.
- Check the law and your host's terms for things like age limits and privacy. See our privacy, GDPR and COPPA guide.
Enforcing them fairly
- Write a short internal guide for moderators on warnings vs. bans.
- Log actions so decisions are consistent.
- Give a reason when you remove a post.
- Announce rule changes in a pinned post.
More: forum moderation guide · spam prevention.
Published October 25, 2026. We do not use affiliate links on this page; see our Affiliate Disclosure.