Hello Belles and Chimes Philly, 

In light of recent events impacting the wider pinball community, we want to reaffirm our values: Belles and Chimes Philly is an inclusive women’s pinball league striving to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all players including trans and cis women, non binary and gender non-conforming players. If anyone is made to feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or unwelcome at any of our events, please let Erica or a member of the team at Barcade Fishtown know. 

Earlier this month at the OBX Fall Flippers tournament in North Carolina, trans players were harassed and threatened by an employee of the venue causing at least 10 players to drop out of the tournament. Despite the International Flipper Pinball Association’s (IFPA) clear guidelines regarding inclusivity at their events, the tournament still proceeded as originally planned. IFPA then issued a statement, deciding not to void the results of the tournament - an action that contradicts IFPA’s guidelines and the suggestions by their Women’s Advisory Board. The members of the board subsequently resigned stating that their relationship with IFPA was beyond repair. IFPA has not veered from their original statement, and to date has not addressed the resignation of the board other than expressing their “appreciation for all the hard work and improvements”.

In light of further details that have emerged and IFPA’s lack of leadership in following their own guidelines, the decision has been made to sever Belles and Chimes Philly's relationship with IFPA. As a result, we will not submit scores after our December league night or for other future events. This position will be reevaluated if and when IFPA makes meaningful changes.

Belles and Chimes Philly believes that pinball is and should be for everyone.

Have a wonderful next couple of weeks and hope to see many of you when we meet next on December 9th.

- Erica