I'd suggest cutting this back a bit and making it less formal.
D&D Group Charter
1. Our sessions are smoke, alcohol, and drug free. Players who show up under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be allowed to sober up, sent home, and not invited back.
1. No tobacco, drugs or booze. Full stop.
2. Players must be child and baby-friendly and not offended by the sight of a woman nursing a baby during the game. Parents of small children can, at their option, seek babysitting, but children are allowed to come, as long as they are not overly disruptive. The house where we meet is full of toys suitable for young children (though kids older than 4 might find our selection boring).
2. Players must be child and baby-friendly and not offended by the sight of a woman nursing a baby. If you've got young kids, the house is set up to cater for toddlers, so feel free to bring them. Naturally if they're too disruptive we'll need to make other arrangements.
3. People who are allergic to cats or dogs should show up at their own risk.
4. Scheduling: The ideal situation is to meet every week Friday evening or Saturday afternoon/evening. We realize this is not an ideal world. If you can’t make a game, contact the rest of the group as early as possible so that
a. an alternate meeting time can be arranged (preferable);
b. another player can be assigned to play your character for that session (at least the game goes on); or
c. the session for that week can be canceled (a last resort!).
4. We intend to meet every friday evening or saturday afternoon/evening. If you can't make it you'll be expected to contact us so we can work out alternatives.
5. A certain level of maturity, seriousness, and respect are expected of all players.
You already covered 'not coming to meetings' in 4, and frankly if someone doesn't understand what 'maturity, seriousness and respect' means, then they're not going to be reading this charter...
6. We require of all members either a basic understanding of the rules or a genuine desire to learn them.
I don't think you need a) - it just emphasises the main point.
Perhaps add
"The group are all knowledgable and are willing to help new members who are not".
7. All players must either have their own copy of the Dungeons and Dragons Players Handbook (edition 3.5), or have access to this book outside of the game (for reference, leveling up, etc…).
I'd probably extend this to include the SRD.
8. Players are responsible for keeping their character sheets updated. Equipment, money, statistics, etc… The DM has the right to audit sheets if something seems off.
It seems odd that you feel you need to include this - most players I know would simply assume this. Have you had any problems with this before?
9. The DM is a referee, not a dictator. However, to maintain game flow, please allow the DMs rulings during the session to stand undisputed. Sometimes the DM will make bad calls. Sometimes the DM will make overly generous calls. These average out in the long run. Rulings may be disputed after the session, but history will not retroactively change, even if the DM was wrong.
This one would turn me off right away. I'm looking at a DM I don't know, who will be unwilling to let me contribute to decisions, and feels strongly enough about it that he's written out his own "the DM is always right" sign.
I'd suggest changing the language if that's not what you mean.
10. It is highly preferable, though not absolutely required, for all players to have access to email. Discussions, scheduling issues, and other miscellaneous topics are easily discussed via email.
Easy enough.
11. Though people of all religions, sexes, political orientations, sexual orientations, etc are welcome, prospective members should be aware/warned that the founding members of the group are strongly liberal/democrat pagans. If this makes prospective members uncomfortable, they should consider themselves duly warned, though games sessions are generally not the time or place for political/religious discussions of any stripe.
I'd probably suggest that you don't bring up "we're liberal/democrat pagans".
Perhaps you should just emphasise that real world politics and religion won't be a part of the game?
Otherwise it sounds like it WILL be a part of the game - after all, you feel strongly enough about it that you put it in these rules...
12. We are playing this game to have fun and enjoy the company of a group of people who share, if nothing else, an interest in D&D. If something is happening that is spoiling your enjoyment of the game, please bring it to the attention of the DM, in private if you desire. Your concerns will be kept confidential and will be dealt with.
Sounds good.
