A powerful admin system is your server's backbone. It's the tool your moderation team uses daily. Building it properly saves countless hours.
Admin Hierarchy Design
Create clear role definitions with appropriate permissions.
#Recommended Structure: - Owner: Full access, policy decisions - Senior Admin: Full moderation, staff decisions - Admin: Player management, enforcement - Moderator: Warnings, muting, basic enforcement - Support: Reporting, ticket handling, information
Clear hierarchy prevents conflicting decisions and distributes responsibility appropriately.
Permission System
Fine-grained permissions prevent abuse while enabling efficient moderation.
#Permission Types: - Player management (kick, ban, warn) - Command access - Financial powers (money manipulation) - Server control (restart, config) - Moderation tools (freeze, spectate) - Log access
Newer admins shouldn't have financial or restart powers. Build trust before granting authority.
Command Logging
Comprehensive logging creates accountability and prevents disputes.
#Log Data: - Who executed the command - What command was executed - Target player (if applicable) - Reason provided - Timestamp - Result (success/failure)
Detailed logging protects both players and admins. It's your proof when disputes arise.
Moderation Tools
Essential tools for effective enforcement.
#Required Functions: - Freeze player (stop movement) - Revive player (after accidents) - Teleport (to locations or admins) - Spectate (watch player secretly) - Mute (voice and chat) - Warn system (escalating warnings) - Ban management (temp/permanent) - Money adjustments (with logging)
Each tool should have options and confirmation steps to prevent accidents.
Appeal System
Players should have recourse for unfair decisions. This improves server reputation.
#Components: - Appeal submission form - Appeal review process - Appeals history - Appeal decision logging - Reconsideration mechanism
Appeals force you to justify decisions. If you can't justify it, maybe it was wrong.
Advanced Moderation Techniques
#Spectate Mode Watch suspected rule-breakers without their knowledge. Catch rule violations in real-time.
#Evidence Collection Keep clips and screenshots of violations. Timestamps help build cases.
#Community Reports Let players report violations. Moderators investigate reports.
#Ban Appeals Discord Handle appeals through Discord for transparency.
Training & Guidelines
Proper training prevents abuse and inconsistency.
#Training Requirements: - Server rules comprehension - Command usage documentation - Escalation procedures - Appeal handling - Conflict resolution - Rule interpretation
Document everything. Clear guidelines prevent conflicts among your team.
Detecting Abuse
Monitor your admins for abuse of power.
#Red Flags: - Targeting specific players repeatedly - Inconsistent enforcement - Financial manipulation - Teleporting during events - Using admin to win in competitions
Regular audits protect your server's integrity.
Integration with Other Systems
Admin systems should integrate with core systems.
#Integrations: - Jail system (jail specific lengths) - Police system (backup player suspensions) - Economy (fining system) - Job system (job bans) - Character system (character resets)
Integrated systems provide more tools without redundancy.
Documentation
Well-documented systems prevent confusion and speed up onboarding.
#Documentation Includes: - Rule document (for enforcement) - Command list (with usage) - Permission levels - Escalation procedures - Appeal processes - Disciplinary matrix
New admins should be able to review documentation and understand procedures.
Conclusion
Good admin systems protect your server's health. They prevent burnout on moderation teams by providing tools and clear procedures. Invest in your admin system early.