Wikipedia:RfA Clerks noticeboard (draft)

Designated Clerks do not have any special powers or rights. Rather, they are simply normal volunteers who refrain from "taking sides" and instead focus on a designated set of tasks that may or may not get done otherwise. RfA can be stressful for all participants and the clerks' main aim is to reduce that stress where possible. Clerks would be responsible for promoting a basic standard of constructiveness and civility at RFA.

Clerks have the option of 'assigning' themselves to an RfA and maintain a 24/7 watch. The purpose of this would simply be to designate that they are actively monitoring and focused on the RfA, that the participants can go to them requesting advice or assistance on procedure, and that they're the "go-to" person if someone wants to talk to a clerk, for any reason, regarding that RfA. In order to maintain a 24/7 watch, up to three clerks may assign themselves to any individual RfA simply by adding their names to the top of the RfA with 'Clerked by ...'. Clerks are encouraged to assign themselves to an unattended RfA before signing onto one that already has a designated clerk. If no clerk has volunteered, an assignment can be requested via the noticeboard. Any clerk must remove their name from the RfA at the candidate's request.

Prior to/soon after transclusion

 * Ensure that candidates understands the minimum RfA requirements as evidenced by research.
 * Ensure the process is clear to candidates.
 * Advise the candidate that the first three (still optional) questions if not adequately answered.
 * Advise the candidate to opt in for X!'s edit stats.
 * Check that editing stats have been added to the candidate's RfA talk page.

During the RfA
During an RfA the assigned clerk(s) will have a number of duties. They will:


 * Monitor the optional questions:
 * Notify 'crats or uninvolved admins of blatantly uncivil/disruptive questions that need to be removed
 * Discuss off-topic or potentially uncivil/disruptive questions and suggest rephrasing/removal to the author
 * Monitor comments and !votes:
 * Notify 'crats or uninvolved admins of blatantly uncivil/disruptive comments that need to be removed (and warn the author, if applicable)
 * Discuss off-topic or possibly uncivil/disruptive comments and suggest rephrasing/removal to the author
 * Collapse or remove to the talk  page obviously disruptive or contentious threads and work to de-escalate disputes
 * Move long discussions to the talk page
 * Ensure that cited diffs are correct, directly related to the RfA, and not taken out of context.
 * Monitor for:
 * Comments by sockpuppets or banned users.
 * !Votes that are the result of canvassing.
 * !Votes by single purpose accounts and annotate them.
 * !Votes by IPs and strike them

Closure
As closure approaches the clerks may:
 * Highlight any votes made beyond expiry time.
 * Remind the 'crats if the RfA closure is excessively overdue.
 * Once the RfA is closed, clerks may also offer help to newly appointed admins (i.e. helpful links, etc.) and support for failed candidates.

NOTNOW/SNOW
Some candidates may have obvious issues that will lead to mass opposition. This can be disheartening to the candidate and, in extreme cases, has led to their retirement from the project.

Any editor in good standing can perform a non-bureaucrat closure in cases where an RfA will obviously not succeed. Clerks would be responsible for keeping an eye out for these major issues, both before transclusion and during the RfA process. If identified, they will discuss the with the candidate the likely outcome, and their options (including withdrawal). Pile-ons may take a large emotional toll on a candidate. In these instances, clerks will try to counsel them through the disappointment and try to help them maintain motivation.

(See: Example template)

Clerks will monitor for NOTNOW RfAs; clear cases will be closed and removed (transclusion should be prevented entirely, if possible). The clerks are also tasked with providing support for NOTNOW candidates, for example:


 * Explaining why their candidacy was withdrawn.
 * Showing them other areas of involvement to consider (i.e. vandal fighting, content creation, New Page Patrol, etc.)
 * Advising them on what they should do before requesting adminship again.

Recusal
Clerks will recuse their involvement in an RFA:


 * If they have commented, or plan to comment at all, in the RFA.
 * If they have had significant prior interaction with the candidate (i.e. are involved).
 * At the request of the candidate.

Coordination

 * Clerks will be able to discuss, coordinate, and take comments via a clerks' noticeboard

Becoming a Designated Clerk
Any sufficiently experienced editor in good standing may apply  to become a clerk by nominating themselves on  the clerks' noticeboard. Clerks will then be approved by at least three bureaucrats. If they wish, other editors may comment on a nomination