How exactly does one get into a launch party? Because if they're letting in 15 year-olds, sure there's going to be spiteful words. I always pictured these sorts of things having more mature crowds, but maybe I'm wrong.
My strategy, instead of excluding women, would be to make it a 21+ event (or maybe 18+), as well as kicking out anybody who doesn't abide by decency standards.
Fair enough. In that case, stipulate that "Heated banter should be expected. If you can't handle that blah blah." Basically, there's better solutions than the shotgun approach.
Are women incapable of understanding that people can be a-holes especially in an unregulated "sporting" competition? Lots of a-holes out there. Just put a warning, let women know, and offer advice if necessary. This is just plain ol' wrong.
I think they are fully capable of understanding. But I can guess that the LAN party probably gets tons of complaints regarding assholes and women every year and just decided to put a stop to it.
Just look at a site like Reddit (which probably is the same demographic as a LAN party). As soon as a women appears, the assholes come out.
My strategy, instead of excluding women, would be to make it a 21+ event (or maybe 18+), as well as kicking out anybody who doesn't abide by decency standards.