Players are instructed to read background information (e.g., the newspaper, a demographic essay, data on police and police contracts, etc.) on the fictional town of Meierville and to select a role to play during the simulation game. The five types of roles include elected official roles, administrative roles, union roles, mediator and arbitrator roles, and special interest group roles. Game rules briefly discuss victory conditions, role analysis, strategy, and the sequence of play. Documents necessary to the play are provided, including the existing collective bargaining agreement, the previous year's budget, and applicable State statutes. Special forms for play include the player selection preferences, the role analysis worksheet, the bargaining worksheet and budget proposal, and the press release.