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Code of conduct

A Code of Conduct is a set of rules that every attendee should follow when attending any BCPF event. This page outlines the code in full, and details the procedures that follow should our code of conduct be broken by any attendee. There's levels of severity and not every rule break results in a permanent ban. This page is lengthy but important, and it's advised to read it in full before attending any BCPF event.

​​Please note that our Code of Conduct applies to both our in person meets, and also our online social media channels, such as Discord, Telegram and any direct message exchanges with fellow attendees.

Section 1: Purpose

BCPF includes everyone. We demonstrate our commitment to building an inclusive culture that safeguards and celebrates the diversity of our members, volunteers and the wider community. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment at all our events, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, race & ethnicity, beliefs or any other characteristic. This code of conduct outlines our expectations for participant behaviour, as well as the consequences for breaching the code of conduct. We expect all attendees including volunteers, press & media, organisers and venue staff to adhere to the code of conduct, and to ensure a welcoming and positive experience for all present.

Section 2: Expected Behaviour

  1. Treat all other attendees with respect and dignity.

  2. Attendees must not take part in any demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behaviour.

  3. Be considerate, respectful, and understanding of others.

  4. Always ask for consent before touching or making physical contact with others, including but not limited to hugs, picking people up, touching costumes and / or any part of a persons body.

  5. Follow all applicable rules of the event and venue.

  6. ​Be mindful of volume, this is included but not limited to personal bluetooth speakers, shouting and raised voices, and / or noises such as barks or howling. Such things are permitted at a low volume.

  7. Cooperate with event staff, volunteers and venue staff.

  8. Be mindful of your surroundings and other attendees, especially in costume.

  9. Alert organisers if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.

  10. Be mindful that we share space with the general public, and we must behave appropriately and treat the public with the same respect and dignity we treat each other.

Section 3: Unacceptable Behaviour

  1. Unacceptable behaviours & materials include intimidating, harassing, bullying, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning materials or conduct by any attendees of the event and related event activities. Event venues are shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all individuals.

  2. Harassment is any unwanted physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. A single incident is harassment. Examples of harassment may include: unwanted physical contact, invading personal space, unwelcome sexual advances or suggestive behaviour, sending or displaying material that some may find offensive, inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images, offensive or inappropriate text messages or social media content, jokes or remarks that some may find offensive, demeaning or belittling a person, deliberate intimidation, stalking or following, unwanted photography or recording.

  3. Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving misuse of power that can make a person feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined or threatened. Examples of bullying may include: physical or psychological threats, intimidation, inappropriate and/or derogatory remarks, ignoring or shunning someone, physical, written, verbal or other abuse, annoyance, pushing, shoving or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person, which in any way creates a disturbance that is disruptive or dangerous, or creates apprehension in a person.

  4. It is important to note that those accused of bullying and harassment are not always aware they have caused offence. A key understanding is not whether the conduct was intended on the part of the perpetrator, but if it is unwanted on the part of the recipient. Staff will discern this accordingly.

  5. Consent should be sought for any form of physical touch, by way of verbal agreement and comfortable body language.

  6. ​Consent should be sought for any form of online connections made through BCPF. Both parties should verbally consent to social media exchanges.

  7. Possession of any item that can be used as a weapon, which may cause danger to others if used in a certain manner.

  8. Any violent, lewd or offensive behaviour or language, including but not limited to using sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct, or any language, behaviour or content that contains racial, religious or ethnic slurs. Note that profanity is permitted, but not in any form of aggressive or violent contet towards any individual.

  9. Possessing alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol, which our venues are. Please drink responsibly. High levels of intoxication are not permitted.

  10. Possessing any illegal substance, including but not limited to narcotics, marijuana, or other illegal drugs.

  11. Smoking, other than in designated outdoor areas, is not permitted.

  12. Assembling for the purpose of, or resulting in, disturbing the peace, or committing any unlawful act or engaging in any offensive behaviour.

  13. Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the venue or event.

Section 4: Consequences of Breach

Unacceptable behaviour of any attendee including, volunteers, press & media, organisers or venue staff, will not be tolerated. Those asked to cease unacceptable behaviour are expected to comply immediately. If a participant breaches the code of conduct, the staff will take action.

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Consequence will depend on severity, and compliance of participant to cease. Consequences could include: a warning, a strike (permanent ban from BCPF events on strike 3) or severe cases will result in an immediate permanent ban, with no room for appeal.

 

Level of severity and action taken will be at the discretion of the staff. Incidents will always be investigated before action is taken, unless sufficient evidence is provided at the point of breach or breach is witnessed in person. You may be entitled to appeal, this will be outlined at the point of action.

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Legal action may be considered if a criminal offence is suspected and may be reported to the police or other relevant authorities.

Section 5: Actions to take if Breach ongoing

If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour, or have any other concerns, please notify a meet organiser as soon as possible. All reports will remain completely confidential. Staff will be available to help participants and, when appropriate, contact venue security or local police. It is our objective to ensure that all participants feel safe throughout every event. You can report unacceptable behaviour to any member of staff. Staff can be found at meets identified by purple lanyards and red ID badges, or you may email the contact below.

 

bcpfurries@gmail.com

 

A participant should never knowingly make a false or misleading accusation. This can in some cases result in a strike or a permanent ban, depending on severity.

Section 6: Staff Accountability

We expect all staff, volunteers, and attendees to abide by this code of conduct at all BCPF events, and all of our social media outlets.

The staff team of BCPF will hold themselves equally accountable for all breaches in the code of conduct. We hold ourselves liable to protect our community, and not engage in any form of breach. The staff team will never abuse their place of perceived power to avoid accountability for any form of breach, and they will not use that place of power to gain anything from any attendee or any form of social status.

Section 7: Photography and Filming

Filming and photography may take place at our events.

Posting of any photos of BCPF events, for the intent of private use such as social media, is permitted. Please try to be conscious of taking photos where unconcealed faces are present, and if possible, ask for consent to be in photos if someone is not in costume.

For any photography or filming that will be used for professional media, including but not limited to TV, film, published media online or in paper, and professional social media outlets, then written consent must be sought via our main contact email.

If an attendee does not want to be filmed or photographed, please contact the staff.

Credential disclaimer: this Code of Conduct is a modification of this template provided by the IET.

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