Code of Conduct

Austin Westie Academy Code of Conduct

By participating in Austin Westie Academy (AWA) classes, socials, or events, I agree to the following code of conduct. I accept that as a member of this community, I will contribute to making a community that is safe, open, honest, and enjoyable for all involved.

1. I accept that as a member of this community, I will contribute to making a community that is safe, open, honest, and enjoyable for all involved.

   1. I will not engage with other people, including members of the community, using words, threats, or acts that impact their psychological or physical safety, real or perceived.

   2. I will be respectful of each person regardless of background, race, skin color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, beliefs, skill level, age, or disability.

   3. I recognize that the purpose of social partner dancing is to have fun while connecting with another person. I will make the best effort to be attentive to my dance partner.

   4. I am expected to actively participate in building the community by seeking new people to dance with and talk to. I will also foster introductions and reintroductions to help provide a welcoming atmosphere.

2. I understand that consent is important and necessary.

   1. I will obtain consent before taking any action, whether grabbing someone to dance or anything more. I understand that the social dance floor is not the appropriate place to make advances on someone before receiving consent. I understand that consenting to a dance is not the same as consenting to anything else.

3. I will be mindful of my and my partner’s personal space while dancing.

   1. I will not touch my dance partner in inappropriate places. While accidents may happen, I will try to avoid instances of inappropriate touching with my dance partner.

   2. I understand that each dancer has different physical boundaries, and will respect those boundaries both on and off the dance floor.

4. I will be mindful of myself, my dance partner, and my surroundings when I dance.

   1. I will not attempt large moves, lifts, kicks, or other movements that may cause injury and/or discomfort to my dance partner, myself, or those around me.

   2. I will be respectful of other couples on the dance floor and their space.

5. I will not photograph or video other attendees without their explicit consent. 

   1. It is acceptable for attendees to take photos or videos of the room as a whole or pan across to capture the environment.

   2. It is not acceptable for attendees to video a particular dancer or partnership for an extended period of time unless they have received their consent. 

   3. Austin Westie Academy organizers may take photos or videos of the dance for marketing purposes (e.g. during class, social dancing, or end of the night photos) following these same guidelines.

6. It is ok and expected for me to tell a community member if something they do causes me discomfort.

   1. I can stop a dance or other interaction at any time or say “no” if someone makes me feel uncomfortable. I do not have to give a reason.

   2. When/if appropriate, if I do want to give feedback to the person on what caused me discomfort, I will provide it in a respectful manner.

   3. When/if appropriate, I will make my best effort to inform the person and give them an opportunity to change it. I understand that communication can clear up misunderstandings before they build. I recognize that people are sometimes unaware that their actions are uncomfortable until they are informed.

   4. If I receive feedback from a community member about something that causes them discomfort, I will receive it graciously.

7. I will not teach on the social dance floor.

   1. I will not offer unsolicited advice about someone’s dancing. I understand that people of all skill levels come to enjoy the dance and may not be looking for feedback.

8. I will bring inappropriate actions that I personally experience or observe to the attention of the dance organizers.

   1. I understand that it is my responsibility to report breaches of this code of conduct in order to facilitate a better, safer, community. Named or anonymous reports can be made via the “Contact Us” form on our website.

9. I will not abuse substances to the point where it may harm myself, my dance partner, or those around me.

   1. I understand that alcohol and/or drug use is not an excuse for any behavior that may cause discomfort to my dance partner or others around me. I understand that if removed from the social dance, I will need to contact a friend or get a ride to get home.

   2. If a ride cannot be found, the event organizers will organize a rideshare. I understand that the organizers are not responsible for what happens to me or my vehicle in the meantime.

10. I will stay home if I have tested positive for or am experiencing symptoms of any communicable illness to prevent transmission to others.

    1. I understand that symptoms of COVID include: loss of taste or smell, cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, chills, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, shaking or exaggerated shivering, significant muscle pain or ache, diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting.

Minors Under 16 Policy

Classes:

For the safety and comfort of all participants, students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who actively supervises them for the full duration of the class. Supervising parents/guardians have two options:

• Participate in class: The parent/guardian may take the same class alongside their child, at the discounted student rate.

• Observe from the sidelines: The parent/guardian may supervise from the side of the dance floor without participating, at no charge.

A parent or guardian must be present and attentive for the entire class — supervision cannot be intermittent or delegated to another student, instructor, or staff member. "Actively supervising" means remaining on-site, within visual range of the minor, and able to intervene immediately if needed; stepping out of the room or becoming otherwise unavailable does not meet this standard.

Social Dances:

During social dances, supervision of minors remains the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian. Austin Westie Academy does not assume liability for the safety, conduct, or wellbeing of minors during social dance events; parents/guardians are expected to remain present and actively supervising throughout. Please report any safety concerns/issues to an organizer immediately so it can be handled in an appropriate and timely manner.

How To Report Incidents:

If someone’s actions are in the realm of (sexual or otherwise) harassment or abuse, please inform an organizer or staff member (listed below) as soon as possible. Simply not liking the way someone looks, talks, or dances is not a sufficient reason to accuse them of harassment.

We will only accept “official complaints” from those directly involved with the incident or authorized representatives of those involved. We do not accept hearsay. We understand that it can be uncomfortable, so we will accept complaints both in-person and via writing. Reporters can establish what level of anonymity they wish to maintain.

If someone tests positive for COVID after attending classes/social, please inform an organizer or staff member.  Reports will remain anonymous unless the party that has tested positive chooses to disclose their status publicly.

Reports/complaints can be submitted via:

• Email address: austinwestieacademy@gmail.com

• Contact Us form on website: https://www.austinwestieacademy.com/contact-us 

• Facebook or Instagram profile (@Austin Westie Academy)

Breaches of Code of Conduct:

Determining the severity of a breach of the code of conduct is up to the discretion of the event owners. AWA does not govern or dictate how community members conduct themselves outside of our classes, socials, and events. However, when assessing a report or determining the severity of a breach, AWA organizers may take into account reported behavior(s) that occurred outside of an AWA class, social, or event. This reflects AWA's responsibility to make informed decisions about the safety of the spaces we run.

Serious breaches:

1. Serious breaches of code of conduct will result in automatic ban at the discretion of event owners.

2. Police records for sexual harassment or existing restraining orders within the dance community will result in an automatic ban.

Minor breaches:

1. Initial report(s) may result in a discussion, verbal warning, and/or being required to leave the event.

2. Subsequent reports, with consideration of identification of a pattern of behavior, timeframe, and your response to initial discussions/action by event directors, may result in a ban for a specified period of time, at the discretion of the event owners.

3. Multiple repeated minor breaches, depending on context and owner discretion, can amount to a serious breach resulting in a permanent ban.

Official Organization Representatives:

Ryan Maldonado

Liz Ravdin

Rachel Shook

Kelly Wright

This Code of Conduct is derived from Blue Note San Diego’s Code of Conduct with the organization’s permission, and with input from SwingDiversity’s Policy Toolkit.