Code of Conduct

The Swing Dance Association of Victoria (SDAV) and all affiliated events are open to everyone regardless of gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, size, physical appearance, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of any kind.

Do not engage in harassment of any form. Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, or religion, as well as misogynist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, sizeist, ageist, or racist language. Harassment also includes deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Apologise for accidental unwanted physical contact. Accidental contact includes dance floor collisions, kicks, and stepping on feet, as well as accidentally touching another person’s body.

Accept when someone says ‘no’ to a dance. Every dancer has a right to ask anyone else to dance, and also the right to decline any dance.

Accept when someone does not want to do a move or a hold. Understand that certain movements or holds may not be comfortable for everyone (ie. dips, close embrace, weight sharing, etc). Every dancer has a right to decline to do a movement or a hold.

Do not offer unsolicited advice to your fellow dancers. There is a time and a place for giving advice, and that time is not on the social dance floor. Even in classes, be sure to ask first before providing feedback.

Be considerate and respectful to the SDAV staff and volunteers. Follow the directions of the staff and volunteers, as well as those from venue staff. Respect the venues and SDAV property. Misuse of anything SDAV owns/rents/leases will not be tolerated.

Alcohol will only be permitted at an SDAV event when sold by SDAV representatives under BC Serving It Right Guidelines and the city event permit for alcohol. Outside alcohol will not be permitted. Patrons that arrive inebriated will not be admitted at the discretion of the SDAV staff and volunteers.

Misconduct Procedure and Consequences

Report any misconduct to a Director or Committee Member. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a Director or Committee Member immediately. Depending on the situation, you may be asked to file an incident report, which will aid SDAV in taking any necessary action with the offender and to prevent any future misconduct. Directors and Committee Members will be happy to help participants contact the Board of Directors or local law enforcement; provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. If you do not feel that you can approach a Directors and Committee Members in person at an event, you can send an e-mail to hello@swingvictoria.net Any messages that are received will be handled confidentially.

Guests asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately. Guests violating the aforementioned rules may be sanctioned or expelled from Swing Dance Association of Victoria events without a refund at the discretion of management.

Amended August 15, 2022