First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this. This shows a really positive intent and that this topic interests you. We want our community to be a safe and inclusive place for everyone. A place that has empathy, kindness, honesty and assumes goodwill. We have zero tolerance on any inappropriate behaviour. In the last few years we have banned over twenty people from our community, and behind the scenes work tirelessly to ensure this is a priority to our team. Don’t misunderstand our friendliness for acceptance of behaviour that contravenes our Code of Conduct.

We want you to love every step you take, push yourself, learn new things with new people and meet a community who will enrich your life. We believe in having fun and dancing with everyone. We enjoy humour and the power of not taking oneself seriously. In order to make a great experience of dancing, we have a few expectations. By attending Swing Patrol classes or events, you’ve agreed to always mind your manners and behave like an adult human being.

If you are another group/organisation/individual reading this Code of Conduct, feel free to share, copy, use. No permission required. Please keep reading:

1. This is a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, employment status, physical appearance, physical or mental ability.
   We do not tolerate harassment of any kind, verbal, physical, emotional or sexual. If you harass someone, you will be asked to leave. It is always at our discretion and judgment. So don’t do it.
2. In keeping with the above, we won’t tolerate the use of racist, ageist, misogynistic, misandrist, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist language. It’s not only wrong, but embarrassing and plain rude.
3. Be aware of your physical boundaries and where you’re kicking or enthusiastically flailing that arm with great expression. Your limbs are powerful and might do unintended damage. Being aware of others on the floor and not hitting them is the mark of a considerate dancer. If you accidentally strike anyone, please make sure they’re ok, and do apologise.
4. While dancing, either in class or on the social floor, do not offer unsolicited dance advice to your fellow dancers. In our experience the people who do this are usually wrong (and always annoying).
5. Always respect personal boundaries. Yes, we’re dancing, but there are still rules. Don’t put hands, groins, feet, knees, or any other bit of you where it shouldn’t be. There is no dance move that involves rubbing or squeezing of any sort. Ever.

Within the scope of these caveats, do your thing and have fun.

If you have any concerns, please talk to one of the Swing Patrol staff. We will treat these issues with the strictest confidentiality and seriousness with our follow up procedures.

Your courage in coming forward can keep incidents from being repeated.

Swing Patrol Safe Spaces Policy & Procedure – what to do if you want to report an incident or breach of the Code of Conduct.