Code of Conduct

EUSPBA CODE OF CONDUCT

Introduction

The EUSPBA recognizes that music competitions provide a means of improving piping, drumming, and pipe band musical performances and has established a set of rules and regulations. We aspire to assist individuals and bands in reaching, not only their highest competitive potential, but also raising the level of our art. Contests that agree to follow the EUSPBA guidelines may be sanctioned by the association. EUSPBA sanctioning provides competitors a measure of uniformity in terms of rules, standards, and judging. Members, member bands, members of member bands, judges, contest/games/festival organizers and other participants in sanctioned events of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA) have an ongoing, affirmative duty to promote a culture that empowers and supports members and member bands to elevate our art form. Every member of EUSPBA is responsible for ensuring an environment that makes participation a positive and rewarding experience. The EUSPBA Code of Conduct (the “Code”) is intended to work in conjunction with the EUSPBA Rules, Policies and Procedures and, as such, sets forth EUSPBA and its members’ commitment to act ethically in all instances. It is expected  that all Members of EUSPBA will implement and adhere to this Code.

Ethical Obligations

A. Promotion of a Safe, Positive, Harassment Free and Healthy Environment.

Members, member bands, members of member bands, judges, contest/games/festival organizers and other participants in sanctioned events have an ongoing obligation and commitment to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all piper, drummer and band participants. Consistent with this obligation, members must:

• Make decisions in the best interest of all members.
• Promote a culture of trust and empowerment that moves piping and drumming in a positive direction as an art.
• Promote a culture that encourages people of any race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, age, national origin, mental or physical disability to participate.
• Respect the fundamental rights, dignity, and worth of all participants.

The EUSPBA is committed to providing a safe environment for all its members, member bands, members of member bands, judges, contest/games/festival organizers and other participants in sanctioned events free from discrimination on any ground and from harassment including sexual harassment. The EUSPBA will operate a zero tolerance policy for any form of sexual harassment involving members, member bands, members of member bands, judges, contest/games/festival organizers and other participants in sanctioned events , treat all incidents seriously and promptly investigate all allegations of sexual harassment. Any person found to have sexually harassed another will face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the EUSPBA. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and treated with respect and in confidence. No one will be victimized for making such a complaint.

B. Commitment to Integrity

Members, member bands, members of member bands, judges, contest/games/festival organizers and other participants in sanctioned events have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of EUSPBA and EUSPBA Sanctioned competitions and to act honestly, openly, fairly, and competently. Members and Member Bands must:

• Be knowledgeable of, understand and follow EUSPBA rules and policies, and refrain from knowingly misrepresenting or misinterpreting such.
• Promote fair play.
• Display good sportsmanship.
• Maintain respect on the field and refrain from intimidating, embarrassing or improperly influencing any individual responsible for participating in, judging, or administering a competition.
• Make honest certifications regarding compliance with EUSPBA policies, procedures and membership requirements

C. Participation and Inclusion

Members and Member Bands have the right to participate in any EUPBA activity or event for which the Member is properly qualified under the rules of that activity or event and may participate to the best of his/her abilities at his/her discretion:

• Members and Member Bands must promote positive participation and avoid behavior that is likely to interfere with the orderly conduct of the activity or other Members’ participation in, or enjoyment of, an activity or event.
• Members and Member Bands should conduct themselves in a manner that is not detrimental to any members, member bands, members of member bands, judges, contest/games/festival organizers and other participants in sanctioned events EUSPBA Sanctioned Events where Members and Member Bands appear.
• Members, member bands, members of member bands, judges, contest/games/festival organizers and other participants in sanctioned events must respect the rights and opinions of others.
• Members, member bands, members of member bands, judges, contest/games/festival organizers and other participants in sanctioned events must promote inclusion and an environment free of discrimination.
• Members and Member Bands may not restrict the ability of a Member to participate in EUSPBA activities because of race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, or any other basis proscribed by law.