safety - code of conduct

WGI & FFCC feels it is essential to enforce a Code of Conduct for groups participating in any WGI/FFCC sanctioned event. If employees, independent contractors, and volunteers are expected to adhere to a professional code of conduct, then it is appropriate that this standard is expected from participating groups as well. This code of conduct is established to assist the Staff, Volunteers and Participants of  RPT PERCUSSION/Paradigm Performance Ensembles, Inc. with clear guidelines and regulations while being a member of the staff, volunteer or participant of during the 2023-2024 Indoor Percussion season. 

Staff: A person who is engaged by a participating group in an instructional or administrative capacity.

Volunteer: A person who gives of their time freely to a participating group as a chaperone or provides support in any capacity. 

Participant: Any student, member will be referred to a the "Participant" 

PPE,Inc : Paradigm Performance Ensembles, Inc

RPT PERCUSSION/PPE,Inc will not tolerate conduct that impacts negatively on the organization. All staff, volunteers and participants should consider themselves as ambassadors of RPT PERCUSSION/PPE,Inc. All parties are not only expected to uphold these policies but help remind others of them when necessary. Further, RPT PERCUSSION/PPE,Inc., reserves the right to discipline, discharge or suspend any staff, volunteer or participant who engages in or is alleged to have engaged in unlawful activity at an official RPT PERCUSSION event to the extent consistent with applicable law. 

ALCOHOL & CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES 

WGI participants have the right to participate in an environment free of alcohol and controlled substances. WGI participants are not to possess, distribute or be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances including, but not limited to, narcotics, inhalants, marijuana, or other dangerous drugs. It is unlawful to bring alcohol and controlled substances onto any school grounds and most arena facilities.

The RPT PERCUSSION/PPE,Inc organization prohibits the use of illegal substances by its staff and volunteers prohibits the use of tobacco products by minors. The RPT PERCUSSION/PPE,Inc. organization follows the laws of the United States of America and the various States relative, but not limited to, the illegal use of chemical substances, narcotics, inhalants, marijuana, or other dangerous drugs. It is unlawful to bring alcohol and controlled substances onto any school grounds and most arena facilities 

Staff, Participants and Volunteers are to understand that they will refrain from consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to all rehearsals and performances. Staff Members and Volunteers are expected to be sensible regarding their responsibilities and at no time will provide or consume alcoholic beverages within the presence of ensemble members. 

CODE OF CONDUCT

While being an RPT PERCUSSION participant you are expected to always represent the organization with class. Always remember that you as an individual represent the group and that your actions towards other groups or individuals will reflect on the RPT PERCUSSION as a whole. 

Etiquette is the foundation the RPT PERCUSSION has been built upon. Your Etiquette towards others is to be based on mutual understanding and respect. If challenges occur it is your responsibility as a staff, member or volunteer of RPT PERCUSSION to inform the ensemble director immediately to get the matter resolved. 

Rehearsal Etiquette is established through the guidance of the Staff team and the volunteers of the Ensemble. Come to each rehearsal ready to be an A+. Be a positive force for organization. In the unlikely event that you are found to be disruptive to the ensemble rehearsal you may be asked to leave the ensemble. 

Here at RPT PERCUSSION you will make friends for life. We consider ourselves a family. With that in mind we will not tolerate bullying, abusive or threatening language or behavior towards one another. This is goes for members, staff and volunteers. When in doubt....just love each other :) 

HARASSMENT AND MISCONDUCT 

RPT PERCUSSION strictly prohibits all conduct which could pose a threat to the safety of anyone. Behavior that may be considered inappropriate or may be deemed as harassment is not allowed. Harassment refers to a full spectrum of offensive behavior. When the term is used in a legal sense, it refers to actions that can be found to be threatening or disturbing, and beyond those that are sanctioned by society. 

Conduct that creates a hostile environment is prohibited. Such conduct may include: 

• Any misconduct of a sexual nature or potentially classifiable as a sex offense under applicable law, including without limitation so-called "victimless" activities such as prostitution, pornography, and indecent exposure.

• Any misconduct in which actual or suggested sexual relations is an element.

• Any harassing behavior about, in whole or in part, an individual's sex, gender, sexual orientation or gender expression

• Repeated unwanted sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions

• Verbal abuse of a sexual nature • Verbal comments about an individual's body

• Sexually degrading words used to describe an individual • Unwanted physical contact

• Any conduct involving harm to a minor.

• Cyber-bullying or social media abuse

• Any other behavior that is not socially acceptable in a professional environment

ANTI-RETALIATION AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY 

In an effort to protect everyone and address our commitment to integrity and ethical behavior, RPT PERCUSSION will not tolerate any retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report, or threatens to make a good faith report, regarding RPT PERCUSSION, another organization, or an individual, whose suspected violation of the law or other violation endangers the health or safety of an ensemble member, staff, volunteer, or the general public. **See below for Whistleblower Form

GENERAL CONDUCT 

Our reputation depends on the conduct of all parties involved in RPT PERCUSSION . Good manners, courtesy, and common sense are generally all that is required to ensure appropriate conduct and behavior. Conduct or language that could be perceived by a reasonable person as being rude, inappropriate, abusive, disorderly, derogatory, immoral, or threatening will not be tolerated. If an undue and unfair pressure is applied to a staff member, volunteer, or ensemble member through inappropriate behavior, then this places the experience at risk. 

Traveling with RPT PERCUSSION is as much of a part of the season as performing. For local performances unit members’ carpool. If traveling in individual cars the local speed limits are to be followed and no stops are to be made unless approved prior to departure by the director. When carpooling the unit will use 1 set of directions to the destination and all members must follow that set of directions. If an ensemble is traveling with a coach or a bus, all members must use this bus to go to the performance site. Prior written approval must be given by the ensemble director to make an exception of this rule. 

All equipment of the RPT PERCUSSION. is to be always treated with respect. Treat our instruments and equipment like “Platinum.” We are very fortunate to have some of the best equipment in the world. Please help current and future members of RPT PERCUSSION by doing everything you can to preserve it. When utilizing any kind of space with an ensemble (rehearsal space, classrooms, bus, etc.) it should be left in better condition than when we arrived. How we treat our site is a direct reflection on our organization so please always make it look immaculate. 

SOCIAL NETWORKING

RPT PERCUSSION respects the right to use social networking sites and does not wish to discourage from self-publishing or self-expression. Nevertheless, we expect all involved in RPT PERCUSSION. to follow applicable guidelines and policies. All persons using social media should be clear that any posts are their own and they are not authorized to speak on behalf of RPT Percussion. Our policies prohibit the use of social media to post or display comments that are vulgar, obscene, threatening, intimidating, harassing, or hostile on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other basis or characteristic protected by applicable law on platforms controlled by RPT Percussion. 

BACKGROUND CHECKS 

In accordance with the requirements of WGI, RPT PERCUSSION , requires that all staff and volunteers complete a background check in his/her state of residence. The background check required will be paid for in by the staff member or volunteer and he/she will be reimbursed by RPT PERCUSSION. once the background check is submitted to the organization along with the receipt received when payment was made. All are also required to take the U.S. Center for SafeSport Core Courses. 

DISCIPLINARY ACTION 

Individual participants, staff, or volunteers who are found to in violation of this Code of Conduct will be subject to further investigation as conducted by RPT PERCUSSION. Based on the circumstances considered, the decision to apply disciplinary action or dismissal can be at the discretion of the Executive Director.

 PARTICIPANTS BEHAVIOUR GUIDELINES

 Purpose/Mission Statement: RPT Percussion/Paradigm Performance Ensembles, Inc. takes pride in the enrichment of the lives of young people through a commitment to youth development and performance excellence. Through this we can provide music and performance for the enjoyment of our local community and audiences worldwide. Music and the performing arts connect youth with their culture through a common language crossing generational, social, and racial barriers 

The activities that a young person pursues influence the type of person he or she becomes. The experience that comes with participation in a performing arts organization builds discipline, character, pride, and self-confidence at a crucial age and forms the springboard to even greater achievements in adulthood. One of the tasks a child will develop as they grow is to learn appropriate behavior. They need guidance and direction. Misbehavior by a single participant may disrupt the education process. 

Furthermore, misbehavior during activities may constitute a threat to the safety of the individual who misbehaves as well as to the safety of the other participants. Any type of  misbehavior will not be tolerated as it causes a burden on all that are involved with  RPT/Paradigm . All members receive in the Membership Manual a “Code of Conduct” section . Please refer to that section for a more complete discussion of this subject. 

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITES 

All participants in RPT Percussion/Paradigm Performance Ensembles, Inc. are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the normal principles of socially responsible behavior and the RPT Percussion Code of Conduct. 

Physical violence, sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual acts and/or contact, sexual exploitation, stalking hazing, bullying, theft, verbal abuse, drugs, and alcohol have no place in our organization. Anyone found guilty of engaging in unacceptable behavior , as listed above, may be expelled from the organization.

VIOLATION(S) OF ANY OF THE ABOVE AT ANY TIME IS GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT DISMISSAL FROM RPT PERCUSSION. 

MISSION STATEMENT 

Honesty, Loyalty, Integrity, Teamwork, Discipline, Faith, Sportsmanship and Respect, It is with these important elements that creates the organization that is known as RPT PERCUSSION! 

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