Gateway Swing Classic: Code of Conduct

Last updated: August 25, 2025

The Gateway Swing Classic is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for everyone. We believe our dance community should be a place where all attendees, staff, volunteers, and audience members can enjoy learning, dancing, and competing without fear of harassment, disrespect, or harm. By attending our event, you agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct. We reserve the right to handle violations as we deem necessary, including asking you to leave the event without a refund and/or being banned from future events.

1. Respectful Behavior

We expect all participants to treat others with respect, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, ability, ethnicity, religion, nationality, or any other personal circumstance.

• Social Dancing: The dance floor should always feel safe.

• You have the right to say "no" or "stop" at any time, for any reason. You are not required to provide an explanation.
• If you are turned down for a dance, respect that decision and move on. Do not pressure anyone to dance or act against their wishes.
• Never offer unsolicited advice, criticism, or comments on a person's dance or physical appearance. No teaching on the social floor.
• Always be mindful of your dance partner and others on the floor to prevent collisions and injuries.
• Do not attempt lifts of any kind on the social dance floor.

• Boundaries: Be mindful of others' boundaries. Just because you see someone perform a move with another person, it does not mean they will want to do it with you. Always ask for consent before attempting any moves that involve dips or other weight-supported actions.
• Our Team: Treat our professional staff, event staff, volunteers, and hotel personnel with respect.

2. No Harassment of Any Kind

Harassment is unacceptable at Gateway Swing Classic. Any behavior that makes another person feel unsafe or uncomfortable is a violation of this Code of Conduct. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical or Verbal Harassment: Unwanted physical contact, physical intimidation, stalking, verbal abuse, or threats.
• Sexual Harassment: Offensive comments, sexual propositions, unwelcome advances, or displays of sexual imagery.
• Online Harassment: Hostile or harassing communications directed at attendees or staff before, during, or after the event.
• Photography/Videography: Do not take unwelcome photographs or videos of others. Recording minors requires the explicit consent of a parent or guardian.

3. Unacceptable Behaviors

The following behaviors will not be tolerated and may result in immediate dismissal from the event:

• Discrimination: Expressions of discrimination, prejudice, or bigotry in any form (e.g., racism, ableism, queerphobia, transphobia).
• Unsafe Dancing: Deliberately causing physical harm, such as through forceful or reckless movements.
• Misconduct with Minors: Offering or selling age-restricted substances to minors, or attempting to arrange meetings or contact with a minor without the consent and supervision of a parent or guardian.
• Disorderly Conduct: Appearing to be intoxicated or "high," engaging in disruptive behavior, damaging or stealing property, or attempting to sneak into the event without paying.
• Breach of Venue Rules: No smoking or vaping of any kind while indoors. All rules of conduct for guests of the hosting venue (St Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton) are to be respected.

4. Professional Staff Responsibilities

As professional staff, you have a unique ability to model respectful behavior. We ask that you uphold the highest level of integrity and professionalism.

• During Competitions:

• Give contestants your full, unimpaired attention.
• Refrain from conversing with competitors or other judges while judging.
• Do not consume alcohol prior to or during judging assignments.
• Dress professionally. No jeans.

• Personal Relationships: If you have a close personal relationship with a contestant, it is your responsibility to inform the Chief Judge so you may be recused from that panel to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest.
• Abuse of Authority: Using your position as a judge, teacher, or staff member to coerce or exert undue influence on contestants or attendees for private lessons, coaching, or any other personal interaction is unethical and will not be tolerated.

5. What to Do if You Need Help or See an Issue

We are committed to responding promptly to all concerns and will handle reports with respect and confidentiality. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

• Seek Out Staff: Look for a Gateway Swing Classic staff member. You can find staff members at the event registration desk or the DJ booth.
• Contact a Director: You may also contact the event director(s) directly at this email address: contact@gatewayswingclassic.com
• Incident Report: If you would prefer to report anonymously, we will provide a private incident report link for post-event use.

Anyone asked to stop an unacceptable behavior is expected to do so immediately. Depending on the severity of the incident, consequences can range from a verbal warning to immediate removal from the event without a refund.