2025 Code of Conduct

The dance event Jack & Jill O’Rama strives to create a supportive and safe environment for people to express their creativity and passion for West Coast Swing. To better facilitate this environment, we will be partnering with Swing Reports & Restorations.
Attendees can use Swing Reports & Restorations to report safety concerns/incidents of any magnitude regarding Jack & Jill O’Rama 2025 prior to, during, or after the event. The program centers the reporter’s needs and requests, prioritizes reporter anonymity and/or confidentiality, and facilitates the restoration of safety whenever possible.

• Swing Reports & Restorations is an incident response system based in Restorative and Transformational Justice practices.
• The intention of the program is to restore safety, resolve conflict and/or implement shared-space agreements whenever possible.
• This is only possible when individuals engage with the program.
• Refusing to participate in the restorative process may result in loss of access to event spaces.
• Not responding to email communications is considered refusal to engage.
• To ensure that we can contact you if needed, Add SWINGREPORTS@GMAIL.COM to your contact list

Reporting Incidents: If you witness or experience any behavior that violates this code of conduct, promptly report it via Swing Reports & Restorations. We are committed to addressing any concerns or incidents in a timely and appropriate manner in an attempt to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

We aim to uphold the principles of S.H.I.E.L.D. developed by fellow dance event TAP, Directed by Demetre Souliotes, promoting a Safe Harbor for Inclusivity, Equality, Love, and Diversity, within the West Coast Swing Community.

To ensure a positive experience for everyone involved, we kindly ask all attendees to adhere to the following code of conduct:

1. Respect and Inclusivity: Treat all participants, including dancers, instructors, staff, and fellow attendees, with respect, courtesy, and inclusivity. Embrace diversity and refrain from any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, or any other protected characteristic.
2. Consent and Boundaries: Respect personal boundaries and always obtain explicit and enthusiastic consent before engaging in any physical contact, including dancing, partnering, or touching.
   a) Be attentive to verbal and non-verbal cues that indicate someone’s comfort level, and immediately honor any requests for personal space.
   b) Respect a person’s right to choose with whom and when they dance.
   c) All attendees have the right to respectfully decline a dance, dance their preferred role, or discontinue a dance at any time.
3. Communication: Engage in positive and supportive conversations, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
   a) Please avoid criticizing or offering unsolicited feedback regarding a person’s dancing or physical appearance.
4. Alcohol and Substance Use: Please consume responsibly, and ensure that your consumption does not impair your ability to dance safely or interact respectfully with others. If there is concern regarding excessive use/impairment, an attendee has the right to refuse a dance with said person, and the event reserves the right to remove you from the competition or the event. Do not provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. The use of illegal substances is prohibited.
5. Keeping Others Safe: Be mindful of the inherent risk of injury and avoid movements that increase the danger of hurting your partner or others around you while dancing.
   a) Avoid lifts, drops, or other dramatic weight-supported moves your partner may be unprepared for. (For example, don’t suddenly throw yourself or your partner into a dip.) You never know when someone might have a pre-existing injury of limited mobility.
   b) If anyone near you falls or is injured, please offer immediate assistance and check if they are okay. If you see that someone needs medical attention, contact a member of our staff immediately and call the hotel operator and ask for the medical first response team. In an emergency, call 911.
6. Compliance with Event Rules: Adhere to the rules, regulations, and guidelines set forth by the event organizers, venue, and instructors. Follow any instructions from event staff, volunteers, or security personnel to maintain a smooth and orderly event experience.

While Jack & Jill O’Rama is primarily an adult-focused event, we do have juniors/minors in attendance and inappropriate interactions regarding them will not be tolerated.
You will be able to identify minors, as they will be wearing a unique color of wristband at all times in event spaces.
Inappropriate interactions include (but are not limited to):

• Offering, selling, or discussing age-restricted substances with a minor.
• Flirting, discussing, or attempting to engage in sexual behavior with a minor.
• Requesting contact information or arranging to meet with a minor without guardian consent and
  supervision.
• Recording video or taking photographs of minors without guardian consent.
• Initiating, implying, or otherwise suggesting any continuing or escalating interaction beyond a social
  dance or workshop rotation.
• Inviting minors to hotel rooms or other private spaces.

Wristbands:

• All attendees must wear their event wristband at all times while in event spaces
• There may be a charge up to the full price of an event pass if you remove and lose your wristband. This
  is to prevent people from passing wristbands to those who do not have a weekend pass.
  Giving your wristband to someone else who does not have an event pass may result in you both being
  permanently banned from the event.

Failure to comply with this code of conduct may result in consequences, including but not limited to a verbal warning, removal from the event without refund, and restriction from attending future events organized by the same entity. We also reserve the right to refuse admission for any reason.

By attending Jack & Jill O’Rama, you acknowledge and agree to abide by this code of conduct, promoting a positive and inclusive dance community.

In the continued spirit of events working together to perpetuate a safe and supportive dance family, we would like to give thanks to Ben and Cameo McHenry, event directors of Capital Swing and Swingtacular… who say thanks to Boogie By The Bay… and Demetre Souliotes, director of TAP The After Party, who gives thanks to Kay Newhouse and Dave Moldover of Dance Jam Productions… Jack & Jill O’Rama is excited to kick off their first year getting back in the swing of things as part of such a supportive community… Let’s keep the positive momentum going!

Benjamin Morris, Manager
Jack & Jill O’Rama, LLC