Code of Conduct and Ethics

ARTICLE I
Preamble and Purpose

Women in Sports and Events (the "Organization") is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and professional environment for all members. This Code of Conduct and Ethics (this "Code") outlines the expected behaviors and standards of conduct for our members, including how we communicate, behave at events and represent ourselves and the Organization.

The Organization welcomes individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, experiences, identities and perspectives. Members are encouraged to engage in respectful dialogue, constructive collaboration and professional exchange of ideas in support of the Organization’s mission.

This Code is intended to promote professionalism, safety, respect and accountability. It is not intended to restrict lawful expression, respectful disagreement or the open exchange of ideas.

ARTICLE II
Scope

This Code applies to all Organization members, directors, officers, staff and volunteers at the national and chapter levels. It applies to conduct occurring in person, virtually and through digital communications related to Organization activities, including email, messaging platforms, virtual events and social media interactions connected to the Organization. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Code governs conduct across all Organization-related activities, including, but not necessarily limited to:

• Organization-hosted meetings, events and conferences.
• Online activities, member forums and official social media channels.
• Interactions with other members, Organization personnel and third-party vendors.

ARTICLE III
Expected Conduct and Core Values

Members are expected to act in a manner that upholds the Organization’s mission, vision and core values. Members shall:

Respect and Civility
Treat all individuals with respect, courtesy and consideration, regardless of differences in opinion, background or identity. Members are encouraged to engage in professional and respectful discussion, including constructive disagreement and the exchange of differing viewpoints.

Professionalism
Maintain a professional demeanor during all Organization activities and represent themselves and the Organization in a positive and constructive light. Members should respect personal boundaries, refrain from inappropriate conduct and contribute to an environment where all participants feel safe and welcome.

Compliance
Adhere to all Organization bylaws, rules and applicable local, state and federal laws.

Collaboration
Accept constructive feedback graciously and work collaboratively with others toward the Organization's goals.

Accessibility and Inclusion
Members are expected to foster an inclusive environment and respect the diverse needs of all parties. The Organization strives to provide accessible and inclusive experiences for all participants, and members are encouraged to communicate reasonable accommodation needs related to Organization activities.

ARTICLE IV
Prohibited Conduct

The following actions are strictly prohibited:

Harassment, Discrimination and Intimidation
Any form of harassment, discrimination, bullying or threatening behavior based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, national origin or other protected status. Prohibited conduct may include, but is not limited to:

• Unwanted sexual advances or inappropriate physical contact.
• Repeated unwelcome comments or communications.
• Verbal abuse, intimidation or threats.
• Discriminatory slurs or derogatory remarks.
• Deliberate exclusion or targeted humiliation.
• Stalking, harassment or bullying in person or online.
• Sharing personal or confidential information without authorization.
• Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith.

Professional disagreement, differing viewpoints, respectful debate or constructive criticism do not, by themselves, constitute harassment or misconduct under this Code.

Conflicts of Interest
Using one’s position in the Organization for personal, financial or competitive gain to the detriment of the Organization or other members.

Confidentiality Breaches
Disclosing sensitive, proprietary or personal information about the Organization, its staff or its members to unauthorized parties. Members are also expected to respect the privacy of other attendees and participants, including refraining from recording, photographing or distributing private communications or event content without permission where inappropriate or prohibited.

Disruption
Disrupting or interfering with Organization meetings, staff duties or events. Examples may include, but are not limited to, repeated interruption of speakers, aggressive conduct, unsafe behavior, disruptive intoxication or conduct that materially interferes with the ability of others to participate in Organization activities.

Spamming
Utilizing the Organization's member directory, forums or network for unauthorized mass marketing, aggressive sales pitching or spamming other members.

ARTICLE V
Reporting Violations

If you experience or witness a violation of this Code, you are encouraged to report it promptly. Reports should be directed, as appropriate, to the Executive Director of the Organization and/or the President of the local Chapter. If the report involves a member of leadership or presents a conflict of interest, reports may be submitted on our Contact Us page.

Reports will be reviewed promptly, fairly and as discreetly as reasonably possible under the circumstances. The Organization may gather information from relevant parties as part of its review process.

Retaliation against any individual who reports a concern in good faith or participates in a review process is strictly prohibited.

False or intentionally misleading reports may also constitute a violation of this Code.

ARTICLE VI
Review and Disciplinary Action

Failure to abide by this Code may result in corrective or disciplinary action, as determined by the Organization, following an appropriate review of the circumstances and consistent application of this Code.

Depending on the severity or frequency of the violation, consequences may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• A verbal or written warning.
• Removal from an event or Organization activity.
• Suspension of member privileges or event access.
• Revocation of Organization membership.

Where appropriate, individuals may be given an opportunity to respond to reported concerns prior to final disciplinary action.

The Organization reserves the right to take immediate action where necessary to protect the safety, wellbeing or integrity of participants and Organization activities.

ARTICLE VII
Closing Statement

This Code exists to foster a professional, respectful and welcoming environment where members can build relationships, exchange ideas and support one another’s growth and advancement within the sports and events industry. All persons subject to this Code share an ongoing joint responsibility for maintaining a community grounded in professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.