FIRST South Carolina Code of Conduct 2023-2024

Policy Statement: 

FIRST South Carolina is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment that upholds the values of Gracious Professionalism® and ensures the safety and respect of all participants. This policy outlines the expected behavior for mentors, coaches, volunteers, team members, affiliate partners, contractors, staff, and other participants, as well as the consequences for violating the Code of Conduct.

Scope:

This policy applies to all individuals involved in FIRST South Carolina activities, events, and programs. This includes board members, paid personnel, volunteers, mentors, and students.

Code of Conduct: 

All participants are expected to adhere to the following principles while engaging in FIRST activities:

1. Gracious Professionalism®:

•  Exhibit Gracious Professionalism® at all times, promoting high-quality work, valuing others, and respecting the community.
•  Embrace both competition and mutual benefit, recognizing that they are not mutually exclusive.

2. Safety:

• Prioritize the safety of all participants involved in FIRST activities.

3. Behavior Standards:

• Refrain from engaging in any form of bullying, harassment, use of profane or insulting language, or any actual or threatened violence.
• Treat all individuals with respect, irrespective of differences in background, opinions, or abilities.

4. Youth Protection:

• Adhere to all FIRST Youth Protection Program (YPP) policies and guidelines from FIRST HQ.
• All board members, paid personnel, volunteers, mentors, and students over 18, must complete an HQ background check and any additional required background checks from FIRST South Carolina.

5. Reporting Unsafe Behavior:

• Report any unsafe behavior to event or local FIRST South Carolina leadership for appropriate action.

1. If an incident occurs at an event, immediately notify the event personnel, Tournament director, Program Delivery Partners (PDP), or leadership on site.
2. Report via the FIRST HQ link provided to event personnel and posted at the event.
3. Event can be defined as any FIRST gathering that board members, paid personnel, volunteers, mentors, and students are gathering. This includes but is not limited to qualifiers, scrimmages, workshops and training, professional development, kick-offs, or meetings. 

Process for Dismissal:

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in dismissal from participating in FIRST South Carolina activities. The dismissal process includes:

1. Investigation:

• An investigation will be initiated upon receipt of a report or observation of a potential violation.
• This is carried out by the Executive Director, PDP, and assigned board members. 

2. Review:

• The situation will be reviewed by designated personnel, ensuring fairness and thoroughness.
• All parties will be treated with respect and due process.

3. Determination:

• Based on the findings, a determination will be made regarding the violation and appropriate consequences.

4. Consequences:

• Dismissal from participating in FIRST activities may include but is not limited to suspension, restriction, or permanent removal.

Appeals Process:

Participants have the right to appeal the decision by following the official FIRST South Carolina appeals process, as outlined in FIRST South Carolina Appeal Process Policy_FY024-01.

Review and Revision:

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. Proposed changes should be submitted to the Executive Director to bring forth to the board for review and approval.

By adhering to the Code of Conduct, participants contribute to a positive, respectful, and safe environment within FIRST South Carolina.

8/12/2023 FSCCC-024-01

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