Code of Conduct
LANCE Orlando is a nonprofit organization which exists to provide the highest quality live action experiences and stage combat performances to educate and entertain while striving to promote an active, creative community in the Southeastern United States.
Participation in LANCE programs is subject to the observance of the organization’s rules and procedures. The activities outlined below are strictly prohibited. Any member who violates this Code is subject to the consequences outlined in this Code, up to and including removal from the organization.
LANCE and all of its members will adhere to the Laws and Regulations of the State of Florida.
General
Topics of Discussion
LANCE activities are meant to be a welcome environment for all, free from discussion of certain topics that may create conflict this includes:
Personal or Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is any conduct, comment, gesture or contact of a sexual nature that one would find to be unwanted or unwelcome by any individual. Personal harassment means any conduct whether verbal or physical that is discriminating in nature, based upon another person’s race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, age or sexual orientation. It is discriminatory behavior, directed at an individual, that is unwanted or unwelcome and causes substantial distress in that person and serves no legitimate work-related purpose.
LANCE Orlando has a zero tolerance policy with respect to Personal/Sexual Harassment. Personal/Sexual Harassment in any form is strictly prohibited and may be grounds for termination as a member, resulting in removal from current or future LANCE events, and a ban from LANCE related social media groups and pages.
Examples of harassment as defined by LANCE Orlando include, but are not limited to:
Activities
Activities are meant to grow the LANCE community through member outings, events, and educational workshops; while giving the opportunity to gain and/or sustain LANCE membership through avenues other than training and/or performing.
Training/Rehearsals
All of the General LANCE policies apply, with the following included.
Performances
Additional guidelines for behavior at each performance will be provided by the Production Team of said performance or the client. All General LANCE policies are still in place, and should be followed.
Violations of the Code of Conduct
Participation in LANCE programs is subject to the observance of the organization’s rules and procedures. The activities outlined below are strictly prohibited. Any member who violates this Code is subject to the consequences outlined in this Code, up to and including removal from the organization.
LANCE and all of its members will adhere to the Laws and Regulations of the State of Florida.
General
- Abusive language towards another member, board member or others.
- Possession or use of illegal drugs at a LANCE event or arriving at a LANCE event while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Alcohol will not be permitted at the following activities:
- Any workshop or guild involving power or regular tools, or weapons
- Training (See Training section below)
- Activities taking place at a location where alcohol is prohibited
- Bringing dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, or other similar items to a LANCE event.
- Verbal, physical or sexual harassment of another member, board member or others. (See below for further detail)
- Actual or threatened violence toward another member, board member or others.
- Conduct endangering the life, safety, health or well-being of others.
- Failure to follow LANCE policy or procedure.
- Bullying or taking unfair advantage of any member.
- Failing to cooperate with a trainer, board member, or other person of authority.
Topics of Discussion
LANCE activities are meant to be a welcome environment for all, free from discussion of certain topics that may create conflict this includes:
- Politics
- The wearing of any clothing or paraphernalia to promote candidates or parties is prohibited.
- Religion:
- The wearing of clothing or accessories that promotes your faith is acceptable.
- Unwelcome preaching or coaxing of members to convert to a certain religion or belief is prohibited.
- Gender or Sexual Orientation
- If you are unsure of the correct pronoun or name to use with someone, please take them aside privately to ask politely, “Which pronoun or name should I use when addressing you?”
Personal or Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is any conduct, comment, gesture or contact of a sexual nature that one would find to be unwanted or unwelcome by any individual. Personal harassment means any conduct whether verbal or physical that is discriminating in nature, based upon another person’s race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, age or sexual orientation. It is discriminatory behavior, directed at an individual, that is unwanted or unwelcome and causes substantial distress in that person and serves no legitimate work-related purpose.
LANCE Orlando has a zero tolerance policy with respect to Personal/Sexual Harassment. Personal/Sexual Harassment in any form is strictly prohibited and may be grounds for termination as a member, resulting in removal from current or future LANCE events, and a ban from LANCE related social media groups and pages.
Examples of harassment as defined by LANCE Orlando include, but are not limited to:
- Making unwelcome sexual advances, propositions, flirtations, or repeated unwelcome requests or efforts to make social contact.
- Making verbal, written, or cyber commentaries regarding an individual’s body, sexual prowess, or orientation.
- Bullying. Unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.
- Any sort of aggressive behavior or intimidation to another member or members.
Activities
Activities are meant to grow the LANCE community through member outings, events, and educational workshops; while giving the opportunity to gain and/or sustain LANCE membership through avenues other than training and/or performing.
- Attending an official LANCE outing means that you are representing the troupe through your actions and behavior at all times.
- Activities can be held at various types of locations including, but not limited to parks, places of business, and individual’s homes. All members are expected to be respectful of the venue in which the activity is taking place.
- Any damages caused to an establishment during a LANCE activity shall be the responsibility of the individual member who caused said damages.
- Alcohol may be present at certain LANCE activities. All LANCE members will drink responsibly and adhere to the Laws and Regulations of the State.
- If a member can not conduct themselves responsibly, that member will be asked to leave the activity and may be banned from future LANCE events. Irresponsible behavior may include but is not limited to:
- Violent outbursts
- Damaging property
- Refusal to comply with company policy
- If a member can not conduct themselves responsibly, that member will be asked to leave the activity and may be banned from future LANCE events. Irresponsible behavior may include but is not limited to:
Training/Rehearsals
All of the General LANCE policies apply, with the following included.
- As stated above being under the influence of any mind altering drugs including, but not limited to, alcohol, marijuana, or muscle relaxers, is prohibited at Training. If a member is found under the influence of any of these substances, they will immediately be instructed to leave for that day (with appropriate accommodations).
- “HOLD” is a phrase commonly used for safety purposes. Upon hearing the HOLD, you are to immediately freeze, lower your weapons (if applicable), and listen for further instruction. A Safety Committee or Training Committee member will then address the reason for the HOLD and make any corrections as needed.
- All members are responsible for wearing appropriate attire for Training. Clothing you are able to easily move in, gloves, and closed-toe shoes are necessary. For more information on appropriate attire, please see the Blog Post on our website at www.lanceorlando.com.
- For rehearsals, the Production Costumer will need to approve of show attire. However, members in fighting roles, must also have costumes approved by the Fight Director, as well as the Safety Chair (or Training Chair, if the former is not present.)
- All members are responsible for staying hydrated and adequately fed. Water will be provided for all training/rehearsals, but it is your responsibility to take care of yourself. Please eat breakfast, lunch, and/or bring a snack to ensure you maintain your ability to perform safely.
- Members may use any weapon they are trained in during rehearsals or other choreography related workshops or activities. In classes/workshops, members may use the specific weapon for that class/workshop. Otherwise, members will not wield a weapon in which they are not trained. Holding and inspecting a weapon is acceptable, with permission by the owner.
- Any personal weapons used in a training/rehearsal must first be inspected and approved by the Safety Chair, or if they are not present, the Training Chair. If neither is there or is unable to inspect such a weapon, then the weapon may not be used.
- Although not every member is part of the Safety Committee, we are still one Community and will look out for one another.
- If you see a potential safety concern, please inform any member of the Safety Committee immediately. (i.e.: Improper technique, members using weapons that they may not be trained in, etc.)
- If you see an immediate Safety concern, please as calmly address the problem, and then inform a member of the Safety Committee.
- If someone is the source of several or severe safety concerns, they may be instructed to cease training or leave for the day, or possibly cease training or leave a show altogether. This will be at the discretion of the Safety Chair, Training Chair, and Fight Director (when applicable).
- If these concern continue to persist, then further disciplinary action may be followed, at the discretion of the Board of Governors.
Performances
Additional guidelines for behavior at each performance will be provided by the Production Team of said performance or the client. All General LANCE policies are still in place, and should be followed.
Violations of the Code of Conduct
- LANCE Executive Board and Board of Governors shall resolve any issues with members in a professional manner.
- Members violating the Code of Conduct may be asked to leave and may be requested to discontinue future membership. The Board of Governors will determine if this action is necessary and will notify the member.
- Members who have been removed from LANCE have 30 days to appeal the decision to the Executive Board which will review the situation and respond within 30 days of the Board receiving the request for appeal. All decisions of the Executive Board are final.