NORWEGIAN OPEN 2025 CODE OF CONDUCT

Our Commitment: A Safe & Inclusive Space

NORWEGIAN OPEN 2025 is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, and welcoming event experience for everyone. We celebrate West Coast Swing, community, and connection. We expect all attendees, instructors, staff, and volunteers to contribute to a positive environment built on mutual respect.

This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations. By attending NORWEGIAN OPEN 2025, you agree to uphold these principles. Violations may result in sanctions, including removal from the event without refund and potential bans from future events, at the organizers' discretion.

We welcome everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity/expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, dance skill level, or dance role preference.

Expected Conduct: Be Your Best Self

• Respect Boundaries & Consent: Everyone has the right to control their own physical space and interactions. Be mindful of your partners and those around you. It's always okay to decline a dance, and no explanation is required. Be gracious whether asking or declining. Do not pressure anyone into dancing.
• Dance Roles: We support dancers choosing any role (lead, follow, or switching) they prefer, regardless of gender.
• Floor Craft & Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and your partner. Prioritize safety to avoid collisions. If accidental contact occurs, apologize immediately. Aerials, lifts, drops, or other weight-support moves that could be unsafe in a social setting are generally not permitted on the social floor unless explicitly agreed upon by both partners *and* executed with extreme care for surroundings. When in doubt, leave it out.
• Feedback: Refrain from offering unsolicited advice or instruction on the social dance floor or during workshops unless specifically asked or if there is an immediate safety concern. Teaching is for designated classes.
• Hygiene & Allergens: Good personal hygiene is expected. Please be mindful that strong perfumes, colognes, or other scented products can cause issues for those with allergies or sensitivities; use them sparingly or avoid them. Consider bringing extra shirts if you tend to sweat significantly.
• Inclusivity in Action: Make an effort to be welcoming, especially to newcomers. A friendly smile or asking someone new to dance can make a big difference.
• Respect Staff & Venue: Treat event staff, volunteers, venue personnel, and fellow attendees with courtesy and respect. Follow any specific venue rules regarding food, drink, smoking, etc.
• Health & Well-being: Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell with symptoms of a contagious illness. Prioritize your health – stay hydrated, rest, and take care of your physical needs.
• Photography & Video: By attending, you consent to potentially being included in photos and videos taken by the official event photographers/videographers for promotional purposes. If you have concerns, please speak to the organizers. Harassing photography or recording is prohibited (see below).

Unacceptable Conduct: Zero Tolerance for Harassment

Harassment in any form will not be tolerated. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity/expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, or dance ability.
• Sexual language or imagery in inappropriate contexts.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
• Harassing photography or recording.
• Sustained disruption of workshops or other event activities.
• Inappropriate or unwanted physical contact.
• Unwelcome sexual attention or advances.
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

Reporting & Assistance: We Are Here to Help

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, or if you have any other concerns about safety or comfort, please report it immediately. Your confidentiality will be respected.

You can reach out via any of the following methods:

• Speak to any identified NORWEGIAN OPEN 2025 Organizer or Staff member in person. They can often be found near the registration desk or wearing Staff Identifiers.
• Contact our designated Safety Contact(s): Ida Marie Strand.
• Email us at: ida_marie@outlook.com

Event staff are prepared to assist participants experiencing harassment by helping them contact organizers, providing escorts, or otherwise ensuring they feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance and your well-being.

Enforcement & Consequences

Participants violating these rules may face sanctions at the discretion of the NORWEGIAN OPEN 2025 organizers. This may include:

• A verbal warning.
• Expulsion from the event without a refund.
• Being barred from attending future [Norwegian Open] events.
• Contacting venue security or local law enforcement if necessary.