Ethics, Professionalism & Character

CODE OF CONDUCT

In order to meet the high standards of work ethic, professionalism, and performance required of all members, everyone must adhere to the rules and policies set forth by the organization.

ATTENDANCE

In order to maintain the highest level of performance excellence, we require full attendance participation to all rehearsals and performances. Any absence from a rehearsal must be approved by your guard’s director.

Absences must be pre-approved 60 days in advance. DCI or DCA auditions are not considered an excusable absence. If you’re planning to audition for DCI or DCA, please reach out and request that you submit a video audition. Fusion Winter Guard should be your top priority and missing any rehearsal is a huge detriment to the forward motion of the program.

If you are excused by the Director, it is your responsibility to find a stand-in for the date you are missing. This stand-in should have a strong guard background and be able to catch you up on what you missed. Failure to find a stand-in will result in your termination from the program.

DRUGS/ALCOHOL

The Fusion Winter Guard Administration will do everything in its power to keep the guard 100% drug-free. Drugs are not permitted or to be used at Fusion Winter Guard sanctioned performances, rehearsals, camps or functions. Alcohol is not permitted or to be used at any Fusion Winter Guard sanctioned performances, rehearsals, camps and functions by any member regardless of legal drinking age.

ATTITUDE

The attitude you bring and develop within the Fusion Winter Guard organization is very important. The staff will consider your attitude throughout the season. We are an organization of many, not a specific section or individual. We are all working hard and dedicating ourselves to a common goal and in order to achieve that, we must all have the same positive approach. There are many high-quality groups around the country for us to enjoy and respect. Once of the greatest experiences in
this activity is getting to know and watching them work as hard as we do. Learn from, and applaud their efforts and achievements.

The Fusion Winter Guard organization is a FAMILY and NOT just a business. As a member of the Fusion Winter Guard family, you are expected to support and encourage your fellow members. You will make friendships this season that will continue long into the future. Do not overreact to things you do not have any control over. Concern yourself with your own efforts. There are many memories waiting for you– don’t cheat yourself out of them. If your attitude becomes questionable, the first course of action will be a staff member or director will approach you about immediate improvement. If your attitude does not improve, then we will not wait for strike three – you will then be exited from the program. If you are terminated involuntarily based on your attitude, then you will not receive any reimbursement for dues that you’ve paid up to that point.

PROFESSIONALISM

The Fusion Winter Guard organization is a first-class organization and seeks to position itself as champions every season, both in and out of the competitive arena. All of its members are expected to act the part. As a representative of the guard, you will be expected to carry yourself in a professional manner during performances, rehearsals, or any other Fusion Winter Guard events. Smoking, inappropriate language, and behavior that shows disrespect for other guards is strongly discouraged, particularly while wearing apparel that identifies you as a Fusion Winter Guard member, and STRICTLY prohibited while in uniform. Acts of disrespect towards staff, administration, fellow members, fans, critics, or any other acts inconsistent with the Fusion Winter Guard organization will NOT be tolerated. Unprofessionalism is grounds for involuntary termination from the program.

SOCIAL MEDIA/INTERNET NETWORKING SERVICES

Actions on the internet are visible to any-and-all who search/stumble upon its content. While many like to express their excitement on social media/entertainment/news forum platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Youtube, Reddit etc.), some also express their frustration/anger in hopes for a reaction. The Fusion Winter Guard organization does NOT tolerate membership participating in negative sharing/posting– even on private accounts (e.g. “Finsta’s”). If discovered, that member will be considered for termination from Fusion Winter Guard.

UNIFORM/EQUIPMENT

The physical embodiment of “Fusion Winter Guard Pride” is our uniform– both jacket and costume. The Fusion Winter Guard organization takes great pride in their performances; we also take great pride in our appearance. Once you are issued a uniform and/or any piece of equipment by the Fusion Winter Guard organization, the item becomes the member’s responsibility for the remainder of the season until your last performance with the guard at WGI World Championships of which then all equipment will be returned to the Fusion Winter Guard organization. The member must maintain uniform cleanliness and appearance. This includes washing, ironing, etc. Members with unacceptable uniform appearance may be forbidden from performing. If a problem with a uniform arises that the member is unable to take care of, ample notice must be given to appointed individuals (instructors) who may aid in the repair of the uniform. Guard equipment is very expensive– please take care of equipment issued to you. The appearance of the equipment and its state of repair are the responsibility of the member once they are issued the equipment. Failure to maintain equipment in a manner that reflects positively on Fusion Winter Guard may result in the forfeiture of the equipment.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Fusion Winter Guard Administration is committed to the organization being free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited and shall not be tolerated. This includes sexual harassment of members, staff or third parties by other members, staff, Board members or third parties.

Definitions

  1. “Fusion Winter Guard” includes facilities, premises and property in use by or under the control of Fusion Winter Guard, if the member or staff is at any event approved activity or function related to Fusion Winter Guard, Musical Arts Conference, Mid-Atlantic Indoor Association, or WGI where members are under the control of Fusion Winter Guard or where the staff member is engaged in Fusion Winter Guard business.

  2. “Third parties” include, but are not limited to, volunteers, parents/guardians, visitors, service contractors, or others engaged in Fusion Winter Guard business, such as employees of businesses or organizations participating in cooperative programs with Fusion Winter Guard, and others not directly subject to Fusion Winter Guard control at MAIN or WGI competitions or other events in which Fusion Winter Guard is involved.

 

Members whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to loss of privileges, and/or discipline, up to and including dismissal from Fusion Winter Guard. Staff whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal.

Third parties whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions as determined and imposed by the Director or Fusion Winter Guard administration. Fusion Winter Guard may also report individuals to law enforcement if necessary or required by law.

This policy includes off duty conduct that causes substantial disruption to Fusion Winter Guard and its activities.  Sexual harassment of members and staff shall include, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

  1. The conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of demanding sexual favors in exchange for benefits;

  2. Submission to or rejection of the conduct or communication is used as the basis for decisions affecting a member or employment, including assignment of staff;

  3. The conduct or communication is so severe, persistent or pervasive it has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a member’s performance or with staff’s ability to perform their job; or creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile environment. Relevant factors to be considered will include, but not be limited to, did the individual view the environment as hostile; was it reasonable to view the environment as hostile; the nature of the conduct; how often the conduct occurred and how long it continued; age and sex of the complainant; whether the alleged harasser was in a position of power over the member or staff member subjected to the harassment; number of individuals involved; age of the alleged harasser; where the harassment occurred; and other incidents of sexual harassment involving the same or other students or staff. Examples of sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to, physical touching of a sexual nature, displaying or distributing of sexually explicit drawings, pictures and written materials, sexting, sexual gestures or obscene jokes, touching oneself sexually or talking about one’s sexuality in front of others or spreading rumors about or rating other members or others as to appearance, sexual activity or performance.

 

All complaints about behavior that may violate this policy shall be promptly investigated. Any member or staff who has knowledge of conduct in violation of this policy or feels he/she is a victim of sexual harassment must immediately report their concerns to the Fusion Winter Guard Director, or a compliance officer, who has overall responsibility for all investigations. A member may also report concerns to any staff or member of the Administration, who will promptly notify the appropriate persons. The member, member’s parents/guardians or staff member who initiated the complaint shall be notified of the findings of the investigation and, if appropriate, that remedial action has been taken.

The initiation of a complaint in good faith about behavior that may violate this policy shall not adversely affect the member assignments or environment of a member complainant or any terms or conditions of employment or work environment of the staff complainant. There shall be no retaliation by Fusion Winter Guard against any person who, in good faith, reports, files a complaint or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry of sexual harassment.

It is the intent of the Board that appropriate corrective action will be taken by Fusion Winter Guard to stop the sexual harassment, prevent its recurrence and address negative consequences. Members in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion and/or counseling, as appropriate. The age and maturity of the member(s) involved and other relevant factors will be considered in determining appropriate action. Staff in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal and/or additional sexual harassment awareness training, as appropriate. Other individuals whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to appropriate sanctions as determined and imposed by the Director or Administration.

Additionally, Fusion Winter Guard may report individuals in violation of this policy to law enforcement officials. The Director shall ensure appropriate sexual harassment awareness training or information is provided to all staff, volunteers and members and that annually, the name(s) and position(s) of Fusion Winter Guard officials responsible for accepting and managing sexual harassment complaints, phone numbers, addresses or other necessary contact information is readily available. This policy as well as the complaint procedure will be made available to all members, parents/guardians of members and staff via reference in member and staff handbooks, as well as on Fusion Winter Guards website.

Participant Protection Policies

Participant protection continues to be a primary focus for the board of directors by a comprehensive approach of training and required policies for Fusion Winter Guard.

In addition to the policies set forth in the Fusion Winter Guard member handbook, all designers, educators, volunteers, board members and cast members must adhere to the Participant Abuse Prevention Policy (PAPP) requirements, representing 4 major pillars to continued safety:

  • One-on-one interactions

  • Locker Room and changing areas

  • Social media and electronic communications

  • Travel

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in immediate termination of participation with Fusion Winter Guard in addition to reporting any instances of abuse to the proper authorities.

POLICY 1:  ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS

The majority of child sexual abuse is perpetrated in isolated, one-on-one situations. By reducing such interactions between minors and adults, programs reduce the risk of child sexual abuse. However, one-on-one time with trusted adults is also healthy and valuable for a minor. Policies concerning one-on-one interactions are intended to protect participants while allowing for these beneficial relationships.

This policy shall apply to:

  1. Adult instructional and administrative staff who have regular contact with or the authority over participants.

    1. Adult participants who have regular contact with participants who are minors.

(Collectively “Applicable Adult” for the purposes of this policy.)

Observable and interruptible

  1. One-on-one interactions between a minor participant and an Applicable Adult (who is not the minor’s legal guardian) are permitted if they occur at an observable and interruptible distance by another adult.

    1. One-on-one interactions between minor participants and an Applicable Adult (who is not the minor’s legal guardian) which are not observable and interruptible are prohibited, except under emergency circumstances.

Meetings

  1. Meetings between Applicable Adults and minor participants may only occur if another adult is present, except under emergency circumstances. Such meetings must occur where interactions can be easily observed and at an interruptible distance from another adult.

    1. If a one-on-one meeting take place in an office, the door to the office must remain unlocked and open. If available, it will occur in an office that has windows, with the windows, blinds, and/or curtains remaining open during the meeting.

Individual Training Sessions

  1. Individual training sessions between Applicable Adults and minor participants are permitted if the training session is observable and interruptible by another adult. It is the responsibility of the Applicable Adult to obtain the written permission of the minor’s legal guardian in advance of the individual training session if the individual training session is not observable and interruptible by another adult. Permission for individual training sessions must be obtained at least every six months. Parents, guardians, and other caretakers must be allowed to observe the training session.

POLICY 2:  LOCKER ROOMS AND CHANGING AREAS

This policy shall apply to:

  1. Adult instructional and administrative staff who have regular contact with or authority over participants.

  1. Adult participants who have regular contact with participants who are minors

(Collectively “Applicable Adult” for the purposes of this policy.)

Shared facility

  • If a Participating Group uses a facility not fully under its jurisdiction (for, e.g., rehearsal or competition or similar events) and the facility is used by multiple constituents, Applicable Adults are nonetheless required to adhere to the rules set herein.

Use of recording devices

  • Use of any device’s (including a cell phone’s) recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras in locker rooms, changing areas, or similar spaces at a facility under the Participating Groups jurisdiction is prohibited.

Undress

  • Under no circumstances shall an Applicable Adult at a facility under the Participating Groups jurisdiction expose his or her breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals to a minor participant.

One-on-one interactions

  1. Except for participants in the same group, at no time are unrelated Applicable Adults permitted to be alone with a minor participant in a locker room or changing area when at a facility under the partial or full jurisdiction of the Participating Group, except under emergency circumstances.

    1. If the Participating Group is using a facility that only has a single locker room or changing area, the group will designate separate times for use by Applicable Adults, if any.

Monitoring

  1. The Participating Group should regularly and randomly monitor the use of locker rooms and changing areas under their jurisdiction to ensure compliance with these policies.

POLICY 3:  SOCIAL MEDIA & ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

This policy shall apply to:

  1. Adult instructional and administrative staff who have regular contact with or authority over participants.

    1. Adult participants who have regular contact with participants who are minors.

(Collectively “Applicable Adult” for the purposes of this policy.)

 Content

  • All electronic communication originating from Applicable Adults to minor participants must be professional in nature.

Open and transparent

  1. Absent emergency circumstance, if an Applicable Adult with authority over minor participants needs to communicate directly to a minor participant via electronic communications (including social media), another Applicable Adult or the minor’s legal guardian will be copied.

    1. If a minor participant communicates to the Applicable Adult (with authority over the minor participant) privately first, said Applicable Adult should respond to the minor participant with a copy to another Applicable Adult or the minor’s legal guardian.

    2. When an Applicable Adult with authority over minor participants communicates electronically to the entire group, said Applicable Adult will copy another adult.

    3. Minor participants may “friend” the organization’s official page.

Requests to discontinue

  • Legal guardians may request in writing that their minor participant not be contacted through any form of electronic communication by the group or by the Applicable Adults subject to this policy. The group will abide by any such request that their minor participant not be contacted via electronic communication, absent emergency circumstances.

POLICY 4:  TRAVEL

This policy shall apply to:

  1. 1)  Adult instructional and administrative staff who have regular contact with or authority over participants.

    1. 2)  Adult participants who have regular contact with participants who are minors.(Collectively “Applicable Adult” for the purposes of this policy.)

Transportation

  • Applicable Adults who are not also acting as a legal guardian, shall not ride in a vehicle alone with an unrelated minor participant, absent emergency circumstances, and must have at least two minor participants or another adult at all times, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the minor participant’s parent/legal guardian in advance.

Hotel rooms

  • Applicable Adults shall not share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangement with a minor participant (unless the Applicable Adult is the legal guardian, sibling, or is otherwise related to the minor participant). However, a parent/legal guardian may consent to such an arrangement in advance and in writing. Furthermore, A parent/legal guardian may consent in advance and in writing to the minor participant sharing a hotel room or other sleeping arrangement with an adult participant.

Meetings

  • Meetings shall be conducted consistent with the group’s policy for one-on-one interactions (i.e., any such meeting shall be observable and interruptible.

SUMMARY

The requirements contained within this Participant Protection Policy are established to maintain the highest level of protection for all participants of Fusion Winter Guard.  Additionally, it is intended to foster a safe environment for members to grow and learn alongside our incredible resource of educators.

Issues will be reported to law enforcement where a proper investigation will be conducted.  Fusion Winter Guard supports all investigations to uphold the standards of this policy and to continue its legacy for fair, safe and proper protection of all its participants:  adults, minors, volunteers, membership and staff, alike.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are more than words and concepts. They are essential drivers for the growth and continued success of the Fusion Winter Guard Organization. Our world is incredibly diverse, and every person in it is worthy of a fair opportunity to use and develop their skills as they productively contribute to society and our activity. Our commitment is to create an inclusive environment where all members feel equal, valued and supported. This empowers our members, staff and administration to thrive in our activity; driving success for our community.

Diversity is the representation of varied identities and differences, collectively and individually. It encompasses every member’s unique blend of demographic characteristics, experiences and perspectives.

Equity is the assurance of fair treatment and equality of opportunity for every member and acknowledges that people do not all start from the same place. It serves to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of historically underserved and underrepresented populations. Every member deserves a fair opportunity to develop, contribute and succeed.

Inclusion is the cultivation of an environment in which every person feels welcome and is appreciated for who they are and for what they can distinctively offer. 

At Fusion Winter Guard, these essential drivers are threaded into the way we foster growth in our membership.  We hold all staff, membership and administration accountable to understand and live by these essential behaviors to respect and lift up one another.

Fusion does not tolerate any form of discrimination and any such behavior will cause immediate termination from our program.