developed by Ocala Chapter #6027
General Description -The Code of Conduct is a behavioral guideline for members and guests at USA Dance Chapter sponsored events. The sole purpose of the Code of Conduct is to help maintain a fun and pleasant social dance atmosphere for all by setting suggested guidelines for individual behavior.
Apparel- Nice clean, casual attire or better is suitable for regular dance events. Coat and tie for men and a comparable level of dress or outfit for ladies is suggested for semi-formal affairs. In all cases, shoes, shirts and long pants are suggested for men and shoes, tops and skirts, dresses or slacks are suggested for women. Shorts, torn blue-jeans and muscle shirts are not considered appropriate. Clothes bearing vulgar language graphics are prohibited.
Hygiene- Ballroom dancing calls for people to be in close proximity so attention to basic grooming is a must. You should be reasonably clean and free of obvious dirt , grease and repulsive odor.
Dance Floor Behavior - Make an effort to move with the 'line of dance' (see diagram) for those dances that move around the room. If you are not moving with the line of dance, then dance more to the center of the floor so others might move in line of dance more easily. Avoid bumping or crashing into others on the dance floor. If a bump occurs, apologize and move on. For men, if you are dancing with a new partner, keep in mind the level and ability of your partner as you lead her around the floor so that you both enjoy the dance. Try to use proper ballroom frame and position on the floor for respect and comfort of your partner. Men, it is polite to walk your partner back to her seat after the dance and thank her for the dance.
Table/Seating Behavior - Avoid carrying open beverage containers across the dance floor. If you have a spill or drop some food, please clean it up immediately and ask a Board Member for assistance if you need help.
Excessively loud, boisterous or otherwise inappropriate behavior interferes with other dances enjoyment of the event and is not acceptable. If you believe someone is intoxicated, please alert a Board Member so that we can get them home safely.
Dialogue- Avoid using foul language at all times. If your partner is not your significant other, or spouse, avoid sexually graphic jokes, sexual innuendo and solicitous comments to members and guests of the opposite sex, even it if is meant in a light-hearted manner.
Reporting - If something occurs at a USA Dance sponsored event you are concerned about, immediately register your concerns with a Board Member. If the concern is regarding a Board Member, please take your concerns to a different Board Member who is not involved with the action or circumstances precipitating your concern.
Action- The Board (or Ethics) Committee will investigate and review concerns and incidents. The Board will deliberate and take action as deemed necessary, fair and appropriate.