Code of Conduct
Updated 01/05/2026
Our Commitment
Swingsation is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants. Everyone—regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, religion, nationality, or experience level—should feel comfortable, respected, and able to enjoy dancing.
Participation in Swingsation classes, socials, and events requires adherence to this Code of Conduct. Violations may result in removal from the event without refund and/or exclusion from future Swingsation events.
Respect, Inclusion and Consent
- Treat all individuals with respect, courtesy, and consideration.
- You are entitled to:
- Choose who you dance with.
- Decline or stop a dance at any time without explanation.
- Choose your dance role (lead, follow, or switch), with mutual agreement.
- Always seek clear consent when asking someone to dance. Never grab or pressure someone.
- If someone declines or asks to stop, respect their decision immediately and move on.
- Avoid repeatedly asking the same person to dance after they have declined.
Safe and Considerate Dancing
- Prioritise your partner’s comfort, safety, and physical limitations.
- Avoid:
- Forceful, jerking, or unsafe movements
- Lifts, drops, dips, or tricks unless clearly appropriate and consented to\
- Dangerous or overly familiar leads (e.g., neck or head leads)
- Be aware of others on the dance floor to prevent collisions.
- If someone is injured, offer assistance and notify Swingsation staff if needed.
- Social dancing is for enjoyment—not teaching:
- Do not give unsolicited advice, feedback, or instruction.
Appropriate Behaviour
The following behaviours are not acceptable:
- Harassment of any kind, including:
- Unwanted physical contact
- Sexual advances or suggestive behaviour
- Offensive comments, jokes, or gestures
- Verbal abuse, intimidation, or stalking
- Discrimination or prejudice (including racism, sexism, ableism, queerphobia, etc.)
- Persistent or unwanted attention (in person or online)
- Inappropriate photography, videography, or sharing of images without consent
- Inappropriate interactions with minors
- Disruptive behaviour during classes, workshops, or social dancing
If accidental discomfort occurs, apologise and give space.
Community Expectations
- Be welcoming and inclusive—especially toward beginners.
- Dance with a variety of partners where possible to support an inclusive environment.
- Be polite and respectful, even when choosing not to engage with someone.
- Respect Swingsation staff, instructors, volunteers, and venue personnel at all times.
- Follow all event, venue, and legal requirements (e.g., no bringing outside food and alcohol into the ballroom, no smoking in prohibited areas, no illegal activity).
Event and Venue Conduct
- Do not:
- Damage or steal property
- Enter events without proper registration
- Provide restricted substances to minors
- Follow staff instructions and safety guidance.
- Those behaving in a way that endangers others (e.g., intoxication, aggression) may be removed.
Reporting and Support
If you experience or witness any behaviour that makes you uncomfortable:
- Report it to a Swingsation staff member or organiser as soon as possible.
- Reports can be made confidentially—no minimum threshold of severity is required.
- You can also ‘message’ Swingsation (https://www.facebook.com/SwingsationAustralia) on Facebook, or ‘email’ allan@rawconnection.com.au
- You may also contact one of our designated safety contacts:
All reports will be taken seriously, handled respectfully, and addressed appropriately.
Australian Support Services
If you would prefer to seek independent, confidential support, the following Australian services are available 24/7:
- 1800RESPECT
National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
Phone: 1800 737 732
Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au - Lifeline Australia
Crisis support and suicide prevention
Phone: 13 11 14
Text: 0477 13 11 14
Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au - Beyond Blue
Mental health support
Phone: 1300 22 4636
Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Enforcement
Swingsation reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary, including:
- Verbal warnings
- Removal from an event (without refund)
- Bans from future participation
- Involvement of venue security or law enforcement if required
Final Note
The Swingsation community thrives when everyone contributes to a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion. Thank you for helping create a positive and enjoyable environment for all.