Code of conduct

Bad Dog Code of Conduct: Disability Awareness, Consent & Respect

Bad Dog is built on community, care, and respect. Every person deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported at our events, regardless of their abilities, bodies, or identities. This Code of Conduct sets out our expectations for behaviour, with a focus on disability awareness, consent, and inclusion.

Our Commitments

• - Accessibility Matters: We recognise that some venues may have limitations. We are working with our crew and security to provide support, including safe storage for mobility aids and assistance in navigating each venue space.
• - Respect Always: Every member of our community deserves to be treated with dignity.
• - Listening & Learning: We are committed to learning from feedback and improving accessibility and inclusion wherever possible. Your feedback is very important and welcomed.

Expected Behaviour

• - Treat everyone with respect and kindness.
• - Ask before offering help, never assume someone needs assistance.
• - Respect people’s personal property, including mobility aids, masks, and medical devices.
• - Give space and priority to mobility aid users when moving through crowded areas.
• - Communicate with patience and understanding.
• - Practice consent in all interactions, physical, verbal, and social.

Consent & Boundaries

• - Consent is essential: Always ask before touching someone, whether to dance, hug, or assist.
• - A “no” means no, and silence is not consent. Respect boundaries immediately.
• - Do not assume: Don’t assume people want physical closeness, conversation, photos, or videos taken.
• - Check in with care: If you’re unsure, ask respectfully.

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviour will not be tolerated:

• - Ableism in any form (verbal, physical, or through actions).
• - Harassment, intimidation, or violation of consent.
• - Interfering with, moving, or damaging mobility aids or personal medical equipment.
• - Blocking access routes or ignoring priority needs.
• - Mocking, dismissing, or questioning someone’s disability, access needs, or choices (including mask use).
• - Any form of discrimination based on ability, neurodivergence, health, gender, sexuality, race, or identity.

If Something Happens

• - Speak to a member of the Bad Dog crew or security immediately.
• - Incidents will be taken seriously and acted on. Behaviour that violates this code may result in removal from the event.
• - Feedback after events is encouraged to help us do better.

Bad Dog is for everyone. Together, we can make sure our events are safer, more accessible, and more respectful for all.