Code of Conduct

University of Illinois Extension

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR 4-H EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

All participants in events and/or activities planned, conducted, and supervised by the University of Illinois Extension and 4-H, are responsible for their conduct to U of I Extension personnel and/or volunteers supervising the events. This responsibility is necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of all the participants, and will be rigidly adhered to and uniformly enforced.

The following conduct is not allowed while participating in any 4-H event or activity and is subject to disciplinary action:

Category 1

a) Possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs, including tobacco products.*

b) Theft or destruction of public or private property.

c) Involvement in sexual misconduct or harassment.

d) Possession or use of dangerous weapons or materials (including fireworks).

e) Fighting or other acts of violence that endanger the safety of the participant or others.

Category 2

a) Willfully breaking curfew.

b) Unauthorized use of vehicles.

c) Leaving the site of the event.

d) Participating in gambling.

e) Absence from the planned program.

f) Intentionally interfering with or disrupting the event.

g) Use of profane or abusive language.

h) Disregard for public or personal property.

i) Public display of affection or inappropriate actions.

j) Failure to comply with direction of Extension personnel, including designated adults acting within their duties and guidelines.

*Prescription drugs must be listed on an Emergency Medical Information form.

Consequences:

The University of Illinois Extension reserves the right to restrict participation in future activities for those individuals who have been removed from an activity for behavior, as outlined in Category 1 or Category 2.

In all cases, the participant will be responsible for restitution of any damages incurred by his/her actions.

Category 1:

1. When notified of any of the actions listed under Category 1, the adult in charge, will ascertain the relevant facts, and, with concurrence from the U of I Extension staff, will notify the affected participant of the action and any supporting evidence. The participant will be allowed an opportunity to answer the allegations and, if necessary, low enforcement officials will be notified. While facts are being verified, the participant will be removed from the 4-H activity/event and be under direct supervision of an adult chaperon.

2. The parent or guardian will be notified of the actions of the participant, and upon finding the allegations to be true, must immediately remove the participant from the activity at the parent's or guardian's expense.

3. Documentation must be completed on an "Incident Report Form."

Category 2:

1. When notification of any of the actions listed under Category 2, the adult in charge, will ascertain the relevant facts, and, with concurrence from the U of I Extension staff, will notify the participant of the action and any supporting evidence. The participant will be allowed an opportunity and any supporting evidence. The participant will be allowed an opportunity to answer the allegations and, if necessary, low enforcement officials will be notified. While facts are being verified, the participant will be removed from the 4-H activity/event and be under direct supervision of an adult chaperon.

2. The parent or guardian of the participants who violated curfew, used vehicles without authorization or leave the site of the event (as outlined in Category 2, letters a,b,c) will be notified of the actions by the participant. The parent or guardian must immediately remove the participant from the activity, at the parent's or guardian's expense. Participants who willfully disobeyed conduct as described in Category 2, letters d-l, will receive a verbal and written warning (initialed by the adult and the participant). Upon receiving a second warning, the parent or guardian will be notified of the behavior and must make arrangements for removal of the participant from the activity, at the parent's or guardian's expense.

"We understand and accept the responsibility for following the "Code of Conduct" for this 4-H event or activity. We further understand that failure to do so will result in disciplinary action as outlined above and forfeiture of any participant's fees."