GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
CODE OF CONDUCT

Compliance: All participants must follow this Code of Conduct, the TailWags Bylaws, and all applicable local laws.

Age: Participants must be at least 18 years of age. A valid government-issued photo ID may be required for entry to events.

Safety Background: Individuals convicted of a violent crime or sexual offense, or those listed on a sex offender registry, are ineligible for membership.

Protective Orders: Individuals subject to an active protective order issued by a current TailWags member or partner organization are ineligible to attend events where that member is present or at events hosted by that organization.

Good Standing: Members must maintain "Good Standing" by adhering to all rules, paying any applicable dues, and avoiding conduct that materially impairs the organization’s mission.

Active Consent: All interactions must be based on enthusiastic, informed, and continuous consent. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Pre-Interaction Negotiation: Before engaging in physical play or kink-related interaction, participants must understand and agree to boundaries and intensity.

The Traffic Light System: We use Red (Stop), Yellow (Caution/Ask), and Green (Generally OK) signals for communicating physical touch and boundaries. A "Red" signal must be respected immediately, at all times, and without question.

Bullying and Harassment: TailWags has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, intimidation, or harassment, including persistent unwanted attention ("creeping").

Individual Responsibility: Individuals remain responsible for their conduct at all times. Being in “headspace” is not an excuse for violating consent or safety rules.

Interpersonal Conflicts: Members are expected to manage personal conflicts outside of events and group chats. If a conflict becomes disruptive to the community, the Board may intervene.

Commitment to Diversity: Discrimination, slurs, and hate speech based on actual or perceived gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, sensory, mental, or physical disability, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, citizenship, military status, occupation, or political affiliation will not be tolerated.

Sexual Health: Participants are expected to practice radical honesty and informed consent regarding sexual health. Knowingly risking transmission without a partner's informed consent is a violation of this Code.

Confidentiality: Do not disclose the legal names, professional identities, or personal details of others without explicit permission.

No "Outing": Sharing a member’s identity to the public or third parties without consent is a severe violation.

Photography/Video: Taking photos or videos where others are identifiable is prohibited without express permission from everyone in the frame. Participants must ensure that any background individuals or individuals who have requested not to be depicted publicly are blurred or rendered unidentifiable before posting to social media.

Social Media Tagging: Members may not tag other participants or members in social media posts without their express, prior permission.

Legal Limits: Confidentiality is not absolute and will be waived if required by law, subpoena, or to prevent immediate physical harm.

Gear Inspections: All gear and props must be safe for the environment. Personnel reserve the right to inspect and prohibit any items deemed unsafe.

Weaponry: All weapons, including guns and knives, are strictly prohibited. Self-defense items (e.g., pepper spray) may be carried subject to venue rules and local laws.

Assumption of Risk: Participants assume all risks associated with attendance at community social or physical events.

Claims of Liability: TailWags, its Board, and its volunteers shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from participation.

Guest Responsibility: Members are responsible for the conduct of guests they invite. Guest violations may impact the sponsoring member’s status.

No Refunds: Individuals removed or terminated for Code of Conduct violations are not entitled to a refund of event fees, tickets, or dues.

Contracts: No member may enter into contracts, incur debt, or make financial commitments for TailWags without written Board authorization.

Solicitation: Members may not use TailWags platforms or events for unauthorized commercial solicitation or personal profit.

Branding: The TailWags and subsidiary names and logos may not be used for personal projects or public statements without Board approval.

Official Position: No individual shall represent their personal opinions as the official position of TailWags.

Political Activity: TailWags events and branding may not be used for political campaigning or the distribution of political propaganda.

Reporting: Issues should be reported immediately to an on-site monitor, the Board, or the Administration Committee. Written reports can be sent to www.TailWags.dog/contact.

No Retaliation: Any form of retaliation against a member for reporting a violation is strictly prohibited.

Disciplinary Range: Violations may result in warnings, event removal, or membership termination. Voluntary mediation may be offered for minor disputes.

Appeals: Per the Bylaws, members facing suspension or termination have 30 days to submit a written appeal for Board review.

Board Discretion: The Board reserves the right to address any conduct that, while not explicitly listed here, is deemed harmful to the safety, inclusivity, or mission of TailWags.

Modifications: This Code may be updated by the Board. Members will be notified of substantive changes.

Severability: If any portion of this Code is found unenforceable by a court, the remaining sections shall continue in full force and effect.