Participant Code of Conduct

Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks programs provide participants with an opportunity to engage in recreational activities to promote healthy communities.  To ensure everyone is able have a fun, positive experience participants are expected to adhere to an accepted standard of behaviors.

The Code of Conduct follows the Department’s guidelines to define misconduct.  All program participants will be held accountable for their behavior.  Failure to comply with the code of conduct could result in suspension or termination from all Recreation & Parks programs and facilities.

Code of Conduct

Expectations:

• Show respect for all individuals and property
• Demonstrate courtesy
• Respect rights and privileges of other participants, volunteers, and City staff
• Cooperate with or assist City staff in maintaining safety, order and discipline
• Respect the property of others, including city property and facilities

Unacceptable Behaviors:

• Gambling on City property
• Act or threat of bodily harm, including subtle or implied
• Insubordination
• Use of profanity, vulgar language or obscene gestures
• Damaging or defacing City property
• Engaging in inappropriate physical or verbal contact and/or gang related activity
• Creating a disruptive environment
• Harassing or threatening phone calls, or forms of written or electronic communication
• Involvement with drugs, alcohol or weapons
• Stalking, threatening, harassing (sexual or otherwise), or any other unwanted behavior or language
• Sexual activity of any kind
• Recording people without their knowledge or consent

Consequences of Undesired Behaviors:

• Warning:  Conference with staff and parties involved.  Conversation will include parent/guardian when appropriate. 
• Suspension:  Suspended from facility, park or program for a length of time determined by the City.
• Termination:  Removed from facility, park, or program.  Unable to engage in any programs or visit any City properties during termination.

Procedures for Undesired Behaviors:

• Incidents occurring in facilities, parks, or programs are subject to immediate suspension.  Citizens will be asked to leave the premises and a suspension form will be filed with the Department.
• Individuals refusing to leave premises upon request will result in Winston-Salem Police and/or Park Rangers being contacted to enforce the ruling. 
• Citizen will receive a certified letter stating the violation of policy and the penalty; suspension or termination length. 
• Suspended or terminated participants are not allowed to engage in any programs or visit any facilities or parks until date stated on certified letter.

Appeals:

Appeals process for suspensions and terminations:

• Participants have the right to appeal if they do not agree with the decision. 
• Appeals must be made in writing to the Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks Department within five (5) business days after receiving certified letter, otherwise the consequences will be implemented. 
• Suspensions of less than ten (10) days cannot be appealed. 
• Address appeals to: Winston Salem Recreation & Parks, Attn: Appeals, 100 E. First Street, Suite 407, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

The Code of Conduct applies to all persons participating in any program, service, park or facility managed and operated by the City of Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks Department.