Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Introduction

Barks & Rec is strongly dedicated to providing engaging, unique, safe, and enjoyable experiences for all our attendees, and strives to ensure that all parties we engage with are treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect. This applies without limitation to all attendees, partners, vendors, and team members regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, pregnancy, citizenship, veteran status, familial status, or any other category that may be a target of harassment or discrimination regardless of legally protected status.

Interactions & Consent

A fursuit or kink gear is not an open invitation for physical interaction; kindly and positively affirm consent before engaging. Mind your environment, and tailor your interactions appropriately. Sex is never permitted at any Barks & Rec event.

Dress & Decorum

Fursuits are highly encouraged at all events. Additional gear that is kink-related may be permitted dependent on privacy afforded by the venue. Refer to event information for guidance, or let us know if we may clarify specific questions. At all events, attendees should change attire in private, behind curtained areas, or in designated locations. Mind your environment when wearing a fursuit or gear when outside of a Venue.

Symbols recognized as promoting hate or discrimination are strictly forbidden at Barks & Rec events. Other forbidden items & attire include, but are not limited to:
  1. Firearms (real or replica)
  2. Tactical / police / military outfits
  3. Personal speakers used to play audio continuously
  4. Squeakers
  5. Nudity
  6. Exposed genitalia and buttocks (real or replica)

Venue, Equipment & Staff

It is crucial to remember that we are guests in our chosen venues. All attendees are expected to adhere to the policies and guidelines set forth by the Venue, in addition to our own Code of Conduct (CoC).

Venue Policies: These may include, but are not limited to, opening and closing times, restricted areas, and any specific rules the Venue may have in place. Disregarding these rules not only jeopardizes our relationship with the Venue but also risks the continuation of future Barks & Rec events at that location.

Equipment Respect: Any Venue equipment, such as but not limited electronics, audio-visual gear, furniture, and decorations, should be treated with utmost care. Do not tamper with, move, or misuse equipment. Damage or tampering to any Venue property may result in immediate expulsion from the event, an indefinite ban from Barks & Rec events, and potential legal consequences.

Staff Respect: The Venue staff are essential in making our events possible. Treat all staff members—whether they are managers, concierge, security personnel, bartenders, or custodial staff—with dignity, courtesy, and respect. Follow their instructions promptly and courteously, and if you have concerns please share them with a Barks & Rec Team Member.

Personal Belongings

Barks & Rec and our host Venues are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. Due to the nature of our events, it's likely your belongings may not always be within your line of sight, and lockers may not be available on-site. To help protect your items, please adhere to on-site instructions regarding storage of personal belongings. Note that large baggage such as suitcases and storage must be stashed only in proper locations, as they are not permitted in main event or dance areas. Make a habit of double-checking your items before leaving any space and be cautious when placing belongings in communal areas. If you leave an item behind, Barks & Rec or our Venue may hold it temporarily; please reach out via hello@bandr.org as soon as you notice an item is missing.

Professional Photo/Video Gear

We aim to maintain a comfortable and private atmosphere for all attendees. To support this goal, we have specific guidelines regarding photography and videography equipment:

Prohibited Equipment

The use of professional photo and video gear is prohibited without express permission via hello@bandr.org. This includes, but is not limited to:
  1. DSLR cameras
  2. mirrorless cameras
  3. camcorders
  4. external flash equipment

Definition

Professional photo/video gear refers to high-quality photography and videography equipment typically used by professional photographers and videographers. This includes cameras with interchangeable lenses, such as DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, as well as any auxiliary equipment like external flashes, tripods, monopods, and external microphones.

Allowed Equipment

Personal mobile phones and compact cameras without interchangeable lenses are permitted for casual use, provided that photography and videography are done respectfully and in accordance with our Code of Conduct, especially regarding consent and privacy. Violations may result in permanent banning and legal action.

Press and Media

Any members of the press or media wishing to cover Barks & Rec events must seek prior approval. Please contact us in advance at hello@bandr.org to obtain the necessary permissions. Press credentials and guidelines will be provided to approved photographers and videographers, who will be clearly identifiable during the event.

Outside Alcohol

We treasure our partnership with our Venues and their privilege of holding a liquor license to serve our attendees. Bringing outside alcohol jeopardizes our ability to host our guests but also risks our Venue's licensing agreements. To this end, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited within Venue premises, including outdoor areas owned by Venues such as parking lots.

All bags and containers may be subject to a respectful check at the Venue entrances. Please consume or discard open containers before entering Venues. Sealed non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. 

Tailgating

To respect our Venues' liquor licensing and maintain a safe environment during events we do not permit tailgating on the premises or adjacent to Venues in areas such as public parking lots.

Assistance & Reporting

Should you witness or experience harassment, violations of our Code of Conduct (CoC), or violations of other codes or policies in any form, please seek a Barks & Rec Team Member immediately either in-person during an event, at hello@bandr.org, or at safety@bandr.org so we may intervene and remediate the situation privately between the applicable parties. At events, Team Members are identifiable by their green and white badges with the Barks & Rec logo.

Barks & Rec respects the privacy of its attendees and community, and does not publicly share information regarding incidents.

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