WGAZ Code of Conduct

Winter Guard Arizona (WGAZ) has adopted comprehensive documents and procedures as developed by WGI Sport of the Arts. Please direct any questions regarding these policies to the officers of WGAZ at [email protected].

The newly revised Code of Conduct for Participating Units covering participants, staff, and volunteers has been expanded and more clearly defines expectations of conduct, compliance, and reporting for units participating in any WGAZ-sanctioned event. While a Code of Conduct for WGAZ Personnel has also been adopted and strengthens the expectations already in place for all WGAZ staff, Executive Board, and administration.

It is essential for all members of the WGAZ community have information on how to address concerns that may not be in support of this commitment. With that in mind, WGAZ has also developed a Participant Protection Reporting Policy as well as a new process of reporting concerns on misconduct or alleged noncompliance directly to WGAZ. The Participant Protection Reporting Policy will assist an individual connect with the appropriate party to ensure any concerns brought forth are addressed.

WGAZ, in following the leadership of WGI Sport of the Arts, will require all employees, judges, and volunteers to undergo background checks in partnership with the National Center for Safety Initiatives using guidelines from the National Council of Youth Sports. These background checks will screen convictions and pending dispositions for felonies, crimes involving force or threat of force against a person, crimes of a sexual nature (including sex offender registrants), crimes involving controlled substances, crimes involving cruelty to animals, and crimes involving harm to a minor. Additional language in the contract for services has also been added for individuals to disclose any situation that might not appear on a standard background check but could disqualify their participation by violating the spirit and intent of the Code of Conduct.

WGAZ is also encouraging participating units to follow best practices within their organization. Units should follow their school district policies or state and local laws regarding employment of educational staff interacting with students. Steps should also be taken to formalize compliance and reporting procedures within their unit to align with the Code of Conduct.