St Croix County 4-H

St Croix County 4-H
CODE OF CONDUCT/BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS AT 4-H ACTIVITIES and ENFORCEMENT
Adopted 2007

4-H members represent their county 4-H program. It is important to behave in a manner that reflects positively on 4-H. All members participating in a 4-H activity are expected to adhere to this code of conduct:

1. Demonstrate healthy choices. Possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco, weapons, illicit drugs or medications(s) is forbidden. Adults overseeing the activity need to be informed of medication prescribed to the member and/or over the counter medications approved by the parent(s).
2. Exhibit mutual respect for all participants. Use of language and gestures found to be objectionable to others is not permitted.
3. Use good judgment in dress. Revealing attire is not acceptable, such as extremely low cut tops, short shorts or thong back swimming suits are not allowed. Do not wear t-shirts with obscene language/pictures or with drug, tobacco or alcohol advertising.
4. Avoid public displays of affection. Necking, kissing and sexual activity will not be tolerated. 5. Be respectful of property and facilities. Do not damage or destroy public or private property. 6. Behave in accordance with applicable federal, state and municipal laws.

Supervising adults will take the following steps for violations of this code of conduct:

1. Counsel with involved members privately to reach an understanding and stop the inappropriate behavior.
2. Take disciplinary actions at the time of occurrence. This may consist of restriction of privileges, apology to the group, additional duties, etc. Physical punishment is not appropriate.
3. Inform parents and 4-H Youth Development Agent of misbehavior at time of occurrence if supervising adult feels severity of situation warrants such immediate notification.
4. When the infraction is serious, decide as part of a committee of at least two adults to remove a member from the activity and send him/her home immediately.
5. Write a letter describing the disruptive behavior to be sent to the member’s parents within 10 days after the activity.

Consequences of violations will result in the following disciplinary action:

1. Families of members removed from the activity will be responsible for the members’ transportation home. Members removed from the activity will wait with the supervising adult until parents arrive.
2. If damage/destruction of property occurred, members will be assessed for the cost of the damages and repairs.
3. Members who have violated the code of conduct will become ineligible to participate in ANY county, district, regional, state and national events for a period of 12 months from the time of the violation. Examples of activities which members may become ineligible for include softball, County Fair, Mini Talent Explosion, camp, trips, District Talent Explosion, Area Animal Science Days, district shows and fairs, Wisconsin State Fair, state 4-H events, etc. Participation in club level activities will be allowed.
4. Event registration, lodging or other participant fees will not be reimbursed for members who become ineligible for upcoming activities.
5. Youth who break public laws will be subject to legal action by law enforcement authorities.
6. Members who complete the 5 club meeting requirement, give a talk/demonstration and submit a self evaluation of projects may be reinstated with full privileges at the end of the 12 month period.

Steps for an appeals process:

1. Members who wish to appeal the disciplinary action may do so within 5 days of the violation.
2. Member(s) involved must request a meeting with the disciplinary committee which will consist of three members: county committee member (if appropriate), St. Croix County 4-H Leader’s Council Member(s) and a UW-Extension Agent.
3. The meeting to review the disciplinary action will be scheduled within 15 days of the request.

Both youth and adults must sign off on the appropriate form stating they have read and understand the rules and penalties and agree to be bound by them.