See also UW’s Conduct Code: University Standards for Interacting with Youth
These standards apply to all University personnel and must be followed in all University-affiliated youth activities.
Participant Conduct Codes help create safe, inclusive, and engaging activity environments by clearly outlining shared expectations and responsibilities.
Effective conduct codes go beyond rules by emphasizing community values, clear expectations, and consistent responses. When used thoughtfully, they support:
- Participants in understanding how to contribute positively to the activity community
- Parents/guardians/caregivers in reinforcing expectations and partnering with staff
- Personnel in responding to behavior consistently, fairly, and in alignment with program and university policies
A strong conduct code also helps ensure that participants and families understand expectations in advance, including potential consequences and situations that may require escalation for safety or compliance.
Note: Conduct codes are most effective when they are actively used, consistently reinforced, and supported through clear communication and follow-through.
A well-designed conduct code should balance clarity, flexibility, and usability across different activity types. At a minimum, it should:
- State the program purpose and the type of community it aims to create
- Define shared values and participant expectations (e.g., respect, communication, participation)
- Identify prohibited behaviors, including those that may result in immediate action or dismissal
- Include a tiered response approach for addressing behavior concerns
- Explain reporting and escalation expectations, including when issues may be handled outside the program (see Incident Response & Reporting)
- Provide guidance for parents/guardians/caregivers聽to support participant success
- Include acknowledgment or signature sections to confirm shared understanding
Adapt tone, examples, and level of detail based on participant age, program length, and setting.
Conduct codes should be fully integrated into activity operations鈥攏ot treated as a one-time form.
Before the Activity
- Customize the template to reflect your activity鈥檚 values, structure, and risks
- Share and collect agreements during registration, intake, or orientation
During the Activity
- Reinforce expectations regularly using age-appropriate strategies
- Adapt reinforcement by age:
- Younger youth: Use simple themes (e.g., respect, communicate, participate)
- Older youth: Co-create group agreements to build shared ownership
- Use the conduct code as a reference when addressing behavior
For Personnel
- Train staff on expectations, roles, and responsibilities
- Clarify who handles different levels of response or escalation
- Practice applying tiered responses using scenarios
- Establish consistent documentation and reporting practices (see Incident Response & Reporting)
Flexible Use Across Activity Types
Select template below that best matches your activity:
- Ongoing, multi-day, or overnight activities 鈥� Full Version
- Brief, one-time, or drop-in activities 鈥� Brief Version
All youth activities should provide clear, age-appropriate expectations, even when a full agreement is not practical.
Participant Conduct Code Templates
Participant Agreement for (Program Name)
Program Purpose
Provide a brief description of your program and the type of environment you aim to create.
Example: This program provides a safe, inclusive, and engaging space for youth to learn, connect, and grow. We build a community grounded in respect, communication, and participation.
Our Shared Community Values
- Respect 鈥� caring for ourselves, others, and our environment
- Communication 鈥� asking for help, expressing needs, and listening
- Participation 鈥� engaging to the best of our ability
Tip: Invite participants to help define what these values look like in practice.
Expectations for Participants
Participants agree to:
Respect People and Spaces
- Treat yourself, others, and the environment with care
- Keep hands, body, and objects to yourself
- Use kind, inclusive language
- Care for shared spaces and materials
Communicate with Staff
- Ask before leaving the activity area
- Share concerns, needs, or safety issues
- Seek support when needed
Participate
- Try new activities
- Follow activity instructions
Use Technology Responsibly
- Do not take or share photos/videos without consent
- Share only appropriate content
Safety & Prohibited Behaviors
Some behaviors require immediate action or escalation due to safety or university policies, including:
- Physical violence or threats
- Sexual misconduct
- Possession of weapons, drugs, or alcohol
- Harassment or discrimination
These situations may be handled outside standard activity responses due to legal or University requirements.
If Expectations Are Not Met
Staff use a tiered response approach, depending on the situation:
Level 1 鈥� Redirection
- Reminder or coaching
Level 2 鈥� Reflection
- Staff check-in and problem-solving
Level 3 鈥� Family Partnership
- Contact caregiver and support planning
Level 4 鈥� Program Action
- Temporary or permanent removal from activity
Responses are based on context, severity, and impact.
Reporting & Safety
- Participants should report concerns to activity staff
- Staff may escalate incidents based on university policies
- Activities may use a centralized reporting process
Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Partnership
Caregivers agree to:
- Ensure timely drop-off and pick-up
- Communicate schedule changes
- Support activity expectations
- Partner with staff to address concerns
Program Staff Commitment
- Create a safe, inclusive environment
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
- Respond consistently and fairly
- Follow safety and reporting requirements
Acknowledgment & Agreement
By signing below, all parties acknowledge understanding and agreement.
Participant Name: ____________________________
Participant Signature: ____________________________
Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Name: ____________________________
Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Signature: ____________________________
Staff Name: ____________________________
Staff Signature: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
(for brief, one-time, or drop-in activities)
Participant Expectations – Brief Version
Today, we ask everyone to:
- Respect people and shared spaces
- Communicate with staff if you need help
- Participate and follow directions
Safety Expectations
- Keep hands and objects to yourself
- Follow staff instructions at all times
If Expectations Are Not Met
- Staff will redirect behavior
- Repeated or serious concerns may result in removal from activity
This version can be shared verbally, posted, or provided to group leaders.
These templates are designed to be both consistent and adaptable. Programs should retain core safety elements while tailoring content to fit their specific audience and setting.
Required Elements
- Expectations and prohibited behaviors:
Clearly define expected and unacceptable behavior - Response process:
Explain how staff will respond when expectations are not met - Safety and reporting:
Identify how concerns are reported and when escalation is required - Acknowledgment (full version)
Confirm shared understanding through signatures
Flexible Elements
- Tone and wording:
Adjust for age and program style - Content relevance:
Remove or adapt non-applicable sections - Examples and detail:
Add or simplify based on complexity and duration - Developmental fit:
Tailor structure and expectations to participant age