Code of Conduct

This FIRST Code of Conduct lists some of the basic behaviours that mentors, coaches, volunteers, team members, affiliate partners, contractors, staff, and other participants are expected to adhere to while participating in FIRST activities.

Exhibit Gracious Professionalism^® at all times. Gracious Professionalism is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions.

Ensure the safety of all participants in FIRST activities.

Not engage in any form of bullying, harassment, use of profane or insulting language, or any actual or threatened violence.

Adhere to all FIRST Youth Protection Program (YPP) policies.

Report any unsafe behaviour to event or local FIRST leadership.

Individuals and teams who do not comply with this code of conduct (community or school-based) will be referred to the Youth Protection Program at FIRST Headquarters for further investigation and potential consequences.

Many teams also have their own Code of Conduct. To help you get started in developing one for your team, the FIRST Canada Youth Council have created a template to use and customize with the unique requirements of your team.

FIRST requires that all safety concerns and non-medical incidents be reported to the party conducting the event and to FIRST Headquarters within 48 hours – a FIRST-Report Safety Concern-Non-Medical Incident is provided. If there is uncertainty about filing a report, the FIRST Youth Protection Department should be contacted for guidance. The reporter may choose to remain anonymous; however, the more facts the FIRST Youth Protection Department has, the better it will be able to support an appropriate solution.

FIRST Canada strongly encourages all participants to view the videos listed below which describe our code of conduct and Youth Protection Program: