Code of Conduct

“We must be the world we want to create” - Mahatma Ghandi

“A code of conduct is a set of rules outlining the norms, rules, and responsibilities or proper practices of an individual party or an organization." - Wikipedia

A community cannot thrive without a set of rules and guidelines. We believe that all who enter into our space, whether you are a presenter, facilitator, host, volunteer or attendee, need to adhere to these rules to maintain a positive and thriving place for everyone who shares it. These rules apply to everyone regardless of what groups you identify with, the level of experience in rope or scene you have, your feelings about any person in particular or the community as a whole. 

Please familiarize yourself with what has been outlined below and be committed to uphold them. By entering into the studio (the “Venue”), you agree to these rules.

Rules are subject to change as the community evolves and to adapt to adhere to updated laws. We plan to provide a place for you to provide feedback/comments/suggestions. For now, we welcome them, questions and clarifications via email. boundlarkrs@gmail.com

Actively Practicing Risk-Awareness

  1. I acknowledge the rope bondage is an intrinsically high-risk activity

  2. I recognize that activities at the Venue can cause serious body harm including death.

  3. I recognize that harm may also include my mental and emotional wellbeing as well as to others.

  4. I promise to practice this activity with risk-awareness by educating myself, learning about myself and those who I chose to engage this activity with.

  5. Venue staff and volunteers have the right to stop any scene that they feel is unsafe or non-consensual. 

Venue safe words are:

  • Yellow - Pause and check-in

  • Red - Stop immediately 

Consent is Critical

  1. I understand that consent is paramount to responsible and healthy interactions that I engage with anyone.

  2. I understand that consent refers to one’s person as well as one’s belongings

  3. I understand that consent refers also to what is practiced between those who are considering interaction with one another.

  4. I understand that consent may be implicit or explicit and it is my responsibility to discern, in good faith, what is appropriate for me and partner(s), for both/all of our benefit.

  5. I understand that consent that is not freely given or is assumed can lead to ambiguous gray areas. It is my responsibility to be up-front about my desires and boundaries and to accept and honor a response that I did not hope to receive. 

  6. I understand that consent given while not in a clear mental and emotional state cannot be assumed as legitimate.

General Etiquette

  1. I will maintain courteous and respectful behavior towards those I interact with.

  2. I will treat the property of the Venue with respect and courtesy,

  3. I understand that the Venue is a shared space with individuals of varying histories, experiences, biological makeup, and innate preferences.

  4. I will NOT harass or discriminate based on sex, age, disability, appearance, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, or any other legally protected characteristic or class..

  5. I will not interrupt a scene unless unquestionable consent has been granted

  6. I will be mindful about how my actions may influence other’s scenes and energies.

  7. If I see play that appears dangerous/non-consensual, I will not interrupt and I will alert a staff member. 

  8. While alcohol is permitted in the space, I understand that if I observe any person who is intoxicated in the space, I will notify a staff member.

  9. I understand that any illegal substance is not permitted in the space and if I observe a person using an illegal substance, I will notify a staff member.

  10. I undertand I will be asked to leave if I am deemed to be unsafe or disrespectful or the Venue or any attendees present.

Photography, Phones and Privacy

  1. The privacy of all those who enter the Venue is crucial to maintaining an environment where one can feel safe to express oneself comfortably. 

  2. I acknowledge that everyone has their own preferences and reasons as to whether they want to have photos captured of them, including any identifiable tattoos or marks or items. I acknowledge these wishes extend to photos of them being shared, posted, published or used. 

  3. If these photos will be shared on any platform in whatever form it is shared, do not assume you have consent to do so. You must have consent from each person that appears in that photo.

  4. I will obtain consent from relevant individuals prior to capturing a photo. 

  5. Should you take a photo, you must ensure that no other person appears in the background.

  6. If a staff member has been alerted to an attendee taking photos outside of the agreed policy above, they have the right to review their photo gallery with them. If photos are found not adhering to the consent and privacy policy above, they will be required to delete them from their device. This is non-negotiable. 

  7. If the policy is different for any particular event, it will be explicity communicated at that specific event. 

  8. If you need to use your phone, please be mindful not to point the camera towards another person.

  9. Your devices should be placed in Silent or Do not Disturb or Vibrate.

  10. Please take your calls outside of the venue or out of the soundscape of the main rope area of the Venue. 

Activities that requires alerting the staff of the Venue:

  • Breath play not involving rope

  • Play that involves any bodily fluid or wax

  • CNC

  • Fire play, candles and open flames in the rope space is strictly forbidden

Legalities

  1. I acknowledge that there is a recorded and monitored view at the entrance of the Venue and this will not be available to anyone without official authority for legal or safety purposes.

  2. I understand that by entering the Venue space at any capacity, I agree to abide by the Code of Conduct to the best of my abilities.

  3. I understand and accept that the equipment I bring to the studio is my responsibliity and not of the studio’s.

  4. I will sign a waiver of liabilities upon entry to the studio for any and all events.

Please remember, we share this community space together. We hope that you honor the boundaries and needs of others and of yourself and arrive with a sound mind and mature heart. The world is a wondrous place, please spread joy and love and together and we can heal the wounds we carry.

'Darkness cannot drive out darkness

only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate

only love can do that.'

- Martin Luther King, Jr.