Code Of Conduct

 

Code of Conduct and Processes

Utica > 0 H3  want to create a responsive and proactive structure to ensure a safe environment for all hashers. We provide support for prevention and response, and we want all hashers to have fun and drink beer (or the beverage of their choice) in a safe and comfortable environment. 

Non-consensual interactions and violence in any form will not be tolerated anywhere hashers assemble. This includes, but is not limited to, any non-consensual sexual conduct, both verbal and physical threats, harassment, abuse, and non-consensual photography and sharing. We also do not tolerate theft or misappropriation of others’ and the hash’s dollars, hab, and their belongings.

Consent is mutual, informed, specific, freely given, reversible, and required. No means no. The absence of “no” is not consent. Someone who is severely intoxicated cannot consent. If someone changes their mind, respect their choice. If you are unsure, ask and respect their response. 

No means no, but so does: 

• I’m uncomfortable.
• Maybe another time.
• I don’t want to
• I don’t feel like it.
• I’d rather do X.
• I’m unsure.
• I don’t know.
• I don’t think so.
• Not right now.
• This doesn’t feel right.
• This feels wrong.
• Maybe we should wait.
• I don’t want to do this anymore.
• I want to leave.
• Stop. 

Hashing and crashing are privileges. Inappropriate behavior is subject to removal from the hash and/or crash space for the day, for a period of time, or permanently at GM and Mismanagement discretion. If you are a safety risk to others, you will be removed and are not welcome at the hash. 

Getting Support

If you need help, talk to the GM or ask a Utica hasher you trust to point you in the right direction. 

Mismanagement can… 

• Listen
• Support your choices
• Get you a buddy for trail/camp
• Refer you to local resources (and resources elsewhere)
• Contact law enforcement 
• Direct you to a hospital

If you ever need it, you can also call a local hotline, and/or law enforcement. 

• Oneida County Mental Health Crisis Services: https://oneidacountyny.gov/departments/mental-health/crisis-services/ 
• Oneida County Crisis Hotlines: https://publichealth.oneidacountywi.gov/links-hotlines/hotlines/ 
•  

When Incidents Occur

Incidents can be reports from the Reporter (the person reporting a concern), the Subject (the person who is being reported), and eyewitnesses.  

To all hashers: If you see something, say something! 

Hearsay and rumors are not helpful. Note that an eyewitness may see something, but we must first find out if an individual wants to become a Reporter and pursue the complaint. 

Report all things to Utica H3 GM and/or other designated event GMs 

In the moment, if an incident has occurred:

1.     Listen to the story. 

2.     Do not dismiss the story or the feelings of the Reporter(s).

3.     Alert the GM, another member of Mismanagement, or ask an Utica hasher you trust to help.

4.    The GM will inquire to find out more details. Note that the GM will likely need to communicate with both parties (Reporter and Subject) separately. Depending on the situation, the GM may need to wait until they are sober. Also, understand that when someone is accused, it is natural for them to react in self-protective ways, such as anger, disbelief, dismissiveness, arguing.

5.     If there are witnesses, the GM will communicate with them separately to gather more information.

General Flow Chart of Reporting and Action:

1. Complaint is made.  
2. Notification goes to GM and Mismanagement. 
3. GM gathers reports and evidence, including communicating with both Reporter and Subject. 
4. GM discusses findings with Mismanagement. 
5. Mismanagement decides on level of sanctions/interventions.
6. GM shares decision about sanction/intervention and, if needed, follow up steps to Subject, such as the need to contact the GM for updates prior to returning. 
7. GM shares update to Reporter 
8. If needed, GM notifies the GMs of other kennels.

Potential Sanctions/Interventions: 

1. Verbal interventions

          a. Warning

          b. Mediation (If necessary we will seek help from another kennel to help with mediation).

 2. Suspension or temporary ban

 3. Permanent ban

Rights of the Subject:

1.     To be notified of the complaint and to receive the details of the complaint in writing.

2.     After the Subject receives written details of the complaint, they shall be allowed a minimum of 24 hours to deliberate before they receive further questioning or are pressed for a response.

3.     The Subject shall be allowed to have their side heard – either by written response or via private discussion with the GM or additional members of Mismanagement. 

Other Considerations

Incidents at Other Kennels:

In general, we will try to avoid having to deal with hashers from other kennels whose actions occurred at other events. Exception: If the inappropriate action was against a Utica hasher at an away event, we may take action and we should work collaboratively with the other kennel and respect their decision-making process. 

To the degree possible, the GM will endeavor to get information about hashers that other kennels warn us about leading up to events Utica H3 is putting on. 

The GM Banned List:

GM’s are privy to a listing of banned hashers from other kennels. The list is not necessarily updated regularly and details about the bans are only sometimes provided. However, prior to Hash Weekends, the GM will review our rego list to see if a hasher we do not know is on the banned list. The GM may inquire with the GM of the kennel who banned the hasher, if information is needed. However, if a hasher we do not know is on the banned list, we may decide to exclude them from our weekend events without digging deeply for more information.

About This Document

Utica H3 copied this from Ithaca's page with minor edits for Utica being a much smaller kennel.  All feedback welcome and note Ithaca Hash House Harriers encourages other hash kennels to share, adapt, and remix as they wish.