Covid and Safeguarding Policy

Covid Policy

By attending classes or an event you agree NOT to attend if you (or a close contact e.g. somebody you live with) have Covid-19, display any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19, or are awaiting the results of a PCR test.

It is your choice whether to wear a mask.

In classes we usually rotate partners, but you are free to keep in a fixed pair if you prefer.

If you test positive or develop symptoms of Covid-19 in the following 5 days, please tell us immediately.

We will offer you a refund for any class or event missed due to a positive Covid test, or because you have had to self-isolate.

By attending classes or an event you agree that you are participating at your own risk, including but not limited to all lost or stolen property, cost, claim, injury, damage, or liability sustained while participating.

Safer Spaces Policy

Oxford Balboa is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable social dance experience for everyone regardless of dance ability, dance background, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion or any other characteristic or trait. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Individuals violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the venue at the discretion of the organisers.

We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed intimidating or inappropriate behaviour to tell an organiser. Please come and talk to us in confidence at any time - at classes, events or wherever you see us. Your suggested points of contact (Safety People) at Oxford Balboa are Anna Eavis and Richard Stanczyc. Safety People are available for discussion and reassurance, not just formal reports.  Please tell us about your concerns, even small ones - we’re here for you! If you’d rather speak to someone outside of our immediate group, all of the people listed on Safety in Swing Dance are ready to listen.

Thankfully any such infringements are extremely rare but by adhering to the STEPS principles we endeavour to ensure a safe, friendly and enjoyable experience for all. Read on for the full STEPS Code of Conduct.

STEPS Code of Conduct

STEPS stands for Safety, Trust, Engagement, Prevention, and Support. Safety in Swing Dance and the STEPS code take strides to be there for anyone in need.

We believe that the Swing dance world is already welcoming, supportive (and fantastic!) and that instances of inappropriate behaviour are rare. Our Code of Conduct is designed to acknowledge that we all have a responsibility to build safety into events, and to contribute to the well-being of the whole community. We love to dance, and we want you to love it too.

Guidelines for Being Good People

The following good people guidelines apply to EVERYONE attending a STEPS Code event, including members of staff, volunteers and visiting teachers:

1. We will be NICE to everyone and treat all people with respect. We will not harass anyone. We will not discriminate according to sex, gender expression nor sexual orientation, nor race religion, nor nationality. We will treat everyone equally, regardless of age, ability, physical appearance, lifestyle, dance experience or dance role.
2. We will be INCLUSIVE and invite others to dance, and we will be gracious if turned down. We will ask people of all levels to dance because we can all learn from each other and thereby improve the overall standard of dance in our community. We may say no when asked to dance, but we will be polite when doing so and if we promise to dance later on, we will honour that promise.
3. We will be RESPONSIBLE for our own physical safety and that of others nearby. We will practise safe floor-craft and say sorry if we accidentally bump another person. We will not offer advice or instruction unless asked to do so, nor perform aerials on the social floor. If we consume alcohol we will do so responsibly, and if we are drunk enough to pose a risk to ourselves or others, we will leave the dance floor and retire to the bar.
4. We will take CARE of our own personal hygiene, and bring towels, spare clothing and extra deodorant if necessary. We will be considerate when choosing our clothing, footwear, and accessories and will not wear anything that is potentially hazardous to ourselves or to others.
5. We will be RESPECTFUL and acknowledge that the personal boundaries of others may not be the same as our own. We will be mindful of the appropriateness of language or comments that some may find offensive. We will not touch anyone inappropriately and we will apologise immediately if we touch a person in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. We will be aware that someone’s perception of what may be offensive could be different to our own.
6. We UNDERSTAND that following the above guidelines ensures a better experience for everyone and that participating in any kind of verbal, physical or sexual abuse will have consequences. This may include, but is not limited to, being asked to leave without refund and exclusion from future events.
7. We, the organisers, PROMISE to treat any reports made, from dancers in our home scenes or elsewhere, with sensitivity and to keep all details as confidential as is possible (however, in the event of a police investigation, all information will become disclosable).