Washington FBLA Code of Conduct

FBLA, as an integral part of the Business Education program in Washington, offers training to students with career objectives in business occupations and business-related courses. Professional conduct and appearance of each individual pervades all training. Therefore, all persons are responsible for adhering to this code of conduct from the time they leave home until they return home.

Attendance at any FBLA-sponsored activity is a special privilege. Recognizing that an organization is judged largely by the behavior of its individual participants, the following Code of Conduct is required for members, guests, and advisers who attend the regional, state, and national leadership conferences of Future Business Leaders of America. If a conduct violation occurs, regardless of when exposed, that student(s) may not be able to attend any other regional, state, or national conference during that school year. These rules will be strictly enforced.

1. The term "delegate" shall be any person attending the conference. Delegates shall wear their conference name badges at all times on site.
2. All delegates shall behave in a professional, courteous and respectful manner, refraining from language and actions that might bring discredit upon themselves, their school, their home, their friends, the conference, or the FBLA organization.
3. Because delegates are guests using the facilities, special care will be taken not to deface or destroy any property. Any damages to any property or furnishings in the hotel rooms or buildings will be paid by the individual.
4. Student delegates shall 1) keep their adult adviser(s) informed of their activities and whereabouts at all times; 2) not use their own cars or ride in cars belonging to others during the conference unless accompanied by an authorized adviser/chaperone, or unless granted written permission by parent/legal guardian, accompanying adviser, and school authority; 3) not engage in activities with nonconference individuals; 4) not enter public dance halls, bars, or night clubs.
5. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES IN ANY FORM, OR THAT WHICH PURPORTS TO BE, shall be possessed or used at any time or under any circumstances on private or public properties.
6. Curfew regulations shall be interpreted to mean that each student delegate shall be in his/her room at the time stated in conference materials or by Executive Director or Board of Directors Chair. Conference participants not staying at the hotel shall be off conference facilities by curfew.
7. All delegates shall be registered and shall attend workshops, regional meetings, scheduled business sessions, and other activities for which they are registered.
8. Dress regulations, appropriate to specific situations, shall be established by the FBLA Board of Directors. Dress code will be followed (see conference registration packet). Delegates and advisers attending FBLA functions shall follow dress regulations while on site. Exceptions will be determined by the Executive Director or Board of Directors Chair.
9. School district policy shall be in effect for local adviser/adult ratio during all Washington State FBLA activities. If the district does not have a policy, a ratio of 10 students to 1 local adviser/adult will be in effect for overnight travel within Washington State. For in-state travel when an overnight stay is not required, a ratio of 15 students to 1 local adviser/adult is the rule. A ratio of 8 students to 1 local adviser/adult will be in effect for out-of-state travel.
10. It is agreed that violation of the Code of Conduct is cause for the appropriate FBLA authorities to require the violators to vacate hotel rooms and withdraw from conference activities. Serious misconduct will be reported to the principal and/or other authorities. PARENTS, under these circumstances you will be notified that your child is being sent home at your expense, and it is your responsibility to make arrangements to pick up your child.
11. Anyone being in the willful companionship of another person violating FBLA Code of Conduct will also be subject to disciplinary action.

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Consequences of Violation of Code of Conduct

1. USE OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO PRODUCTS, AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES OR THAT WHICH PURPORTS TO BE
   Student sent home. A student who is present when use or possession occurs is subject to the same consequence. Parent, school, and local authorities notified. Disqualification from conference and award. State officer removal from office.
2. CURFEW
   Students are expected to be in their own rooms at curfew. Local advisers will be contacted if there is a curfew violation, and students will be dealt with accordingly. If special circumstances warrant being outside the room, written permission from the adviser/chaperone must be in possession of the student if student is not accompanied by the adviser/chaperone.
3. MISDEMEANORS AND FELONIES
   These include, but are not limited to, stealing, shoplifting, vandalism, including pulling emergency alarms. Student is sent home. Disqualification from conference and award. State officer removal from office. Parent, school, and local authorities notified.
4. CHEATING
   If an adviser has direct awareness of cheating by a student, the information is made known to FBLA Executive Director, Regional Adviser, or Board of Directors Chair immediately. Disqualification from events/awards. State officer removal from office. Parent, school, and local adviser notified.

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