NEBRASKA 4-H PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT
Your primary goal of the 4-H program is to help youth develop competencies in their projects, confidence in themselves and others, connections in their community, and sound character. Actions by persons (parents and 4-H’ers) involved with the 4-H program will be consistent with the six core ethical values comprising good character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness, and citizenship. As a 4-H participant/parent/guardian I will:
1. Treat all people and property with respect, courtesy, consideration, and compassion. Avoid and prevent putdowns, insults, name calling, swearing, and other language or nonverbal conduct likely to offend, hurt, or set a bad example.
2. Keep informed about 4-H program policies and projects and read materials pertaining to the county 4-H program.
3. Teach and model kindness and compassion for others. Recognize that all people have skills and talents which can be used to help others and improve the community. Teach and foster teamwork and discourage selfishness.
4. Practice fair-mindedness by being open to ideas, suggestions, and opinions of others. I will make all reasonable efforts to assure equal access to participation for all youth and adults regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, or disability. Decisions will be made fairly and treat all individuals and families with impartiality.
5. Obey laws and rules as an obligation of being a good citizen. I accept responsibility for the proper treatment and care for other youth and adults, the program facilities, and/or equipment.
6. Demonstrate the responsible treatment of animals and stewardship of the environment.
7. Not use alcohol or illegal substances (or be under the influence) while working with or participating in any part of the 4-H program.
8. Provide a safe environment for all parties involved in 4-H. I will protect those involved from sexual harassment, physical force, verbal or mental abuse, neglect, or other harmful behaviors.
Youth participants/Parents who do not abide by the above code of conduct will be subject to the following consequences:
- Be asked to explain actions to the 4-H Educator.
- Be dismissed from an event at own expense.
- Further disciplinary action determined in cooperation with the local Extension Educator, the District 4-H Coordinator, the State 4-H Program Administrator, and as warranted, the Dean of Nebraska Extension and IANR Administration. Disciplinary action may include:
- Becoming ineligible to serve as a volunteer for specific activities.
- Becoming ineligible to serve as a volunteer for the Nebraska 4-H program.
- Reimburse the proper entity for any property damage or for liability resulting from inappropriate actions. In the case of vandalism, guilty party may be required to reimburse 4-H and/or the facility.
Multiple violations of the code of conduct may result in:
- Suspension for a period of time.
- Becoming ineligible for 4-H participation in their county.
Parent/Guardian violations may also result in:
- Restrictions from contacting 4-H families, volunteers, donors, and/or sponsors pertaining to any 4-H matter.
The Perkins County Fair Livestock Shows is guided by the IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expositions) National Code of Show Ring Ethics. A copy of the IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics is available at https://iafe.s3.amazonaws.com/Online+Library+/Agriculture/ShowRingCodeofEthics.pdf .
Protest or Appeals Process
The respective superintendents at the county fair have the authority to make the appropriate decisions based on the County Fair Book.
A committee shall be appointed to serve as a protest group. All protests must be submitted in writing and signed.
Written protests must include:
Names of person(s) involved
Description of the concern
Situation and documentation
Specific action, rule, etc., in question