DANCER PROTECTION POLICY

STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION

EADA STAFF AND ASSOCIATE REQUIREMENTS

The EADA administration must approve any new staff members, substitutes, guest choreographers, directors, stage hands, instructors, supervisors, parent volunteers etc.…

Completion of an application

Completion of a criminal background check

Mandatory meetings and dancer protection training to ensure the safety and protection of all dancers and staff.

EADA STAFF AND ASSOCIATE RESPONSIBILITY

All EADA Associates must ensure that all participating in EADA events, performances, etc.… Abide by the rules and regulations stated in the company policy as well as the Competition/Studio Event policies.

All EADA Associates and dancers share the responsibility for the safety of all participants of the studio including adherence to the EADA company policies, competition policies, and studio event policies.

All EADA Associates are responsible for monitoring behavior and intervening when necessary.

Physical violence, sexual activity, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, weapons, hazing, discrimination, harassment, initiation rites, bullying, cyber bullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, alcohol, and pornography, have no place in the EADA and may result in immediate dismissal from the studio.

All EADA Associates are required to adhere to the EADA code of conduct.

DISCIPLINE

Per company policy, Discipline must reflect the EADA standards and values.

Corporal punishment is never permitted.

Disciplinary activities involving personal isolation, humiliation, or ridicule are also prohibited.

SUPERVISION FOR STUDIO RELATED ACTIVITIES

There must be a minimum of Two adults, 21 years of age or older, vetted by EADA, at all EADA events, performances, activities, etc. Regardless of the age of student and specific program/activity, authorized EADA supervision must always be present.

The Parent, Guardian or EADA Staff Member approved by the dancer’s legal parent or guardian, will be responsible for assisting the dancers in the dressing rooms to ensure the safety and privacy of the dancers. Individual rooms can/will be utilized for special circumstances (needs EADA approval.)

There will be no one-on-one contact between EADA associates and dancers allowed in any room at any time during Studio related activities.

In situations requiring a private rehearsal or practice session, the rehearsal is to be conducted with the knowledge and within plain view of other EADA associates or dancers.

Private online communications (texting, phone calls, chats, IM, emails, etc.…) must include another EADA Associate or parent. This includes any social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.….)

All EADA Staff who will be accompanying dancers for 72 total hours or more during competitions, recitals, studio events etc.… must meet the EADA association requirements. With the exception of the Parent Rule (EADA staff parents or legal guardians taking part in any overnight event, with their own child or legal ward, will not be expected to meet the full EADA association requirements with their own children.) The 72 hours do not need to be consecutive.

Parents or legal guardians who have not met the EADA association requirements must be accompanied by the EADA Staff or administration at the time they are with the EADA dancers or any other dancers other than their own child/ward. All other overnight adults must meet the full EADA association requirements.

DRESSING ROOMS ACCOMIDATIONS

Separate accommodations for males and females, Adults and youth are required to ensure the safety

and privacy of our male/female dancers.

NO ONE-ON-ONE CONTACT BETWEEN EADA ASSOCIATES AND DANCERS WILL BE ALLOWED IN ANYROOM AT ANY TIME.

FEMALE YOUTH DRESSING ROOMS

There must be an authorized female EADA Staff or associate, backstage in every dressing room assigned to youth female dancers.

NO MALES WILL BE ALLOWED IN THESE AREAS AT ANY TIME.

MALE YOUTH DRESSING ROOMS

There must be an authorized EADA Staff Member or associate, responsible for assisting the male dancers if needed, in the youth male-only dressing rooms.

All dancers sharing a dressing room must create a space of their own within the dressing room for changing purposes.

Privacy is important. It will be asked that All EADA parents/ legal guardians talk with their legal child/ward about privacy in a dressing room. It is also asked that dancers be respectful to those changing around them, by looking away, keeping hands to themselves, not entering into any other dancers changing space etc.

Physical separation by other means including temporary barriers (such as blankets) or space should and may be used within the dressing room under legal parents/guardians, or approved Adult EADA Associate supervision at any time for the dancers dressing.

These modifications are limited to single-gender accommodations

RESTROOMS

Separate restrooms should be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth dancers. If separate restroom facilities are not available, separate restroom times should be scheduled and posted.

Adults and youth Dancers must respect each other's privacy.

EADA associates should closely monitor these areas but only enter as needed for youth protection, or health and safety reasons.

REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-ASSOCIATES

The big sister little sister system also known as the buddy system should always be used.

The use of smartphones, cameras, mirrors, drones, or any recording device, etc.… in places or situations where privacy is expected, is prohibited.

All aspects of EADA are open to observation by parents or EADA associates.

EADA does not recognize any secret organization as part of the studio.

Hazing and initiations are prohibited and have no part during any EADA event or activity.

All forms of bullying and harassment, including verbal, physical, and cyberbullying are prohibited.

Inappropriate public displays of affection are prohibited.

Sexual activity is prohibited.

Appropriate attire is required for all activities.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

EADA Associates and dancers have a responsibility to recognize, respond to, and report any Code of conduct violations, and/or abuse.

Failure to due so may result in disassociation from EADA and its affiliates as well as being reported to law enforcement.

REPORTING PER COMPANY POLICY

EADA Code of Conduct/Company Policy Violations

Serious company policy/ code of conduct violations or behaviors that put a dancers safety at risk must be reported EADA Administration.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse

All persons Associated with The EADA are mandated reporters of child abuse.

All reports must be made to local law enforcement, and child protective services. State law may require additional reporting.

The reporting duty cannot be delegated to any other person.

Reporting to the EADA Administration first ensures that follow-up can occur for the safety of the Dancers.

If someone is at immediate risk of harm, always call 911

EADA DANCER PROTECTION POLICY