Code of Kindness & How We Work
Our Purpose
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We rehearse, we improve, we perform, we celebrate progress.
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We’re building a musical family, not a reality TV audition.
Inclusion (simple, not political)
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Everyone is welcome here.
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We treat people with respect and assume good intent.
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We don’t do bullying, harassment, discrimination, “banter” that punches down, or behaviour that makes others dread coming to rehearsal.
Rehearsal Culture
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Be kind, be ready, be present (no sitting there looking at your phone during rehearsal even if you’re not playing. Save it for break time).
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Respect the room: let others hear, ask questions at sensible moments, and don’t talk over instructions.
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Feedback is about the music, not the person. (“That rhythm’s tricky” ✅ / “You’re rubbish” ❌)
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We celebrate effort. We also practise. Both can be true.
Communication and Online Behaviour
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Our WhatsApp/Facebook/etc. is an extension of the rehearsal room: same standards apply.
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Disagreements happen. If something’s brewing, take it private and keep it civil.
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No pile-ons. No gossip campaigns. No screenshots being weaponised.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
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If something makes you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, targeted, or undermined: tell CJ privately.
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We handle concerns discreetly and aim for solutions that protect everyone’s dignity.
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If you’re ever unsure whether something crosses a line, ask. It’s always better early than explosive later.
How We Handle Issues (Fair, Calm, Consistent)
Most situations are sorted quickly with a quiet chat. If they aren’t, we use a simple stepped approach:
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Informal chat – reset expectations, clarify what needs to change.
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Clear warning – what must change, by when, and what happens if it doesn’t.
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Membership ended – if behaviour continues or the group’s safety/joy is affected.
Serious incidents may skip steps.
(If someone’s behaviour is aggressive, discriminatory, threatening, or repeatedly disruptive, we’ll act quickly.)
The Apple Cart Rule (a.k.a. "Don't be that person"
SSOCs is inclusive, friendly, and safe. If someone repeatedly upsets the apple cart—by stirring, intimidating, undermining, or making others feel unwelcome—they will be asked to leave. No dramas. No lengthy debates. We protect the group.
The Agreement
By taking part in SSOCs, you’re agreeing to:
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Treat people well
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Take responsibility for your impact
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Help us keep rehearsals a place people want to be