Code of Conduct and Dress Code

MASTER CODE OF CONDUCT & DRESS CODE

1. Official Welcome Statement

Welcome to Grey Muzzle Convention (GMC)! We are thrilled to gather our community to celebrate our shared creativity, art, and passion for the furry fandom. The spirit of GMC relies on a shared commitment to community safety, respect, and mutual wellbeing. By checking in and displaying your convention badge, you agree to actively maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and orderly environment that ensures safety for all participants. Thank you for joining us, and have a fantastic convention!

2. Scope, Authority, and Enforcement

Minimum Standard: This document establishes the baseline behavioral and dress expectations for all attendees, staff, volunteers, and vendors. These rules represent the minimum standard of conduct and may be further clarified by convention leadership as operational needs dictate.

Enforcement Personnel: This policy shall be actively enforced by personnel authorized by the Convention Director, or any duly assigned Safety/Security Staff member of Supervisor Rank or higher. All enforcement personnel must be properly trained and aligned with the required Convention Standards and Ethics in Enforcement.

The Common Sense Mandate: Attendees must recognize that no code of conduct can explicitly cover every possible scenario or behavior. Participants are expected to exercise sound judgment, courtesy, and common sense at all times.

Final Determinations: Actions that violate the spirit of these rules, cause willful disruption, or compromise the safety and comfort of the event—even if not specifically enumerated within this text—will be evaluated by convention management. Staff reserve the absolute right to make final determinations on acceptable behavior and to take necessary corrective action to preserve the integrity and security of the convention environment.

3. Badge Policy and Identification Requirements

Identity Verification: All persons shall present a valid, government-issued photo identification containing their legal name and date of birth at the time of registration check-in.

Acceptable ID: Authorized forms of identification include a passport, driver's license, state ID card, or military ID. Digital copies, school IDs, or expired documents will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Badge Ownership: The convention badge remains the sole property of the event organization and serves as verified proof of admission to designated convention spaces.

Display Requirements: Badges must be displayed prominently on the attendee's person at all times when inside convention areas.

Non-Transferability: Badges are strictly non-transferable. Any attempt to forge, alter, share, or resell a badge will result in the immediate revocation of access privileges for all involved parties and a potential permanent ban from future events.

Replacement Fees: Replacement badges for lost credentials may be procured from the Operations Department for a nominal fee. This fee shall be posted clearly at the Registration Check-in desk, the Operations Department, or on approved convention notice boards.

4. Core Personal Conduct & Anti-Harassment

Interpersonal Respect: All persons shall respect the personal space, dignity, and wellbeing of others.

Nondiscrimination: No person shall through their actions or words denigrate, defame, attack, or harass any individual based on their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other personal characteristic. All persons shall act with integrity, treat everyone with civility, and actively maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Costuming is NOT Consent: The act of partaking in costuming, fursuiting, or cosplay never grants permission for physical contact or interaction. Fursuits, gear, and creative attire are forms of personal expression, not an invitation. Attendees must always obtain explicit verbal or visual consent before hugging, touching, or interacting with another attendee.

Zero Tolerance for Abuse: Unwanted touching, groping, catcalling, lewd remarks, or any other forms of sexual or physical harassment are strictly prohibited. Violations constitute grounds for immediate expulsion, badge revocation without a refund, and notification of local law enforcement authorities. Any such violation voids all rights, credentials, or access permissions granted to the individual by the convention.

5. Dress Code and Public Decency

Mandatory Attire: All persons shall wear appropriate attire in public-facing and convention-accessible areas. Appropriate attire is defined as clothing or coverings that fully obscure all anatomical areas required by the local municipality, specifically including a top, a bottom, and footwear.

Kink and Fetish Constraints: No fetish, kink, sexual, or provocative clothing, gear, or coverings related to activities deemed inappropriate for a general public audience are permitted in common areas. Attendees desiring clarification on specific gear must consult with the Convention Director or their support staff. Exceptions based on specific locations and late-night hours will be explicitly posted and addressed during opening ceremonies or on official notice boards.

Public Decency Standards: All persons shall refrain from acts of public indecency. The convention maintains an all-ages or general-audience rating in all public spaces, hallways, dealer dens, and function rooms unless a space is explicitly marked otherwise.

Prohibited Imagery and Behavior: Attire, suits, or gear that expose anatomically hidden areas, simulate sexual acts, or display overtly graphic or sexually explicit imagery are strictly forbidden in public spaces. Engaging in lewd behavior or public sexual conduct will result in immediate badge revocation, permanent ejection from the venue, and referral to law enforcement.

6. Substance, Smoking, and Intoxication Policy

Public Intoxication Prohibited: All persons shall maintain control of their faculties at all times while inside convention-accessible spaces. While the legal consumption of alcohol may be permitted at designated hotel venues or private evening functions, public intoxication that results in disruptive, loud, or unsafe behavior is strictly prohibited. Attendees found under the influence to a degree that creates a public nuisance or compromises the comfort and safety of others will be escorted from convention areas by security personnel and may face immediate badge revocation.

Illegal Substances and Narcotics: The possession, sale, distribution, or manufacturing of illegal drugs, controlled substances without a valid prescription, or illicit narcotics is strictly forbidden on convention and hotel premises. Any individual found in possession of or distributing illegal substances will face immediate badge revocation, permanent expulsion from the venue without a refund, and an immediate referral to local law enforcement authorities.

Smoking and Vaping Restrictions: All persons shall strictly refrain from smoking or utilizing vape-related products anywhere inside the convention building, hotel common areas, function rooms, or hallways. This restriction applies to traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaporizers, and all heated or smokeless tobacco delivery systems. Smoking and vaping are exclusively permitted in clearly designated outdoor areas specified by the host venue. Failing to comply with this policy creates a public health hazard and violates building safety codes; persistent violations will result in removal from convention spaces and potential financial penalties imposed by the hotel.

7. Altercations and Dispute Resolution

Zero Violence Tolerance: All persons shall refrain from engaging in verbal or physical altercations anywhere on convention or hotel property. The convention maintains a zero-tolerance policy for violence, aggressive behavior, and hostile confrontations. Any individual who initiates, participates in, or escalates a physical fight, screaming match, or threatening verbal dispute will face immediate disciplinary action.

Removal Mandate: Engaging in such behavior shall result in the immediate removal and ejection of one or all parties involved from the convention spaces and hotel property, completely at the sole discretion of the convention or hotel management.

Management Discretion: Convention and hotel management reserve the absolute right to evaluate the circumstances of an altercation independently. Management is not required to determine an instigator or assign fault, and may permanently revoke the attendance privileges of all participants involved to preserve the immediate safety and peace of the event. If necessary, incidents will be escalated immediately to local law enforcement.

8. Counterfeit Currency, Merchandise, and Products

Counterfeit Currency and Financial Fraud: The passing, manufacturing, or uttering of counterfeit bills, forged checks, or stolen financial cards is a criminal offense and is strictly prohibited in all convention areas, including the Registration Desk, Dealers' Den, Artist Alley, and hotel venues. Any attendee or vendor found attempting to use or distribute counterfeit currency will face immediate badge revocation, permanent ejection from the event without a refund, and an immediate referral to local law enforcement and federal monetary authorities.

Counterfeit Merchandise and Intellectual Property: The sale, display, or distribution of counterfeit merchandise, bootleg products, unauthorized reproductions, or pirated intellectual property is strictly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, knock-off fursuits, stolen artwork, bootleg apparel, and unlicensed media. Vendors and artists must possess the legal right or license to sell the branded items and characters displayed at their tables. Convention management reserves the right to inspect any merchandise at any time.

Enforcement and Disciplinary Actions: Any vendor or attendee found trafficking in counterfeit or stolen products will have their booth shut down immediately, forfeit all table and registration fees, and face immediate ejection from the convention. The convention assumes no financial liability for losses incurred due to the confiscation of counterfeit items by management or legal authorities.

9. Disclosure of AI-Generated Content and Works

Mandatory Disclosure and Labeling: Any artwork, literature, or product created in whole or in part using generative AI models must be clearly, visibly, and unambiguously labeled as 'AI-Generated' or 'AI-Assisted' at the point of sale. This disclosure must be positioned in a manner that ensures potential buyers are fully aware of the work's nature prior to transaction.

Intellectual Property and Plagiarism Constraints: The sale of AI-generated works that utilize copyrighted images, specific artists' styles without their express written consent, or scraped intellectual property is strictly prohibited. All vendors and artists must be prepared to verify the provenance and human creative input of their items upon request by convention leadership.

Non-Compliance and Enforcement: Failure to accurately disclose AI-assisted or AI-generated works constitutes fraudulent misrepresentation under the counterfeit goods policy. Any individual found intentionally concealing the use of generative AI tools to mislead consumers or staff will have the non-compliant merchandise removed immediately, may face the forfeiture of their table space without a refund, and can be subject to immediate badge revocation.

10. Hygiene and Health Standards

Community Comfort: All attendees shall maintain a baseline level of personal hygiene that respects the health, safety, and comfort of the community.

Shared Responsibility: Due to the physical demands of fursuiting and the close proximity of crowded convention spaces, proper hygiene is a mandatory health requirement. Attendees are expected to bathe regularly, use deodorant, wash their gear or suits appropriately, and wear clean clothing.

Enforcement Action: Failure to meet basic hygiene standards shall result in removal from convention spaces until the condition is fully rectified. Convention staff reserve the right to temporarily suspend convention space access for any attendee whose personal hygiene poses a recurring disruption or health hazard. The individual will be permitted to re-enter convention areas immediately upon addressing the issue and meeting the community standards for cleanliness.

11. Property Standards, Vandalism, and Liability

Venue Respect: All persons shall respect hotel and public venue spaces. This includes keeping walkways clear, observing designated fursuiting/cooling areas, and maintaining appropriate attire standards in public convention spaces. Attendees must comply immediately with instructions from convention staff, security, and hotel personnel.

Property Damage: Damage to Convention, Public, Private, or Municipal property shall be escalated directly to the appropriate authorities. Willful or negligent damage to the property of the aforementioned entities and persons shall be handled immediately by convention security and local law enforcement. The responsible individual shall bear full financial liability for repairs, replacement, and any associated legal fees.

Vandalism Prohibitions: Acts of vandalism—including but not limited to defacing venue walls, damaging convention signage, altering hotel property, or destroying another attendee's gear or fursuit—are strictly prohibited. Vandalism will result in immediate badge revocation, ejection from the venue without a refund, and a permanent ban from all future events.

Limitation of Liability: The convention, its organizers, staff, volunteers, and the host venue are not responsible for damages, loss, or theft of personal property. All attendees assume full responsibility for their personal belongings, including but not limited to fursuits, gear, electronic equipment, and merchandise. By attending the event, participants agree that the convention shall not be held liable for any accidental or intentional damage caused by third parties, nor for any personal injury sustained during the course of the event.

12. Incident Reporting and Confidentiality

Duty to Report: All attendees, staff, volunteers, and vendors have an affirmative duty to report any violations of this Code of Conduct, safety hazards, property damage, or unlawful activity to convention security or staff immediately.

Prompt Notification: Witnesses or victims of harassment, vandalism, or unsafe behavior shall report the incident promptly to the nearest convention staff member or the security desk. Turning a blind eye to actions that threaten the safety, dignity, or property of others undermines the community standard; failure to report serious hazards or active harm may result in disciplinary action up to and including badge revocation.

Confidentiality Limits: Confidentiality shall be observed as possible. Convention staff and security will make every reasonable effort to maintain the privacy of individuals reporting incidents; however, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed if disclosure is necessary to investigate the matter, protect attendee safety, or fulfill legal obligations to local authorities.

Protection from Retaliation: Retaliation against any individual who reports a violation in good faith is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a severe breach of this Code of Conduct.

13. Photo and Video Recording

Personal Use Permissions: Photo and video recording are permitted in public convention spaces for personal, non-commercial use, provided the privacy and consent of attendees are respected.

Prior Consent Required: All persons shall obtain explicit verbal or visual consent from an individual prior to taking their photograph or recording their likeness, regardless of whether they are in a fursuit, cosplay, or civilian clothing.

Private Zones: Photography and recording in designated private zones—including but not limited to the fursuit cooling lounge, public restrooms, changing areas, and medical response stations—is strictly prohibited.

Operational Restrictions: Flash photography and large camera rigs must not obstruct walkways or create safety hazards for visually impaired fursuiters. Failure to comply with a direct request to stop recording shall be treated as harassment under this code.

14. Posting, Playbills, and Advertisements

Prior Approval Required: All persons shall refrain from posting, distributing, or affixing flyers, playbills, stickers, or advertisements anywhere on convention or hotel property without prior written approval from convention management.

Approved Locations: Authorized promotional materials, playbills for scheduled events, and community advertisements may only be displayed on designated message boards or at approved distribution tables. Affixing materials to venue walls, doors, elevators, fixtures, or windows using unapproved adhesives is strictly prohibited.

Removal and Cleanup: Any unauthorized postings will be removed immediately without notice. Individuals found defacing hotel or convention property with unapproved materials will be held financially liable for any cleanup or restoration costs under the vandalism policy.

15. Venue Spaces and Crowd Flow

Walkway Obstructions: Convention walkways, hallways, function rooms, lobbies, and common areas must remain clear at all times to maintain proper traffic flow, ensure venue accessibility, and comply with local fire codes.

Sleeping Prohibited: All persons shall refrain from sleeping, napping, or loitering in convention hallways, function rooms, lobbies, or other public venue common spaces. Sleeping in these areas creates a severe safety hazard, particularly due to the restricted visibility of fursuiters and the potential for pedestrian collisions.

Designated Areas: Attendees who are fatigued or require rest must return to their designated hotel rooms or utilize designated quiet areas, if provided by the event. Individuals found sleeping in unauthorized spaces will be directed by convention staff or hotel security to move immediately; persistent non-compliance will result in disciplinary action.

16. Emergency, Medical, and Mobility Aids

Life Safety Priority: All persons shall prioritize life safety and immediately report any medical emergency or active safety hazard to convention staff, security, or hotel personnel.

Emergency Protocol: In the event of a life-threatening medical crisis, attendees should immediately contact local emergency services by dialing 911, and then notify convention staff to ensure emergency personnel can be efficiently guided through the venue. Attendees must yield the right-of-way to medical responders and follow all instructions from security or emergency personnel without delay.

Medical Disclaimer: The convention provides designated medical response or first-aid stations for minor injuries and assistance; however, the convention does not provide professional medical care. All costs associated with emergency medical transport, hospital visits, or professional treatment are the sole financial responsibility of the individual involved.

Mobility Aids Granted Access: All persons utilizing medical or mobility aids shall be granted full access to convention spaces in accordance with applicable accessibility laws and venue regulations. Mobility aids—including but not limited to wheelchairs, motorized scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches—are permitted in all public convention areas.

Safe Operation: Attendees using mobility aids or operating motorized devices shall do so at a safe, controlled speed that respects the safety and physical space of other attendees, particularly given the limited visibility of fursuiters. Crucial medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks, is fully permitted.

Prohibited Recreational Devices: Recreational transport devices—including hoverboards, skateboards, rollerblades, and unapproved motorized vehicles—are strictly prohibited inside the venue. Convention spaces, lines, and seating areas must be kept clear of obstructions to ensure accessible pathways are maintained for all individuals at all times.

17. Animal Welfare and Regulations

Animal Policy Compliance: All persons shall comply with the venue's animal policy, which distinguishes strictly between trained service animals, emotional support animals (ESAs), and personal pets to ensure public safety and accessibility.

Service Animals Permitted: In accordance with federal and local accessibility laws, trained service animals—defined strictly as dogs or miniature horses individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability—are permitted in all convention spaces open to the public. Service animals must remain under the handler's control at all times via a leash, harness, or voice commands, and must not disrupt convention operations or pose a safety threat.

ESAs and Pets Prohibited: Emotional support animals (ESAs), therapy animals, and personal pets do not qualify as service animals under applicable accessibility legislation and are strictly prohibited from entering convention function spaces, panels, and dealer areas. Any attendee bringing an unauthorized animal into restricted convention spaces will be required to remove the animal from the premises immediately; failure to comply may result in the revocation of attendance privileges.

Animal Welfare Standards: All persons shall treat all animals, including service animals and authorized venue animals, with dignity and respect. Cruelty, abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of any animal on convention or hotel property is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, physical abuse, intentional deprivation of water or ventilation, abandoning animals in hotel rooms or vehicles, or intentionally agitating, teasing, or causing distress to a service animal.

Animal Abuse Enforcement: Any individual found engaging in or facilitating the mistreatment of an animal will face immediate badge revocation, permanent ejection from the venue without a refund, and an immediate report to local law enforcement and animal control authorities.

18. Weapons, Props, and Peace Bonding Policy

Prohibited Weapons: No person shall carry, display, or possess real weapons of any kind within convention spaces. This includes, but is not limited to: real firearms (functional or deactivated), live ammunition, metal-bladed weapons (swords, knives, daggers, axes), projectile weapons (functional bows, crossbows, spearguns), explosives, chemical weapons, or any item prohibited by local municipal laws.

Permitted Props: Simulation props, costume weapons, and toy replicas are permitted only if they are constructed of lightweight materials such as foam, cardboard, plastic, resin, or lightweight wood. Props must not have sharp edges, points, or heavy components capable of causing blunt-force trauma.

Peace Bonding Mandatory: All prop weapons must be presented immediately to the convention's Security or Peace Bonding station upon arrival or purchase in the Dealers' Den. Approved props will be securely tagged with a highly visible, non-removable peace-bonding fastener.

Prop Behavior: Peace-bonded props must remain sheathed, holstered, or securely slung while in common convention areas. Brandishing, drawing, swinging, or engaging in mock combat with props is strictly prohibited, except during designated, pre-approved programming or official photo shoots.

Violations and Confiscation: Any prop weapon that is not peace-bonded, or any prop handled in a reckless or threatening manner, will be confiscated immediately by convention security. Failure to surrender a non-compliant item or persistent misuse of a prop will result in immediate badge revocation.

19. Hotel Room Parties and Noise Complaint Policies

Primary Purpose: Hotel guest rooms are primarily provided for lodging and rest. While social gatherings are a recognized aspect of the convention culture, all room hosts and guests must respect the rights of surrounding occupants and adhere to hotel regulations.

Quiet Hours: The convention and hotel enforce designated Quiet Hours from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM daily. During these hours, noise originating from any guest room, suite, or private balcony must not be audible in the hallways or adjacent rooms.

Noise Complaints and Warnings: Upon receipt of a noise complaint from a guest or hotel staff, convention security or hotel management will investigate and issue a formal warning to the room host. The host must immediately lower the volume and reduce the room's occupancy if necessary to comply with the policy.

Escalation Protocol: A second noise complaint regarding the same room will result in the immediate shutdown of the gathering. A third noise complaint, or a refusal to comply with the second warning, will result in the immediate eviction of the room host and all occupants from the hotel property by hotel security and local law enforcement, alongside the immediate revocation of all convention badges for the involved parties.

Maximum Occupancy and Safety: Room parties must never exceed the maximum occupancy limits established by local fire codes and hotel safety management. Room doors must remain closed during gatherings; propping doors open to extend parties into public hallways is strictly prohibited. The consumption of alcohol must comply strictly with state and local laws; underage drinking or providing alcohol to minors will result in immediate referral to law enforcement and permanent convention bans.

20. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

Mandatory Arbitration Process: Before initiating any formal legal proceedings, the parties shall attempt to resolve the dispute informally through good-faith discussions with convention management. If informal resolution fails, the matter shall be submitted to and decided by a single, neutral arbitrator appointed solely by the convention organization or hotel management, as appropriate to the nature of the claim. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the prevailing commercial arbitration rules of the jurisdiction in which the event is hosted.

Waiver of Jury Trial and Class Action: By registering for, accepting a badge for, or attending the convention, all persons explicitly waive their right to a trial by jury in any court of law. Furthermore, all disputes must be arbitrated on an individual basis. Attendees, vendors, and staff agree that they shall not participate as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, collective, or representative proceeding against the convention or its host venue.

Finality and Costs: The decision of the appointed arbitrator shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon all parties, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having competent jurisdiction. The individual initiating the dispute shall bear their own legal costs and a proportionate share of the arbitrator's fees, unless the arbitrator determines otherwise in a final ruling.