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Code of Conduct - ARS Meetings and Activities

The purpose of this policy sets out to ensure a professional, ethical and safe environment for all ARS Meetings and associated sponsored activities. This policy applies to anyone attending and participating remotely or in-person in any ARS meeting or related event, including, but not limited to, attendees, members, speakers, staff, contractors, vendors, exhibitors, and guests. Participants should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the highest professional ideals.

Expected Behaviors

  • Participants must exercise professionalism, consideration, and respect in their speech and actions
  • Participants must refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, disruptive or harassing behavior and speech
  • Participants should be respectful to all persons, including but not limited to all patrons and staff at meetings or related events.
  • Participants should be mindful of their surroundings and fellow attendees
  • Participants should be mindful to ensure their actions do not adversely affect the experience of other patrons or staff at meetings or related events
  • Participants should be mindful to ensure their actions do not adversely reflect on the ARS

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors will not be tolerated at any ARS meeting or related event. This includes behaviors on social media platforms, digital content, and virtual platforms. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Violence, threats of violence, or violent language
  • Disruptive, intrusive, insulting, antagonistic, or other malicious conduct
  • Sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, or other discriminatory conduct
  • Unwelcomed photography or recording
  • Nonconsensual physical contact
  • Nonconsensual sexual attention/advances, including sexualized language
  • Irresponsible consumption of alcohol leading to intoxication which may contribute to unacceptable behavior
  • Use of illegal drugs or other unauthorized or mind-altering substances while attending ARS event
  • Intimidation, bullying, or stalking, online or in person
  • Sustained disruptions during meetings or related events, including during talks and presentations
  • Creating or contributing to a hostile or offensive environment
  • Conduct that is unlawful, in violation of convention center or hotel policies, including destruction of property
  • Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

If participants witness an imminently dangerous situation or someone in distress, please notify the appropriate authorities. If you are subjected to or witness Unacceptable Behaviors, please consider reporting through the Ethics Committee (https://www.american-rhinologic.org/audit-reporting).

Meeting organizers are available to support those experiencing Unacceptable Behaviors and engage local law enforcement if required.

File a Report

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable Behaviors at ARS meetings and related events will not be tolerated. The ARS Ethics Committee, in conjunction with the ARS Board of Executives, will review reports of Unacceptable Behavior and determine if the conduct constitutes Unacceptable Behavior. The consequences will be imposed by the ARS Board of Executives. If a participant is asked to stop Unacceptable Behavior by an ARS representative, they are expected to comply immediately. The ARS may take any actions deemed appropriate to Unacceptable Behaviors, including but not limited to temporary or permanent ban, expulsion from meetings or related events (without refund, in the case of paid events).

Acknowledgement: This code of conduct is adapted from the various Code of Conducts published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.