The Code of Conduct for recreation programs in this community represents a significant commitment of financial and human resources. The benefit a participant derives from this investment depends very much on the participant's attitude towards the program and the participants adherence to accepted standards of behavior.

The Code of Conduct that follows is the Department's specific response to requirements set by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Parks & Recreation officials are required to define misconduct that could lead to specific disciplinary consequences. These definitions provide information and directions to participants regarding standards of behavior as well as consequences of misconduct.

Each participant is expected to do the following:

• Demonstrate courtesy even when others do not.
• Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.
• Respect the rights and privileges of other participants and city staff.
• Respect the property of others, including city property and facilities.
• Cooperate with or assist the city staff in maintaining safety, order and discipline.

Unacceptable behaviors include the following:

• Being involved in an instance of any form of insubordination.
• Failure to conform to City rules.
• Use of profanity, vulgar language or obscene gestures.
• Defacing/damaging City property or the property of others.
• Engaging in inappropriate physical or verbal contact and/or gang activity.
• Running, pushing, shoving, littering or throwing objects (which are not part of a supervised activity).
• Producing loud, rude or unnecessary noises.
• Involvement with drugs, alcohol or weapons.

Persons behaving in unacceptable manners as listed above may face the following discipline options:

• Conference with staff and person involved in misbehavior.
• Conference with staff and parent/legal guardian, when appropriate.
• If the parent/legal guardian refuses to attend the conference or the person remains disruptive, the person may be restricted from the program.
• Restitution, when appropriate.
• Notification of Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Grievance Committee, outside agency, and/or police when appropriate.
• Acts of misbehavior of a violent nature will result in an automatic one (1) year suspension from all Parks & Recreation activities or facilities.

This Code of Conduct applies to all persons participating in any way in any Parks and Recreation programs. Repeated refusals to obey these codes will result in the notification of law enforcement.