Code of Conduct

Burlington H3 is dedicated to providing a fun, irreverent, and safe environment. This code of conduct is general guidance for how our kennel operates and may not be comprehensive. It will evolve and be updated over time. Anything not covered here is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Hashing involves drinking and getting lost in the woods, and therefore requires a lot of mutual trust. We protect the space where we can be our weirdest selves by being our best selves to one another.

Coming on trail means you're opting into an environment where we ditch traditional social norms. However, the suspension of standard public decorum is not a suspension of basic human decency.

Personal Boundaries & Consent

Consent is the foundation of our kennel. It must be clear, informed, enthusiastic, and revocable at any time. This applies to all interactions, not just sex.

Someone who is severely intoxicated cannot consent.

Be aware of power dynamics, especially between seasoned hashers and justs. Newer hashers are often looking to make friends and join a community. They may feel pressured into interactions that they aren't actually comfortable with.

If someone asks you to stop a specific interaction or leave them alone, you must do so immediately.

Always ask before initiating physical contact. This includes everything from a handshake to sexual advances. A "maybe" or a lack of an answer is also a no. Respecting personal space is required and everyone has the right to set their own boundaries without explanation.

Discrimination & Harassment

Hashing is often lewd and crude. However, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise intolerant behavior is not acceptable.

We bicker and tease in good fun, but we do not maliciously harass each other. Harassment is any persistent, unwanted attention or targeted aggression.

Photography

We value the privacy of our pack. Because hashing can be a sensitive hobby for some, we follow an "Ask Twice" policy:

Taking a Photo: Ask people in the shot if they are OK being in your picture or video, including anyone who might just be in the background.
Posting Photos: Even if someone consented to the photo being taken, you must ask again before posting it to social media or any public/semi-public forum.

If a hasher asks you to delete a photo of them or remove a post they are tagged in, please do so immediately without argument.

Alcohol

We are a drinking club with a running problem and we fully expect you to get your fill, as is tradition. However, being a hasher means looking out for yourself and knowing your own limits. Do not become a danger to yourself/others or make the environment hostile for the group.

Plan your rides ahead of time and have a designated driver. If you do find yourself too impaired to drive, do not get behind the wheel. Ask for help and we will do everything we can to make sure you get home safe.

Reporting to Misman

If an incident occurs between hashers or something just doesn't feel right, you are encouraged to talk to mismanagement.

Even if you aren't sure about something or you specifically don't want the offending person to know you spoke with us, we still appreciate you telling us. We will work with you to make sure you feel safe without anyone else knowing. You coming forward also helps us keep the pack safe by identifying patterns of behavior.

We follow an Empowerment Model of support, which means we recognize that victims are the experts of their own lives and their own safety.

Incidents are not reported to law enforcement or even shared with other members of misman unless the person explicitly asks us to do so. Any disclosure made to us is held in the strictest confidence. Our role is to provide options and resources, not make decisions on someone's behalf.

Potential Sanctions & Bans

Misman can suspend or permanently ban any individual whose conduct is deemed detrimental to the safety of the pack. Except in cases of severe misconduct, we generally follow a tiered approach to accountability:

Direct Feedback: For minor boundary crossing or issues, a member of misman will have a private conversation with the individual to clearly identify the problematic behavior and the expectation for change.
Boundary Adjustments: If a behavior continues, misman may put specific, temporary boundaries in place for that individual (such as no alcohol on trail)
Temporary Suspension: An individual may be suspended from all trails and events for a set period. Re-entry to the hash after suspension is not guaranteed and requires a review by misman.
Permanent Ban: Reserved for severe misconduct, sexual assault, or physical violence.

We monitor and respect bans issued by other kennels & local running clubs regarding harassment or assault. A ban elsewhere may result in a ban here. We communicate with the wider hash & run club communities to ensure that bad actors are not permitted to compromise the safety of our kennel.