I. Preamble

This Member Code of Conduct (“Code”) establishes a set of expectations and guidelines that all Members, Board of Directors, Officers, and Committee Members (collectively, “Members ”) of the Society of Composers & Lyricists (“The SCL”) shall follow in order to maintain a high standard of personal and professional conduct as Members of The SCL. This Code is binding on all Members and all Members are responsible for maintaining ethical behavior as set forth herein.

II. Statement of Ethics

The SCL is committed to upholding a positive environment in which Members, staff, sponsors and guests may engage with The SCL in a professional manner, reflecting constructive relationships and mutual respect within the composer and songwriter community. As such, the SCL has zero tolerance for inappropriate or unethical conduct. The SCL will not tolerate, condone, or ignore unethical conduct and is committed to enforcing these standards at ALL Member levels.

There is no place in The SCL for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decorum. Members are expected to act with due regard to public conventions and morals, to refrain from committing any act that will degrade themselves or The SCL in society, or prejudice, damage or harm the standing, reputation and/or best interests of The SCL and its Members.

III. Principles

The Code establishes two principles of conduct which all Members are expected to observe:

  • Behave in a professionally appropriate and courteous manner toward other Members and The SCL's personnel, sponsors and guests.
  • Respect the rules and property of all organizations and venues (and their representatives) who host events held, sponsored, managed or affiliated with The SCL or on The SCL's behalf.

IV: Unacceptable Behavior

Failure to observe these standards of conduct may result in disciplinary action, which could include restriction from event attendance or membership suspension. Behavior that would be considered unacceptable by The SCL board includes:

  • Exhibiting behavior that (i) is unruly, disruptive, lewd, or illegal in nature; or (ii) that endangers the health, safety, security, or comfort of others, including behavior caused by intoxication or other impairment related to substance abuse.
  • Knowingly and falsely (i) discrediting the reputation of another Member, or (ii) defaming, maligning, or making false accusations concerning another Member.
  • Accessing or attempting to access ticketed SCL events without a registered ticket; attempting to provide unauthorized access to an SCL event to another person; or permitting another person to falsely present the Member’s identification as his or her own.
  • Soliciting demos, business cards, gifts, or printed material of a self-promotional or political nature at an SCL event, especially to panel or special event guests.
  • Taking photographs or recordings during seminars, screenings, or event presentations; soliciting or attempting to solicit contact information, autographs, or photos/selfies of any kind from panelists or special guests at events.
  • Failing to follow the directions of event personnel regarding event operations, whether provided by SCL or event staff.
  • Behaving in a harassing, rude, or derogatory manner towards SCL, venue and event staff, or guests.
  • Any other action or activity, which could reasonably be construed as contrary or detrimental to the best interests and standards of the SCL.

Members are responsible for their own conduct as well as the conduct of their guests.

V: Disciplinary Action

Violations of this Code shall be reviewed and resolved in accordance with procedures adopted by the SCL Board of Directors. Violations of the Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including being refused admission or ejected from an event, being barred from future events, or the suspension or expulsion of SCL membership.

This Code is subject to change and may be amended, supplemented or superseded by one or more separate policies without further notice. SCL Board Members are responsible for continuous review of this Code.

Adopted on April 10, 2023 by the SCL Board of Directors.