Code of Conduct

By accepting a booking with RockCentral, performers agree to uphold the following standards.

1. Professional Behaviour

• Arrive at the venue on time, check in with the MC or promoter and be stage-ready when called.
• Treat venue staff, fellow comedians and audience members with courtesy and respect.
• If you are unable to perform because of illness, travel problems or other unforeseen circumstances, notify the promoter as soon as possible.

2. Respect & Safety

• Harassment, bullying or discriminatory behaviour, including sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia and ableism, will not be tolerated.
• Do not engage in unwanted physical contact, sexual advances, intimidation or threatening behaviour towards audience members, staff or fellow performers.
• RockCentral is committed to preventing sexual harassment and will act on concerns or complaints promptly and fairly.

3. On-Stage Content

RockCentral supports comedians' freedom to tackle difficult, controversial and sensitive subjects. No subject or group is automatically off limits as a topic for comedy.

However, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory material is not acceptable.

A joke involving race, sex, sexuality, gender identity or another protected characteristic is not automatically discriminatory, but simply presenting prejudice, hostility or degrading stereotypes as entertainment is not acceptable at a RockCentral show.

Material that encourages or glorifies violence, harassment or hatred is not acceptable.

Sensitive subjects such as sexual violence, suicide or hate crime should be approached with appropriate awareness and craft.

4. Off-Stage Conduct

• Respect venue property and follow relevant house rules.
• Avoid disruptive behaviour during other performers' sets, including heckling or excessive noise backstage.
• Any issue with another performer or audience member should normally be raised with the MC or promoter rather than dealt with during the show.

5. Drugs & Alcohol

• Moderate alcohol consumption is acceptable, but arriving intoxicated, high or otherwise unable to perform professionally may result in removal from the line-up.
• Illegal drug use at or around the venue is prohibited.

6. Social Media & Promotion

• When promoting RockCentral shows, avoid discriminatory, threatening or abusive material.
• Do not publicly harass or disparage performers, venues, audience members or RockCentral personnel connected to an event.
• We encourage performers to support each other and contribute positively to the wider comedy community.

7. Reporting & Consequences

• Concerns can be raised with the MC, promoter or another RockCentral organiser.
• Breaches of this Code may result in removal from a line-up, cancellation of future bookings or exclusion from future RockCentral events.
• Serious incidents involving harassment, assault, threats or other unlawful behaviour may be referred to relevant external organisations or authorities.

8. Commitment to Comedy & Community

RockCentral exists to create brilliant comedy nights while supporting both emerging and established talent.

Following this Code helps us keep our shows funny, professional and safe for everyone involved.

RockCentral is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and professional environment. Sexual harassment and abusive behaviour can seriously affect individuals, careers and the wider comedy community.

Purpose

This policy exists to:

• Prevent harassment and unsafe behaviour.
• Provide clear routes for raising concerns.
• Protect performers, audiences, venues and staff.
• Support safer working practices throughout live comedy.

What We Mean by Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of violating someone's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

This can include unwanted sexual comments or jokes directed at an individual, unwanted touching, sexual advances, persistent inappropriate messaging, sexualised intimidation or other unwanted sexual behaviour.

Who This Policy Applies To

The policy applies to comedians, MCs, promoters, venue staff, contractors, volunteers and anyone else working at or participating in a RockCentral event.

It applies during performances, backstage, in green rooms and social spaces, during event-related travel or activity, and in relevant online communication.

Expected Standards

• Respect people's personal and professional boundaries.
• Do not make unwanted sexual advances.
• Do not engage in sexual harassment, intimidation or coercion.
• Do not use comedy or performance as an excuse for harassment.
• Take concerns raised by others seriously.

How We Will Respond

Reports will be treated seriously and handled as sensitively as reasonably possible.

Depending on the circumstances, RockCentral may investigate the matter, speak to relevant parties, remove somebody from an event, cancel future bookings or take other appropriate action.

Where an allegation concerns potentially criminal behaviour, the person making the report will be supported in deciding whether they wish to contact the police or another appropriate authority.

You can also download the complete RockCentral Code of Conduct and Anti-Sexual Harassment & Behaviour Policy as a PDF.