Overview

Student safety and security is the top priority of MMEA.

 

We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive community in which participants and members of all backgrounds can access events, programs, and services, and be treated fairly. Harassment, discrimination, prejudice, or bias in admission, employment, volunteering, and/or in the administration of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, ancestry, or military service will not be tolerated.

 

The policies outlined on this page were approved by the MMEA Executive Board on January 20, 2022.

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Please use this form for reporting issues of concern during MMEA events. The information submitted to this form is only viewable by MMEA Executive Leadership.

 

Helpful Resources

• Child Welfare Information Gateway: “How to Report Child Abuse and Neglect”

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center: “Find Help”

• National Children’s Advocacy Center: “Find a Child Advocacy Center”

 

Required Training Courses

In an effort to ensure every MMEA adjudicator, clinician, conductor, leader, staff, and volunteer is informed and adequately prepared to ensure a safe and constructive environment during MMEA sanctioned events, the following training courses are required, effective July 1, 2022.

 

• Required for all adjudicators, clinicians, conductors, leaders, staff, and volunteers:

  • Implicit Bias (one hour)

  • Bullying, Hazing, and Inappropriate Behaviors (three hours)

  • Protecting Students from Abuse (one hour) - not required for asynchronous, virtual events

• Required for all adjudicators, component leadership, adjudicated event managers/committee chair, and staff. 

  • Music Adjudication (three hours)

• Required for all Executive Board members and staff

  • Engaging Effectively with Parents (three hours)

  • Interscholastic Music Event Management (two hours)

  • Understanding Copyright and Compliance (three clock hours)

• Required for executive and component leadership, as well as staff

  • Social Media (one hour)

 

Individuals must complete each necessary training once every three years, and provide certificates of completion prior to continued participation in MMEA sanctioned events. Adjudicators, clinicians, conductors, and volunteers must complete the required training courses prior to participation. MMEA Board members must complete all required training courses by August 31 of their first year of service.

 

All required training courses are free of charge and hosted on the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Learning Center.

 

In the event an individual has completed an employer-required training on the same topic and within the required timeframe, a certificate of completion from the employer-provided training may be used.

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Upon successful completion of a required training course, upload your certificate of completion here.

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Code of Conduct for Leaders, Staff, and Volunteers

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Effective January 1, 2022, all MMEA leaders, staff, and volunteers must agree to the following “Code of Conduct” prior to participation in any MMEA sanctioned event.

 

• Code of Conduct for Leaders, Staff, and Volunteers

• Code of Conduct for Adjudicators, Clinicians, and Conductors

• Code of Conduct for Event Participants

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Please use this form for reporting issues of concern during MMEA events. The information submitted to this form is only viewable by MMEA Executive Leadership.

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Maryland Music Educators Association Leaders, Staff, and Volunteer Code of Conduct

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The Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) has adopted the following Code of Conduct. All elected or appointed Executive Board members, including any volunteers of Maryland Music Educators Association or component organization (MBDA, MODA, MCEA, MSMTE, and MGMTA), and all staff agree to adhere to the Code by signing below.

 

1. Prohibition Against Private Benefit and Procedures for Managing Conflicts of Interest

• No member of the Executive Board including any volunteers of Maryland Music Educators Association or component associations shall derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly, by reason of their service as a Board member with MMEA

• Members of the Board and any volunteers of MMEA or component associations shall conduct their personal affairs in such a manner as to avoid actual or the appearance of conflicts of interest with their duties and responsibilities to MMEA. Nevertheless, should an actual or perceived conflict arise:

  1. When there is a decision to be made or an action to be approved that will result in an actual or perceived conflict between the best interests of Maryland Music Educators Association and the personal interests of a Board member, including any volunteer of Maryland Music Educators Association or component associations, the Board member has a duty to immediately disclose the conflict to executive leadership so that all other Board members may fully consider the conflict when rendering relevant decisions. 

  2. It is every Board member’s obligation, in accordance with this policy, to ensure that decisions made by the Board are independent. Consequently, in the event that any Board member or any volunteer of Maryland Music Educators Association or component associations receives compensation from MMEA, such compensation will be determined by and approved by the full Board in advance.

  3. Any actual or perceived conflict of interest, including but not limited to financial interests on the part of any Board Member or any volunteer of Maryland Music Educators Association or component associations, shall be disclosed to the Board when the matter that involves the conflict becomes a matter of Board action, and through an annual procedure for all Board members, including any volunteers of MMEA or component associations, to disclose conflicts of interest.

  4. Any Board Member or any volunteer of MMEA or component associations having an actual or perceived conflict of interest shall not vote or use their personal influence to address any matter related to the conflict, and they shall not be counted in determining quorum for any meeting at which the matter involving the conflict is decided.

  5. All conflicts disclosed to the Board will be made a matter of record in the minutes of the meeting in which the disclosure was made. The minutes, shall also confirm that the Board member or volunteer of MMEA or component associations with the conflict abstained from voting on [and was not present for any discussion, as applicable] and was not included in the count for quorum for that meeting.

  6. Any new Board member or any volunteer of MMEA or component associations will be advised of the conflict policy during orientation. At least annually thereafter, all Board members will be reminded of the Board Member Code of Conduct and of the procedures for disclosure of conflicts and for managing conflicts on a regular basis.

  7. This policy shall also apply to any Board members or any volunteers of MMEA or component associations immediate family or any person acting on their behalf.

 

2.  Confidentiality

Confidential financial, personnel and other proprietary matters concerning the organization, members, donors, vendors, sponsors, funding agencies, partners, staff or clients/consumers may be included in Board or committee materials or discussed periodically. Board members, including any volunteers of MMEA or component associations, must maintain the confidentiality of such information and not disclose the matter to anyone outside of the Board members privy to the matter.

 

3.  Active Participation

Board members, including any volunteers of MMEA or component associations, are expected to exercise the duties and responsibilities of their positions with integrity, collegiality, and care. This includes:

• Making attendance at all meetings a high priority.

• Being prepared to discuss the issues and business on the agenda and having read all background material relevant to the topics at hand.

• Cooperating with and respecting the opinions of fellow Executive or component Board members and the executive director, and leaving personal prejudices out of all discussions, as well as supporting actions of the MMEA Executive Board even when the individual does not support the action taken.

• Putting the interests of the organization above personal interests.

• Representing the organization in a positive and supportive manner in all ways and in all places.

• Showing respect and courteous conduct in all board and committee meetings and communications.

• Seeking to gain understanding of a decision, situation, or circumstance.

• Acting in a truthful manner both in one’s communications and conduct.

• Refraining from interceding on administrative issues and processes that are the responsibility of executive management, except to monitor the results and ensure that procedures are consistent with MMEA Board policy.

• Avoiding conduct which is likely to damage the mission and/or reputation of the Association such as: failure to perform responsibilities deemed necessary by the MMEA Board, fraud, embezzlement or theft, misconduct or gross negligence in connection with the performance of one’s responsibilities, willful damage to property of the Association, and conviction of or pleading guilty to a felony or misdemeanor or other crime involving theft, fraud, or the equivalent thereof.

• Observing established lines of communication and directing requests for information or assistance accordingly.

• Observing established processes, policies, and procedures as determined by the MMEA Board, executive director, president, president-elect, and/or immediate past president.

 

4.  Students Bill of Rights

Student performers deserve to have the best experience possible. Adjudicators must understand the student performers’ perspective and expectations. Students have the right to: 

1. A positive and educational performance assessment experience.

2. Be adjudicated by qualified individuals.

3. Be treated with courtesy and respect.

4. Clearly understand adjudicator’s comments, both written and spoken.

5. Be adjudicated without bias.

6. Receive comments from adjudicators that will help with a course for correction.

7. Have the adjudicator’s complete attention during the allotted time.

8. Assessments free from sarcastic or degrading comments.

9. The adjudicator and sponsoring organization following all established procedures.

10. The best available venue and environment conducive to a quality performance.

11. Receive ratings consistent with comments.

12. Consistent application of performance standards.

 

5.  Confirmation

• I recognize the important responsibility I am undertaking in serving as a member of the Executive Board or any volunteer role of Maryland Music Educators Association or component associations (MBDA, MODA, MCEA, MSMTE, and MGMTA) of the Maryland Music Educators Association, and hereby pledge to carry out in a trustworthy and diligent manner the duties and obligations associated with my role as an elected or appointed Board member or volunteer and will abide by this Code of Conduct.

• I understand that failure to abide by this Code of Conduct may result in my removal as a Board Member or volunteer of Maryland Music Educators Association or component associations (MBDA, MODA, MCEA, MSMTE, and MGMTA), pursuant to the requirements and processes provided in the organization’s governing documents or by the State of Maryland.

 

6.  Signature Page

• First Name

• Last Name

• MMEA Title/Role

• Email

• Full Legal Name

 

 

Code of Conduct for Adjudicators, Clinicians, and Conductors

 

Maryland Music Educators Association Adjudicator, Clinician, and Conductor Code of Conduct

The adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall at all times abide by and conform to the following Code of Conduct in their capacity with MMEA.

 

1.  General Expectations

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall make decisions in the best interest of the organization and exhibit personal and professional conduct that is in the best interest of the students. 

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall respect the individual rights, safety, and property of others and shall respect intellectual property ownership rights when sharing materials.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall contribute to a collegial, inclusive, professional, positive, and respectful work environment for fellow conductors, stakeholders, and staff, and shall model the best in professional behavior.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall know, understand, and support the MMEA mission, vision, core values, purpose, and goals and become familiar with and follow MMEA policies, procedures, guidelines, and the Conductor Code of Conduct while acting on behalf of MMEA.

• When transporting themselves or others, adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall have a valid driver’s license and carry proof of automobile liability insurance. 

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall be respectful of ethnic, national, and cultural differences. Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall treat all students fairly and not discriminate on the basis of religion, actual and perceived gender, gender expression, gender identity, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, medical condition or disability, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or culture. Conductors shall communicate with students in a clear, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner and in appropriate settings.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall not use, sell, provide, possess, or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol; not use tobacco in the presence of, or within the sight of, students; and not possess any weapon while involved in any MMEA sponsored or MMEA branded event or activity.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall not engage in personal or special relationships, dating and/or sexual contact with any student. Sexual harassment of any person is expressly prohibited.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall use MMEA marks, insignia, name, logos, and trade dress in compliance with guidelines issued by MMEA.

• While acting on behalf of the MMEA, adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall at all times obey all applicable laws and regulations of the relevant government authorities, including all laws and provisions that govern appropriate conduct in the workplace, and comply with all MMEA policies and the terms of any agreement or contract by and between the undersigned and MMEA.

• MMEA asks adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors to frame discussions as openly or inclusively as possible, and to be aware of how language or images may be perceived by others, especially given the diversity of this community.

 

2.  Meetings and Communication

• While acting on behalf of MMEA, professional behavior and respectful discourse shall be required of adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior toward other adjudicators, clinicians, conductors, stakeholders or staff is unacceptable. Conductors, adjudicators, and clinicians shall avoid the use of profanity, exhibit good sportsmanship, serve as a positive role model, and demonstrate reasonable conflict resolution skills. Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors must refrain from all gestures, comments, or physical contact that a reasonable person may judge as unwelcome.

• Only information deemed for public knowledge may be shared or discussed outside MMEA, unless specifically authorized for disclosure by the Executive Director and/or the President. No adjudicator, clinician, or conductor shall share, copy, reproduce, transmit, divulge or otherwise disclose any confidential information related to the affairs of MMEA, and each conductor will uphold the strict confidentiality regarding any information discussed at meetings or any other deliberations and communications. Questions regarding the confidential nature of MMEA information or documents shall be directed to the appropriate staff person or Board member.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors are not permitted to speak on behalf of MMEA or the Board to external parties, such as the media or other interested parties, unless specifically requested to do so by the Executive Director and/or the President.

• All components and staffing of MMEA programs are the responsibility of the MMEA. Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall not make commitments or enter into agreements regarding MMEA program components or staffing without explicit MMEA approval and only in accordance with established MMEA policies.

• All MMEA correspondence, regardless of the medium, is a reflection on MMEA.  Electronic-mail (“email”) communications shall follow the same professional standards as verbal communication. E-mails may be considered statements made on behalf of MMEA and, therefore, caution shall be exercised when recording written opinions and statements pertaining to the role of the adjudicator, clinician, or conductor in MMEA. The use of the “blind copy” function is strongly discouraged when conducting official MMEA business.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall support MMEA to other conductors, members, and stakeholders. Inappropriate communication by email or in any public forum about MMEA, its adjudicators, clinicians, conductors,staff, stakeholders, policies, procedures or guidelines is not acceptable. Issues regarding MMEA shall be taken up in private with the appropriate MMEA staff member.

• Participation in committee meetings (in-person and virtual) is typically required to fulfill an adjudicator, clinician, or conductor’s duties.

 

3.  Relationships with Other Conductors, Stakeholders and Staff

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall follow the directions of event staff, leadership, and MMEA event/program correspondents and organizers. Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall understand the scope of their authority and exercise good judgment in their dealings with other conductors, stakeholders, staff, suppliers and the general public and shall respond to all constituents and the needs of MMEA members in a responsible, respectful, and professional manner.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall not request special or personal favors or extensive information from other adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors, stakeholders, or staff.

• MMEA events are professional gatherings and therefore appropriate behaviors are expected. Conductors shall adhere to MMEA  policies, procedures, guidelines, and the adjudicators, clinicians, and conductor Code of Conduct in all interactions with other adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors, stakeholders, staff, vendors, and other constituents. 

 

4.  Avoiding Conflict of Interest

• No adjudicator, clinician, or conductor will use any information provided by MMEA or acquired as a consequence of the conductor’s service to the MMEA  in any manner other than in furtherance of their conductor duties. 

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors will not misuse MMEA property or resources and will at all times keep the MMEA property secure and not allow any person not authorized by MMEA access to such property.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors shall not persuade or attempt to persuade any member, exhibitor, sponsor, supplier, contractor, or any other person or entity with an actual or potential relationship with MMEA to terminate, curtail, or deny a relationship to or with MMEA, or in any way to reduce the monetary or other benefits to MMEA of such relationship. 

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors are expected to act at all times in the best interest of MMEA and not for personal or third-party gain or financial enrichment. When encountering potential conflict of interest, adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors will identify the conflict and report it to the Program Chairman, who may ask them to remove themselves from all discussions and voting on the matter.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors will not accept gifts, gratuities, free trips, honoraria, personal property, or any other item of value from any person or entity as a direct or indirect inducement to provide special treatment to such donor with respect to matters pertaining to MMEA. 

 

5.  Confidential Communication

Upon termination of service, adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors will promptly return to MMEA all documents, electronic and hard files, reference materials, and other property not already on file with MMEA. Such return will not abrogate the adjudicator, clinician, or conductor from the continuing obligations of confidentiality with respect to the information acquired as a consequence of the conductor’s tenure.

 

6.  Violations of the Code of Conduct

• MMEA staff shall resolve any issues with adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors in a professional manner.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors violating the Code of Conduct may be asked to resign their position and may be requested to discontinue future roles. The Executive Director will determine if this action is necessary and will notify the adjudicator, clinician, or conductor.

• Adjudicators, clinicians, and conductors who have been removed from a conductor position have 30 days to appeal the decision to the Executive Committee of the Board which will review the situation and respond within 30 days of the request for appeal. All decisions of the Executive Committee are final. 

 

7.  Students Bill of Rights

Student performers deserve to have the best experience possible. Adjudicators must understand the student performers’ perspective and expectations. Students have the right to: 

1. A positive and educational performance assessment experience.

2. Be adjudicated by qualified individuals.

3. Be treated with courtesy and respect.

4. Clearly understand adjudicator’s comments, both written and spoken.

5. Be adjudicated without bias.

6. Receive comments from adjudicators that will help with a course for correction.

7. Have the adjudicator’s complete attention during the allotted time.

8. Assessments free from sarcastic or degrading comments.

9. The adjudicator and sponsoring organization following all established procedures.

10. The best available venue and environment conducive to a quality performance.

11. Receive ratings consistent with comments.

12. Consistent application of performance standards.

 

8.  Signature Page

• I have read this Code of Conduct, I understand its contents, and I agree to its terms. I also understand that if I do not follow the above guidelines, my participation in this event may be terminated without any payment or refund by MMEA.

• First Name

• Last Name

• MMEA Title/Role

• Email

• Full Legal Name

 

 

Code of Conduct for Event Participants

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Our Meetings & Conferences Code of Conduct applies to all MMEA meeting-related events,  in-person at public or private facilities, on-line and in virtual events. MMEA is committed to providing a positive, productive, safe, harassment-free and welcoming environment in which diverse participants may learn, network, and enjoy the company of colleagues. All attendees, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors/vendors, staff, service providers, and others involved in the events, are expected to abide by this code, specifically, to uphold the principles of Integrity, Respect and Responsibility:

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• Integrity: acting in an honest and ethical manner;

• Respect: honoring differences in people, ideas, and opinions; and

• Responsibility: accepting ownership for one’s own conduct.

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All participants are expected to observe these rules and behaviors in all forums.

 

Participants who are asked to stop hostile or harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the event without warning or refund and sanctioning from future events.

 

By registering for the event, the registrant agrees to abide by the following code of conduct.

 

1.  Zero Tolerance

MMEA has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment, physical and verbal, by attendees at our meetings and reserves the right to take any action necessary to uphold the principles outlined in this code. MMEA will cooperate with any appropriate authority investigating a reported incident.

 

2.  Behavior

• Expected Behaviors

  1. Treat all attendees with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.

  2. Be considerate, respectful, and collegial.

  3. Communicate openly with respect for others, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.

  4. Avoid personal attacks directed toward other attendees.

  5. Be mindful of your surroundings and of other event attendees. Alert on-premises security personnel and MMEA staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone clearly in distress.

  6. Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, MMEA contracted facility, or any other venue associated with an MMEA event.

  7. Audio or visual recording and photographing of another individual’s presentation is permitted unless the presenter requests otherwise.

  8. MMEA encourages attendees to follow recommended precautions to prevent transmission of infectious diseases.

• Unacceptable Behavior

  1. Harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.

  2. Physical or verbal abuse of any attendee.

  3. Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent materials.

  4. Posting or threatening to post other people’s personal identifying information on social media or other public forum. 

  5. The use of hotel sleeping rooms for any interview or meeting among attendees for purposes relevant to an MMEA event. Hotel sleeping rooms are not an option for interview rooms and/or meeting space.

  6. Not consuming alcoholic beverages responsibly. The MMEA reserves the right to deny alcohol service to attendees for any reason, and may require an attendee to leave the event.

  7. Consumption, inhalation, or ingestion of marijuana at any time during a MMEA event.

  8. Consumption, inhalation, or ingestion of any illicit drug at any time during a MMEA event.

  9. Consumption, inhalation, or ingestion of any illicit drug or any unprescribed over-the-counter medication.

  10. Disparaging comments related to gender, gender identity or appearance, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, political views or affiliation.

  11. Threatening or stalking any attendee.

  12. Disruption of presentations at sessions, in the exhibit hall, or at other events organized by MMEA at the meeting venue, hotels, or other MMEA-contracted facilities.

  13. Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior.

 

3.  Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

 

To Those with Legal Authority

• To your Employer - Attendees are subject to the policies and procedures of their place of employment. As such, an employer is the entity to which an incident should be reported, and that which will perform any future investigation of the incident.

• To Public Security – MMEA asks that anyone experiencing or witnessing behavior such as assault of any kind that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to safety is advised to contact 911 or ask for public security.

   

To MMEA

• To MMEA Staff - If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior or have witnessed any such behavior, please notify an MMEA staff member. Notification should be done by contacting an MMEA staff person on site or by emailing your concern to mmeamarylandinfo@gmail.com. 

• To an Anonymous Web Form - Please use this form for reporting issues of concern during MMEA events. The information submitted to this form is only viewable by MMEA Executive Leadership.