pecs education behaviour policy

Pecs Education is a strength and conditioning class dedicated to creating a supportive,  inclusive, and empowering environment for trans-masc and non-binary bois. Pecs Education is an anti-racist space. This policy outlines the expected behaviours in all spaces associated with Pecs Education, including in-person classes, online platforms, and WhatsApp groups. Our community values respect, inclusion, and mutual support.

• Respect and Inclusion
• All participants are expected to treat each other respectfully and kindly, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or any other personal characteristic.
• Discriminatory behaviour, including but not limited to racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, or any form of harassment, will not be tolerated.
• Everyone has the right to participate in a safe environment where their identity is respected and affirmed.

• Confidentiality
  • Respect the privacy of all members;
    1. We appreciate that this is a space of trans joy, and it is exciting to share that! But we want to be mindful that not everybody in this space will be ‘out’, and so we ask that nobody from the group is ‘outed’ (i.e. discussing their gender identity etc outside of the space without their explicit consent).
    2. In some instances, you may know information about members from outside of the space, such as deadnames or medical history. We ask that this is not shared without their explicit consent.

• Consent and Boundaries
• Always seek consent before offering physical assistance, advice, or feedback. Respect others' boundaries, whether physical, emotional, or social.
• If someone expresses discomfort or asks for space, this request should be respected immediately.

Inclusivity in Communication

• Use inclusive language that respects everyone’s gender identity and pronouns. If unsure of someone’s pronouns, politely ask or refer to them by their name until clarified.
• Avoid making assumptions about others' identities or experiences.
• When discussing topics of fitness and health, be mindful of different body types, abilities, and experiences.

We are committed to improving access to fitness for the global majority, and we have assigned dedicated members of our committee to this area. We are constantly looking to improve and reflect on the issue of QTBPOC bodies in fitness spaces, and we are always open to feedback, reflections and suggestions.

We recognise that racism is an issue at all levels of society, especially within the LGBTQI+ community. Our commitment to anti-racism is part of our wider commitment to equality and social inclusion.

Pecs Education is committed to this code of practice and urges all our venues and partners to follow:

• Pecs Education has zero tolerance for any harassment, racist behaviour, and racist language. Individuals acting in any of these ways will be asked to leave our space
• We are committed to taking action to protect those who experience any harassment or discrimination
• Pecs Education refuses entry to anyone wearing culturally insensitive or racist attire
• Pecs Education intends to set a standard to show others that our space is for all bodies
• Pecs Education urges our host gyms to adopt and practise these anti-racist standards.

Pecs Education commits itself to making racism a visible issue through:

• Communicating our anti-racist ethos on our website, on social media, and in our classes.

The Pecs committee are available to listen to your experiences and feedback on our policies so we can improve them.

Supportive Environment

• Encourage and support fellow participants. Celebrate each other’s progress and achievements.
• Focus on your own journey without comparing yourself to others.

Safe Practices

• Follow all safety guidelines provided by the coach to prevent injuries.
• If you have any physical limitations or injuries, communicate them to the coach before class begins.

Punctuality and Preparedness

• We know that sometimes, things come up. If you find yourself unable to attend a class, cancelling on the Bend app can allow others to attend. Spaces in our classes are highly in demand, which helps us maximise how many people can benefit from the space.
• Arrive on time and come prepared for the session, with clothes that you’re comfortable moving about in, and avoid heavy jewellery that will restrict your movements.
• Admittance will not be allowed for more than five minutes past the advertised start time. At Pecs, we prioritise safety and want to foster good fitness habits. Warm-ups are integral to protecting our bodies from strain, and for preparing our muscles for difficult movements and actions.
• Respect the class structure and follow the instructor’s guidance. Care and consideration go into preparing each class, and it is difficult to stick to the plan when late-comers have missed important warm-up and starter activities and require individual attention and support from the coaches to catch up.

Respectful Communication

• All communications on online platforms (such as social media, forums, and WhatsApp) should be respectful, supportive, and constructive.
• Assume good faith! We are all in this space to work on ourselves in the community. This extends to how we communicate with and interact with one another.
• Disagreements should be handled respectfully.

Content Sharing

• Share content that is relevant, supportive, and helpful to the community. Avoid sharing unsolicited advice or content that could be triggering or harmful.
• Memes, jokes, or off-topic discussions should align with the inclusive and respectful values of Pecs Education.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment

• Harassment of any form (including bullying, unsolicited messages, or offensive comments) is strictly prohibited. Violations will be addressed promptly by the Pecs Education committee and may result in removal from the platform.

Purposeful Communication

• The Announcements WhatsApp group is primarily for class-related communication. 
• Social group- communications should be respectful, supportive and constructive. Use this group to tell people about your events relevant to the community. 
• Be mindful of message frequency and volume, especially during late hours.

Group Etiquette

• Use respectful and inclusive language. Avoid spamming or sending unsolicited messages to group members.
• Address any issues or concerns with a committee member before escalating within the group.

Conflict Resolution

• If a conflict arises, address it with a committee member as soon as possible.
• The committee members will attempt to mediate disputes and ensure that the group remains a supportive environment for all.
• Please feel free to contact members of the committee, or Pecs Education at pecs.ed@gmail.com

Initial Warning

• Minor infractions will result in a private conversation with the coach or a committee member. Participants will be reminded of the behaviour policy and expected to correct their actions.

Temporary Suspension

• Repeated, unresolvable or more serious violations, may result in temporary suspension from in-person classes or online platforms. During this time, the participant may be required to engage in a dialogue with the committee to address the behaviour.

Permanent Removal

• Continued disregard for the behaviour policy, or any severe infraction (such as harassment, discrimination, or violence), will result in permanent removal from Pecs Education classes and online groups.

• If something has made you uncomfortable in a class or online, please let us know so that we can support you. Participants are encouraged to report any behaviour that violates this policy to a coach or committee member. Reports can be made confidentially via pecs.ed@gmail.com You can address a specific person or committee member by using their name in the subject line. We are committed to addressing all concerns promptly and maintaining the safety and well-being of our community.

Pecs Education is a community built on mutual respect, support, and a shared commitment to empowerment. By adhering to this behaviour policy, we ensure that all members can thrive in a safe, inclusive, and positive environment.