Chesapeake Ghostbusters recognizes that our members portray characters and ideas from the Ghostbusters Universe, which is owned by Sony Corporation. As such, members carry the responsibility of portraying these characters professionally and with respect while in public or when representing themselves as a steward of Chesapeake Ghostbusters. For these reasons, all members are prohibited from acting in a manner disrespectful toward the image they are portraying, toward fellow members, or toward the public at large while in costume at an event or acting as a representative of the group. This code is meant to give fair warning and not restrict freedom. In or out of costume, members are required to observe reasonable behavioral standards towards fellow members and the general public.
- Legal and Safety Compliance: Members will comply with all Federal, State, and local laws in addition to any rules and policies of the specific venue or event, including face coverings and Equipment/Weapons policies. Acting irresponsibly with prop equipment/weaponry is considered unacceptable behavior. Equipment/Weapons are key components to Ghostbusters costuming; however, Chesapeake Ghostbusters places the utmost importance upon the safety of our members as well as the safety of the general public while attending events. When carrying or displaying props, members should not point weapons at other persons, act aggressively, behave erratically, or exhibit any similar behavior which could arouse fear in a reasonable person. Members are expected to act in good faith and act responsibly to avoid creating any situation that could be perceived as unsafe.
- Membership and Maintenance: As set forth in the bylaws for the Chesapeake Ghostbusters, “Member is any one person who has been approved by the Board of Directors and participated in 4 CGB events within the calendar year after their initial induction as a member.” To retain “full” member status, a “member” must participate in 4 events throughout the calendar year. Any member failing to meet this requirement will be subject a member to demotion to an associate member and possible removal.
- Shift Obligations and Event Attendence: Members are required to work the shifts for which they volunteered. All volunteers (members, auxiliary members, or participating non-members) must be in Ghostbusters attire; a lab coat provided by Chesapeake Ghostbusters is acceptable. Should a member be unable to fulfill their obligation, the member must immediately contact the event coordinator regarding absence or tardiness. Upon arrival, members will check in with the shift lead or event coordinator and complete any sign in/out sheet. Any member needing to leave their station during their shift must notify the shift lead/event coordinator and provide an estimated time of absence prior to leaving their station. Events will be scheduled in such a manner as to provide adequate planned breaks for meals, rest, and enjoyment of the event. Failure to work the entirety of the assigned shift will subject a member to disciplinary actions decided upon by the board of directors up to and including expulsion as a Chesapeake Ghostbusters member.
- Non-Member Guests: Non-Member Guests brought by Members must be approved by the event coordinator in advance to be allowed to participate during an event. Non-Members not approved to participate will not be allowed to spend time socializing or loitering within the event space and their behavior is the sole responsibility of the member who has brought them to the event.
- Substance Use and Impairment: Members are strictly prohibited from being impaired by any substance while participating in or working an event. Members must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, as well as venue policies regarding substance use. Because medical or recreational cannabis/THC is not legal in all jurisdictions, members who utilize THC products are advised not to sign up for events in states where it remains illegal.
Furthermore, as representatives of Chesapeake Ghostbusters and character stewards of the Sony Ghostbusters franchise, members who choose to consume permissible substances during an event may do so only during designated breaks and out of view of event attendees. If an event coordinator determines that a member is impaired at an event, that member will be dismissed immediately and may face disciplinary action by the Board of Directors, up to and including expulsion.
Exception for Specific Venues: For events held at establishments such as breweries, cigar bars, or similar venues, the Event Coordinator may publish specific venue exceptions when shifts are made available. However, this exception strictly permits controlled consumption of venue offerings and under no circumstances authorizes impairment at any event.
- Digital Platforms and Social Media: Breaking Chesapeake Ghostbusters forum or social media rules or policies may result in a member being banned on all platforms. Ongoing vulgar or abusive behavior within Chesapeake Ghostbusters platforms may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion as a Chesapeake Ghostbusters member. This section pertains to those means of digital communication as established and administered by the Chesapeake Ghostbusters.
- Merchandise: Creating and distributing unauthorized merchandise which utilizes the “Chesapeake Ghostbusters” name or logo is forbidden. All merchandise bearing Chesapeake Ghostbusters logos must be approved by the Board of Directors.
- Prohibited Conduct: The following behaviors are prohibited. These rules apply to members in or out of costume at events or while representing the Chesapeake Ghostbusters.
- Foul language, profanity, vulgarity, and obscene gestures
- Discriminatory behavior based on race, nationality, creed, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
- Acting in any manner that may be perceived as violent, threatening, or may provoke fear in a reasonable person
- Theft or other illegal activity
- Sexual harassment or misconduct
Members who engage in such conduct may be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Board of Directors, including expulsion from Chesapeake Ghostbusters.
- Acknowledgement and Signoff: All members must sign and date a copy of the Chesapeake Ghostbusters Code of Conduct in order to be eligible to participate in events. Their signed code of conduct must be provided to the Secretary of Chesapeake Ghostbusters before participating in events. In due course, when this document is amended, all members will be required to read, acknowledge, and sign the most current copy.