WRESTLEFEST TORONTO-CANADA 2025 7/27/2025

🇨🇦 🏳️‍🌈 Wrestlefest Canada – Community Code of Conduct
We’re committed to making Wrestlefest Toronto a safe, respectful, and fun experience for everyone. By attending or participating in any Wrestlefest Toronto event—including wrestling classes, open mats, parties, and the live show—you agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

1. Respect for People and Places
- Treat all attendees, staff, and organizers with kindness and respect—regardless of gender, race, orientation, or background.
- Discrimination, harassment, hate speech, or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Respect others’ personal space, pronouns, and boundaries—always ask for consent before physical contact or taking photos/videos.
- Be courteous to venue staff and follow any instructions given. Keep event spaces clean and avoid damaging any property. You are responsible for any damage you cause.

2. Consent is non-negotiable
- Wrestling, erotic interaction, and friendly touch must be clearly consensual. Ask first—never assume.
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time. If someone taps, says “no,” or seems uncomfortable, the interaction stops immediately.
- If you’re unsure—ask before you act.
- Intoxication is not an excuse for crossing someone’s boundaries.

3. Celebrating Queer Bodies and Identities
- Wrestlefest is for every queer body—any size, shape, gender, or expression.
- No racism, transphobia, femmephobia, slut-shaming, or body shaming—ever.
- Respect people’s pronouns and identities. Misgendering or exclusionary language will not be tolerated.

4. Safety first, always
- No violence, reckless behaviour, or threats—physical or verbal—will be tolerated.
- If you’re drinking alcohol, please do so responsibly. If you are intoxicated and pose a safety risk, you may be removed without refund.
- Illegal substances, weapons, and dangerous items are strictly prohibited.
- If you feel unsafe or see someone violating this Code, speak to a staff member right away.

5. Health and Hygiene
- If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home. This helps protect the community.
- For wrestling events, participants must have trimmed nails and cover any open wounds.
- Anyone with contagious skin conditions (e.g., ringworm or staph) cannot participate in any wrestling events. This helps keep the community safe.

6. Respect the Venue
- Treat the space with care. No roughhousing near walls or shared equipment.
- Clean up after yourself. Don’t damage mats, walls, or facilities.
- Breaking venue rules or causing damage may result in removal and financial responsibility.

7. Wrestling Classes & Open Mat Rules
- These events are not fight clubs. Use safe, controlled, and consensual techniques only, especially with newer or curious participants.
- Open Mats are open to all skill levels. Be welcoming, not elitist.
- Communicate clearly with your training partners—agree on intensity, techniques, and boundaries before you begin.
- Always release a hold when your partner taps (either physically or by saying "stop") or signals discomfort.
- Start all grappling from the knees or lower to reduce injury risk.
- Prohibited moves include slams, neck cranks, heel hooks, knee bars, takedowns from standing, and any striking.
- Only wear clean gear—no shoes on the mats.
- No alcohol in the mat area
- During wrestling classes, follow all directions from the instructor
- All participants must sign a waiver and are responsible ensuring they are properly insured to participate in wrestling events in Ontario.

8. Live Show Spectator Rules
- Cheering and playful heckling are welcome—but know where the line is.
- No slurs, heckling, or offensive comments.
- Don’t touch performers or participants unless clearly invited.
- Disorderly behaviour—including entering the mat area, throwing objects, or intoxication—will not be tolerated and may result in removal without refund.
- Stay in designated areas and follow all venue policies and safety guidelines.
- No personal filming or photography is allowed. The event will be recorded and used online (WatchFighters and other platforms at the discretion of the performers), and you may appear on camera. If you wish to avoid this, please wear a face covering.

9. Enforcement & Consequences
- Violations of this Code may result in a warning, removal from the event, a ban from future events, or involvement of law enforcement.
- No refunds will be issued to anyone removed for misconduct.
- Organizers and venue staff have full authority to refuse entry or remove individuals at their discretion.

This Code of Conduct is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario. f any part of this Code is found unenforceable, the rest will remain in effect.

READ CAREFULLY – THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT

This Agreement is between the undersigned Participant and the Event Organizers, the Venue (Flash on Church). For the purposes of this agreement, the Event Organizers are defined as the individuals coordinating and managing the event, who may act jointly or individually, and who shall be collectively considered Released Parties under this Agreement.

By signing below, you agree to the following terms:

1. ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I understand that participating in a wrestling and jiu-jitsu open mat event, including social and potentially erotic activities, involves physical risk. These risks may include but are not limited to: bruises, sprains, joint injuries, choking, STIs, or even death.

I accept all such risks, including those caused by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties. I agree not to sue or hold the Released Parties responsible for any injury, illness, or harm I may suffer.

2. AGE AND LEGAL CAPACITY
I confirm I am at least 19 years old and legally capable of giving consent to participate. I understand misrepresenting my age or inviting minors is prohibited and may lead to removal or legal action.

3. EVENT NATURE AND CONSENT
This is a voluntary event involving physical contact that may include sensual or erotic elements. I understand:
- All activities must be consensual.
- Consent must be clear, ongoing, and can be withdrawn at any time.
- I will respect others’ boundaries, and I expect others to respect mine.
- I also acknowledge that the Released Parties are not responsible for any acts of sexual misconduct and that such incidents should be reported to law enforcement.

4. HEALTH AND SAFETY
I am responsible for:
- My own physical safety during sparring or other interactions at this event.
- Not participating while intoxicated or unfit for physical activity.

I agree to:
- Follow all laws, event rules and staff directions.
- Spar safely and avoid reckless behaviour.
- Accept that I may be removed without refund if I pose a risk to others or violate consent, safety, or legal rules.
I release the Released Parties from any related responsibility resulting from injuries or property damage at this event.

6. PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
I agree:
- Not to record or photograph anyone without their explicit consent.
- To respect the privacy and confidentiality of other participants.

7. PROPERTY DAMAGE
I am financially responsible for any damage I cause to the venue or its property. The organizers may seek reimbursement or take legal action if needed.

8. INDEMNITY
I agree to hold harmless and indemnify the Released Parties against any claims, damages, or legal actions arising from my participation. This includes:
- Injuries to myself or others
- Damage to property
- Violations of event rules
This clause survives the end of this agreement.

9. MEDICAL CARE
I acknowledge:
- The organizers are not medical professionals.
- I am responsible for my own medical needs and insurance.
- I am solely responsible for any medical costs relating to injuries as a result of my participation in this event
In an emergency, I authorize medical treatment if I am unable to consent.

10. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTES
This Agreement is governed by Ontario law. Any legal disputes must be resolved in Ontario courts. If any part of this Agreement is found invalid, the rest will still apply.

11. FINAL AGREEMENT
This is the full and final agreement. I’ve had the opportunity to get legal advice and understand what I am signing.