Reviewed by UF General Counsel: 7/21/2023 UPDATED in 4-H Online 7/28/2023 Required by: Adult Volunteer , Youth Member , CloverBud , Participant

As a participant* in 4-H at the local, state, or national level, I have the responsibility of representing the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program to the public. Therefore, I am expected to conduct myself in a manner that will bring honor to me, my family, my community, and 4-H. To do that, I must abide by the following rules:

1. Obey local, state, and federal laws. Follow county, district, state and/or national 4-H policies. Abide by any special rules for a 4-H event or activity.

2. Speak and act in a responsible, courteous, and respectful way. Harassment, threats or bullying of any type is prohibited.

3. Act responsibly to maintain a safe environment for all participants. Acting in a manner that could endanger the health, safety or welfare of yourself or others is prohibited. Report threats to the well-being of any participant immediately to the adult in charge.

4. Possession or use of tobacco, e-cigarettes or vaping devices, alcohol, or illegal drugs is prohibited. Possession or use of approved medications by youth during a 4-H function must be reported to the adult in charge and must not be accessible to other participants.

5. Possession or use of weapons or other dangerous objects is prohibited in accordance with Florida law, except when required as part of an approved educational program. Weapons are defined to include, but are not limited to, guns, knives and incendiary or explosive devices of any kind.

6. Respect all property, facilities, equipment, and vehicles. I will be responsible for any damage or other consequences resulting from my behavior.

7. Participate fully in 4-H functions. Be in the assigned program areas (example—dorms, cabins, programs, etc.) on time. If I am unable to attend or participate, I will tell the adult in charge. Help others have a pleasant experience by making every attempt to include all participants in activities.

8. Dress appropriately for each 4-H function.

9. Use of any mobile electronic device during a scheduled 4-H activity is prohibited unless activity-specific rules otherwise allow. When permitted, they should be used only in a manner that is consistent with the approved activity and not discourteous or disruptive.

10. The belongings of youth participants, including but not limited to bags, purses, computers, other electronic devices, lockers and vehicles, are subject to search and seizure by 4-H faculty/staff, and in some instances a volunteer designee, upon reasonable suspicion that a prohibited and/or illegally possessed substance or object is contained within that area. (If an adult is suspected, this will be handled by law enforcement.)

*Participant includes a parent or guardian that is assisting their child or another youth at a UF/IFAS Extension Florida 4-H event/program.

Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct could result in a loss of privileges during a 4-H event and in the future; including but not limited to suspension or termination of 4-H membership or volunteer service.