Aim

The aim of this document is to set out the policy by means of which the Aldershot & Farnborough Festival of Music and Art Dance Section will ensure the provision of equal opportunities for all involved.

Scope

This policy covers equal opportunities in relation to competitors, their parents, guardians and teachers, and festival helpers.

Background

The festival organisers accept no responsibility for safeguarding any of the contestants during the festival. This is made clear in the festival’s child Safeguarding Policy, and every entry must be accompanied by a form signed by the teacher, parent or guardian to confirm that they understand and agree to that policy.

Dance Section Equal Opportunities Policy

The dance section aims to provide opportunities for dancers to compete on an equal opportunities basis regardless of race, colour, ethnic origin, religious beliefs, gender and (for appropriate ages) sexual orientation, in a safe and friendly atmosphere.

The dance section does, however, discriminate on the basis of age because entrants compete within age groups defined by the All-England Dance Federation, and there is a maximum age for entry to the heats of the All-England finals of 18 (although the festival will accept entries up to a maximum age of 21, which will not qualify for the heats or finals).

The dance section does not make special provision for dancers with disabilities or special needs. There is easy disabled access for those wishing to watch the dancing and obtain refreshments.

There is no age discrimination for volunteer helpers or members of the audience, although those under 16 years must be supervised by an appropriate adult. The festival welcomes disabled volunteer helpers. Most of the volunteer tasks associated with running the festival could be carried out by helpers with disabilities.

The festival does not accept responsibility for competitors, and incidents of bullying or harassment should in the first instance be dealt with by the responsible adults and schools. Repeated incidents should be reported to the festival organisers, who in serious cases may take action to bar the offenders from further participation in the festival.

Very serious cases of bullying, and cases of sexual assault, sexual harassment or racial abuse, where a criminal act may have been committed, should be reported to the organisers, who will co-operate with the victim in reporting the matter to the police.