WRESTLEFEST TORONTO-CANADA 2025 2025-07-24

1. Purpose and Scope

- This Code of Conduct applies to all participants, attendees, guests, and organizers of the Wrestlefest Toronto and its affiliated events. The purpose of this policy is to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all attendees while minimizing liability for organizers and venue hosts.
- Note that the organizers of Wrestlefest Toronto reserve the right to change or update this policy, without notice, at any time.
- By attending, you agree to adhere to the following rules and expectations.

2. Respect for Venues and Venue Staff

- All attendees must respect the venues where events are held. This includes properly disposing of waste, avoiding any damage to property, and following venue policies.
Participants will be solely liable for any damages caused to venue facilities.
- Attendees must comply with all instructions given by venue staff, security, and event organizers.
- Any actions that may cause disruption to the venue’s operation, including unauthorized use of facilities or misconduct, may result in removal from the event without refund.

3. Safety and Responsible Conduct

- Attendees must conduct themselves in a responsible manner at all times.
- Physical altercations, aggressive behaviour or any action that could cause harm to oneself or others will not be tolerated.Unauthorized or reckless behaviour is strictly prohibited.
Alcohol consumption should be done responsibly. If intoxicated behaviour creates safety concerns, the individual may be removed from the event without refund.
- Weapons, illegal substances, and any dangerous items are strictly prohibited at all events.
Participants must ensure they have adequate health, accident, and liability insurance. It is solely the responsibility of the participant to confirm their insurance coverage before engaging in any wrestling-related activities.

4. Inclusivity and Respect for the LGBT Community

- Wrestlefest Toronto events are an inclusive and welcoming space for all wrestlers and wrestling fans, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, or background.
Discrimination, hate speech, harassment, or any form of exclusionary behaviour will not be tolerated.
Attendees must respect each other’s identities and pronouns.
- Any harassment, including unwelcome physical contact, inappropriate comments, or repeated unwanted attention, will be addressed seriously and may result in removal from the event without refund.

5. General Etiquette and Best Practices

- Be mindful of personal space and respect others’ boundaries.
- Avoid excessive profanity, disruptive behavior, or speech that may make others uncomfortable.
- Ask for consent before taking photos or recording videos of other attendees.
- If you notice someone violating this Code of Conduct, notify venue staff immediately.
- Respect queue lines and wait times when purchasing entering event spaces and purchasing food or beverages.
- If you are feeling unwell, please consider staying home to prevent the spread of illness.

6. Consequences for Violating the Code of Conduct

- Any violation of this policy may result in a verbal warning, removal from an event without refund, or permanent banning from future events.
- Organizers reserve the right to involve venue security or law enforcement if necessary.
- No refunds will be issued to attendees removed from events due to conduct violations.

7. Liability Disclaimer

- Attendees participate in events at their own risk. Organizers, sponsors, and venues assume no liability for injuries, lost or stolen property, or any unforeseen incidents.
- By attending, you acknowledge that event activities are voluntary, and you agree to release the organizers from any claims related to event participation.

8. Governing Law

- This Code of Conduct shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario. Any disputes arising from this Code of Conduct shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Ontario.

9. Severability

- If any provision of this Code of Conduct is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

1. Respect for Partners & Consent:
- Always communicate with your training partners about intensity levels, techniques, and limits.
- If a partner taps/submits (physically or verbally), immediately release the hold.
- If a participant expresses discomfort or unwillingness to engage in a particular moves or actions, their decision must be respected.

2. Prohibited Techniques & Behaviors:
- No slams, neck cranks, heel hooks or any moves known to cause excessive strain or injury.
- To avoid injury, all matches must start on the knees or lower. Takedowns and sweeps while the opponent is standing are not permitted.
- No striking of any kind.
- No intentional injuries or reckless behavior.
- Horseplay, aggressive conduct, or bullying will not be tolerated.

3. Health, Hygiene & Attire:
- All participants must maintain proper hygiene.
- Clean grappling attire is required.
- All attire must be free of any sharp or baggy items (e.g. zippers, watches, pockets)
- Finger and toenails must be trimmed short to prevent injuries.
- Any open wounds or must be covered or healed before participation.
- Those with contagious skin conditions (e.g., ringworm, staph infections) are not permitted to participate.
- Personal hygiene, including the use of deodorant and clean attire, is expected.

3. Event Liability & Assumption of Risk:
- Participation is at your own risk. Organizers, instructors, and facility owners are not responsible for injuries sustained during your participation.
- All participants must sign a waiver before engaging in any activities.
- If you feel unwell or injured, notify an organizer immediately and remove yourself from the event if necessary.

4. Facility & Equipment Respect:
- Do not damage mats, walls, or training equipment.
- No shoes (aside from clean wrestling shoes which have not been worn outside of a wrestling mat) are not allowed on mats; wear sandals or slides when off the mat.
- Keep food and drinks off the mat area.
- Dispose of trash properly and keep the venue space clean.

5. Conflict Resolution & Event Conduct:
- Any disputes should be brought to the attention of the event organizers or venue staff.
- Disrespectful, hostile, or inappropriate behavior, including harassment, will result in removal from the event without refund.
- Organizers and venue staff reserve the right to refuse entry or expel any participant who does not adhere to this code of conduct.

1. Standards of Conduct for Wrestlers/Performers

Eligibility and Liability

- All wrestlers/performers must possess the necessary experience, training, and competence required to participate safely.
- Participants must ensure they have adequate health, accident, and liability insurance. It is solely the responsibility of the participant to confirm their insurance coverage before engaging in any wrestling-related activities.
- The event organizers assume no responsibility for injuries sustained during participation. By entering the wrestling mats, participants acknowledge and accept all inherent risks involved in wrestling.

Safety and Professionalism

- All participants must adhere to proper safety protocols, including warm-ups, equipment checks, and injury-prevention measures.
- Wrestlers must respect the physical limits and consent of their opponents. Moves, holds, and actions must be mutually agreed upon and executed safely.
- Any reckless, unscripted, or overly dangerous maneuvers that pose a significant risk of harm are strictly prohibited.
- Use of props and foreign objects must be pre-approved by the event organizer and executed with extreme caution.
- Any medical concerns or injuries must be reported to event staff immediately.
- Any form of harassment, discrimination, or unprofessional conduct towards other wrestlers, staff, or spectators will not be tolerated.

3. Code of Conduct for Spectators

Respect for the Event and Venue

- Spectators must respect the venue, event staff, and all other attendees. Any form of disorderly conduct, including vandalism, intoxication, or verbal/physical altercations, will result in removal from the premises without refund.
- Throwing objects, entering the mat area, or attempting to physically engage with wrestlers is strictly prohibited and may result in legal consequences.

Safety and Responsibility

- Spectators must remain in designated areas and follow all venue policies regarding safety, seating, and emergency procedures.
- Any attempt to interfere with the performance, distract performers in a dangerous manner, or create an unsafe environment for others will not be tolerated.
- Any injuries or concerns should be reported immediately to venue staff.

Filming and photography

- The event will be filmed by a professional. While the filming will focus on the wrestlers themselves, we cannot guarantee that you will not appear on camera.
- If you are uncomfortable with your face appearing on camera, you are highly encouraged to wear a face covering.
- Personal filming or photography by spectators is strictly prohibited.

4. General Etiquette and Additional Guidelines

For Participants and Staff:
- Arrive on time and be prepared for scheduled matches and duties.
- Maintain professional conduct on and off of the mats.
- Follow the direction of venue staff and comply with all venue regulations.
- Ensure all gear, props, and equipment are in safe, working condition.

For Spectators:

- Cheer, chant, and enjoy the event respectfully.
- Avoid inappropriate or disruptive behavior, including offensive gestures, hate speech, or excessive heckling.
- Follow all instructions given by venue staff and security.

5. Enforcement and Consequences

- Any violation of this Code of Conduct may result in immediate removal from the event, suspension from future events, or legal action.
- Event organizers and security personnel reserve the right to deny entry or eject any individual at their discretion.
- Severe breaches of conduct, including violence, harassment, or willful endangerment, may result in law enforcement intervention.
- By participating in or attending this event, all individuals acknowledge and accept the terms outlined in this Code of Conduct. The goal is to provide an enjoyable, professional, and safe environment for all involved.

Thank you for your cooperation. Enjoy the event responsibly!