Fascia Research Society (FRS) Code of Conduct and Policy
Preamble
The Fascia Research Society (FRS) is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment that advances fascia science, education, and practice. As leaders, committee members, presenters, vendors, and participants, we serve as ambassadors of FRS’s mission.
This Code of Conduct reflects both aspirational standards (our highest ideals) and enforceable expectations (minimum required behaviors). By signing this Code, you agree to uphold these values and to accept accountability for your professional conduct in all FRS-related roles and activities.
A. Aspirational Standards
For All Members in Leadership or Representation Roles
Board members, committee chairs, committee/task force members, vendors, presenters, and speakers are expected to:
- Exemplify Integrity – Act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in all professional dealings.
- Foster Respect – Treat all colleagues, staff, vendors, and participants with courtesy, dignity, and professionalism.
- Promote Collaboration – Value diverse perspectives and encourage inclusive, constructive dialogue.
- Be Stewards of Mission – Place the interests of the Fascia Research Society, and its mission to advance the understanding of fascia through interdisciplinary research, education, and collaboration, while fostering a respectful, inclusive, and professional community, above personal or commercial gain.
- Model Professionalism – Set an example in both scientific and community interactions, recognizing that our conduct reflects on FRS globally.
B. Enforceable Standards
Expected Conduct
- Abide by all FRS policies, including this Code of Conduct, and Ethics Policy.
- Refrain from harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behavior toward attendees, organizers, staff, vendors, or fellow members.
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest and manage them in good faith.
- Adhere to program guidelines and instructions when presenting, moderating, or exhibiting.
- Respect event logistics, including schedules, staff directives, and vendor agreements.
Prohibited Conduct and Non-Harassment Policy
The Fascia Research Society (FRS) is committed to providing a professional, inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all participants. This policy applies to all members, employees, applicants, vendors, contingent workers, volunteers, presenters, and anyone professionally affiliated with FRS during Society-related activities, whether in person or virtual.
FRS does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or any behavior that undermines the safety, integrity, or mission of the Society. For purposes of this Code, harassment and prohibited conduct are defined broadly. Any unwelcome, inappropriate, or disruptive behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, unsafe, or unprofessional environment may be grounds for disciplinary action under this Code, up to and including immediate removal from events and loss of eligibility for future participation.
Examples of Prohibited Conduct
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:
Harassment and Discrimination
- Offensive verbal, written, or physical conduct based on gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, or HIV status.
- Inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, or patronizing language or action.
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, or harassing photography/recording.
- Unwarranted exclusion or targeting of individuals or groups.
- Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns or report misconduct.
Disruption of Events
- Sustained or deliberate behavior that interferes with the orderly conduct of FRS events, sessions, or activities, including:
- Interrupting speakers, moderators, or participants after being asked to stop.
- Engaging in loud, hostile, or argumentative exchanges that prevent others from participating.
- Harassing or intimidating event staff, volunteers, vendors, or attendees in a way that impedes their duties or participation.
- Ignoring instructions from session chairs, moderators, or event organizers regarding event logistics or conduct.
- Using a vendor booth, presentation, or session to repeatedly promote personal or commercial interests in a way inconsistent with FRS guidelines.
- Any behavior, verbal or physical, that repeatedly draws focus away from the intended purpose of the event or creates a hostile atmosphere for participants.
Abuse of Position or Authority
Abuse of position occurs when an individual misuses their role, access, or affiliation with FRS to advance personal, financial, or competitive interests in a manner that conflicts with or undermines the mission of the Society. This includes, but is not limited to:
1. Commercial Exploitation
- Using FRS events, communications, or membership platforms primarily to promote or sell personal products, services, or businesses beyond what is permitted for vendors and sponsors.
- Example: Distributing unsolicited promotional materials during scientific sessions, handing out business flyers at another vendor’s booth, or repeatedly using Congress Q&A sessions to market one’s product instead of contributing scientifically.
2. Conflicts of Interest
- Leveraging an FRS leadership or committee role to influence programming, speaker selection, or research priorities for personal or organizational benefit without disclosure.
- Example: Advocating for one’s own commercial workshop to be included in the program while simultaneously serving on a committee without disclosing the financial interest.
3. Misuse of Authority
- Pressuring staff, volunteers, or members to provide favors, access, or benefits outside the scope of their role.
- Example: Demanding preferential booth placement, extra speaking slots, or free promotional opportunities because of personal connections or perceived influence.
- Example: Repeatedly emailing or contacting Board members after a decision has been communicated, in an attempt to override established processes or wear down leadership (harassing communication).
4. Unfair Competitive Advantage
- Gaining access to FRS resources, networks, or opportunities (such as vendor lists, member data, confidential committee discussions, or private communications) and using them for personal or commercial gain contrary to the nonprofit purpose of FRS.
- Example: Taking attendee lists obtained through committee service and using them for personal marketing campaigns.
- Example: Approaching another vendor during their product demonstration or at their booth to tell them they are wrong or to disparage their work, interfering with their ability to present and undermining the spirit of collegiality at the Congress.
5. Mission Misalignment
- Prioritizing individual or commercial agendas at the expense of FRS’s mission to advance fascia research, education, and collaboration in a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment.
- Example: Using FRS’s platform to push personal theories while disregarding peer review, disrespecting scientific dialogue, or creating hostility toward those with differing perspectives.
- Example: Organizing side activities at the Congress that conflict with scheduled FRS events in order to draw participants away for personal or financial benefit.
C. Policy & Procedures for Enforcement
1. Reporting
- Concerns may be reported confidentially to the FRS Board or designated Ethics Committee representative verbally or in writing via
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Reports will be documented in writing, with date, time, location, and description of the conduct.
2. Review Process
- Initial Review: One FRS Board Officer plus the Ethics Committee Chair determine whether the issue warrants formal review.
- Fact-Finding: The Ethics Committee may collect statements and review evidence.
- Deliberation: The Ethics Committee makes recommendations for action.
- Approval: The Board of Directors decides and approves the action.
3. Escalation of Disciplinary Action
- Verbal Warning – For minor or first-time violations. Communicated privately by a committee chair, Board officer, or event manager; documented internally.
- Written Warning – Formal notice issued by the Ethics Committee, placed in FRS records, including corrective action plan.
- Referral to Ethics Committee – For repeated or serious misconduct. Committee investigates and recommends sanction.
- Board Oversight (Final Authority) – The FRS Board of Directors has the final decision-making authority and may impose any of the following sanctions:
- Removal from an event or activity (without refund).
- Revocation of eligibility to serve as presenter, vendor, or committee/task force member.
- Suspension or termination of FRS membership.
- Permanent bar from leadership or participation roles.
4. Immediate Action in Extreme Cases
- In cases of serious misconduct—such as harassment, intimidation, threats, violence, or behavior that jeopardizes the safety, integrity, or reputation of FRS—the Board President, Board Officer, or Event Manager may immediately remove the individual from an event or suspend their participation in society activities without going through the stepwise escalation process.
- Such immediate action must be documented and reported to the Ethics Committee and reviewed by the Board of Directors, who have final authority to uphold, modify, or extend sanctions, including termination of membership and permanent exclusion from future events or roles.
5. Due Process
- Program and Vendor Participation - Participation as a vendor, exhibitor, presenter, moderator, or speaker at FRS events is a privilege, not a right. The Scientific Programming Committee, Organizing Committee, and the Board of Directors retain full discretion to select, approve, or decline any vendor, exhibitor, or presenter. Individuals or organizations whose conduct is inconsistent with the FRS Code of Conduct may be deemed ineligible for future participation in these roles. These decisions are final and may be made without formal notification or appeal.
- Membership and Disciplinary Actions - Individuals subject to disciplinary action affecting their FRS membership status or eligibility to attend future FRS events as participants will be notified in writing of the concern or alleged violation and provided an opportunity to respond in writing before the Board issues a final decision, except in cases where immediate removal is required to protect safety or integrity.
- Final Authority - All decisions of the FRS Board of Directors are final.
D. Code of Conduct Agreement
I affirm that I have read and understood the FRS Code of Conduct and agree to abide by its standards.
I understand that:
- This Code applies to all FRS activities, whether in-person or virtual.
- Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from FRS activities, termination of eligibility to present or serve, and/or loss of membership privileges.
- In cases of serious misconduct, FRS leadership reserves the right to take immediate action, including removal from events or termination of membership, subject to Board review.
- Final authority on disciplinary matters rests with the FRS Board of Directors.
Terms & Conditions
1. Registration
Registrations are only accepted if this online registration form has been successfully submitted. No registration form is accepted unless accompanied by full payment.
2. Security
When registering through the internet your personal and payment details are secured and encrypted. The latest encrypting techniques available are used for data transfer.
3. Confirmation / Payment obligation
As soon as you have finished your personal registration process by clicking the "Register Now" button, you enter into a binding agreement with the organization. As a result, you accept the payment obligation and the term of payment that comes along with this agreement. Your registration will be confirmed by e-mail, giving you an overview of the personal details as filled in by you during the registration process. You will receive your invoice in your confirmation e-mail.
4. Correspondence address
For all correspondence regarding the meeting, the organization will use the e-mail address as provided by you during the registration process.
5. Liability
In registering for membership, the participants agree that neither the FRS Board of Directors, nor the FRS Committees or any of their officers, agents, employees or representatives assume any liability whatsoever.
6. Photography / Image use policy
FRS reserves the right to use any images, in any media, captured at meetings and related events, for promotional activities of future FRS activities in general. Individuals who do not wish to have their likeness, in any medium, used by FRS, must provide written notice to
7. Industry Sponsored Events
Due to compliance regulations your first name, last name and email address (email address only of non-EU participants) will be shared with sponsored session organizers if you attended an industry sponsored event
8. Future FRS Communication
Your first name, last name and email address (email address only of non-EU participants) will be used for future FRS communication.
9. Currency All amounts are stated in US Dollars (USD) and must be paid and/or will be collected in USD.â
10. Registration Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation of your registration and refund requests for registration fees must be submitted in writing to the FRS Executive Office within 5 days of membership registration. All refund requests will be subject to a USD 25.00 processing fee. No refunds will be beyond 5 days after membership registrations. Cancellations must be notified as soon as possible in writing (e-mail or letter) to:
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