The National Space Federation brings together students, educators, researchers, enthusiasts and space scientists. This Code of Conduct sets out how we expect everyone to behave, so that every participant can learn, compete and collaborate safely and with confidence.
Who this code applies to
This code applies to everyone who takes part in the Federation’s activities, including:
- participants in programmes, workshops, internships and fellowships
- competitors in quizzes, Olympiads, hackathons, design competitions and ideathons
- members of chapters, clubs, networks and online communities
- speakers, mentors, teachers, volunteers and ambassadors
- staff, organisers, judges and partners
- parents, guardians and visitors at Federation events
Where it applies
The code applies wherever Federation activities take place: in person at events, observation sessions and workshops, and online in webinars, forums, messaging groups and on social media accounts connected with the Federation.
Our standards
We expect everyone to:
- Be respectful. Treat others with courtesy and consideration, including when you disagree.
- Be inclusive. Welcome people of every background, gender, religion, caste, region, language, ability and level of experience.
- Act with integrity. Be honest in your work, your results and your dealings with others.
- Look after one another. Follow safety instructions, especially at night-sky sessions, launches and practical workshops, and help keep others safe.
- Share knowledge generously. Encourage questions, credit other people’s ideas and help newcomers learn.
- Respect privacy. Do not share other people’s personal information, photographs or work without their permission.
Unacceptable behaviour
The following are not acceptable at any Federation activity:
- harassment, intimidation, bullying or threats, in person or online
- discrimination or offensive comments about any person or group
- unwelcome physical contact, sexual language or sexual attention
- sharing or displaying offensive or inappropriate material
- deliberately disrupting sessions, talks or online discussions
- recording, photographing or sharing images of others without consent
- ignoring safety instructions or putting others at risk
- encouraging or helping anyone else to do any of the above
Integrity in competitions and research
Competitions and research work must be fair and honest. Participants must:
- do their own work, or the work of their own team where team entries are allowed
- not copy, plagiarise or present someone else’s work or ideas as their own
- not use unauthorised help, materials or tools during an examination or competition
- give credit to data sources, code, images and ideas they use
- follow the rules of each competition
Breaking these rules may lead to disqualification, and results or awards may be withdrawn.
Keeping children and young people safe
Many of our participants are under 18. Their safety and wellbeing come first. Adults taking part in Federation activities, including mentors, speakers, teachers and volunteers, must:
- keep all contact with young participants professional and related to the activity
- avoid private one-to-one contact, in person or online, outside the activity’s agreed arrangements
- communicate with young participants through official Federation channels, involving parents, guardians or teachers where appropriate
- never ask for or share personal contact details, images or information about a young participant except as the activity requires
- report any concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing straight away
Photographs and recordings of participants under 18 are taken and published only with the consent of a parent or guardian.
Online spaces
The same standards apply online. In webinars, forums and groups connected with the Federation:
- keep discussion relevant, constructive and respectful
- do not post spam, advertising or misleading information
- respect copyright and give credit for material you share
- follow any further rules set by the moderators of each space
Reporting a concern
If you experience or see behaviour that breaks this code, or you have a concern about someone’s safety, please tell the organiser of the activity or email nationalspacefederation [at] gmail [dot] com.
Reports are handled promptly, fairly and as confidentially as possible. If someone is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services first (112 in India).
No one will be treated unfairly for raising a concern in good faith. Retaliating against someone who has reported a concern is itself a breach of this code.
What happens if the code is broken
Depending on what happened, the Federation may:
- speak to the people involved and ask for the behaviour to stop
- give a formal warning
- remove someone from an activity, event or online space
- disqualify a competitor or withdraw a result or award
- end someone’s involvement with the Federation
- report the matter to parents or guardians, the person’s institution or the appropriate authorities, where required
Changes to this code
We may update this code from time to time. The date at the top shows when it last changed.