Code of Conduct

This is a novel conference format, in which you will interact with people with disagreeing views. In order to ensure there is a respectful exchange, we have put together a code of conduct. This may seem like stating the obvious to most, but we have decided to bring this up in order to guarantee a common ethical ground as clearly as possible, as we will be addressing controversy.  Mediators and chairs will be specifically asked to ensure that this will be enforced throughout. Specific issues are highlighted below:

Rules for Combatants

• No personal attacks (ad hominem) will be allowed. If you disagree, attack the argument, not the person!
• In the debate, avoid using fallacies. For common examples see here.
• No offensive or derogatory language, or shouting, will be tolerated.
• If you disagree with someone’s viewpoint, please state the reasons as clearly as possible.
• Do not take up all the talking space. Allow other combatants to talk, be they in your team or in the opposite one. 
• Do not interrupt or talk over someone else, or use body language to distract or disrupt each other. 
• The chair’s decision is always final and they should be treated with respect. 

Rules for Mediators

• Mediators will not allow personal bias or knowledge to influence their decisions. Please be mindful about possible unconscious biases as well. Details on unconscious bias can be found here and here, and the 12 most common types here.
• Keep your interventions short and precise. Please ensure that the debate is moving and all participants have equal chances to express their views.
• Be firm if it needs be, but please be respectful to all.
• If necessary, be flexible enough to maximise the quality of the debate. Depending on the context, it is Ok to bring a personal question, include the audience or the combatants less or more. 

All attendees
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Please note: The code of conduct below holds not only for the scientific part of the Battles, but also for our social programme.

• Please be especially mindful about our combatants and mediators as they will bring up contentious issues and should feel safe to do so. They should not be made uncomfortable by the remaining participants and contributors. 
• No demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech focused on protected characteristics (culture, age, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, marriage or civil partnership status, gender reassignment), or on hierarchy status, will be tolerated.
• Harassment includes: offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides); deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
• Be considerate, courteous and respectful at all times.
• Be mindful of cultural differences. What may be acceptable in one culture may be offensive in another. This is important as we will have participants from across the globe.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow attendees. Alert conference organisers if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
  
• If you are subjected to unacceptable behaviour, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behaviour, or have any other concerns during the event, please notify a member of the organising committee as soon as possible. All reports will remain completely confidential. 
• If evidence is provided that a participant has engaged in unacceptable behaviour, the conference organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the conference without warning or refund.
• Should you feel like discussing any issues subsequently to the conference, please contact the organisers by e-mail or other means. All reports will remain completely confidential.