Code of Conduct

The culture of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is based on honesty, mutual respect, support, and encouragement. On the part of any member, volunteer, staff, or participant (including licensee) in any activity of the SCA or its affiliates, whether related to membership, education, events, communities, digital platforms, or other activities, behavior or actions contravening this Code of Conduct may serve to undermine and bring unwarranted discredit to the SCA and its members and therefore should not be tolerated.

For our Network of Communities to thrive, all involved must uphold our culture throughout all levels of the Association and abide by this Code of Conduct in all aspects of their participation in SCA activities. 

In abiding by this Code of Conduct, each person is required to use good judgment in all situations, demonstrate respect for themselves and others, practice professionalism, and take ownership and understand the consequences of their actions and behaviors.

If the SCA, in its reasonable judgment, believes a person has committed a violation of the Code of Conduct, committed a legal offense or exposed the SCA to liability, or damaged its reputation, the SCA reserves the right to remove the person from SCA activities, bar or suspend future participation within the SCA, membership, and other volunteer or participant positions or activities, revoke or suspend licenses, or take other appropriate action.

Engaging in the following conduct will be deemed a violation of this Code of Conduct:

  • Illegal, unethical, deceptive, or wrongful conduct in SCA matters;

  • Harassment, discrimination, ridicule, or bullying in any form at any SCA activity;

  • Any activity or conduct that may jeopardize, undermine, or compromise the safety, health, or well-being of oneself or others, or the good standing or reputation of the SCA; or

  • Retaliation against anyone who seeks advice from, raises a concern with, or makes a good-faith complaint of any nature against any individual associated with the SCA.

Reporting Conduct Violations

Any person who reasonably believes that they have witnessed or experienced behavior or actions that are in direct violation of this Code of Conduct is encouraged to promptly report the incident to the SCA. The SCA cannot address an incident if it is not made aware of it. Reports of a Code of Conduct violation will be reviewed by the SCA in accordance with each element of the Code of Conduct. 

Every effort will be made to preserve the confidentiality of those involved. This may not be possible through the course of actions necessary to research or resolve the incident. In no circumstances will any person who in good faith reports an incident or assists in the investigation related to an SCA activity be subject to any form of retribution, retaliation, or reprisal by the SCA.

Except as may otherwise be provided by the SCA’s Bylaws or other applicable rules, the following process will apply when a bar or suspension of future participation within SCA events, membership, and other volunteer or participant positions or activities is imposed:

  • If the SCA imposes a bar or suspension, it will notify the person of the action and the reasons for it, by any method reasonably calculated to provide actual notice;

  • Within 15 days of the notice, the person may submit a written appeal to persons designated by the SCA, whose decision is final.

Other Applicable SCA Policies

  • The SCA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property, or for injuries sustained during the course of an event.

  • No firearms or other weapons are ever allowed inside SCA events or on SCA premises or venues.

  • Illegal drugs are never allowed inside SCA events.

  • Alcohol may be served or otherwise available, but disorderly conduct is never allowed.

  • Individuals who willfully damage SCA property will be required to financially reimburse the SCA or the venue.

  • Please respect those who do not wish to be photographed or recorded by asking permission before taking pictures.

  • The SCA expects all participants to engage respectfully, act with integrity, and uphold the standards of conduct that reflect the values of this community.

Online Communities – Posting Guidelines

SCA online communities exist to connect the coffee community around the globe. To keep conversations friendly and professional, participants are expected to abide by the following guidelines.

What kinds of things are acceptable to post on SCA online communities?

  • Questions and discussions related to the group's particular topic

  • Relevant articles a participant wants to discuss with the community’s peers

  • Networking and connecting with others in relation to local/regional or other coffee events

  • Discussion of relevant happenings within or affecting the participant’s coffee community

SCA moderators reserve the right to delete or hide posts, and remove any members that violate any of the above guidelines.