Policies

Code of Conduct

River City Mess Around strives to create a safe, fun, and inclusive event for all attendees. Please read and agree to abide by the following code of conduct that is aligned with those values.

Illness Policy

Please do not attend the event if you feel unwell. Partner dancing requires close contact, and we ask that everyone does their best to limit exposure to the community. River City Mess Around will gladly refund, transfer, or defer a pass in the event of illness.

Culture and Dance Etiquette

All are welcome at River City Mess Around. Discriminatory language or behavior will not be tolerated. Please treat everyone with kindness and respect.

  • We encourage everyone to feel free to ask, accept, or decline dances with anyone.

  • You are under no obligation to accept any request for a dance. “No” requires no explanation.

  • Clarify what role(s) you’d like to dance with each partner.

  • Let your partner know if you have a consideration that impacts the dance. For example, if you have a physical ailment, such as a sprained ankle.

  • No unsolicited feedback. Exception: If your partner is causing pain, please speak up immediately.

  • Consider clapping or otherwise showing appreciation for the band or DJ after each song.

  • Be considerate in regards to your personal hygiene. Be mindful of sweat, consider taking some time to dry off or change shirts. Please limit strong scents/perfumes.

  • Be aware of your surroundings (floorcraft). If you bump into either your partner or other dancers, please acknowledge this and confirm they are ok.

  • Shoes are required.

  • No aerials/throws/airsteps outside of designated performances.

Harassment

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.  Harassment includes (but is not exclusive to) the following:

  • Unwelcome attention, sexual or otherwise.

  • Intentional inappropriate or unwanted physical contact.

  • Slurs of any kind (including but not limited to: racist, misogynist, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist language).

  • Any attempt of coercion or threats of any kind.

Participants asked to stop harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. We reserve the right to ask anyone engaging in harassment to leave without a refund.

report concerns

Please contact River City Mess Around staff with any concerns, especially those related to harassment and safety. Even if you are not sure if it is worth mentioning, we encourage you to bring it to our attention to help us build a culture of safety for you and all attendees! Privacy will be protected for all involved (within reason, unless the circumstance dictates clear, immediate action).

Need to find a staff member? Our staff will be wearing a duck pin so they will be easy to spot!

  • For non-urgent issues: Please fill out our Google Form with your concern and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

  • For urgent issues: please find the closest RCMA staff member and they will direct you to our Accessibility Coordinator.

cancellation policy

Already registered but can’t make it to the event anymore? We’ve got some options for ya!

  • FULL REFUND - get a full refund on your pass (minus the $5 processing fee) up to one (1) month before the event.

  • TRANSFER - you can transfer your pass to another dancer up to one (1) week before the event.

  • DEFER - you can defer your pass to River City Mess Around 2027. Contact us before midnight Friday, March 27, 2026.

To get a refund, transfer, or defer your registration, contact us at rivercitymessaround@gmail.com

Registration WAIVER

In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in River City Mess Around, and/or being permitted to enter for any purpose any restricted area (here in defined as any area where in admittance to the general public is prohibited), the participant agrees to the following:

Attendance at, or participation in, River City Mess Around involves a risk of injury or loss to yourself and others resulting from physical activities occurring before, during and after such events, as well as from the consumption of alcohol by yourself and others at the event. By registering for this event, you agree, for yourself and for your representatives, heirs and assigns, that you have hereby waived and released all claims, demands and liabilities against River City Swing Out, LLC. and its agents or members, for injury to person or property sustained in whole or in part from your participation in or attendance at River City Swing Out Events, and whether such injuries are anticipated or unanticipated, whether based on strict liability or for negligence, whether active or passive.

By registering for this event, you give River City Swing Out permission to use your likeness in photographs and videos in any future River City Swing Out and River City Mess Around publications and materials. If you do not wish to be photographed or have your likeness used in any published materials, please reach out to the River City Swing Out team. 

By registering for River City Mess Around you are agreeing to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the waiver and Code of Conduct.