Code Of Conduct
Who we are
Whakamana is not just a club. It is a space built on trust. Every person who walks through that door — whether it is your first night or your fiftieth — deserves to feel safe, respected, and free to be themselves.
Whakamana means authority, voice, and empowerment. That is not just a name — it is the standard we hold ourselves to. This Code of Conduct is not a list of rules handed down from above. It is the agreement every member makes with every other person in this space when they walk in.
1 --> RESPECT THE SPACE
This venue is ours to use because we take care of it. Treat every part of the building — the floors, the bathrooms, the walls — with the same respect you would want shown to something that belongs to you. Clean up after yourself. Do not damage anything. If something breaks or goes wrong, tell a staff member immediately.
2 --> RESPECT EVERY PERSON
Every person in this club chose to show up. That takes something. No bullying, no put-downs, no exclusion — in person or online. No comments about how someone looks, dances, dresses, or who they are. If you would not want it said to you, do not say it to someone else. This applies inside the club and in any Whakamana group chats or social spaces.
3 --> KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF
On the dance floor and everywhere else, physical contact is only okay when both people are clearly comfortable with it. No grabbing, pushing, or touching anyone without their consent. If someone tells you to stop — you stop. No exceptions, no arguments.
4 --> ZERO SUBSTANCES
No alcohol, no vaping, no drugs — period. Arrive impaired and you go home immediately. This is a space for teens and it will stay that way. This rule protects every member in the building, including you.
5 --> SPEAK UP
If you see something that makes someone uncomfortable — a situation, a comment, a behavior — tell a staff member. You do not have to handle it yourself. Speaking up is not snitching. It is protecting the space that everyone here worked to build. Your voice matters here. Use it.
6 --> OWN YOUR ACTIONS
Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is what you do next. If you hurt someone — intentionally or not — own it. Apologize directly. Make it right. We will always give you the chance to do that before any other action is taken. What we will not accept is denial, deflection, or making excuses.
7 --> USE YOUR PHONE RESPONSIBLY
You can have your phone. What you cannot do is film or photograph other members without their permission and post it anywhere. People come here to let loose and be themselves — not to end up on someone’s social media without knowing it. Ask first. Always.
8 --> FOLLOW STAFF DIRECTION
When a staff member asks you to do something, do it. They are not here to control you — they are here to make sure everyone has a good night. If you disagree with a call, talk to them calmly after the moment has passed. Arguing, ignoring, or escalating in the moment is not acceptable and will result in you being asked to leave.
9 --> ARRIVE AND LEAVE ON TIME
Doors open at 7:00 PM. Last entry is 9:00 PM. The club closes at 10:00 PM — everyone must be out of the building by 10:15 PM.
Your ride must be here on time. Whakamana staff are not responsible for members after closing time. If your ride has not arrived by 10:15 PM, you will remain inside the building and wait — but you are doing so at your own responsibility. We are not a babysitting service and we will not be held accountable for arrangements made outside of club hours.
Plan your transportation before you arrive. Confirm your pickup time with your parent or guardian before you walk in the door. This is your responsibility and theirs.
10 --> BE SOMEONE OTHERS WANT TO BE AROUND
This is the one that covers everything else. Cheer for people. Make space for the new kid. Bring energy that lifts the room. Be the reason someone has a good night. You were accepted here because we believe you can hold this standard. We are not going to watch over your shoulder — we are going to trust you. Because that is how this works.
CONSEQUENCES
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CODE IS BROKEN?
We believe in giving people the chance to make things right. Most situations will be handled with a direct conversation first. However, certain behaviors — physical aggression, substance use, harassment, or repeated violations — will result in immediate removal from the club that night and possible suspension or permanent revocation of membership. There are no refunds for memberships revoked due to conduct violations.
We do not take these steps lightly. We take them because every person in this space deserves to feel safe — and that is non-negotiable.
THIS IS YOUR SPACE. PROTECT IT.
Whakamana exists because teens in this community deserve a place that is theirs. A place built on trust, respect, and the belief that young people are capable of holding themselves to a high standard. Every member who signs this code is part of making that real.
We cannot wait to see you on the floor.
Join the W.A.V.E –> Whakamana | Authority | Voice | Empowerment
- 14409 National Hwy, Cumberland, MD 21502
- info@whakamanaclub.com
- +1-561-309-2742