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Philosophy

Paramount Winterguard, a flagship program of Paramount Performing Arts, is a competitive performing arts ensemble proudly competing at the Independent World class level within the Southern Association of Performing Arts and Winter Guard International (WGI). Our aim is to foster artistic expression that challenges our staff, members, and audience to explore new boundaries in the pageantry arts. Through consistent, positive instruction, we seek to provide members with a meaningful and rewarding experience, combining competitive excellence with entertaining, innovative performance.

Mission Statement

Based in Atlanta, Paramount Winterguard is dedicated to transforming lives through creativity, community, and teamwork, creating a positive, life-changing experience for our members, volunteers, and staff.

Welcome to the Paramount Team!

Paramount Performing Arts is committed to maintaining a team of the most talented and dedicated educators in the performing arts. As a member of the Paramount Team, you are expected to uphold a standard of professionalism that reflects class, integrity, respect, dedication, loyalty, and open communication. As ambassadors of Paramount Performing Arts, your conduct should align with these values in interactions with members, volunteers, parents, competitors, adjudicators, and fans. We are thrilled to have you as a part of our team.

Background Investigations and Safe Sport Training

To uphold the highest standards of safety and integrity, Paramount Performing Arts conducts background checks and Safe Sport training in partnership with WGI and the National Center for Safety Initiatives, following the National Council of Youth Sports guidelines. Paramount will cover any fees associated with these checks.

Safe Sport Training: Staff members must complete computer-based Safe Sport training and provide completion certificates if done with another program.

Authorization: Staff will be requested to authorize Paramount Performing Arts to complete these checks as per WGI policy.

Code of Conduct

All staff, contractors, and volunteers are required to adhere to the following policies as a condition of their involvement with Paramount Winterguard. Violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of affiliation.

1. Alcohol and Drugs: Staff may not consume alcohol, illegal substances, or impairing prescription medications while “at work” with Paramount, which includes time from the beginning of the day to the close of competition. Violations may result in disciplinary action, including referral to law enforcement if warranted.

2. Sexual Misconduct and Harassment: Paramount Winterguard maintains a zero-tolerance policy on any conduct that could endanger or harass participants, employees, or volunteers. Misconduct of a sexual nature, harassment based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender expression, and any conduct involving harm to a minor will result in immediate disciplinary measures, up to a permanent ban.

3. Professionalism: Staff are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct, including courteous, respectful behavior on social media. Any online interactions that might damage the reputation of Paramount Performing Arts, WGI, or the individual’s professionalism are prohibited.

4. Confidentiality: Staff are expected to keep all proprietary and design-specific information confidential. Engaging in similar services for other competitive groups is permissible as long as it does not conflict with responsibilities to Paramount and is disclosed to the Director.

5. Conflict of Interest: Staff must disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest promptly. This includes affiliations with other groups competing at WGI events, involvement in personal businesses that may conflict with Paramount’s interests, and other situations impacting impartiality.

Reporting Obligations

All Paramount Winterguard staff have an affirmative duty to report any observed or suspected violations of Paramount policies or the law, including but not limited to:

• Sexual harassment and misconduct

• Substance abuse

• Serious injury, illness, or property damage

Reporting Process: Reports can be made to the Director, Assistant Director, or another member of the administrative team. For convenience, staff can also report online via the Paramount Winterguard website at https://www.paramountwg.org/safety or email info@paramountwg.org. All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality as permitted by law and will be reviewed by the Ethics Committee or an alternate member if the Director is implicated.

Anti-Retaliation Policy: Paramount will protect from retaliation anyone making a report in good faith.

False Reporting: Deliberately false reports for purposes of retaliation or malice will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

Policies Overview

All staff are required to review the Paramount policies, which cover:

• Code of Conduct and Professional Boundaries: No fraternization with members, no one-on-one contact in secluded areas, and adherence to all conduct guidelines.

• Inclusivity and Safety: Policies on gender inclusivity, pronoun usage, harassment prevention, bullying, and rehearsal environment standards.

• Health and Safety: Contagious illness protocol, injury prevention, and duty to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all participants.

• Social Media and Communication: Social media conduct, media relations, and prohibitions on discussing specific competitive groups online.

Full policy details are available at https://www.paramountwg.org/safety.