Code of Conduct.

Last updated: 30 July 2026 · Applies to all participants, volunteers, judges, mentors, guests and staff at Élan Summit 2026

1. Who this applies to

This Code applies to every person present at Élan — participants, volunteers, judges, mentors, guests, partners and organising staff — for the full duration of the event, including competition rooms, the auditorium, meals, the Open Stage, Cultural Night, the Carnival, transport arranged by Élan, and the accommodation overnight.

It forms part of the Terms and Conditions. Accepting the Terms at registration means accepting this Code. Where the participant is under 18, their parent or guardian accepts it on their behalf.

2. The standard we expect

• Treat every person with respect, whatever their school, background, gender, religion, language, appearance or ability.
• Compete hard and fairly. Win without gloating; lose without blaming.
• Follow instructions from organisers, volunteers, judges, venue staff and security without argument. If you disagree, raise it afterwards through the proper channel.
• Look after the people around you. If someone seems unwell, unsafe or excluded, tell an organiser.
• Be where you are supposed to be, at the time you are supposed to be there.

3. Behaviour that is not acceptable

The following will be treated as a breach of this Code:

• Harassment — including unwanted physical contact, sexual comments or advances, persistent unwanted attention, or comments targeting a person’s gender, caste, religion, region, language, appearance, disability or sexuality.
• Bullying and intimidation — including exclusion, humiliation, threats, or ganging up on an individual or a school.
• Abusive language — swearing at, insulting or demeaning any person.
• Violence or threats of violence, including play-fighting that could injure.
• Damage or vandalism to the venue, accommodation, equipment or another person’s property.
• Theft or interfering with another person’s belongings.
• Anything that endangers safety, including tampering with fire equipment, electrical fittings or emergency exits.

4. Fair competition

Crisis Command and Cent$ible are judged competitions. The following are prohibited:

• plagiarism, or presenting work that is not your team’s own;
• using prohibited devices, notes, or outside help during a round;
• obtaining or sharing a brief, case or question paper before it is released;
• impersonating another participant, or competing in a round you are not registered for;
• attempting to influence a judge, moderator or scorer;
• deliberately disrupting another team’s round, submission or presentation;
• falsifying identity, age or eligibility at registration.

Judges’ decisions on scoring and disqualification are final, as set out in the Terms and Conditions.

5. Conduct during the overnight stay

The overnight stay is the part of the event where the Code matters most. Participants must:

• stay in the room and building allocated to them, and not enter accommodation allocated to another gender;
• be inside by the curfew announced at the event, and observe lights-out;
• never leave the premises without written permission from the Organising Committee and their parent or guardian;
• keep noise to a level that lets others sleep;
• report anything that feels unsafe, immediately, to the nearest organiser or supervising adult;
• not invite or admit any person from outside the event into the accommodation.

6. Substances and prohibited items

Alcohol, tobacco, vaping devices, illegal substances, weapons, explosives, fireworks and any dangerous item are strictly prohibited at all times. Possession will result in immediate removal from the event, contact with the participant’s parent or guardian, and where appropriate, the authorities. No refund is given in these circumstances.

7. Phones, photography and social media

• Do not photograph, film or record any person without their clear consent — and never in accommodation, changing areas or washrooms.
• Do not post anything that mocks, humiliates or targets another participant, school, judge or volunteer.
• Do not share competition materials, briefs or cases online during the event.
• Devices may be restricted during specific rounds. Follow the instruction given in the room.
• Do not share your participant portal login or set-password link with anyone.

8. Respect for the venue and staff

Élan is a guest at SGIS Pune Campus. Treat the campus, accommodation, dining areas, equipment and staff with care and courtesy. Clear your own table and dispose of waste properly. Damage caused by a participant is chargeable to their parent or guardian.

9. Reporting a concern

If you experience or witness anything that breaches this Code — or anything that simply does not feel right — report it. You will be taken seriously.

• Speak to any organiser, volunteer or supervising adult at the venue. Organisers are identifiable by their Élan badge.
• Go to the registration or help desk.
• Use the Help Desk section in the participant portal.
• Call or message the Élan Director: +91 8160215010.
• Email elan@sgischool.in.

Reports are handled as discreetly as the situation allows. Where a participant under 18 is involved, their parent or guardian will be informed. Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith is itself a breach of this Code.

In an emergency, find the nearest organiser or staff member immediately. Do not wait to use a written channel.

10. What happens if the Code is breached

The Organising Committee will decide the response, judged against the seriousness of the breach. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• a verbal warning;
• a formal warning, with the parent or guardian informed;
• a scoring penalty, or exclusion from a round;
• disqualification from the competition, with loss of any prize entitlement;
• removal from the event, with the parent or guardian required to arrange collection;
• referral to the participant’s school, or to the authorities, where the conduct warrants it.

Serious breaches — including harassment, violence, substances or anything endangering safety — may result in immediate removal without a prior warning. No refund is given where a participant is removed for breaching this Code.

11. A note for parents and guardians

Please read this Code with your child before the event. Supervision at Élan is group supervision appropriate to a school event, not one-to-one care, and it works best when participants arrive already knowing what is expected. If you have any concern during the event, contact the Director on the number above at any time.

Contact

Élan Organising Committee — Director: Akshit Parmar
Phone: +91 8160215010
Email: elan@sgischool.in