HSFGR Code of Conduct & Culture
Why We Have a Code of Conduct
published November 16, 2025
The Heritage Silky Fainting Goat Registry (HSFGR) exists to protect the goats and the people who care about them. That means a culture where people can engage, contribute, collaborate, and steward with confidence and psychological safety – without interpersonal politics, personal agendas, favoritism, hostile conduct, exclusionary behavior, or unethical practices.
The HSFGR Code of Conduct & Disciplinary Policy sets expectations for how members, judges, exhibitors, and officials behave in HSFGR spaces – at shows, online, and in registry business.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about basic respect, integrity, and doing right by the goats and by each other.
Core Expectations - Be Good Stewards of the Breed & Community
In plain language, everyone involved with HSFGR is expected to:
1. Treat People with Respect
This includes, no harassment, bullying, stalking or targeted attacks. Disagreement is allowed and can be healthy but demeaning, intimidating or retaliatory behavior is not. Youth see, hear and model behavior and generally look to their adult world for those examples. All HSFGR members are expected to keep conversations and behavior appropriate when youth are present, this includes online groups and activities.
2. Treat Animals with Care ~ Always.
When showing, handle goats calmly and humanely at all times. We all know each differ in personality, good and bad habits, physical strength, etc. and they are not always calm and humane! How you choose to manage your goat is your business, be sure to remain as calm and humane as humanly possible. Follow show and handling rules, they were designed for safety and welfare. Never use rough or abusive handling to “prove” myotonia or force a fainting response.
3. Be Honest and Fair
Be truthful in registrations, transfers, and show entries. Do not misrepresent goats, titles, records, or ownership. Show hosts should be honest in reporting, and all Judges and Officials must avoid favoritism and conflicts of interest.
4. Use Social Media Responsibly
When representing the HSFG Registry avoid stirring drama. Do not use online spaces to harass, smear, or gang up on individuals or farms. This includes at all HSFGR shows & events, judges, show hosts, all members and online activities. All serious concerns need to be taken to the registry, through proper channels, not public pile-ons. Our focus should be on the Goats. Our purpose is to preserve this breed, not break it down. It takes a village to make or break anything. Be good stewards.
5. Support a Healthy Youth Environment
Do not drag youth into adult conflicts. Speak and act in ways that are appropriate when youth may see, overhear or read. Follow the HSFGR Youth Program & Code whenever youth are involved.
Membership Participation, Eligibility, and Protection of the Community
HSFGR values inclusiveness and transparency. At the same time, participation in HSFGR is a privilege -not an entitlement-and HSFGR must protect its members, youth environment, events, and registry integrity.
HSFGR reserves the right to deny, suspend, limit, or revoke membership or participation privileges for cause, including but not limited to:
- harassment, bullying, stalking, or threats
- doxxing or sharing private information
- sustained disruptive conduct in HSFGR spaces (in person or online)
- retaliation against members who raise concerns
- fraud, falsification, or misuse of registry services
- repeated violations of this Code or related policies
- conduct that creates an unsafe or hostile environment for members, youth, judges, exhibitors, or officials
- HSFGR does not deny membership based on protected characteristics. ** Decisions are based on conduct and compliance with HSFGR policies. **
Fair Review Process
When feasible, HSFGR will provide the applicant/member with notice of the issue and an opportunity to respond.
** HSFGR may impose temporary restrictions immediately when safety concerns or severe disruption are present. Final decisions may include conditions for continued participation, suspension, or removal, with guidance on reinstatement or reapplication when appropriate.
Raising Concerns
How HSFGR Handles Complaints
Why HSFGR Has These Policies
If you have a serious concern involving:
A member or exhibitor behavior. A Judge or show official conduct. Harassment, bullying, or unsafe situations. Misuse of registry services or falsified information, you should first review the Code of Conduct & Disciplinary Policy. If you then feel you must submit a written concern, use the Complaint / Concern Submission Form.
Concerns should be specific, fact-based, and focused on what happened, when and who was involved.
** Complaint / Concern Submission Form (PDF) ** (Electronic Submission)
The Code of Conduct & Disciplinary Policy outlines:
How concerns may be reviewed (e.g., by the Registry Director and/or a designated review group)
What steps may be taken to gather more information
Possible outcomes ranging from education and informal correction to formal warnings, limitations, suspension, or removal of membership/privileges in serious cases
** Not every complaint will lead to public action, but all valid concerns are taken seriously and handled as fairly and consistently as possible.
This Is About Protecting the Registry, Not Picking Sides
The goal of this Code is not to control opinions or micromanage personalities. It is to:
Protect the integrity of the registry and herdbook
Provide a safer space for youth and adults
Encourage healthy, sustainable community culture
Keep the focus on what matters: the goats and their honest records
** Participation in HSFGR {membership, shows, youth programs, judges, and officials} implies agreement to these basic expectations.
Related Material: Conduct & Enforcement
Questions About the Code of Conduct?
If you’re unsure how a situation fits under the Code, or whether something should be reported, you’re welcome to ask
Code & conduct questions: [email protected]
General HSFGR questions: [email protected]
We would rather help you navigate a tricky situation than have you stay silent or guess.