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Membership Honor Code

By joining Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and paying membership dues, I agree to uphold the National FBLA Honor Code and the Maryland FBLA Code of Conduct. Membership is a privilege, and I understand that I represent my school, my chapter, and FBLA at all times.

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As an FBLA Member, I Agree To:

  • Honor the FBLA Principles: Demonstrate integrity, trust, respect, and responsibility in all activities.

  • Follow Conference & Event Rules: Abide by curfews, venue rules, adviser directions, and all conference guidelines.

  • Maintain Academic Integrity: Submit only original work for competitions, cite sources properly, and follow all event guidelines.

  • Act Professionally in All Settings: This includes school, FBLA events, the community, and online.

  • Use Social Media Responsibly: I understand that what I post publicly reflects on me and on FBLA. While I retain my right to free expression, I will avoid posts, comments, or images that contradict the values of FBLA or harm the organization’s reputation.

  • Accept Accountability: I am responsible for my actions and will respect property, people, and the image of FBLA.

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Consequences

I understand that violating the National or Maryland FBLA Honor Code may result in consequences, including:

  • Warnings or penalties

  • Disqualification from competitive events

  • Removal from conferences at my own expense

  • Notification of my parents/guardians and school administration

  • Other actions deemed necessary by Maryland FBLA or National FBLA

Conference Code of Conduct

All Maryland FBLA members and advisers are expected to uphold the FBLA Honor Code and represent their schools, chapters, and state with professionalism. The following list highlights the Top 10 Behavior Issues that violate the Honor Code, along with the consequences if they occur at conferences.

 

  1. Possession or use of alcohol or illegal/controlled substances

    • Immediate disqualification and removal from competition; student sent home at their own expense; parents/school notified; delegation/candidates may be unseated.

  2. Violation of curfew (not in assigned room at designated time)

    • Immediate removal from activities and sent home at own expense; notifications made to parents and school.

  3. Opposite-sex room visitation

    • Major violation; treated as grounds for immediate disqualification and removal.

  4. Leaving the hotel/venue without the adviser's permission

    • Major violation; immediate removal from conference and sent home at own expense.

  5. Property damage, unsafe conduct, or disrespect of hotel/venue rules

    • The responsible party is responsible for paying for damages, possible removal from activities, and/or conference expenses; in severe cases, law enforcement may be contacted.

  6. Academic dishonesty/unprofessional behavior (cheating, sharing test materials, unauthorized assistance, behaving in an unprofessional manner)

    • Disqualification from event(s); further discipline as deemed necessary by FBLA staff.

  7. Dress Code violations or failure to wear conference ID/nametag

    • Warning issued; repeated violations can result in penalties, disqualification, or removal from sessions.

  8. Skipping required sessions or being late to events

    • Warning or penalty; repeated violations may result in disqualification from competition.

  9. Disrespectful, disruptive, or harassing behavior

    • Warning or removal from conference activities; adviser and parents notified; potential removal from conference for severe cases.

  10. Failure to keep the adviser informed (accidents, illness, location changes)

    • Warning/reprimand: repeated or safety-related incidents may result in removal from activities.

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Consequence Levels

 

Major Violations (Items 1–4): Immediate disqualification and removal; student sent home at their own expense; parents and school notified; chapter delegation may be unseated.

 

Other Violations (Items 5–10): A warning or reprimand will be issued, accompanied by notification to the adviser/parents/school. Repeat or severe violations may result in removal from the conference.

 

Legal Violations: Will be referred to hotel security, local authorities, or law enforcement.

 

Remember: Attending FBLA conferences is a privilege. By following the Honor Code, members ensure a safe, professional, and rewarding experience for all.

 

For questions about this policy, please contact:

Maryland FBLA State Director

Email: jconnor@mdfbla.org

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