Code of Conduct
Last Man Standing Karaoke Contest exists to bring people together over a shared love of singing. This Code of Conduct lays out how we treat each other so that every qualifier, semi-final, and championship night stays welcoming, safe, and fun for the whole crowd.
1. Respect and Inclusion
Everyone who walks through the door deserves to feel welcome. We built Last Man Standing around the idea that karaoke is for all of us, and we ask every attendee, performer, and staff member to help protect that spirit.
1.1 Treat People Right
- •Be decent to everyone — the host, the bartender, the first-timer, and the seasoned regular alike.
- •Actually listen when someone is talking, and stay open to viewpoints that differ from your own.
- •A little kindness goes a long way. Pass it along.
1.2 Make Room for Everyone
- •If you spot someone new, say hello. A warm welcome is the cheapest thing we can offer and the most valuable.
- •Karaoke thrives on variety — encourage singers of every background and comfort level to take their turn.
- •If a venue or stage isn't easy to access for someone, tell an organizer so we can fix it.
1.3 Harassment and Discrimination
- •We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination — not on race, gender, age, orientation, faith, ability, or anything else.
- •If something happens to you or someone near you, tell a staff member right away. We will take it seriously.
- •Anyone who reports an incident will be supported, not blamed.
1.4 How We Talk to Each Other
- •Keep your language welcoming and free of slurs or put-downs.
- •Disagree without being disagreeable — especially on the topics that run hot.
- •When you have notes for someone, deliver them the way you'd want notes delivered to you.
1.5 Cultural Awareness
- •Music comes from everywhere. Stay curious about where a song comes from instead of assuming.
- •Leave the stereotypes at the door.
- •Celebrate the range of cultures in the room — through song choices, themes, and the people we lift up.
1.6 Gender Identity and Expression
- •Use the name and pronouns someone shares with you. If you're unsure, it's okay to ask politely.
- •We work with venues to make sure restrooms and facilities work for everyone.
- •Non-binary and trans singers are part of this community, full stop.
1.7 All Ages Welcome
- •Karaoke doesn't have an age limit. We want teenagers and grandparents sharing the same stage.
- •Where it makes sense, we run family-friendly sessions so the whole crowd can join in.
2. Responsible Behavior
A great night out stays great because people look after themselves and each other. Here's what we ask of everyone at a Last Man Standing event.
2.1 Drinking
- •If you drink, pace yourself so you can still enjoy the night and the people around you.
- •Every venue has its own rules on alcohol — follow them.
- •Plan your ride home before you order your first round. A sober driver is always a good look.
2.2 Substances
- •Illegal drugs aren't welcome at our events. No exceptions.
- •Take prescription meds the way they were prescribed to you.
2.3 How You Carry Yourself
- •Keep your cool, even when the room gets loud.
- •Skip the abusive, vulgar, or demeaning language — it kills the vibe for everyone.
- •Respect people's personal space. If someone steps back, let them.
2.4 Online and Social Media
- •If you post about the event, post like the whole room is watching — because they are.
- •Don't share someone's photo, video, or personal details without their okay.
3. Performance Etiquette
The stage is the heart of the night. A few shared habits keep it fair and fun for every singer.
3.1 Keeping It Fair
- •Sign up the way the host asks you to — no cutting, no special pleading.
- •Trust the rotation the host runs. They're balancing a packed room.
- •Cheer as hard for the nervous first-timer as you do for the ringer.
3.2 Picking Your Song
- •Read the room. A song that fits the crowd lands better than a shock-value one.
- •Watch how the audience is responding and adjust your energy to match.
- •Keep the mic volume where the host set it — they tuned it for a reason.
3.3 Your Time on Stage
- •Know how long you've got and wrap it up when your song's done.
- •Be ready when your name is called so the night keeps moving.
3.4 Supporting Other Singers
- •Clap, holler, and cheer — performers feed off the room's energy.
- •Save the harsh critiques for your own living room. Public put-downs aren't welcome.
- •Do not record or post another singer's set unless they have told you it is fine.
4. Safety and Well-being
Looking out for each other is what turns a good event into a great one. Safety comes first, always.
4.1 In an Emergency
- •When you arrive, take a second to note where the exits are.
- •If something goes wrong, follow the venue staff and our organizers without argument.
4.2 Health and Hygiene
- •Wash your hands — it's basic, but it matters.
- •If you're sick or think you might be coming down with something, sit this one out. We'll see you at the next one.
- •We provide disposable mic covers and disinfect mics between singers. Do your part and use them.
4.3 Taking Care of Your Head
- •Help keep the room a place where people can let their guard down.
- •If the crowd or the noise gets to be too much, step outside and breathe.
- •If you're struggling, find an organizer. We're here to help, not to judge.
5. Sorting Out Conflict
Disagreements happen. What matters is how we handle them so the night doesn't unravel.
5.1 Nipping It in the Bud
- •Deal with a problem early, before it grows into something bigger.
- •Keep your cool and your voice down when you do.
- •What's said in resolving a conflict stays between the people involved.
5.2 Speaking Up Without Fear
- •We keep reporting channels open and easy to find — including ways to report without giving your name.
- •Nobody gets punished for raising a concern. Ever.
6. Enforcement
Rules only work if they mean something. Here's how we respond when someone crosses the line.
6.1 What Can Happen
- •A quiet word from an organizer for minor or first-time slip-ups.
- •A formal written warning for repeat or more serious issues.
- •Being asked to leave the event for clear misconduct.
- •A timeout from future events when a violation is significant.
- •Loss of eligibility to compete going forward for the most serious or repeated cases.
6.2 If You Want to Appeal
- •You can appeal any enforcement decision in writing — we want to get it right.
- •A review panel looks it over and issues a final call.
7. Updating This Code
This document isn't set in stone. As our community grows and we learn, we'll keep it honest and current.
7.1 How Changes Get Made
- •Anyone in the Last Man Standing community can suggest a change to this code.
- •A small committee reviews suggestions and gathers input from across the community.
- •The organizing team votes, and a change takes a clear majority to pass.
- •When something updates, we spread the word so no one's caught off guard.
8. Questions or Reports
Got a question about this code, or need to report something that happened at an event? Find an organizer at any qualifier or semi-final, or message us through our social channels. We'd rather hear about it early than late.
When you take the stage at a Last Man Standing event, you're agreeing to this Code of Conduct — and helping us keep karaoke the welcoming, rowdy, good-hearted thing it's supposed to be.