For the AMPP (Association for Materials Protection and Performance) Arizona Chapter, conduct for events like golf outings and meetings is governed by the national organization’s unified Policies and Procedures Charter and Code of Ethics.
Since the merger of NACE and SSPC into AMPP, all chapters follow a standardized framework to ensure professional and legal compliance.
1. Professional Conduct & Ethics
All participants (members, vendors, and guests) are expected to uphold the AMPP Code of Ethics during chapter events. Key pillars include:
- Respect & Diversity: Foster an environment that values diversity and treats all participants with respect, regardless of differences.
- Anti-Harassment: AMPP maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, including cultural, religious, or sexual harassment. This applies to both the formal meeting and informal social gatherings (like the golf course or “19th hole”).
- Integrity: Act with honesty and professional dignity, representing the materials protection industry positively.
2. Antitrust Compliance (Critical for Meetings)
Because AMPP events bring together competitors, strict Antitrust Rules apply to all Arizona Chapter meetings and outings. You must avoid discussing:
- Pricing: Current or future prices, discounts, or credit terms.
- Market Allocation: Agreements to stay out of certain territories or not to solicit specific customers.
- Production: Limitations on service volume or “gentlemen’s agreements” regarding bids.
- Boycotts: Discussions about refusing to deal with specific suppliers or competitors.
Note: If a conversation at a golf outing or dinner turns toward these topics, members are professionally obligated to terminate the discussion immediately.
3. Golf Outing Etiquette
While specific “fun” rules may vary by the venue (e.g., local Arizona courses like Wigwam or Continental Country Club), the chapter follows standard professional outing norms:
- Sponsorship Boundaries: Respect the exclusive rights of sponsors. If a company has sponsored a hole, other vendors should not “poach” that space for marketing.
- Alcohol Consumption: Professionalism is expected. While golf outings are social, participants are still representing their employers and the AMPP organization.
- Course Rules: Adherence to the specific Arizona golf club’s dress code (typically collared shirts, no denim) and pace-of-play requirements.
4. Consumption of alcohol
While the specific bylaws for the Arizona (AZ) Chapter of AMPP (Association for Materials Protection and Performance) are typically managed at the local level, they must align with the AMPP National Alcohol Policy.
According to the general policies for AMPP-affiliated events and standard professional chapter practices, here is how alcohol consumption is handled:
1. The “Cash Bar” Standard
At most local chapter meetings, if alcohol is available, it is handled via a Cash Bar system. This means that:
- Members buy their own: Individual members are responsible for purchasing their own alcoholic beverages directly from the venue (restaurant, hotel, or bar).
- Licensed Vendors: Alcohol must be sold and distributed by a licensed third-party provider. This shifts the liability from the AMPP Chapter to the professional venue.
2. Prohibition of Chapter Funds for Alcohol
AMPP national guidelines generally prohibit the use of Chapter Funds (membership dues or sponsorship money) to purchase alcohol for members.
- Networking Receptions: At larger conferences, drink tickets may be provided if they are specifically funded by a corporate sponsor, but for standard monthly chapter meetings, the “buy your own” rule is the norm.
- Anti-Pooling: Members should not pool money together to buy bulk alcohol (like a keg) for a chapter meeting, as this creates significant legal and insurance liability for the chapter officers.
3. Professional Conduct Expectations
Even when members buy their own drinks, they are bound by the AMPP Code of Ethics and Anti-Harassment Policy.
- Moderation: Members are expected to drink in moderation and maintain a professional demeanor.
- Safety: The chapter encourages “responsible consumption,” and officers often have the authority to ask a member to leave or arrange a ride home if they appear intoxicated.
Local Specifics for AZ AMPP
Because policies can vary slightly by venue (e.g., if a meeting is held at a private company’s office vs. a public restaurant), it is best to check the specific meeting announcement.
Typical AZ AMPP Meeting Format:
- Dinner/Technical Presentation: Usually held at a venue like a Hilton or a local restaurant.
- Alcohol Availability: The venue’s bar is open for individual purchases; the chapter registration fee usually covers only the meal and soft drinks.
5. Reporting Violations
If an ethics or conduct violation occurs during an Arizona Chapter event:
- On-site: Report the issue to a Chapter Officer or Board Member.
- Or, email arizona@amppchapter.org