Professional Code of Conduct

Firearm Mentorship Network ("FMN") — https://firearmmentorshipnetwork.com

1. Purpose and Application

This Professional Code of Conduct ("Code") sets the standards of professionalism, integrity, and safety expected of every Instructor and Mentor ("Provider") on the Firearm Mentorship Network platform (the "Platform"). It applies to all Platform activity and to all Training arranged through the Platform, wherever it takes place. It is part of the Instructor Agreement, Mentor Agreement, and Terms of Service.

2. Core Principles

1. Safety first. Safety outranks schedule, profit, convenience, and ego.
2. Integrity. Be truthful about who you are, what you know, and what you offer.
3. Respect. Treat every Participant, Guardian, range staff member, and fellow Provider with dignity.
4. Responsibility. Know and follow the law and own your mistakes.
5. Stewardship. Represent responsible firearms ownership to the public.

3. Honesty and Representation

Providers must:

• Represent credentials, certifications, experience, insurance, and background-check status accurately and keep them current;
• Never claim affiliation with, or endorsement by, FMN, a certifying body, law enforcement, or the military that does not exist;
• Accurately state whether a course satisfies any state permit or license requirement;
• Disclose the total cost of Training, including range fees, ammunition, rentals, and materials, before booking; and
• Not post fake reviews, solicit reviews in exchange for discounts or gifts, or manipulate ratings.

4. Safety and Competence

Providers must:

• Follow the FMN Safety Policy, range rules, and the universal firearm safety rules without exception;
• Teach only within their competence and certification scope;
• Maintain proficiency, current certifications, and appropriate equipment;
• Refuse to train or immediately stop training anyone who is impaired, unsafe, or reasonably believed to be legally prohibited from possessing firearms; and
• Report incidents promptly as required.

5. Respect, Non-Discrimination, and Harassment

• Treat all Participants courteously and patiently, regardless of experience level.
• Do not refuse service or treat anyone differently on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Providers may set legitimate, safety-based eligibility criteria (e.g., minimum age, prerequisite course, physical ability to safely perform drills), applied consistently.
• Make reasonable efforts to accommodate Participants with disabilities where safe and practicable, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act where it applies.
• No harassment, bullying, demeaning comments, or intimidation—in person, in messages, or in reviews.

6. Professional Boundaries

• No sexual or romantic conduct with Participants during any Training relationship; no sexual comments, unwanted touching, or innuendo.
• Hands-on correction: Explain and ask permission before any physical contact for instruction (e.g., adjusting grip or stance). Use the minimum contact necessary, and offer a non-contact alternative.
• No exploitation of Participants financially, emotionally, or otherwise; no pressuring Participants to purchase products, memberships, or firearms.
• Alcohol and drugs: No alcohol or impairing substances before or during Training, for anyone.

7. Youth Protection

Providers working with Minors must:

• Communicate only through the Guardian account; never message, call, text, email, or connect on social media with a Minor directly;
• Never be alone with a Minor out of view of the Guardian or another adult ("two-adult rule");
• Never transport a Minor;
• Never photograph or post images of a Minor without the Guardian's written consent, and never post a Minor's name or identifying information publicly;
• Use age- and size-appropriate firearms and maintain 1:1 supervision on the firing line;
• Comply with all laws on minors and firearms; and
• Report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities.

8. Communications and Privacy

• Keep communication professional, timely, and relevant to Training.
• Use Participant and Guardian information only for the booked Training; never sell, share, or add it to marketing lists without consent.
• Do not disclose a Participant's training, attendance, or personal information to others without permission, except where legally required or necessary for safety.
• Do not use the Platform to send spam or unsolicited promotions.

9. Legal Compliance and Prohibited Activities

Providers must not:

• Use the Platform to sell, transfer, or ship firearms, ammunition, or regulated items;
• Teach or encourage unlawful modification of firearms, unlawful carry, or violence against others;
• Provide legal advice unless licensed to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction (general discussion of law is permitted with a clear recommendation to consult an attorney);
• Make disparaging, false, or defamatory statements about other Providers or Participants; or
• Engage in political, religious, or ideological recruitment in Training.

10. Reviews and Disputes

Respond to reviews professionally and factually, without revealing private information. Attempt to resolve disputes respectfully and directly; involve FMN support where needed. Do not retaliate against anyone for a review or report.

11. Enforcement

Violations may result in warnings, required corrective action, removal of content or listings, loss of badges, suspension, or permanent removal, at FMN's discretion and depending on severity. Serious safety, youth-protection, or criminal violations may result in immediate removal and referral to law enforcement. FMN may, but is not required to, give the Provider an opportunity to respond. Providers may request reconsideration of a permanent removal within 30 days by emailing legal@firearmmentorshipnetwork.com.

12. Reporting

Report violations to safety@firearmmentorshipnetwork.com or by using the "Report" button. Good-faith reporters are protected from retaliation.