PSO's Community Guidelines

Our values:

We believe everyone has something to contribute and deserves to have their moment–on stage, in the audience, and across all our shared spaces. PSO is built around the values of support, inclusion, physical safety, and mutual respect. Together, we can create events and conversations that reflect the very best of our vibrant pole industry.

These community guidelines reflect our shared values and help nurture a supportive environment for all members of the PSO community—whether at a live event or connecting online.

As members of the PSO community, our stance is that:

We are cooperative and see each other as allies
We care deeply about creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and safe. We’re committed to kindness, inclusion, and accountability. We welcome feedback and aim to foster open dialogue while maintaining boundaries. Gossip, harassment, or discriminatory behavior has no place in our community.

Everyone deserves a chance to be onstage
We believe in celebrating one another’s artistry and courage. Whether you’re connecting with polers from other studios, cheering for the dancers you’re competing with, or inviting someone into your circle, every act of support strengthens our shared experience.

You can sit with us
Our community is made richer by the diversity of backgrounds, identities, skill levels, and studio affiliations. We encourage everyone to show compassion, curiosity, and empathy. Practicing good sportsmanship and mutual encouragement uplifts all of us.

It takes a village 
We celebrate the courage it takes to perform. Let’s honor that effort by being present and considerate: enter and exit the theater between performances, remain seated while competitors are on stage, and help keep event spaces tidy. These small acts make a big difference in creating a welcoming environment for all.

I am doing the thing
As much as PSO is a competition platform, we are also a space where competitors get to practice being a performing professional. Professionals are responsible for making their own experience the best one possible, such as submitting music ahead of the event, arriving at the venue on time, and properly warming up to prevent injury. On stage, that means when a move doesn’t go totally right, we stay in character and don’t let little issues rattle us. After the performance, it means interacting with fellow competitors with grace and respect.

Upholding Our Values

PSO is committed to protecting the well-being of our community. If behavior contradicts these values or creates harm, we may take appropriate steps to address it. This may include private conversations, temporary restrictions, or other actions as needed. Our goal is always to support a safe, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

Online
We care deeply about the tone and culture of our online spaces. Social media should reflect the same respect, encouragement, and inclusion we value at our events. If posts or comments go against these values—such as through harassment, harmful gossip, or exclusionary behavior—we may take steps to protect the community. This could include content removal, limiting engagement, or other actions as needed. Our aim is always to foster a positive and safe environment for everyone participating in PSO spaces online.

Together, we co-create the kind of community we want to belong to—respectful, joyful, and inclusive. Thank you for being part of it.