Code Of Conduct
The Wellington Roast Battle Championship exists to celebrate clever writing, fearless performance,
and good sportsmanship. While the jokes may be brutal, the environment should always be respectful,'
professional, and safe.
By participating in the championship, all competitors agree to the following Code of Conduct.
Respect Your Fellow Competitors
Every competitor has chosen to participate and understands they will be the subject of roast jokes. Treat your opponent with respect before, during, and after the battle. Leave the insults on stage.
Comedy Comes First
The goal is to write the funniest jokes—not the cruelest ones. Competitors are encouraged to challenge one another with originality, wit, and strong writing rather than relying on shock value or personal attacks.
Keep It Consensual
Roast Battle works because every participant has agreed to take part. If a fellow competitor raises a genuine concern about a topic before the show, approach that conversation respectfully. Organisers may facilitate discussions where appropriate.
No Harassment or Discrimination
Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated on or off stage. This includes behaviour directed towards competitors, judges, hosts, audience members, venue staff, volunteers, or organisers.
Respect Personal Boundaries
Physical contact with another performer should be avoided unless it has been clearly agreed to beforehand.
Do not:
- Push, shove, grab, or intimidate another performer.
- Throw objects.
- Damage venue property.
- Invade another person's personal space in a way that could be perceived as threatening.
Be Professional
Competitors are expected to:
- Arrive on time.
- Be prepared.
- Follow organiser instructions.
- Treat staff, volunteers, and venue employees with respect.
Original Material Only
Competitors must perform their own original roast jokes. Plagiarism or knowingly using another comedian's material may result in immediate disqualification and exclusion from future events.
Perform Responsibly
Competitors must be capable of performing safely and professionally. Anyone whose behaviour is significantly impaired by alcohol or drugs may be withdrawn from the event at the organisers' discretion.
Respect the Outcome
Judges' decisions are final. Healthy debate is part of comedy, but abusive behaviour towards judges, organisers, or fellow competitors will not be tolerated.
Support the Community
The Wellington comedy community is built on collaboration and mutual respect. Whether you win or lose, help create an environment where comedians of all experience levels feel welcome to participate and improve.
Social Media
Competitors are encouraged to promote the event and celebrate great performances. Do not use social media to harass, threaten, or target fellow competitors, judges, organisers, or audience members before or after the event.
Breaches of the Code
Depending on the severity of the conduct, organisers may:
- Issue a verbal warning.
- Remove a competitor from a battle.
- Disqualify a competitor from the championship.
- Remove a competitor from the venue.
- Decline future applications to Wellington Roast Battle Championship events.