Ohrid Techathlon’s Code of Conduct

Ohrid TechAthlon is a multi-stage, multi-disciplinary tech marathon dedicated to advancing technology and innovation through the exploration of complex challenges across diverse sectors, disciplines and technologies.

We value the participation of each member of the eco-system and student community and want all attendees to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Accordingly, all attendees are expected to show respect and courtesy to other attendees throughout the event. To make clear what is expected, all attendees and speakers at this event are required to conform to the following Code of Conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event.

We believe that every single person has the right to hack in a safe and welcoming environment. All Event Participants agree to:

1. Treat everyone involved (participants, hackers, mentors, jury, organisers, sponsors, partners) with utmost respect and kindness.
2. Embrace diversity and be considerate of different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.
3. Harassment, discrimination or any form of inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. This includes racist, sexist, or exclusionary jokes.
4. The consumption of alcohol, narcotic or psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited during the event.
5. Respect the intellectual property rights of others and ensure that the work submitted is original.
6. Immediately report any behaviour that compromises the safety or well-being of participants to the organisers. All reports will be handled confidentially and taken seriously.
7. Be considerate in speech and actions, and actively seek to acknowledge and respect the boundaries of fellow attendees (participants, mentors, judges, speakers, partners, sponsors, investors, exhibitors, media, and any other 3rd parties – individuals, representatives, companies, institutions interacting with the Event)
8. Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
9. Be authentic and empathetic. Treat every participant with kindness and respect. We encourage open-mindedness and active listening.
10. Be mindful and collaborative. Focus on building solutions together. Your ideas are valuable, but so are everyone else’s.
11. Be professional and considerate. Avoid any form of disruptive or inappropriate behavior that could distract from the creative energy of the event.

All participants in the Event are bound to enforce and comply with Code of Conduct principles listed below:

RESPECTFUL PARTICIPATION

The Ohrid Techathlon is dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, or other personal characteristics, feels welcome and respected. Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Offensive verbal comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, etc.
• Sexual images or language in any event venue, including discussions, workshops, parties, or online media.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
• Harassing photography or recording.
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
• Inappropriate physical contact or unwelcome sexual attention.

PARTICIPATION ETIQUETTE

During the in person / virtual edition of the Ohrid Techathlon, participants are expected to maintain a professional and respectful demeanor in all interactions. Aggressive behavior, offensive language, or any form of harassment is strictly prohibited. This includes:

• Negative or abusive comments directed at other participants, partners, sponsors, or organizers.
• Use of trivial or derogatory language related to sex, age, sexual orientation, disabilities, physical appearance, body size, race, etc.
• Participants who violate these rules may be removed from the event at the discretion of the organizers.

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

All event affiliates, licensees, promotional partners, developers, legal representatives, assigns, agents, and licensees are also subject to this anti-harassment policy. Sponsors, in particular, must not use sexualized images, activities, or other inappropriate materials during the event.

Harassment may include, but is not limited to:

• Offensive verbal or written comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion etc.
• Inappropriate or sexualized images or comments in public spaces or online forums.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwanted following.
• Harassing photography or recordings, including unwanted screenshots or screen recordings during virtual events.
• Disrupting talks, conversations, workshops, or other activities with inappropriate comments or actions.
• Unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention, either in person or in virtual settings.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Sponsors, judges, mentors, volunteers, organizers, and anyone else at the event are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, attendees should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material both in their hacks and during the event. Staff (including volunteers and sponsor representatives) should not use sexualized clothing/ uniforms/costumes or otherwise create a sexualized environment.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, Event organizers may take any action deemed appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please report the incident using the procedures below. Event representatives will be happy to help participants contact campus security or local law enforcement or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.

SOCIAL RULES

We are also adopting social rules. These are guidelines for making expected behavior more well-defined. Few people are unkind or annoying to others on purpose, so these social rules help us all to avoid behaviors harmful to a supportive, productive, and fun learning environment.

• No feigning surprise – Acting surprised when people don’t know something often makes them feel bad and has zero educational benefits.
• No well-actually’s – A well-actually is when someone explains something in a mostly- correct manner and another person interjects with a minor/irrelevant correction that derails the discussion without helping or clarifying significantly.
• No back-seat driving – Lobbing advice across tables or intermittently

injecting yourself into conversations is a distracting interruption. We encourage helping each other out – pair programming is one of the best ways to work and learn – but that means only giving advice when it is wanted, and engaging in active discussions rather than passive tips.

• No subtle -isms – Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other kinds of bias are harmful, even if subtle or unintended. Subtle -isms are small things that make others feel uncomfortable, things that we all can sometimes do by mistake. For example, saying “It’s so easy my grandmother could do it” is an instance of subtle sexism (not to mention ageism) and should be avoided.

If someone violates these social rules, feel free to point it out to that person, or report it to our volunteers or organizers. If you are the one responsible for breaking a social rule, apologize, and move forward. Multiple violations of these rules may result in a warning, and extremely sustained, repeated, or willful violations may result in expulsion from the hackathon.

DAMAGE AND DISRUPTIONS

All participants, mentors, Judges, Invitees and organizers of the hackathon are required to ensure that their actions do not disturb individuals outside the venue or lead to public disturbances, property damage, or destruction. In instances of such behavior, those responsible will be held accountable and required to provide compensation and requested to leave the event and the premises immediately.

WRISTBAND/BADGE POLICY

At in-person events, attendees will be given a wristband/badge to wear for the duration of the event. This wristband/badge is required to be worn at all times during the event.

• If for any reason you need to break your wristband, you can bring the broken wristband/badge to the registration desk for a replacement.
• In the event you are unable to locate your wristband/badge (including a broken band) and require a new band/badge to be issued, Ohrid Tech City reserves the right to slash your stake or charge a fee to allow you to re-enter the venue

CONFERENCE RECORDING AND PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

We ask all attendees to ask before taking photographs and inform people that will be in the frame that photos will be taken.

ROLES AND REPONSABILITIES

All individuals present at Ohrid Techathlon are expected to uphold and abide by this policy, by refraining from any form of harassment or discrimination, and by cooperating fully in any investigation of a harassment or discrimination complaint. Ohrid Techathlon looks to its attendees and Organizers to uphold the environment of diversity and inclusivity that is valued in the organization.

Organizers have the additional responsibility to act immediately on observations or allegations of harassment or discrimination. Organizers are responsible for creating and maintaining a harassment- and discrimination-free organization and Event, and should address potential problems before they become serious.

If a participant engages in harassing or discriminatory behaviour, Organizers may take actions they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expelling the offender from the Event.

ENFORCEMENT

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate. This may include:

• Issuing a warning to the offending participant.
• Expelling the participant from the event without a refund or recourse.

Event organisers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities. We think people should follow these rules outside event activities too!

If you experience or witness harassment, please contact a member of the organizing team immediately. Participants are expected to comply with requests to cease any harassing behavior immediately.

REPORTING

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible to the event organiser.

Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event. People like you make our event a better place.

You can make a report either personally or anonymously.

The Ohrid Techathlon team will be available to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, to provide escorts, or to otherwise assist those experiencing unacceptable behavior to feel safe for the duration of the conference. Volunteers will be wearing Ohrid Techathlon “organization team” or “volunteers” tags / badges. Any volunteer can connect you with a conference organizer. You can also come to the special registration desk in the lobby and ask for the organizers.

RESOLUTION OF INCIDENTS

Incidents will be reviewed and if the code of conduct has been violated, the actions we take could include:

• Educating the person as to the consequences of their actions.
• Removal from the meeting or event.
• Restrictions from future meetings and events.
• Removal from mailing list or positions on committees or working groups.

SUPPORT AND SAFETY

The event organizers are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. If you feel harassed, unsafe, or in need of assistance, please reach out to the organizing team. We are here to:

• Help you contact local law enforcement if necessary.
• Provide escorts or other means of ensuring your safety during the event.
• Offer support to ensure you feel secure and respected throughout the hackathon.

SOCIAL ANS SUPPLEMENTAL EVENTS (where applicable)

Social and supplemental events are intended to provide networking and additional educational opportunities, as well as an opportunity to unwind after a full Day/Event activities end. They should also be places where attendees can feel safe and secure.

We want you to enjoy yourself at these events, and we want you to do so safely. If you experience a Code of Conduct violation, see a violation, are concerned about the well-being, safety or behavior of another attendee, or have a general question (we understand that violations are not always obvious!) contact us immediately by notifying a Ohrid Techathlon organizer or emailing contact@ohridtechcity.com . For in-person events, if you need help or are unable to comfortably or safely remove yourself from a situation you do not want to be in, organizers will prioritize assisting you immediately and discretely. Some examples are: not feeling well; your transportation arrangements fall through; you are intoxicated, you are alone or with someone you do not trust, you are overwhelmed, you have experienced or witnessed a Code of Conduct violation. Please ask any nearby event volunteer or organizer to help you

SCOPE

We expect all conference participants (sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, and other guests) to abide by this code of conduct at all conference venues and conference-related social events. Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in immediate removal from the event and future exclusion from Ohrid Techathlon activities.

GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

This Code of Conduct and all attendant protection obligations shall be construed and interpreted under the substantive law of the Republic of North Macedonia. Jurisdiction for any dispute shall be vested exclusively in the competent courts of Ohrid.

DURATION

The present Code of Conduct shall have an indefinite duration (meaning before, during and after the Event ) as well as the User’s Registration, unless terminated by the Organizer or User in accordance with the procedures set forth in the present Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and, if applicable, in the particular conditions.

MODIFICATIONS AND SUPREMACY CLAUSE

We may update or modify the OTC/Startup Ohrid/Ohrid Techathlon’s Code of conduct periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We reserve the right to do so at any time and at our sole discreation. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on this page.

We may notify You of any changes by posting the new Code of conduct on this page and by updating its status to “Last updated” date at the top of this Code of conduct.

OTC has no mandatory obligation to directly notify You of any changes to these Terms so You are strongly advised to check the website regularly and review this Code of Conduct periodically. Changes to this Code of Conduct are effective when they are posted on this page.

The most current version(s) will be posted at /code-of-conduct/ . Continued use of OTC/Startup Ohrid/Organizer services shall constitute tacit acceptance of such modifications.

MISCELLANIOUS

• Entire Code of conduct: These Privacy Policies supersede all prior understandings.
• Severability: Invalid provisions do not affect remaining terms.
• Whole Code of conduct: Both Privacy Policies (1. Code of conduct for Ohrid Tech City and 2.Code of conduct for Ohrid Techathlon (for event/s)) listed will be considered valid and as Code of conduct as a whole and will complement each other depending on the cases and conditions of application (use of the site(s), use of the services, digital and/or physical presence of the User, digital or personal (face to face) communication/interaction etc.)
• Online and Off-line Code of Conduct: Our Code of conduct applies both to our online and off-line activities and is valid for visitors/attendees/participants/registrants to our website(s), media channel(s), and/or events (co)owned, (co)organized or (co)managed by OTC, with regards to the all information that they are collected, managed or/and shared both on-line and off-line.

CONTACT INFROMATION

If you have any questions or concerns about our Code of Conduct or data practices, please contact us at:

Address: Slavej Planina bb,
MKD 6000 Ohrid
Tel. +389 76 433 577
Email: contact@ohridtechcity.com

CONSENT

By using our website, registering and/or attending on Ohrid Techathlon, you hereby consent to our Code of Conduct and agree to its terms.

We expect participants to follow these Rules and Conditions at all OTC/Startup Ohrid/Ohrid Techathlon events, workshop venues, hackathon-related competitions, meet-ups and social events (in both on-line and off-line versions)!

Code of Ethics

Version 1.0 | November 15, 2025

Participation in the Ohrid Techathlons events, challenges and acitivities is grounded in the values of integrity, collaboration, inclusion, and respect. This Code of Ethics aims to ensure a stimulating, safe, and fair environment for all participants, mentors, judges, speakers, organizers, and partners.
The term “Participant” refers to any individual taking part in the Ohrid Techathlon as a competitor. It also includes, where applicable, individuals accompanying or associated with the participant (e.g., invited mentors, external collaborators, etc.).
All participants in the Event are bound by this Code of Ethics.
*Note: The use of masculine or generic terms in this document refers to individuals of all genders.*

Acknowledgment  and Compliance with the Rules

• Each participant agrees to read and fully comply with the official rules of the Ohrid Techathlon (event).

Integrity and Fairness:

• Each participant commits to submitting original work created during the Event.
• Any form of cheating, plagiarism, or attempt to bypass the rules is strictly prohibited.
• Decisions made by the jury and the organizing committee are final and not subject to appeal. Participants agree to respect these decisions, whatever they may be.

Respect and Collaboration

• Mutual respect is essential: discriminatory, harassing, or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.
• Participants are expected to demonstrate active listening, courtesy, and teamwork, both within their teams and with others.
• The use of inclusive language is encouraged throughout the event.

Transparency

• Any use of external resources, data, or pre-existing technologies must be clearly disclosed and comply with intellectual property regulations.
• Participants must ensure that any data used complies with applicable privacy laws.

Commitment

• By registering, each participant commits to being present for the full duration of the Event, except in exceptional circumstances. Any planned absence must be communicated to the organizers in advance.
• Team members are responsible for their individual contributions and active involvement in the project.

Responsibility

• Each participant is responsible for their behavior and for the use of any equipment, venues, and platforms provided. All participants are expected to respect the spaces made available to them and leave them in the same condition in which they were found.
• In case of any issues, participants are encouraged to promptly contact a member of the organizing team.

Public Conduct and Social Media

• Participants must not present themselves as official spokespersons for the Ohrid Techathlon, nor as representatives of its organizers or partners. Any public statements, including those made to the media or on social media, must be made in a personal capacity, and the participant must clearly indicate that their views are their own.
• Participants are also responsible for ensuring that their communications are honest, respectful, and aligned with the spirit of the event. They should remain aware that, in certain contexts, their statements may be perceived as representing the Ohrid Techathlon. As such, they are expected to exercise good judgment and respect toward all individuals and organizations involved in the event.

Sanctions and Disqualification

• Failure to comply with this Code of Ethics may result in sanctions, ranging from a warning to expulsion from the event, without refund or appeal. Any behavior deemed unacceptable by the organizers may lead to immediate disqualification. In cases of serious misconduct, including harassment, intimidation, or disrespectful conduct, additional sanctions may be applied.

Scope

We expect all conference participants (sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, and other guests) to abide by this code of conduct at all conference venues and conference-related social events. Failure to adhere to this Code of Ethics may result in immediate removal from the event and future exclusion from Ohrid Techathlon activities.

Governing law and dispute resolution

This Code of Ethics and all attendant protection obligations shall be construed and interpreted under the substantive law of the Republic of North Macedonia. Jurisdiction for any dispute shall be vested exclusively in the competent courts of Ohrid.

Duration

The present Code of Ethics shall have an indefinite duration (meaning before, during and after the Event ) as well as the User’s Registration, unless terminated by the Organizer or User in accordance with the procedures set forth in the present Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics ,Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and, if applicable, in the particular conditions.

Modification and supremacy clause

We may update or modify the OTC/Startup Ohrid/Ohrid Techathlon’s Code of Ethics periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We reserve the right to do so at any time and at our sole discreation. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on this page.

We may notify You of any changes by posting the new Code of Ethics on this page and by updating its status to “Last updated” date at the top of this Code of Ethics.

OTC has no mandatory obligation to directly notify You of any changes to these Terms so You are strongly advised to check the website regularly and review this Code of Ethics periodically. Changes to this Code of Ethics are effective when they are posted on this page.

The most current version(s) will be posted at /code-of-conduct/ . Continued use of OTC/Startup Ohrid/Organizer services shall constitute tacit acceptance of such modifications.

Miscellaneous

• Entire Code of Ethics: These Privacy Policies supersede all prior understandings.
• Severability: Invalid provisions do not affect remaining terms.
• Whole Code of Ethics: Both Privacy Policies (1. Code of Ethics for Ohrid Tech City and 2. Code of Ethics for Ohrid Techathlon (for event/s)) listed above will be considered will be considered valid and as Code of Ethics as a whole and will complement each other depending on the cases and conditions of application (use of the site(s), use of the services, digital and/or physical presence of the User, digital or personal (face to face) communication/interaction etc.)
• Online and Off-line Code of Ethics: Our Code of Ethics applies both to our online and off-line activities and is valid for visitors/attendees/participants/registrants to our website(s), media channel(s), and/or events (co)owned, (co)organized or (co)managed by OTC, with regards to the all information that they are collected, managed or/and shared both on-line and off-line.

Contact information

If you have any questions or concerns about our Code of Ethics or data practices, please contact us at:

Address: Slavej Planina bb,
MKD 6000 Ohrid
Tel. +389 76 433 577
Email: contact@ohridtechcity.com

Consent

By using our website, registering and/or attending on Ohrid Techathlon, you hereby consent to our Code of Ethics and agree to its terms.

We expect participants to follow these Rules and Conditions at all OTC/Startup Ohrid/Ohrid Techathlon events, workshop venues, hackathon-related competitions, meet-ups and social events (in both on-line and off-line versions)!

Code of Conduct Principles

Version 1.0 | November 15, 2025

Equality: OTC/Ohrid Techathlon is committed to creating an environment that champions equality. Equality means providing equal opportunities for everyone to participate and thrive in our hackathon. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time participant, everyone is encouraged to bring their ideas to the table and contribute to the collective success of the Hackathon. Additionally, the Hackathon actively promotes gender equality into its activities.

Do’s:

• Treat everyone with respect and kindness.
• Embrace and celebrate diversity.
• Encourage equal participation and opportunities.

Don’ts:

• Engage in discriminatory behaviour.
• Hinder anyone from fully engaging in the event.

Inclusivity: Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. We believe that fostering a diverse community is not just a goal but a fundamental principle that enriches the entire hackathon experience.

Do’s:

• Create a welcoming atmosphere for all.
• Encourage diverse perspectives and ideas.

Don’ts:

• Allow exclusionary behaviour.
• Tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ethics: We believe in innovation that goes hand-in-hand with responsibility. Our commitment to ethical considerations ensures that our projects, solutions, and collaborations contribute positively to society. We encourage participants to consider the broader implications of their work, striving for advancements that align with ethical standards.

Do’s:

• Consider the societal impact of your projects.
• Uphold ethical standards in all aspects of your work.

Don’ts:

• Engage in unethical practices.
• Neglect the potential consequences of your work.

Collaboration: Embrace collaboration and open communication. Encourage sharing ideas, constructive feedback, and teamwork. Respect others’ opinions, even if they differ from your own.

Do’s:

• Foster a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Communicate openly and respectfully.

Don’ts:

• Disrupt teamwork through negative behaviour.
• Disregard others’ opinions without consideration.

Respect: Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and empathy. Respect diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Harassment, discrimination, or any form of unwelcome behaviour will not be tolerated.

Do’s:

• Treat others as you would like to be treated.
• Value and appreciate different viewpoints.

Don’ts:

• Engage in disrespectful behaviour.
• Harass or discriminate against others.

Safe space: Ensure that the Hackathon venue and online spaces are safe for all participants. Report any concerns or incidents to the organising team or to the venue staff promptly.

Do’s:

• Prioritise the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Report any safety concerns promptly.

Don’ts:

• Allow unsafe conditions to persist.
• Disregard the well-being of others.

Intellectual Property: Respect the intellectual property rights of others. Only use open-source software or materials for which you have the right permissions.

Do’s:

• Ensure the legality of software and materials used.
• Respect the intellectual property of others.

Don’ts:

• Engage in unauthorised use of intellectual property.
• Neglect to verify the legal status of software or materials.

Compliance with Laws: Participants must comply with all local, national, and international laws and regulations.

Do’s:

• Familiarise yourself with relevant laws and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards.

Don’ts:

• Engage in illegal activities.
• Disregard legal obligations.

Hygiene: Follow good hygiene practices, especially in shared spaces. Keep your workspace and the venue clean and orderly.

Do’s:

• Maintain personal and workspace hygiene.
• Contribute to a clean and orderly environment.

Don’ts:

• Neglect personal and workspace cleanliness.
• Disregard the importance of maintaining a clean and orderly environment.

Emergency Procedures: Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures at the venue. In case of emergency, follow instructions from event organisers and venue staff.

Do’s:

• Familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures.
• Follow instructions from event organisers and venue staff in case of emergency.

Don’ts:

• Disregard or ignore emergency instructions.
• Take actions that may jeopardise the safety of yourself or others.

We expect participants to follow these Code of Conduct principles at all OTC/Startup Ohrid/Ohrid Techathlon events, workshop venues, hackathon-related competitions, meet-ups and social events (in both on-line and off-line versions)!