1. Purpose of this document

HackOn is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and harassment-free experience for everyone — regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, age, religion, nationality or level of experience.

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants, mentors, judges, sponsors, volunteers and organizers across all event spaces — including the venue, online communication channels, accompanying meetups and any activities related to the event.

Taking part in HackOn means accepting this Code of Conduct.

2. Expected behavior

All participants are expected to show:

• Respect and courtesy — treat every person with dignity, even when you disagree.
• Constructive communication — give and receive feedback with empathy.
• Open collaboration — share knowledge, help others and create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Respect for boundaries — both personal and professional.
• Responsible use of resources — take care of the venue, equipment and shared spaces.
• Adherence to the schedule and rules — respect time limits, presentation slots and judging criteria.
• Mutual care — if you notice something concerning, report it.

3. Unacceptable behavior

The following behaviors constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct:

• Harassment — including offensive verbal comments, deliberate intimidation, stalking, unwanted photography or recording, and persistent disruption of presentations.
• Discrimination — any behavior that excludes on the basis of legally protected characteristics.
• Unwanted attention of a sexual nature — including inappropriate comments, jokes, images or physical contact.
• Intimidation and bullying — in person or through online channels.
• Threats of violence — whether direct or implied.
• Disruption of the event — including sabotaging the work or equipment of other teams.
• Unauthorized access — to restricted areas, other teams’ code repositories or private information.

4. AI tools policy

HackOn is a hackathon dedicated to Agentic Software Engineering. The use of AI-powered tools (such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot and other agentic coding assistants) is explicitly encouraged — it is the central theme of the event.

At the same time, participants must:

• Be transparent — disclose which AI tools they used during presentations and demos.
• Understand their code — you must be able to explain every piece of AI-generated code.
• Respect licenses — make sure AI-generated code does not infringe open-source licenses or third-party intellectual property.
• Not use AI to harass, mislead or undermine other participants.

5. Intellectual property and fair play

• All code written during HackOn should be original work created during the event, unless pre-existing code is explicitly disclosed.
• Participants retain ownership of their intellectual property, unless a separate agreement is made with a sponsor or challenge organizer — any such agreement must be transparent and voluntary.
• Using open-source libraries and frameworks is allowed and encouraged — please respect their licenses.
• Plagiarism and cheating (e.g., submitting a previously built project as hackathon work) result in disqualification.

6. Consent to photos, video and recording

• The event will be photographed and recorded for promotional and documentary purposes.
• Participation in the event constitutes consent to being captured in general shots (crowd photos, room views, etc.).
• Close-ups and recordings focused on individuals (e.g., interviews, team presentations) will only be made with explicit verbal consent.
• If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, let the organizers know — you will receive a visible marker (e.g., a lanyard tag) so photographers can respect your preference.
• Participants may not record or broadcast other people or teams without their explicit consent.

7. Alcohol and substance policy

• Moderate alcohol consumption may be available during designated social hours (e.g., networking events).
• Excessive intoxication leading to disruptive, unsafe or inappropriate behavior is grounds for immediate removal from the event.
• Illegal substances are strictly prohibited on the premises.
• Participants should remain in a condition that allows safe participation and respect for others at all times.

8. Safety and wellbeing

• On arrival, familiarize yourself with the emergency exits and evacuation procedures.
• A designated quiet/rest area will be available for participants who need a break.
• If you feel unwell or notice a situation requiring medical assistance, contact the organizers immediately.
• Respect quiet hours and rest areas — hackathons are intense, and sleep matters.

9. Reporting incidents

If you experience or witness a violation of the Code of Conduct:

1. Use the HackOn app — go to the “Report incident” section in the side menu to submit a report.
2. Talk to an organizer directly — look for team members wearing organizer badges.
3. Contact the lead organizer: Patryk — patryk@openmercato.com / +48 662 216 721, Maciej — mat@openmercato.com.

All reports will be treated confidentially. You will not face any consequences for a report made in good faith.

10. Enforcement and consequences

The organizing team will promptly review all reported incidents. Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences may include:

1. Verbal warning — with an explanation of the violation.
2. Formal warning — documented and recorded.
3. Temporary suspension — removal from the event for a set period.
4. Immediate removal — expulsion from the event without a refund.
5. Ban from future events — permanent exclusion from HackOn and related events.
6. Referral to the appropriate authorities — in cases involving illegal activity or a safety threat.

The organizers reserve the right to take any action deemed necessary to maintain a safe environment.

11. Acknowledgment

By participating in HackOn, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Let’s build something amazing together — with respect and in a spirit of collaboration.