Code of Ethics

The British Dowsers Society has a very helpful outline of ethical principles to follow for dowsers. The ASD By-Laws has a section on Ethics for Dowsers (less about ethics than punitive actions). Please read the British version first to understand the responsibilities and roles that we play in this practice.
BRITISH Code of Ethics:

Good dowsing practice: The Code of Ethical Conduct of The British Society of Dowsers

You may also view The Code of Ethical Conduct for Dowsers on the Professional Register of The BSD.
1. Dowsing Wisely

In your dowsing generally, and when people seek your assistance as a dowser, keep your dowsing focused on issues of genuine need. Recognize and work within the limits of your competence, and refer to another practitioner or other source if necessary.
2. Dowsing with Respect

Only dowse for information that concerns you personally or that lies within an area of public concern, unless you are asked or given permission by other people to dowse either for them personally or for groups or organizations of which they are members. Do not dowse for information about other people or their concerns without their permission, unless it is clearly in the interest of the highest common good to do so, and do not make unsolicited comments about other people or their concerns based on your dowsing.

Always treat people requesting information about dowsing or who ask you to dowse politely and considerately. When dowsing for others, respect their views, their dignity and their privacy, and protect personal or confidential information of which you may become aware. Explain what you are doing, give your conclusions and advice in a manner that they can understand, and respect their right to consent to or to decline what you offer or advise.

Make sure that your personal beliefs do not prejudice your interactions with other people when you are dowsing, or with the people for whom you dowse -you must not allow your views about anyone’s lifestyle, culture, belief, race, color, gender, sexuality, age, social status or perceived economic worth to prejudice your dowsing.
3. Trustworthy Dowsing

Honest and trustworthy behavuor is expected from every dowser, and it is most important that you avoid abusing your position as a dowser.

Be careful not to use your position as a dowser to create or establish improper relationships, either personal or financial. Never misuse privileged information that you may obtain through dowsing. If people seek your assistance as a dowser, be careful to use your dowsing only for their genuine benefit, give guidance and recommendations that you believe to be in their best interests, and share with them all relevant information that you may discover.
4. Providing Information About Dowsing

When providing information about dowsing, it must be factual and verifiable. Avoid sensational or misleading statements, and be mindful of the likely accuracy and completeness of your dowsing as well as of the effects that your information may have on other people as well as on public opinion generally. If dowsing for health or therapies of any kind, you must not offer guarantees of cures, nor exploit people’s vulnerability or lack of knowledge, nor put pressure on people to use a service, for example by arousing fear for their future health or well-being. You must not make claims about the comparative quality of your dowsing nor compare your abilities with those of other dowsers.
5. Respecting Relationships With Other Dowsers

Be open and fair with other dowsers, and be willing to consult with them. You must never discriminate unfairly against other dowsers, or allow your views of their lifestyle, culture, belief, race, color, gender, sexuality, age, or social status to prejudice your relationship with them.

You must not make anyone doubt another dowser’s knowledge or skills by making unnecessary or unsustainable comments about them.
6. Financial & Commercial Dealings

You must be honest in any financial and commercial matters relating to your dowsing practice. If you are receiving money for your dowsing you must inform people of all costs before you begin, and you must declare any personal commercial interest in goods or services that you recommend.
7. Legal Issues

You must observe any laws that affect your dowsing and obtain adequate insurance for any aspects of your dowsing practice that requires it.
8. Teaching & Training

The BSD encourages you to continually improve your dowsing knowledge and skills, to help the public to be aware of and understand dowsing, and to contribute to the education and training of other dowsers. Please see details about the BSD training program.
9. The British Society of Dowsers

The British Society of Dowsers exists to provide a forum for dowsers to meet and exchange ideas and experiences, to support and promote good and responsible dowsing, and to provide information about dowsing and dowsers. The BSD Office is always happy to receive calls from dowsers and from members of the public with dowsing related inquiries. We hope that you will support the Society, participate in our events, contribute to the Journal, and enjoy a long and fruitful membership with us.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF DOWSERS (ASD) VERSION:

CHAPTER XV CODE OF ETHICS Section 1. Code of Ethics for Members. (a) Members shall be guided in all their relationship with the public by the highest standards of personal integrity. (b) Members shall uphold before the public at all times the dignity and reputation of the Society. (c) Members shall avoid and discourage sensationalism, exaggeration, undignified and unwarranted statements, or misleading advertisements. (d) Members shall refuse to undertake work which may be of questionable value or results without first advising as to the probability of success. (e) Members shall not willfully use or attempt to use their Membership in this Organization as evidence of their qualifications as a dowser or as a measure of ability or proficiency. (f) Members in good standing may mention their membership in their resumes and biographies. With written approval of ASD’s Executive Committee, members may exhibit or use the name or logo of this society on any letterhead or stationary, on any personal or business cards, and in any advertising of a personal, business or professional nature. Section 2. Disciplinary Process. Any Member, Trustee or Officer, may be reprimanded, suspended, removed from office or lose their membership by a 2/3 vote of the full BOT if shown to be guilty of misconduct. Examples of misconduct would include: (1) Violating the Code of Ethics. (2) The abuse or misuse of power. (3) Personal activities prejudicial to the best interests of the Society, including placing personal interests ahead of those of the Society. (4) Slanderous remarks against another member affecting their ability to carry out their duties. (5) Any other form of misconduct not listed above. A grievance or complaint may be filed by either party to the action, or by a third party who has observed the action, and will be taken to their Chapter President. If no resolution can be found, it will then advance, in sequence of appeal, to their regional Vice President, the Executive VP and finally to the BOT, who will assemble as the Ethics Committee. From this point on, the BOT and Ethics Committee terms are interchangeable. (a) If the grievance or complaint is brought by a member not associated with a chapter, they will start the process with their region’s RVP. (b) If a party to the grievance chooses not to participate at any level of the process, the process will go forward without their participation. (c) Responsibilities of the BOT in such matters: (1) Should a crisis situation arise, the entire Board will be notified. A majority vote of a quorum of the BOT may take any and all actions necessary to contain or address the problem, in the best interests of the Society, until a full board meeting may be held, regardless of any inconsistency between this action and these bylaws. Such actions shall be limited to responding to the immediacy of the crisis, and nothing more. (2) A Trustee who is the subject of charges shall not participate or vote in the BOT decision and the vote will be adjusted accordingly. (3) Charges against a Member, Trustee or Officer and all related evidence will be offered in written statements under oath to the President for review by the Trustees. A written statement submitted to any person or group in this process shall be considered taken under oath. If it is found that a statement is false, the person or persons submitting the false statement will immediately lose their membership in ASD by a majority vote of the BOT. Notification of the dismissal will be made in a timely manner. (4) After receipt of complete written statements under oath from Complainant and Defendant, the President will distribute said copies to the full BOT (Ethics Committee) for evaluation. The BOT will make and record their decision by a 2/3 vote, including disciplinary actions, within 30 days. That decision will be expeditiously communicated to all parties involved. This decision is final and not subject to further appeal. (5) Anyone whose membership has been terminated by expulsion may reapply for Membership after two (2) years provided any sum owed to the Society under Chapter IV Section 3 by such applicant be first paid in full. The BOT will then review the application and vote its acceptance or denial. If denied the applicant may reapply again after another two years. Any Member, Trustee or Officer removed from their position due to an ethics violation and wishing to hold office again at any level must first gain approval of the BOT by a majority vote. Amended: December 16, 2006; Ratified by Membership 4/1/2007. Amended: 7/30/2007 – Ratified by membership 6/16/2009. Chapter number incremented up by one 7/30/2007 to allow for new Chapter XI. Amended 4/14/2010 to add the entire Section 2. Needs to be ratified by the membership