PHYSICAL CONDITION:

I am physically fit to participate in the Event(s) in which I have chosen to participate, and have not been advised otherwise by a medical practitioner.

SAFESPORT:

Federal law now requires that adults who have frequent contact with or are in positions of authority over athletes must receive consistent education on prevention and reporting. As a condition of membership, all USASA members agree to abide by the SafeSport Code. You can view more information on the USASA website or at SafeSport.

The USASA prohibits the following conduct: Sexual Misconduct, Physical Misconduct, Emotional Misconduct, Bullying, Threats, Harassment Hazing and Willfully Tolerating any Misconduct.

EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES INSPECTION:

I agree that before I participate in any Event, I will conduct my own thorough visual inspection of the related facilities, courses, runs and equipment. I will immediately advise the supervisor of the Event of any unsafe condition that I observe. I will refuse to participate in the Event until all unsafe conditions observed by me have been remedied.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK:

I understand that I, and each participant in the Event(s), will be engaging in snowboarding and skiing activities (hereafter "Activities") that involve many RISKS, DANGERS and HAZARDS. These risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to, changing weather and snow conditions, variations in steepness or terrain, natural and man-made obstacles and structures, equipment failure, collisions with objects and structures, being struck by other riders/skiers or equipment, and exceeding one's own abilities. I further understand that snowboard and ski training and competition may be more hazardous than recreational snowboarding and skiing. I understand that INJURIES OF ALL TYPES ARE A COMMON AND ORDINARY OCCURRENCE OF THE ACTIVITIES. I know that the RISK OF SEVERE INJURY, PERMANENT DISABILITY AND DEATH, and the risk of severe economic and property loss and damage, exists in all training and competition locations and activities. I also know that personal training, coaching, instruction, supervision and enforcement of rules by the United States of America Snowboard Association, its subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, volunteers, employees, coaches, contractors, representatives, local clubs, competition organizers and sponsors, and snowboard and ski facility operators (hereinafter collectively referred to as "USASA") does not and cannot guarantee my safety. I also understand that there may be risks involved which are not known to me or to the USASA, and may not be foreseen or reasonably foreseeable by any of us at this time or at the time of the activities in which I may participate. I assume all of the foregoing risks including the risk of any negligence by other participants or by USASA and other directors, organizers, officials, coaches, contractors, employees, resort operators, sponsors or volunteers of the USASA and all of their respective agents, and accept personal responsibility for any injury (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, dismemberment and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability or expense, of any kind or nature, that I or my property may suffer arising out of or in connection with the Event(s) or my participation therein or attendance thereat.

LIABILITY RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT:

I hereby unconditionally release and forever discharge and agree to save and hold harmless USASA and other official sponsors, their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies and their sponsors and advertisers; any regional series, directors, clubs, officials, coaches, contractors, employees or volunteers associated or affiliated with the USASA, the owners, lessors and lessees of facilities and equipment used in connection with the Event(s), the respective organizers, directors, officers, employees and agents of all of them, and the other participants in the Event(s) (each such entity or individual being referred to as a "Released Party") of and from any and all injuries (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, dismemberment and/or death), illness losses, damages, claims, liabilities or expenses, of any kind or nature (and whether accruing to me, my heirs or my personal representatives) that are caused or alleged to be caused in the whole or in part by the action, negligence or failure to act, and/or breach of express of implied warranty on the part of any Released Party and that arise out of or in connection with the Event(s) or my participation therein or attendance thereat.

MEDICAL TREATMENT:

In connection with any injury I may sustain or illness or other medical conditions I may experience during my participation in or attendance at the Event(s), I authorize any emergency first aid, medication, medical treatment or surgery deemed necessary by the attending medical personnel if I am not able to act on my own behalf. I further authorize the attending medical personnel to execute on my behalf any permission forms, consents or other appropriate documents relating to medical attention and to act on my behalf if I am not able or immediately available to do so.

NAME AND LIKENESS RELEASE:

As a condition of my being permitted to compete in a USASA 2022-2023 Event, portions of which may be (but are not guaranteed to be) televised, and in consideration of the opportunity to compete and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, I grant permission to USASA and other official sponsors their parent companies, their successors and assigns to utilize my appearance, name, voice and likeness (if at all) in connection with the Event(s) in any and all manner and media throughout the world in perpetuity.

USASA CONCUSSION POLICY:

Any USASA athlete suspected of having sustained a concussion or TBI must be removed from participation in any USASA activity such as competition, training, practice, camps, or tryouts. If the athlete is a minor, the athlete’s parent or guardian must be notified.

The athlete may not resume participation until evaluated and cleared in writing by a qualified health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries. If the health care provider determines that the athlete in fact sustained a concussion or other head injury, the athlete must complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than seven days in duration under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. Each USASA coach and official must complete concussion awareness training such as that offered by CDC at least annually.

ABOUT CONCUSSIONS

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious. A second concussion before recovering from the first can slow recovery and increase the likelihood of long-term brain damage.

Signs of a concussion include: can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall; appears dazed or stunned; forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent; moves clumsily; answers questions slowly; loses consciousness (even briefly); shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.

Symptoms of a concussion include: headache or “pressure” in head; nausea or vomiting; balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision; bothered by light or noise; feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy; confusion, or concentration or memory problems; just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.

In rare cases, a dangerous collection of blood (hematoma) may form on the brain after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that may squeeze the brain against the skull. Call 9-1-1 right away, or take the athlete to the emergency room if he or she has one or more of the following danger signs after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body: one pupil larger than the other; drowsiness or inability to wake up; a headache that gets worse and does not go away; slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination; repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching); unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation; loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.

FURTHER RESOURCES

USASA strongly recommends that athletes, and parents of minor athletes, take further concussion awareness training such as that offered by the Center for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/parents.

SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS:

I agree the foregoing agreements are intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law. Any provision herein found by a court to be voided or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions.

WAIVER/RELEASE FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES INCLUDING COVID-19

ASSUMPTION OF RISK / WAIVER OF LIABILITY / INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

In consideration of being allowed to participate on behalf of the entities of the United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA), including its affiliates, all members, and locations of operation, during and within related events and activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:

1. Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases, communicable disease, including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist; and,
2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and,
3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation as regards protection against infectious diseases and agree to a waiver of liability in favor of the above noted entities for any incident involving communicable disease, infectious diseases including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19.
4. If, however, I observe any unusual or significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and,
5. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS the USASA, its officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (“RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

FOR PARTICIPANTS OF MINORITY AGE (UNDER AGE 18 AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION)

This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian, with legal responsibility for this participant, have read and explained the provisions in this waiver/release to my child/ward including the risks of presence and participation and his/her personal responsibilities for adhering to the rules and regulations for protection against communicable diseases. Furthermore, my child/ward understands and accepts these risks and responsibilities. I for myself, my spouse, and child/ward do consent and agree to his/her release provided above for all the Releasees and myself, my spouse, and child/ward do release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees for any and all liabilities incident to my minor child’s/ward’s presence or participation in these activities as provided above, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE, to the fullest extent provided by law.

The SafeSport policy applies to USASA employees as well as individuals who are in a position of authority over or have regular contact with athletes.

On March 13, 2017, USASA adopted the SafeSport Code (“The Code”) promulgated by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The Code replaces any previous policies adopted by USASA. All USASA Members are required to review and accept the Code, which can be found at www.safesport.org.

Additionally, USASA requires that its Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP), which can be found at https://uscenterforsafesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Minor-Athlete-Abuse-Prevention-Policies.pdf, be followed at any USASA activity. All USASA Members must adhere to the MAAPP.

All suspected sexual misconduct in violation of the Code must be reported to the U.S. Center for SafeSport either by calling 720-524-5640 or going to https://www.safesport.org/report-a-concern. Reports regarding emotional misconduct, physical misconduct, bullying, harassment, and hazing as well as violaions of the MAAPP should be reported to the U.S. Center for SafeSport or to USASA at safesport@usasa.org.

Any Member who has a reasonable suspicion that a minor is being sexually or physically abused or neglected must report their suspicion to local child protection authorities/police and to the U.S. Center for Safesport at www.safesport.org. Please err on the side of caution. It is not your job to investigate your suspicions. If in doubt, you must report.

Every Member (18 years or older) must complete Safesport training. Any Member that is 18 years or older that does not complete the training will be ineligible to participate in USASA activities, including competitions. If a Member is 17 years old and turning 18 during the season, the Member has an opportunity to complete the SafeSport Training requirement prior to their birthday with permission from their parent or legal guardian so that the Member will not risk ineligibility. There is no grace period. If a parent or legal guardian does not want the Member that is 17 years old to take the training, please have them email support@usasa.org and include your name and membership number.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport also offers age-based training for minors and their parents. USASA encourages all parents to take the age-based traning offered by the U.S. Center for SafeSport each season with their minor athlete. Trainings may be found at https://uscenterforsafesport.org/training-and-education/training-and-education-services/.

PHYSICAL CONDITION:

I am physically fit to participate in the Event(s) in which I have chosen to participate, and have not been advised otherwise by a medical practitioner.

SAFESPORT:

Federal law now requires that adults who have frequent contact with or are in positions of authority over athletes must receive consistent education on prevention and reporting. As a condition of membership, all USASA members agree to abide by the SafeSport Code. You can view more information on the USASA website or at SafeSport.

The USASA prohibits the following conduct: Sexual Misconduct, Physical Misconduct, Emotional Misconduct, Bullying, Threats, Harassment Hazing and Willfully Tolerating any Misconduct.

EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES INSPECTION:

I agree that before I participate in any Event, I will conduct my own thorough visual inspection of the related facilities, courses, runs and equipment. I will immediately advise the supervisor of the Event of any unsafe condition that I observe. I will refuse to participate in the Event until all unsafe conditions observed by me have been remedied.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK:

I understand that I, and each participant in the Event(s), will be engaging in snowboarding and skiing activities (hereafter "Activities") that involve many RISKS, DANGERS and HAZARDS. These risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to, changing weather and snow conditions, variations in steepness or terrain, natural and man-made obstacles and structures, equipment failure, collisions with objects and structures, being struck by other riders/skiers or equipment, and exceeding one's own abilities. I further understand that snowboard and ski training and competition may be more hazardous than recreational snowboarding and skiing. I understand that INJURIES OF ALL TYPES ARE A COMMON AND ORDINARY OCCURRENCE OF THE ACTIVITIES. I know that the RISK OF SEVERE INJURY, PERMANENT DISABILITY AND DEATH, and the risk of severe economic and property loss and damage, exists in all training and competition locations and activities. I also know that personal training, coaching, instruction, supervision and enforcement of rules by the United States of America Snowboard Association, its subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, volunteers, employees, coaches, contractors, representatives, local clubs, competition organizers and sponsors, and snowboard and ski facility operators (hereinafter collectively referred to as "USASA") does not and cannot guarantee my safety. I also understand that there may be risks involved which are not known to me or to the USASA, and may not be foreseen or reasonably foreseeable by any of us at this time or at the time of the activities in which I may participate. I assume all of the foregoing risks including the risk of any negligence by other participants or by USASA and other directors, organizers, officials, coaches, contractors, employees, resort operators, sponsors or volunteers of the USASA and all of their respective agents, and accept personal responsibility for any injury (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, dismemberment and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability or expense, of any kind or nature, that I or my property may suffer arising out of or in connection with the Event(s) or my participation therein or attendance thereat.

LIABILITY RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT:

I hereby unconditionally release and forever discharge and agree to save and hold harmless USASA and other official sponsors, their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies and their sponsors and advertisers; any regional series, directors, clubs, officials, coaches, contractors, employees or volunteers associated or affiliated with the USASA, the owners, lessors and lessees of facilities and equipment used in connection with the Event(s), the respective organizers, directors, officers, employees and agents of all of them, and the other participants in the Event(s) (each such entity or individual being referred to as a "Released Party") of and from any and all injuries (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, dismemberment and/or death), illness losses, damages, claims, liabilities or expenses, of any kind or nature (and whether accruing to me, my heirs or my personal representatives) that are caused or alleged to be caused in the whole or in part by the action, negligence or failure to act, and/or breach of express of implied warranty on the part of any Released Party and that arise out of or in connection with the Event(s) or my participation therein or attendance thereat.

MEDICAL TREATMENT:

In connection with any injury I may sustain or illness or other medical conditions I may experience during my participation in or attendance at the Event(s), I authorize any emergency first aid, medication, medical treatment or surgery deemed necessary by the attending medical personnel if I am not able to act on my own behalf. I further authorize the attending medical personnel to execute on my behalf any permission forms, consents or other appropriate documents relating to medical attention and to act on my behalf if I am not able or immediately available to do so.

NAME AND LIKENESS RELEASE:

As a condition of my being permitted to compete in a USASA 2022-2023 Event, portions of which may be (but are not guaranteed to be) televised, and in consideration of the opportunity to compete and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, I grant permission to USASA and other official sponsors their parent companies, their successors and assigns to utilize my appearance, name, voice and likeness (if at all) in connection with the Event(s) in any and all manner and media throughout the world in perpetuity.

USASA CONCUSSION POLICY:

Any USASA athlete suspected of having sustained a concussion or TBI must be removed from participation in any USASA activity such as competition, training, practice, camps, or tryouts. If the athlete is a minor, the athlete’s parent or guardian must be notified.

The athlete may not resume participation until evaluated and cleared in writing by a qualified health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries. If the health care provider determines that the athlete in fact sustained a concussion or other head injury, the athlete must complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than seven days in duration under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. Each USASA coach and official must complete concussion awareness training such as that offered by CDC at least annually.

ABOUT CONCUSSIONS

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious. A second concussion before recovering from the first can slow recovery and increase the likelihood of long-term brain damage.

Signs of a concussion include: can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall; appears dazed or stunned; forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent; moves clumsily; answers questions slowly; loses consciousness (even briefly); shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.

Symptoms of a concussion include: headache or “pressure” in head; nausea or vomiting; balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision; bothered by light or noise; feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy; confusion, or concentration or memory problems; just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.

In rare cases, a dangerous collection of blood (hematoma) may form on the brain after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that may squeeze the brain against the skull. Call 9-1-1 right away, or take the athlete to the emergency room if he or she has one or more of the following danger signs after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body: one pupil larger than the other; drowsiness or inability to wake up; a headache that gets worse and does not go away; slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination; repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching); unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation; loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.

FURTHER RESOURCES

USASA strongly recommends that athletes, and parents of minor athletes, take further concussion awareness training such as that offered by the Center for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/parents.

SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS:

I agree the foregoing agreements are intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law. Any provision herein found by a court to be voided or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions.

WAIVER/RELEASE FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES INCLUDING COVID-19

ASSUMPTION OF RISK / WAIVER OF LIABILITY / INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

In consideration of being allowed to participate on behalf of the entities of the United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA), including its affiliates, all members, and locations of operation, during and within related events and activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:

1. Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases, communicable disease, including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist; and,
2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and,
3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation as regards protection against infectious diseases and agree to a waiver of liability in favor of the above noted entities for any incident involving communicable disease, infectious diseases including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19.
4. If, however, I observe any unusual or significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and,
5. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS the USASA, its officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (“RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

FOR PARTICIPANTS OF MINORITY AGE (UNDER AGE 18 AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION)

This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian, with legal responsibility for this participant, have read and explained the provisions in this waiver/release to my child/ward including the risks of presence and participation and his/her personal responsibilities for adhering to the rules and regulations for protection against communicable diseases. Furthermore, my child/ward understands and accepts these risks and responsibilities. I for myself, my spouse, and child/ward do consent and agree to his/her release provided above for all the Releasees and myself, my spouse, and child/ward do release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees for any and all liabilities incident to my minor child’s/ward’s presence or participation in these activities as provided above, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE, to the fullest extent provided by law.

The SafeSport policy applies to USASA employees as well as individuals who are in a position of authority over or have regular contact with athletes.

On March 13, 2017, USASA adopted the SafeSport Code (“The Code”) promulgated by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The Code replaces any previous policies adopted by USASA. All USASA Members are required to review and accept the Code, which can be found at www.safesport.org.

Additionally, USASA requires that its Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP), which can be found at https://uscenterforsafesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Minor-Athlete-Abuse-Prevention-Policies.pdf, be followed at any USASA activity. All USASA Members must adhere to the MAAPP.

All suspected sexual misconduct in violation of the Code must be reported to the U.S. Center for SafeSport either by calling 720-524-5640 or going to https://www.safesport.org/report-a-concern. Reports regarding emotional misconduct, physical misconduct, bullying, harassment, and hazing as well as violaions of the MAAPP should be reported to the U.S. Center for SafeSport or to USASA at safesport@usasa.org.

Any Member who has a reasonable suspicion that a minor is being sexually or physically abused or neglected must report their suspicion to local child protection authorities/police and to the U.S. Center for Safesport at www.safesport.org. Please err on the side of caution. It is not your job to investigate your suspicions. If in doubt, you must report.

Every Member (18 years or older) must complete Safesport training. Any Member that is 18 years or older that does not complete the training will be ineligible to participate in USASA activities, including competitions. If a Member is 17 years old and turning 18 during the season, the Member has an opportunity to complete the SafeSport Training requirement prior to their birthday with permission from their parent or legal guardian so that the Member will not risk ineligibility. There is no grace period. If a parent or legal guardian does not want the Member that is 17 years old to take the training, please have them email support@usasa.org and include your name and membership number.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport also offers age-based training for minors and their parents. USASA encourages all parents to take the age-based traning offered by the U.S. Center for SafeSport each season with their minor athlete. Trainings may be found at https://uscenterforsafesport.org/training-and-education/training-and-education-services/.