Release & Liability Waiver*

RELEASE AND WAIVER LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AND PARENTAL CONSENT AGREEMENT (“AGREEMENT”) IN CONSIDERATION of being permitted to participate in any Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) activity (a/k/a Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), NFP). I, for myself for personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin:

 

1. ACKNOWLEDGE, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of all  Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), NFP, activities and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such Activities. I further agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the Activity.

2. FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT: (a) ALL ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS AND DEATH (“RISKS”); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of other participating in the Activity, the condition in which the Activity takes place, or THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES” NAMED BELOW; there may be OTHER RISK AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES I incur as a result of my participation or that of the minor in the Activity.

3. HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE  Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), NFP, their respective administrators, directors, agents, officers, members, volunteers, and employees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owner and lessors of  Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), NFP, (FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES ON MY ACCOUNT CAUSED OR ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES” OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING NEGLIGENT RESCUE OPERATIONS AND I FURTHER AGREE that if, despite this claim against  Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), NFP, I WILL INDEMNIFY, SAVE, AND HOLD HARMLESS  Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), NFP, from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which may incur as the result of such claim.

 

4. I also GRANT PERMISSION to  Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), NFP, to use any and all images of any family members taken at their building or during any of their programs on the website or in any promotional material as they see fit.

 

MINOR RELEASE IF APPLICABLE

AND I, THE MINOR’S PARENT AND/OR LEGAL GUARDIAN, UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF ALL ACTIVITIES AND the MINOR’S EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES AND BELIEVE THE MINOR TO BE QUALIFIED, IN GOOD HEALTH, AND IN PROPER PHYSICAL CONDITION TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH ACTIVITIES. I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE, AND AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH OF THE RELEASEE’S FROM ALL LIABILITY CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES ON THE MINOR’S ACCOUNT CAUSED OR ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) HOCKEY, NFP, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING NEGLIGENT RESCUE OPERATION AND FURTHER AGREE THAT IF, DESPITE THIS RELEASE, I, THE MINOR, OR ANYONE ON THE MINOR’S BEHALF MAKES A CLAIM AGAINST ANY OF THE RELEASEES NAMED ABOVE, I WILL INDEMNITY, SAVE, AND HOLD HARMLESS  Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), NFP, FROM ANY LITIGATION EXPENSES, ATTORNEY FEES, LOSS LIABILITY, DAMAGE, OR COST ANY MAY INCUR AS THE RESULT OF ANY SUCH CLAIM.

 

Zero Tolerance Policy*

The Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) continues to vigorously strive for the highest standards of sportsmanship in ice hockey. Every participant, whether player, coach, referee, official, administrator, parent, or spectator, has a responsibility to comply with and respect Zero Tolerance and to behave in a respectable manner. Listed below is the Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) Zero Tolerance Policy.

 

Zero Tolerance essentially means that everyone involved in ice hockey shall act in a respectful and sportsmanship like manner so that ice hockey will be a strongly desirable and rewarding experience and that disrespectful and/or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Loss of self-control is NEVER acceptable.

Zero Tolerance Classifications (Including but not limited to the following examples)

 

A. Class 1 - Inappropriate verbal or non-verbal abuse not covered in Class 2 or Class 3 during Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) related functions and activities.

 

B. Class 2 - Confrontation or reaction to specific events or triggers during Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) related functions and activities.

1. Open disputing or arguing with the decision of an official, coach, administrator, spectator or player whether on or off the ice.

2. Obscene or vulgar language or the use of a physical act that is vulgar or obscene, racial or swearing.

3. Encouraging abusive or unsportsmanlike behavior in any player, coach, official, administrator or spectator.

4. Taunting or ridiculing of officials, coaches, players, administrators or spectators.

5. Throwing of any object directed in the spectator’s viewing area, at a person in the playing area (including bench area) on the ice or as to create the potential of a safety hazard or issue.

6. Intentional physical contact using the body or stick after the whistle is blown or the buzzer has sounded.

7. Not stopping Zero Tolerance conduct once advised to do so.

8. Not voluntarily leaving a facility once advised to do so by any official, administrator or security personnel.

 

C. Class 3 - Complete loss of self control during NIHL/NWHL/Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) related functions and activities.

1. Off-ice physical violence or fighting, or abusive physical contact while the person is upset or angry.

2. Threats of any nature.

3. Returning to facility after being ejected.

4. Any actions that require the use of third parties to control the conduct or situation, such as rink personnel, league personnel, or security personnel.

 

II. VIOLATIONS

A. General

1. Penalties listed are minimum and may be more severe, as in the case of aggravating circumstances or multiple offenses, or may remain at minimum if there are mitigating circumstances.

2. Suspensions and any appeals must comply with USA Hockey By-law 10 and AHAI By-laws, Rules and Regulations. Each organization should review these items and specifically the Affiliate Guidelines and AHAI Rule Articles IX and X.

 

B. Classifications

1. Class 1 Violation- 30 day suspension with right of appeal.

2. Class 2 Violation- 60 day suspension with right of appeal

3. Class 3 Violation-Minimum 1 year suspension and must reapply to the Board of Directors for reentry into the Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders).

 

Appeals of any Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) Committee decision may be made to the Board of Directors. The appeal must be submitted to the President of the Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), Inc., in writing, within fourteen (14) calendar days of the Committee decision.

 

III. INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

A. General

1. All individuals must comply with the Zero Tolerance Policies, By-laws, rules, regulations and policies of all governing bodies.

2. In addition, the following are some specific areas of responsibilities.

 

B. Coaches

1. On-ice tolerance issues.

2. Mutual respect of officials, coaches and opposition.

3.Strict control of players both on and off ice.

 

C. Player

1. Strict and complete self-control both on and off ice at all club functions.

2. Mutual respect of officials, coaches and opposition.

 

D. Parent

1. Mutual respect of officials, coaches, players, opposition, parents and spectators.

2. Absolute self-control.

3. Work with officials, coaches, and league and organization personnel to assure a positive experience for all.

4. Remember that minor officials (e.g. timekeepers, penalty box monitors) are to be profession, impartial, respectful and sportsmanlike.

 

IV. Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) ZERO TOLERANCE CLASSIFICATIONS AND PENALTIES

Examples of Behavior - Penalties

 

CLASS 1 - Minimum 30 day suspension

Inappropriate verbal or non-verbal disrespectful behavior not covered in Class 2 or Class 3

 

CLASS 2 - Minimum 60 day suspension

Open disputing or arguing with the decision of an official, coach, administrator, spectator or players

Obscene or vulgar language or the use of a physical act which is vulgar or obscene or racial or swearing

Visual or verbal sign(s) of dissatisfaction with any official, coach or administrator’s decision)

Encouraging disrespectful or unsportsmanlike behavior in any player, coach, official, administrator or spectator

Taunting or ridiculing of officials, coaches, players, administrators or spectators

Throwing of any object directed in the spectator’s viewing area, at a person, in the playing area (including bench area) the ice or as to create the potential of a safety hazard or issue

Physical contact using the body or stick after the whistle is blown or the buzzer has sounded

Not stopping Zero Tolerance conduct once advised to do so

Not voluntarily leaving a facility once advised to do so by any official, administrator or security personnel

 

CLASS 3 - Minimum 1 year suspension and must reapply with the Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) Board of Directors for reentry into the Club.

Complete loss of self control

Physical violence, fighting or physical contact while the person is upset or angry

Threats of any nature

Intimidation

Returning to facility after being ejected

Any actions that require the use of third parties to control the conduct or situation, such as rink personnel, league or Club personnel or security personnel

Any other loss of self control

 

ALCOHOL, DRUG AND TOBACCO POLICY*

Player and Club understand and agree that the best interests of Player and Club as well as League are vitally dependent upon the elimination of any and all use and alcohol or drugs or tobacco/vaping. Player therefore warrants that at no time during the term of the season will he or she abuse alcohol, drug and tobacco/vaping. Player further agrees to abide by the Board of Director’s policy regarding alcohol and drugs and tobacco/vaping, their sale, purchase, use, possession and physical detection, which may be promulgated and modified from time to time and shall be published to the Club and all Players. Player agrees that the Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) Board of Directors shall have the power and absolute discretion to suspend or terminate any Player for a violation of this policy. The Board of Director’s finding and decision shall be binding and conclusive on all parties. Player hereby releases Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), Inc. and waives every claim he/she may have against Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders), Inc, coaches, officers and directors, the Commissioner and/or League for damages and for all claims and demands arising out of, or in connection with, the decision of this matter by the Board of Directors.

 

PENALTIES

Drugs:

1st Offense: One game suspension plus mandatory drug counseling.

2nd Offense: Permanent suspension from the Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) and forfeiture of all fees paid.

 

Alcohol and Tobacco/Vaping:

1st Offense: One game suspension.

2nd Offense: Three game suspension.

3rd Offense: Permanent suspension from the Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) and forfeiture of all fees paid.

 

Social Media & Electronic Communications Policy*

The Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) (“Club”) is committed to developing individuals with “leadership, commitment and outstanding character” on and off the ice. To that end, we will require strict adherence to the following social media and electronics communications policy by all Club members, coaches, and their families as a condition of their participation in the Club:

 

The Club will not tolerate its members participating in any form of electronic communication that is deemed by its Rules and Ethics Committee to be derogatory, hateful, vengeful, or otherwise disrespectful to the Club, any member of the Club, any coach of the Club, or any other person(s) associated with any other hockey club or organization. This includes, but is not limited to, communications deemed harmful to the goodwill or reputation of the Club, any member of the Club, any coach of the Club, or any other person(s) associated with any other hockey club or organization. This further includes, but is not limited to, sending a text or email about the Club, any member of the Club, any coach of the Club, or any other person(s) associated with any other hockey club or organization that is intended to abuse, bully, humiliate, or harass.

 

Any communications that are deemed to violate this policy will be reviewed by the Club’s Rules and Ethics committee for possible sanctions up to and including expulsion from the Club and further reporting to AHAI.

 

Photo Image Acknowledgement*

As in any Public Forum, Your Child/ Player may occasionally appear in photographs and video taken while participating in events for the Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders).

 

The Club may use these pictures, without identifying a Child/Player by name, Specifically but not limited to publications on social media or websites.

 

No prior consent or notice shall be required nor will be given prior to use of photograph or video of unnamed child/ player taken DURING PARTICIPATION IN ANY Hockey Related Activity.

 

Locker Room Policy*

In addition to the development of our hockey players and enjoyment of the sport of hockey, the safety and protection of our participants is central to the Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders)’ ’ goals. The Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders)  adhere to USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program as a means to help protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of misconduct, including emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing. To help prevent abuse or misconduct from occurring in our locker rooms, the Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders)  have adopted the following locker room policy.

 

This policy is designed to maintain personal privacy as well as to reduce the risk of misconduct in locker rooms. At Darien Sportsplex there are locker rooms available for our programs’ use. Most of the locker rooms have its own restroom and shower area and/or share with one or more locker rooms. Some teams in our programs may also occasionally or regularly travel to play games at other arenas, and those locker rooms, rest rooms and shower facilities will vary from location to location. At arenas for which you are unfamiliar, parents should plan to have extra time and some flexibility in making arrangements for their child to dress, undress and shower if desired.

 

Locker Room Monitoring*

The Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders)  have predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (e.g., generally 30-45 minutes before and following practices and games). This allows for direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas. While constant monitoring inside of locker rooms and changing areas might be the most effective way to prevent problems, we understand that this would likely make some players uncomfortable and may even place our staff at risk for unwarranted suspicion. Team personnel may conduct a sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas before players arrive, and if the coaches are not inside the locker rooms, either a coach or voluntary locker room monitors (each of which has been screened) will be posted directly outside of the locker rooms and changing areas during periods of use, and leave the doors open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members are permitted in the locker room. Team personnel will also secure the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice.

 

Parents in Locker Rooms

We discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary. If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear, if the player is or may be injured, or a player’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player. The coach may in his or her discretion prohibit parents from a locker room.

Cell Phones and Other Mobile Recording Devices*

Cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room. The Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders)  are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

 

Prohibited Conduct and Reporting*

The Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) prohibit all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing, all as described in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. Participants, employees or volunteers in these programs may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of these locker room policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse or that violates the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies. Reports of any actual or suspected violations, you may email USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or call 1-800-888-4656.

 

USA Hockey Code of Conduct*

1. No swearing or abusive language on the bench, in the rink, or at any team function.

2. No lashing out at any official no matter what the call is. The coaching staff will handle all matters pertaining to officiating.

3. Anyone who receives a penalty will skate directly to the penalty box.

4. Fighting will not be tolerated. Fighting will result in an appearance before the Discipline Committee.

5. There will be no drinking, smoking, chewing of tobacco or use of illegal substance at any team function.

6. I will conduct myself in a befitting manner at all facilities (ice rink, hotel, restaurant, etc.) during all team functions.

7. Any player or team official who cannot abide by these rules or violates them will be subject to further disciplinary action.

 

 

Return-to-Play Policy*

Any player, who in the opinion of a coach, athletic trainer, or physician exhibits any signs, symptoms, or behavior consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from play and practice. The player may not return to play and/or practice without written clearance by a qualified healthcare professional.

 

USA Hockey Concussion Information*

All sports and free play are associated with risk for a concussion, including playing, officiating or participating in ice hockey. It is important that all participants and parents learn about concussion prevention, recognition, treatment and return to play. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury-(TBI)- caused by a bump or blow to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Bouncing or twisting of the brain in the skull can cause chemical changes and sometimes stretching of the brain cells. A concussion disrupts the way the brain normally works. Most concussions are mild, but all concussions should be taken seriously because permanent brain damage and death can occur from another injury. A concussion may be difficult to recognize. A player does not have to be "knocked-out" to have a concussion- less than 10% of players actually lose consciousness. Signs and symptoms may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If a person reports one or more symptoms or demonstrates any signs of concussion after a blow to the head or body, s/he should be kept out of practice, play or training immediately and referred to a healthcare professional with experience in concussion management. A concussed brain needs time to heal and the person is much more likely to have another concussion if they return to soon. Repeat concussions are usually more severe and take longer to heal. Return to play is allowed only after the individual is without symptoms, has progressed through the concussion protocol and is cleared by the health care professional. USA Hockey provides all participants with information and educational materials about concussions, including the risk of sustaining a concussion, how to minimize these risks, concussion signs and symptoms, and USA Hockey's program for returning to play following a concussion.USA Hockey's Concussion Management Program can be found on the USA Hockey website at: http://www.usahockey.com/safety-concussions.

 

Injury Policy*

The Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) injury policy allows a proration of fees to any player who is off the ice for a period greater than six weeks due to an injury that occurs on-ice during a  Lincoln Way Girls HS Hockey Club (Southsiders) game or practice. A note from a medical doctor confirming the injury is required.

 

For purposes of the refund policy, we assume that the season starts September 1 and ends on the last day of February – so a 181-day season. For example, if a family paid $2,000 for their player for the season, it breaks down to $11.04/day. If the player is injured and misses seven weeks of hockey, you are entitled to a $540.96 refund (49 days X $11.04/day). 



 

 

I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING THE ACCEPTANCE FORM AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND WITHOUT INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE OF ANY NATURE AND INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW AND AGREE THAT IF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD TO BE INVALID THE BALANCE, NOTWITHSTANDING, SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.