USA ULTIMATE WAIVER & RELEASE OF LIABILITY

This waiver may not be modified. Signed waivers are required to participate in USA Ultimate events.  In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in USA Ultimate programs, related events and activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates and willingly agrees that:

1. I will comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation.  If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately.
2. I acknowledge and fully understand that each participant will be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury, including traumatic brain injury, permanent disability and death, and severe social and economic losses which may result not only from their own actions, inactions or negligence but the action, inaction or negligence of others, the rules of play, or the condition of the premises or of any equipment used.  Further, I accept personal responsibility for the damages following such injury, including traumatic brain injury, permanent disability or death.
3. I hereby authorize and give my full consent to USA Ultimate, in perpetuity, to copyright and/or publish any and all photographs, video and/or broadcasts in which I appear while attending any USA Ultimate event. I further agree that USA Ultimate may transfer, use or cause to be used, photographs, video, or broadcasts for any exhibitions, public displays, publications, commercials, online streaming, art and advertising purposes, and television programs without limitations or reservations, in perpetuity.
4. I knowingly and freely assume all such risk, both known and unknown, even those arising from the negligent acts or omissions of others, and assume full responsibility for my participation.
5. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby release, and agree to hold harmless USA Ultimate, its officers, officials, affiliated clubs, their respective administrators, directors, agents, coaches, and other employees of the organization, other participants, sponsoring agencies, advertisers, and, if applicable owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event, all of which are hereinafter referred to as "releasees", with respect to all and any injury, disability, death or loss or damage to person or property, whether arising from the negligence of the releasees or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law. I will indemnify, save and hold harmless above named releasees of, from and against any loss, cost, expense, damage or liability that such releasees may incur as a result of, arising from or in connection with such claim, including without limitation any attorney's fees, or other costs or expenses or litigation.
6. I agree that, as a USA Ultimate member, player, organizer or representative of the organization, I will not compete at USA Ultimate official, sponsored, sanctioned or affiliated events, or carry out responsibilities related to official organization and event business, while under the influence of alcohol or illegal/banned drugs.  Additionally, I will not engage in any unlawful acts at such events, including but not limited to the unlawful or unauthorized use, possession, distribution or consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal/banned drugs at said events or while representing USA Ultimate in an official capacity.
7. I will comply with and be bound by the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation, including the USA Ultimate Conduct Policy found at www.usaultimate.org/about/usaultimate/governance/conduct.aspx.  If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately.

 
PARENT/ATHLETE CONCUSSION INFORMATION
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even a "ding," "getting your bell rung," or what seems to be a mild bump can be serious. 
 
Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If an athlete reports one or more symptoms of concussion listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, s/he should be kept out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says s/he is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. 
 
Signs Observed by Coaching Staff

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets an instruction
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Symptoms Reported by Athletes

• Headache or "pressure" in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Just not "feeling right" or "feeling down"

Did You Know?

• Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
• Athletes who have, at any point in their lives, had a concussion have an increased risk for another concussion.
• Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults

Remember…Concussions affect people differently.  While most athletes with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have symptoms that last for days, or even weeks.  A more serious concussion can last for months or longer.
 
Concussion Danger Signs:  In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. An athlete should receive immediate medical attention if after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body s/he exhibits any of the following danger signs:

• One pupil larger than the other;
• Is drowsy or cannot be awakened;
• A headache that not only does not diminish, but gets worse;
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination;
• Has unusual behavior;
• Slurred speech;
• Repeated vomiting or nausea;
• Loses consciousness (even if brief);
• Convulsions or seizures;
• Cannot recognize people or places;
• Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated.

Why should an athlete report their symptoms?  
If an athlete has a concussion, his/her brain needs time to heal. While an athlete’s brain is still healing, s/he is much more likely to have another concussion. Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes to recover. In rare cases, repeat concussions in young athletes can result in brain swelling or permanent damage to their brain. They can even be fatal.
 
What should you do if you think your athlete has a concussion?  
If you suspect that an athlete has a concussion, remove the athlete from play and seek medical attention. Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says s/he is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. 
 
Rest is key to helping an athlete recover from a concussion. Exercising or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer, or playing video games, may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse. After a concussion, returning to sports and school is a gradual process that should be carefully managed and monitored by a health care professional.  It’s better to miss one game than the whole season. For more information on concussions, visit: www.cdc.gov/Concussion.

Your participation in this or any USAU event or USAU sanctioned event or league is always subject to the rules, policies, procedures and governing documents of USAU and may trigger important consequences.  In particular, please note that participation in post-High School/Youth Division events may initiate your college eligibility period. Review the USAU college eligibility rules (usaultimate.org) to learn more.