In an effort to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for all our members, USRowing is asking everyone to acknowledge and agree to the terms of the USRowing Membership Agreement. Be sure to review all of the policies carefully. If you have questions or concerns, please contact USRowing Member Services at (609) 751-0700 or members@usrowing.org.
2021 USRowing Membership Agreement
Table of Contents:
1. USRowing Waiver
2. Photo Release
3. Florida Waiver (Commercial and Non-Commercial)
4. By-laws of the United States Rowing Association
5. USRowing Policy Manual
6. USRowing Safety Expectations Policy
7. USRowing Rules of Rowing
8. SafeSport Code for the USOPC Movement
1. USRowing Waiver
By clicking Accept below, I hereby verify that I have read and fully understand each of the following conditions for participation in any USRowing recognized or sanctioned event, and I accept each of the conditions below, especially the waiver and release set forth in paragraph one. FOR ANY PARTICIPANT WHO IS NOT YET 18 YEARS OLD THIS WAIVER MUST BE READ AND ACCEPTED BY THE LEGAL GUARDIAN OF THE PARTICIPANT. By clicking Accept below, I hereby verify that as legal guardian of this participant, I have read and fully understand each of the following conditions for permitting my child to participate in any USRowing recognized or sanctioned event, and I accept each of the conditions below, especially the waiver and release set forth in paragraph one. I also verify that my child has read and agreed to the terms in the Code of Conduct below.
ACCEPTANCE OF THIS WAIVER IS REQUIRED FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MEMBERSHIP IN CONSIDERATION of being given the opportunity to participate in any USRowing activity, including scheduled, supervised club activities, and registered regattas, during the policy term 03/09/2021 - 01/15/2022, I, for myself, my personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin.
1. ACKNOWLEDGE, agree and represent that I understand the nature of Rowing Activities, both on water and land based, and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such Activity.
2. FULLY UNDERSTAND that: (a.) ROWING 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 others participating in the Activity, the condition in which the Activity takes place, or the negligence of the Releasee named below; (c.) there may be other risks 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 in the Activity.
3. AGREE AND WARRANT that I will examine and inspect each Activity in which I take part as a member of USRowing and that, if I observe any condition which I consider to be unacceptably hazardous or dangerous, I willnotify the proper authority in charge of the Activity and will refuse to take part in the Activity until the condition has been corrected to my satisfaction.
4. HEREBY RELEASE, discharge, and covenant not to sue USRowing, the Club, the Regatta, their administrators, directors, agents, officers, volunteers and employees, other participating regatta organizers, any sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises, on which the Activity takes place, (each considered one of the Releasees herein) 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 Releasee or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations; and I further agree that if, despite this release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement, I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I WILL INDEMNIFY, SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS each of the Releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as a result of such claim, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
5. AGREE to be familiar with, comply with, and be bound by the Rules and Regulations of USRowing, including but not limited to the USRowing Rules of Rowing (www.usrowing.org), the World Anti-Doping Code (www.usada.org), and the codes, rules, policies and procedures of the U.S. Center for SafeSport (the "SafeSport Rules," www.SafeSport.org), including with respect to the exclusive authority and jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport to investigate and resolve reported sexual misconduct and the discretionary authority to investigate and resolve reports of other misconduct. I further agree that arbitration pursuant to the binding arbitration provisions of the SafeSport Rules shall be the exclusive method to resolve any dispute over any disciplinary action taken by USRowing as a result of a USCSS investigation (the "Arbitration Procedure"). I have read this agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it and have signed it freely and without any 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.
6. IN CONSIDERATION of being permitted to compete, officiate, observe, work, or participate in any way in the EVENT(S), I for myself, my personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin:
1. Affirm that I have not been diagnosed with, demonstrated any symptoms of or have in any way been exposed to any communicable diseases (including but not limited to the virus commonly referred to as COVID-19) within the last 14 days, or that I have complied with all local, state and federal guidelines and regulations as related to communicable diseases;
2. Acknowledge that I am aware that by entering the premises and participating in rowing-related and sponsored activities that there are risks to me and to those with whom I interact of exposure, directly or indirectly, to communicable disease(s) including but not limited to the virus "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)", "COVID-19" and/or any mutation or variation thereof;
3. HEREBY RELEASE, discharge, and covenant not to sue USRowing, the Club, the Regatta, their administrators, directors, agents, officers, volunteers and employees, other participating regatta organizers, any sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises, on which the Activity takes place, all for the purposes herein referred to as “Releasees”, from all liability to the undersigned, his personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for any and all loss or damage, and any claim or demands therefor, whether caused by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise;
4. HEREBY agree to INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS the releasees and each of them from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur arising out of or related to my illness or death, whether caused by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise.
I HAVE READ THIS COMMUNICABLE DISEASE RELATED HOLD HARMLESS, RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT, ASSURANCE OR GUARANTEE BEING MADE TO ME AND INTEND MY SIGNATURE TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.
2. Regatta Photo Release
IN CONSIDERATION of being given the opportunity to participate in a USRowing registered regatta (the "Regatta") taking place in this calendar year, I, for myself, my personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin: HEREBY GRANT my specific permission to USRowing, the Regatta, the Regatta’s host organization(s) (collectively referred to as the "Regatta Manager") and their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, regatta organizers, sponsors, advertisers, participants, agents, and assigns to make and/or obtain photographic images of me on the day(s) of the Regatta and to publish, copyright, distribute and/or display photographic images taken of me on the day(s) of the Regatta. I further waive the right to inspect and/or examine all photographs and/or written text to which the images may be applied before use. I also waive any and all rights and claims, including future rights and claims to such photographic images and any interest therein. I hereby release and discharge the Regatta Manager, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, regatta organizers, sponsors, advertisers, participants, patrons, agents, licensees, affiliates and assigns from any and all liability by virtue of distortion, blurring, alteration, optical illusion, digital scanning and manipulation, and/or use in composite form, whether the same is intentional, or otherwise. I understand that the Regatta Manager, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, regatta organizers, sponsors, advertisers, participants, agents, and assigns may use any process or procedure resulting in the completion of the finished product for publication, display, copyright or distribution.
HEREBY GRANT my specific permission to the Regatta Manager, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, regatta organizers, sponsors, advertisers, participants, patrons, agents, licensees, affiliates and assigns a fully paid- up, non-exclusive, worldwide right and license to use, display or otherwise exploit my name, nickname, voice, photograph, statements, biographical information, and likeness, as well as images of me in motion picture, videotape, electronic, and similar formats ("My Image"), so long as My Image relates to my participation in the Regatta, whether in original or modified form. I waive any rights of privacy.
By clicking Accept below, I hereby verify that I have read and fully understand that I have given up substantial rights by accepting this release and have accepted this release freely and without any 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.
3. Florida Waiver (Commercial and Non-Commercial)
(All parents of minors who are Florida residents must sign both the Florida commercial and non-commercial waivers)
(Commercial Activity Providers) WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT This release is entered into as between the natural guardian and/parent of this participant, a minor child, and USRowing, its officers, directors, members, employees and representatives upon the date of acceptance.
NOTICE TO THE MINOR CHILD’S NATURAL GUARDIAN:
READ THIS FORM COMPLETELY AND CAREFULLY, YOU ARE AGREEING TO LET YOUR MINOR CHILD ENGAGE IN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY. YOU ARE AGREEING THAT, EVEN IF USROWING USES REASONABLE CARE IN PROVIDING THIS ACTIVITY, THERE IS A CHANCE THAT YOUR CHILD MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS ACTIVITY BECAUSE THERE ARE CERTAIN DANGERS INHERENT IN THE ACTIVITY WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED OR ELIMINATED. BY SIGNING THIS FORM, YOU ARE GIVING UP YOUR CHILD’S RIGHT AND YOUR RIGHT TO RECOVER FROM USROWING IN A LAWSUIT FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, TO YOUR CHILD OR ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT RESULTS FROM THE RISKS THAT ARE A NATURAL PART OF THE ACTIVITY. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO SIGN THIS FORM, AND USROWING HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO LET YOUR CHILD PARTICIPATE IF YOU DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM.
I, for myself, and on behalf of my spouse, children, guardians, heirs and next of kin, and any legal and personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby agree to and make the following contractual representations pursuant to this Waiver and Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement (Agreement):
I understand and acknowledge that water sports activities have inherent risks and dangers that no amount of care, caution or expertise can eliminate, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life.
I hereby Release, Waive and Covenant Not to Sue, and further agree to Indemnify, Defend and Hold Harmless the following parties: USRowing, its employees, officers, directors, administrators, agents, coaches, instructors, members, other participants, sponsoring agencies all of which are hereinafter referred to as Released Parties, from any and all liability for any and all claims, demands, losses, or damages on account of injury, including death, or damage to property, caused or alleged to be caused by risks inherent in the water sports activity undertaken by my child.
I further agree that I will not sue or make a claim on behalf of myself or my child against the Released Parties for damages or other losses sustained as a result of my child’s participation in the water sports activity. I further agree to indemnify and hold Released Parties harmless from all claims, judgments and cost, including attorney’s fees, incurred in connection with any action brought as a result of my child’s participation in the water sports activity.
This Agreement is specifically intended to comply with Section 744.301 Florida Statutes and is intended to operate as a waiver of liability to the fullest extent allowed by law on the date on which it is signed. To the extent that any portion of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable under Florida law, only that portion of the Agreement shall be stricken, and the remaining portions of the Agreement shall be enforced.
BY EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT, I REPRESENT THAT I HAVE READ THE ABOVE SECTION TITLED "NOTICE TO THE MINOR CHILD’S NATURAL GUARDIAN" AND THAT I UNDERSTAND THE CONTENTS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT I ACCEPT IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND MY MINOR CHILD.
(Non-commercial Activity Providers)
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
This release is entered into as between the natural guardian and/parent of this participant, a minor child, and USRowing, its officers, directors, members, employees and representatives upon the date of acceptance. For and in consideration of USRowing allowing my child to participate in the activities of or sponsored by USRowing, I for myself and on behalf of my spouse, children, guardians, heirs and next of kin, and any legal and personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby agree to and make the following contractual representations pursuant to this Waiver and Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement.
(Agreement):
I understand and acknowledge that water sports activities have inherent risks and dangers that no amount of care, caution or expertise can eliminate, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life.
I further understand and acknowledge that my child will be engaging in activities that involve the risk of serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life, which might result not only from his/her own actions, inactions or negligence, but the action, inaction or negligence of another, the rules of play, or the conditions of the premises, water conditions or of any equipment used. I understand and acknowledge that there may be other risks not reasonably known at this time.
I hereby Release, Waive and Covenant Not to Sue, and further agree to Indemnify, Defend and Hold Harmless the following parties: USRowing, its employees, officers, directors, administrators, agents, coaches, instructors, members, other participants, sponsoring agencies all of which are hereinafter referred to as Released Parties, from any and all liability for any and all claims, demands, losses, or damages on account of injury, including death, or damage to property, caused or alleged to be caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise. I further agree that I will not sue or make a claim on behalf of myself or my child against the Released Parties for damages or other losses sustained as a result of my child’s participation in the water sports activity. I further agree to indemnify and hold Released Parties harmless from all claims, judgments and cost, including attorney’s fees, incurred in connection with any action brought as a result of my child’s participation in the water sports activity.
This Agreement is specifically intended to operate as a waiver of liability to the fullest extent allowed by law on the date on which it is signed. To the extent that any portion of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable under Florida law, only that portion of the Agreement shall be stricken, and the remaining portions of the Agreement shall be enforced.
BY EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT, I REPRESENT THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT AND THAT I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS AND ACCEPT IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND MY MINOR CHILD.
4. By-laws of the United States Rowing Association Complete document available on the Governance page of the USRowing website.
5. USRowing Policy Manual Complete document available on the Governance page of the USRowing website.
6. USRowing Safety Expectations Policy Complete document available on the Safety Expectations Policy Page of the USRowing website.
7. USRowing Rules of Rowing Complete document available on the Rules of Rowing page of the USRowing website.
8. SafeSport Code for the USOPC Movement Complete document available on the SafeSport Code page of the U.S Center for SafeSport website.
I hereby agree to be bound by the Membership Agreement and all of the applicable terms and provisions set forth by the official policies of both USRowing and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Such policies are understood to include but are not limited to the USRowing Waiver, the By-Laws of USRowing, the USRowing Policy Manual, the USRowing Safety Expectations Policy, the Rules of Rowing and the SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement. I understand that my violation of any such policy, as determined by USRowing at its reasonable discretion, may result in the suspension or revocation of my status as a USRowing member.