SNR Volunteer Application Form

I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian of the minor named below, hereby give my permission for my child to volunteer with Specialized Needs Recreation (SNR).

I understand that my child will be participating in volunteer activities that may include assisting with recreational programs, community events, administrative tasks, and interactions with individuals of varying abilities. I acknowledge that these activities may involve inherent risks, including, but not limited to, slips, falls, transportation-related activities, outdoor activities, and other risks associated with volunteer service.

I certify that my child is physically and emotionally capable of participating in SNR volunteer activities. I have disclosed any medical conditions, allergies, behavioral concerns, or other information that may affect my child's ability to volunteer safely.

In the event of an illness, injury, or medical emergency, I authorize SNR staff to administer basic first aid and to obtain emergency medical treatment for my child if I cannot be reached immediately. I understand that every reasonable effort will be made to contact me or my designated emergency contact as soon as possible. I accept full financial responsibility for any medical treatment or transportation expenses incurred.

I understand that while SNR is committed to providing a safe and supervised environment, accidents and unforeseen events may occur. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless Specialized Needs Recreation (SNR), its Board of Directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and representatives from any claims, demands, causes of action, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising out of or related to my child's participation as a volunteer, except in cases resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct.

I understand that my child is expected to follow all SNR policies, safety procedures, and directions provided by staff. Failure to comply with these expectations may result in dismissal from the volunteer program.

I acknowledge that volunteering with SNR is voluntary and that either my child or SNR may end the volunteer relationship at any time.

By signing below, I certify that I have read, understand, and voluntarily agree to the terms of this Parent/Legal Guardian Consent and Release.

 
I hereby authorize Specialized Needs Recreation and/or its Service Provider to request and receive any and all background information about or concerning me, including, but not limited to, my Criminal History, Driving Record, Employment History, Military Background, Civil Listings, Educational Background, Professional License from any Individual, Corporation, Partnership, Law Enforcement Agency, and other entities including my Present and Past Employers. I authorize Specialized Needs Recreation or any of its components to make reference checks for my volunteer service. I understand that this information will determine my eligibility as a volunteer/employee with Specialized Needs Recreation.  
 
The criminal history, as received from the reporting agencies, may include arrest and conviction data, plea bargains, deferred adjudications, and delinquent conduct committed as a juvenile. I understand that this information will be used, in part, to determine my eligibility for an employment/ volunteer position with this organization. I also understand that as long as I remain an employee or volunteer here, the criminal history check may be repeated at any time. I understand that I will have an opportunity to review the criminal history as received by the client/agency, and a procedure is available for clarification if I dispute the record as received. I also understand that the criminal history could contain information presumed to be expunged.  
 
I further release and discharge Specialized Needs Recreation and their Service Provider and all of their Subsidiaries, Affiliates, Officers, Employees, Contract Personnel, or Associates from any and all claims and liability arising out of any request for information or records under this authorization and/or procurement of an investigative consumer report and understand that it may contain information about my character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living, whichever are applicable.  
 
I understand that I have the right to make a written request within a reasonable period to Specialized Needs Recreation for additional information concerning the nature and scope of the investigation. I acknowledge that I have voluntarily provided the above information for employment/volunteer purposes, and I have carefully read and understood this authorization.  
 

Staff oversee the management and program processes, and volunteers are there to help and support participants and staff.

Volunteers are to engage with participants throughout the day, encouraging them to communicate with their peers, develop friendships, assist with activities, crafts, games, or anything else they may need help with.

Volunteers are to assist staff in supervising participants to ensure safety and appropriate behavior.

As individual situations arise, such as inappropriate behavior or a Code of Conduct violation, volunteers are to speak directly to the Leadership Team to address the situation.

If a volunteer fails to report incidents, concerns, or policy violations to the Leadership Team as required, they will receive coaching and a reminder of SNR's reporting procedures and expectations. Repeated failure to comply with these reporting responsibilities may result in the volunteer's dismissal from SNR and ineligibility to continue volunteering with the organization.

Volunteers are not to share personal information such as phone numbers, addresses or email addresses with participants and vice versa.

Volunteers are to sign in/out each time they volunteer in the binder & wear a volunteer badge at all times while volunteering.

Specialized Needs Recreation (SNR) offers participants opportunities to meet new people and try new activities in a fun and safe environment. There is a mandatory Code of Conduct for everyone involved to ensure that all participants, parents/guardians, staff, Board members, and volunteers enjoy the SNR experience. Your signature below is implied and informed consent that you have reviewed, understand, and will follow the Code of Conduct while participating in SNR events.   

Code of Conduct: 

·         All communication is conducted appropriately and respectfully. Inappropriate tones, foul language, unkind words, pushing, shoving, threats, comments in a sexual nature, and bullying are not allowed. 

·         Handholding, kissing, or any form of sexual contact is not allowed. 

·         Cell phones, handheld games, and other electronic devices are allowed; however, SNR is not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft. If the device contains offensive content or becomes disruptive, it will be put away until after the day’s activity. This includes inappropriate messages to others involved in SNR. 

·         Jeans with excessive holes, shorts that do not reach to mid-thigh, graphic t-shirts with lewd, foul language or depict drugs/alcohol/sexual themes, or crop tops exposing the stomach, halter tops, and spaghetti strap (less than two inches tops) are not allowed. Clothing and hats are not to be shared. 

·         Individuals shall behave in a manner that does not endanger their health and safety or that of others. 

·         All volunteers are to show respect to both the property of SNR, and locations visited during an SNR activity.  Stealing, damaging, or failing to care for the property of SNR and others is unacceptable. 

·         Use of illegal substances, tobacco products, vaping devices, and alcohol is prohibited at SNR or SNR events. 

·         Possession of any item considered a weapon (including, but not limited to, firearms, knives, pocketknives, and switchblades) is prohibited at all times.   

IF A VIOLATION OCCURS: 

The individual will be redirected to a more appropriate behavior and receive a verbal warning. The incident will be discussed with them, their parent, and/or their guardian. The verbal warning will be documented in their file.  
If the problem persists, or if a second but different violation occurs with the same individual, the individual will be redirected, and a written warning will be issued and documented in the individual's file, including but not limited to documenting the specifics of the behavior and the corrective action that took place.  
If there is a third occurrence or if the individual's behavior threatens his/her immediate safety or that of any other individuals, SNR will have the right to ask the individual to leave (or be picked up immediately). The behavior will be documented, and the Executive Board will be notified and has the right to refuse further participation in all SNR programs.  
Depending on the severity of the offense/behavior/incident, SNR has the right to expel the individual(s) from further participation in SNR at any time without following these procedures. 

As a condition of volunteering at SNR, I, the undersigned applicant (or parent/legal guardian), acknowledge, understand, and agree to the following:

Assumption of Risk: I understand that participation in this Event may involve physical activities, interaction with other individuals, and/or other activities that carry inherent risks, including, but not limited to, injury, illness (including COVID-19), property damage, or even death. I voluntarily assume all such risks associated with participation.
Release of Liability: I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and next of kin, hereby release and hold harmless the Event organizers, sponsors, staff, volunteers, venue owners, and any affiliated parties from any and all liability, claims, demands, losses, or damages that may arise from participation in this Event.
Medical Treatment: I consent to receive any medical treatment deemed necessary if I am injured or become ill during the Event. I understand that I am responsible for any costs incurred for such treatment.
Photo & Media Release: I grant permission for my image, likeness, or voice to be recorded and used in promotional or media content related to the Event, without compensation or further approval.