PARTICIPATION IN NEW JERSEY FFA ASSOCIATION EVENTS
The New Jersey FFA Association (“New Jersey FFA”) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
As a part of fulfilling its mission, New Jersey FFA sponsors, hosts and facilitates a wide range of events, programs, and activities (collectively “Event or Events”) both We cultivate an environment that allows every individual to recognize and explore their differences.
Individuals who choose to participate in New Jersey FFA Events (referred to in this document as “Participant”) are expected to exhibit exemplary behavior and conduct consistent with the mission and values of the New Jersey FFA.
All Participants, regardless of age or legal adult status, must review and sign this Waiver, Release of Liability, Indemnification, and Consent. Completion of this document does not guarantee participation in any New Jersey FFA Event.
SCOPE OF WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INDEMNIFICATION, AND CONSENT
This Waiver, Release of Liability, Indemnification, and Consent applies to all New Jersey FFA Events occurring within a twelve (12) month period, beginning August 1 and ending July 31 of the following year, regardless of the date on which this form is signed or executed.
The Waiver, Release of Liability, Indemnification, and Consent is in favor of, and shall insure to benefit the New Jersey FFA and its directors, officers, employees, (paid or volunteer) representatives, agents, insurers, successors, assigns and all other persons or entities on behalf of New Jersey FFA (collectively referred to “Representatives”). It shall be binding upon the Participant, heirs, personal representatives, assigns and any other person claiming through or on behalf of the Participant.
Participant RELEASES, DISCHARGES, INDEMNIFIES AND HOLDS HARMLESS New Jersey FFA and its Representatives and any external sites where Events are held, from any and all liability, claims, demands, losses, suits, damages, or expenses of any kind—including reasonable attorney’s fees and expert witness costs—that may arise out of or be related to: property damage; bodily or personal injury; illness or death; any other loss or harm sustained by the Participant during or related to participation in any New Jersey FFA Event, the location of any Event, or during transportation to or from any Event.
This release applies regardless of whether such injury or damage was caused by the negligent, grossly negligent, or intentional acts of any person or entity, including but not limited to the negligence of New Jersey FFA or its Representatives.
The Participant further acknowledges and understands that this Waiver, Release of Liability, Indemnification, and Consent is intended to address all risks associated with participation in any aspect of any Event, including but not limited to risks arising from: The condition or use of transportation, premises, facilities, or equipment; the adequacy or enforcement of rules, policies, or safety measures at the Event; the failure of New Jersey FFA or its Representatives to anticipate or prevent actions, inactions, negligence, intentional or criminal misconduct, or omissions by others, including other participants; the availability or inadequacy of medical treatment or emergency response services; the lack of or inadequate supervision.
In exchange for my being allowed to participate in New Jersey FFA Events, I agree to be bound by all the terms and conditions outlined in this Waiver, Release of Liability, Indemnification, and Consent:
1. Voluntary Participation
I understand and confirm that my participation in the Event is voluntary.
2. Consent to Medical Treatment
In the event of any injury to Participant connected in any way to any New Jersey FFA Event, Participant authorizes New Jersey FFA, Chapter Advisor, and/or chaperones to provide, through any available medical or professional personnel of its choice, any necessary or customary medical treatment or services or other assistance, including but not limited to transportation, emergency medical services, or life preservation or support. This consent does not impose any duty on New Jersey FFA or its Representatives to provide any medical treatment or services or other assistance.
Please Note: New Jersey FFA staff or its Representatives are NOT authorized to provide access to Over-the-Counter (OTC) medication to address headaches, fever, nausea, cough/cold symptoms, etc. It is the responsibility of the Participant to pack accordingly and follow local school district medication guidelines. If the Participant is currently taking any prescription medication, please remember to pack it. If the Participant is an asthma sufferer and requires the use of an inhaler, please remember to pack it. If the Participant has a severe allergy (food or bee sting related) that could require the use of an auto-injectable epinephrine (Epi-Pen), please remember to pack it. All medication to be carried and self-administered by the teacher must be in the original container, labeled with the teacher’s name, name of the medication, dosage, mode of administration, and name of the health care provider (for prescription medication).
The Participant acknowledges and agrees that it is the Participant’s responsibility to comply with all school district policies regarding the possession, use, and administration of over-the-counter and prescription medications. The Participant understands and acknowledges that the school district is responsible for providing appropriate nursing care, if required, in accordance with applicable laws and school district policies. The Participant holds harmless and indemnifies the New Jersey FFA and its Representatives against all claims, judgements or liabilities arising out of the self-administration of medication as described.
3. FFA Code of Conduct
Participants in a New Jersey FFA Event must conduct themselves in an ethical and moral manner at all times consistent with the FFA Code of Conduct. The FFA Code of Conduct shall consist of the Responsibilities of Participants, FFA Code of Ethics, FFA Value Statements, FFA Code of Behavior, New Jersey CTSO Advisor Statement of Assurances, Dress Code, and any oral or written, code of conduct, guidelines, or instruction for each specific Event.
Responsibilities of Participants: For New Jersey FFA to operate effectively, each Participant must play an active role. FFA is truly an organization of, by and for its members. The success or failure of New Jersey FFA Events rests with the membership. Each Participant is charged with the responsibility of upholding the ideals and principles of the organization. Both protecting Participants from abuse and reporting known instances of abuse are responsibilities of Participants. It is also the responsibility of all Participants to refrain from actions constituting harassment and bullying as defined in the FFA Code of Behavior.
FFA Code of Ethics: Participants conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization, state, chapter, school, community and family. As an FFA chaperone, I pledge to:
- Develop students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
- Make a positive difference in the lives of others.
- Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion.
- Respect the rights of others and their property.
- Be courteous, honest and fair with others.
- Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful and positive manner.
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in defeat.
- Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant.
- Encourage students to conduct and value a supervised agricultural experience program.
- Support students as they strive to establish and enhance their skills through agricultural education in order to enter a successful career.
- Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization.
FFA Value Statements: The FFA Value Statements, passed by the national delegates at the 94th National FFA Convention and ratified by the National FFA Board of Directors, promote a more inclusive, equitable organization for all FFA members. These four statements create a foundation to ensure we open doors and remove barriers for every individual in agricultural education to experience premier leadership, personal growth and career success through FFA.
- We respect and embrace every individual’s culture and experiences.
- We welcome every individual’s contribution to advance our communities and the industry of agriculture.
- We cultivate an environment that allows every individual to recognize and explore their differences.
- We create leadership opportunities for every individual to enhance their personal and professional endeavors.
FFA Code of Behavior
- I promise that my attitude, conduct and appearance will be such to reflect credit on the local chapter, state FFA association and the National FFA Organization.
- I promise to abide by the FFA Code of Ethics and FFA Values Statements.
- FFA members and participants assigned to hotel rooms: As an FFA Chaperone, I understand that I am responsible for supervising students during the event. I will ensure that students remain in their assigned hotel rooms during the designated time periods and that they conduct themselves appropriately at all times. I acknowledge my duty to prevent any behavior that could be considered inappropriate or reflect poorly on the students, the FFA chapter, or the association.
- I will not possess or use drugs, alcohol or tobacco at any time during an event and/or as a representative of FFA. This includes but is not limited to smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vaping and other substances.
- I will not have in my possession any firearms, knives, dangerous weapons, explosive compound or an object that can reasonably be considered and/or used as a weapon.
- I will not engage in bullying, which includes hazing; menacing; taunting; intimidating; the use of lewd, profane or vulgar language; verbal or physical abuse of others; or other threatening behavior toward others in person or through acts of cyberbullying including but not limited to all social media platforms.
- I will not engage in any behavior that might be deemed sexual harassment. Behaviors constituting sexual harassment include sexual teasing, bullying, making propositions, sexual jokes, indecent or vulgar remarks, staring that causes humiliation or discomfort and posting sexually oriented pictures, cartoons, or other visual materials that are viewed as offensive. Perception is an important factor: Whether certain behavior constitutes sexual harassment depends on the perceptions of those affected and the impact of the behavior. It is the responsibility of all participants to refrain from actions constituting harassment and bullying and to help protect others from these types of acts.
- I will at all times respect all public and private property, including but not limited to all event venues and the lodging accommodations in which I am housed.
- I will pay for all personal costs and any damage of public or private property, event venues and the lodging accommodations before I depart. My sleeping room will be kept neat and clean.
- I acknowledge that failure to abide by any of these rules could result in immediate dismissal (travel costs incurred will be at my own expense) from the event, and my administrators and state staff will be notified.
New Jersey CTSO Advisor/Chaperone Statement of Assurances
Chaperone conduct should be exemplary at New Jersey FFA events, thus setting a good example or students. Conduct of chaperones at all New Jersey FFA events shall adhere to the code established for student conduct and dress. Additionally, good sportsmanship is essential, and it is expected that chaperones will provide assistance to instill an understanding that there is more to life than just winning.
- Chaperones are responsible for having each student attending New Jersey FFA events adhere to the Student Agreement/Parent Approval & Emergency Info Form in AET.
- Chaperones are responsible for knowing the whereabouts of their students at all times. Each chapter should establish a policy with their students prior to the event in order to comply with this regulation.
- Chaperones must have with them at the event a list of students, as well as home addresses, home phone numbers, and parents’ or guardians’ names and cell phone numbers.
- Curfew will be enforced by advisors and chaperones. Chapter advisors and chaperones are responsible for room checks to ensure their students are in their assigned rooms at curfew.
- No use of drugs or alcoholic beverages are permitted by advisors, chaperones, or other staff during the event.
- Identification badges or official event pins/tags/name badges will be worn at all times.
- Chaperones are responsible for their students’ conduct and shall be available to their students at all times or shall have another advisor/chaperone available to their students.
- The principal and/or designated administrator will be contacted in emergency situations if the chapter advisor or chaperone cannot be located within a reasonable amount of time or is unable to give proper amount of supervision. Student emergencies include: accidents, possession of drugs or alcohol, breaking event rules, family emergencies, and any other situation designated as an emergency.
- Chaperones shall not violate any state or federal laws in commission of their duties.
A Participant who violates or ignores any of the above code of conduct subjects themselves to: 1. Being removed from the Event and sent home at their expense after consultation with a school administrator. 2. Being invited to submit their resignation from the FFA association.
New Jersey FFA Dress Code
As an FFA Chaperone, I understand that my attire at all New Jersey FFA events reflects both my professionalism and the standards of the FFA organization. I agree to dress in a manner that is professional, appropriate, and consistent with the expectations for New Jersey FFA events. For example, when students are in official FFA dress, chaperones are expected to wear professional business attire to model appropriate standards and maintain a consistent, professional appearance. I recognize that my appearance sets an example for students and contributes to the positive representation of the FFA organization.
Examples of attire:
- Business Dress (BD): Dress pants, knee-length or longer skirts, or conservative summer dress; buttoned collared shirt or dress blouse; tie/scarf; Dress shoes are appropriate while flip-flops, sandals and sneakers are not appropriate. Jackets are optional.
- Business Casual Dress (BC): Khakis, dress pants, dress capris, or knee length or longer skirts; polo shirt, buttoned collared shirt or dress blouse. Dress shoes or dress sandals are appropriate. Flip-flops and sneakers are not appropriate.
- Casual Dress (CD): Includes everything except tank tops, halter tops, extremely short shorts or skirts, and cut-offs. Please use your best judgment.
Inappropriate attire includes, but is not limited to:
- Flip-flops or other unsafe footwear
- Tank tops, halter tops, or crop tops
- Short shorts, mini skirts, or cut-off clothing
- Pants worn below the waist (“sagging”)
- Clothing with inappropriate graphics, slogans, or language
- Sleepwear or loungewear
- Revealing or see-through clothing
- Excessively ripped or torn clothing
Participants should wear clean, neat, and modest clothing that allows them to safely and respectfully participate in all event activities. Closed-toe shoes are required for any event involving physical activity, tools, animals, or equipment. Participants should consult the specific Event guidelines for detailed dress code requirements, as expectations may vary depending on the nature of the Event.
New Jersey FFA and its Representatives reserve the right to ask any participant to change into appropriate attire if these guidelines are not followed.
I understand that New Jersey FFA reserves the right and I agree that New Jersey FFA has the right to immediately terminate my participation in the Event at the sole discretion of New Jersey FFA through its representatives, if I engage in behavior that is unsafe, irresponsible, illegal or otherwise contrary to FFA policy as expressed above. I further understand and agree that if my participation in the Event is terminated pursuant to the preceding paragraphs, I will be solely responsible for all costs associated with my early termination, including my travel expenses, I will not be entitled to any refund money I have paid to FFA for my participation in the Event.
4. Commitment to Appropriate and Respectful Experiences
New Jersey FFA is intentional in its purpose and passion to bring FFA members together to provide an environment and opportunity for FFA members to grow personally as leaders and members within our communities statewide.
As a chaperone for a youth-led, leadership organization, every chaperone is expected to embrace the following statements as they prepare for and participate in any New Jersey FFA Event.
- Respect every individual’s culture, values and experiences.
- Welcome every individual’s contribution to advancing our communities & the agriculture industry.
- Cultivate an environment that allows every individual to recognize and explore their differences.
- Create leadership opportunities for every individual to enhance their personal & professional endeavors.
- Act and speak in a way that is respectful of everyone, not only FFA members and advisors attending the event, but also the speakers, facilitators, our hosts, and anyone we encounter.
- Respect every individual’s culture, values and experiences.
- Embrace the opportunity to meet new people to help me grow as a leader.
- Be kind and empathetic to fellow FFA members, advisors, and chaperones. We never know what someone else is experiencing or where they are coming from with their perspectives.
- Remember that FFA events are designed to bring us together in leadership. Divisive or disrespectful actions only work to impede our process as growing leaders.
- Embrace that all FFA events are designed for all participants to learn about building connections, seizing opportunities in FFA, setting goals for themselves, defining personal success, and developing their own brand of leadership.
- Demonstrate that I am ready to grow in my leadership and career development and discover more about myself and others.
- I am an FFA Chaperone. I will reflect as I travel back home to my home chapter, on what I have experienced and how I can continue to grow as a leader in shared experiences.
- I am an FFA Chaperone. I Understand my responsibility to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible and that my actions do impact the experiences of others.
- I am an FFA Chaperone. I Understand that if I see a demonstration of something that contradicts what is outlined above or that is unbecoming of our organization it is my responsibility to say something.
- I am an FFA Chaperone. I Know that learning and growing is a lifelong journey.
5. Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Participation Risks
By attending an Event hosted by the New Jersey FFA,
- You voluntarily assume all risks, hazards and dangers arising from or relating in any way to the Event, including, without limitation, the risk of contracting a communicable disease or illness (including exposure to a bacteria, virus, or other pathogens capable of causing a communicable disease or illness). You acknowledge an inherent risk of exposure to communicable diseases including, but not limited to, COVID-19, which can exist in any public place where people are present, including those with or without masks and additional personal protective equipment ("PPE") or improperly using masks or PPE. By attending the Event, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to any communicable disease including, but not limited to, COVID-19. While particular protective steps may reduce this risk, the risk of exposure, serious illness and death does exist.
- You voluntarily assume the risk of lost, stolen, or damaged property, the risk of personal injury of any kind, and the risk of death, whether occurring before, during, or after any event, including the Event. You understand and acknowledge that FFA adult leaders and representatives may not be present during the Event and, whether present or not, cannot guarantee your safety or mitigate the risks involved in your participation in the Event or in your activities before or after the Event. You should avoid traveling alone, avoid dark places, and take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself. Always make sure that you inform someone of your location and how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
- The Participant further understands and acknowledges and his/her participation in the Event may involve known or unknown risks of injury or loss due to such things as slips, trips, falls, or other accidental or intentional acts arising from the nature of the Event, the condition of the premises, weather, or other force of nature, conduct of other individuals or animals, or other expected or unexpected conditions or acts. The risk of injury or loss could be minor, but could also be severe, resulting in prolonged medical treatment, permanent disability, or even death. The Participant assumes all risks, known and unknown, foreseeable, and unforeseeable, in any way connected with participant in any New Jersey FFA Event.
6. Consent to Publication, Promotional Release, and Use of Images and Materials
By participating in any New Jersey FFA event, the Participant acknowledges and agrees that New Jersey FFA, its representatives, or authorized third parties may capture, record, or collect photographs, videos, audio recordings, or other forms of media (“Images”) of the Participant before, during, and after the event. These Images may be recorded, stored, and preserved on various media, including but not limited to servers, mobile devices, cloud-based platforms, and digital or physical archives.
In addition, the Participant may create original content in the form of oral, written, or visual expression (“Materials”) as part of their participation in the event. The Participant grants New Jersey FFA a perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, and unrestricted license to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, display, and share any such Images or Materials for promotional, educational, or informational purposes, in any form or media now known or later developed. This includes but is not limited to use in printed materials, websites, official social media accounts, slideshows, presentations, podcasts, and videos.
The Participant understands and agrees that:
- No compensation will be provided for the use of Images or Materials;
- New Jersey FFA is not obligated to use any Images or Materials;
- All rights, title, and interest in the Images and Materials remain the property of New Jersey FFA.
By signing this agreement, the Participant fully and voluntarily RELEASES, DISCHARGES, INDEMNIFIES, and HOLDS HARMLESS New Jersey FFA and its Representatives from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expert witness costs) that may arise in connection with the use, publication, or distribution of the Images or Materials, including but not limited to claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, or infringement of publicity or intellectual property rights.
PARTICIPANT’S CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY
The Participant certifies that they meet all eligibility requirements for participation in New Jersey FFA Events.
THIS IS A WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INDEMNIFICATION, AND CONSENT. THE UNDERSIGNED FFA MEMBER AND AUTHORIZED PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THIS WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INDEMIFICATION, AND CONSENT. THE UNDERSIGNED UNDERSTANDS THAT THEY HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT. THE UNDERSIGNED IS SIGNING THIS WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INDEMIFICATION, AND CONSENT VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT ANY COERCION OR UNDUE INFLUENCE AND WITHOUT ANY EXPECTATION OR PROMISE BY NEW JERSEY FFA OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES. PARTICIPANT UNDERSTANDS THAT IF ANY CHANGES ARE MADE TO THIS WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INDEMIFICATION, AND CONSENT, PARTICIPANT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATION IN THE NEW JERSEY FFA EVENT.