Please read carefully before digitally accepting. By electronically accepting this waiver, terms, conditions, and policies, you agree to the following:
Who This Applies To
This waiver applies to you and any family members you register for events offered by SoCal Athletics, Inc., also known as SoCal Volleyball Club (“SoCal Athletics”), and HealthWest Physical Therapy, Inc. (“HealthWest”). It covers participation in all activities and use of facilities offered by SoCal Athletics and HealthWest, including:
- Volleyball (indoor, outdoor, and sand) at SoCal Athletics facilities
- Weight training, strength training, and fitness classes at SoCal Athletics facilities
- Leagues, competitions, tournaments, camps, and special events offered by SoCal Athletics
- Physical therapy services provided by HealthWest at SoCal Athletics facilities (if applicable)
- Use of buildings, locker rooms, volleyball courts (indoor and outdoor, including sand), fitness equipment, weights, and other facilities owned or operated by SoCal Athletics
Understanding the Risks
By participating in SoCal Athletics activities and using their facilities, you acknowledge there are inherent risks. These risks include, but are not limited to:
- Falling and getting hurt
- Getting hit by balls, posts, or other objects
- Injuries from other participants, instructors, or spectators
- Equipment failure
- Risks associated with playing volleyball on different surfaces (hard courts and sand)
- Encounters with animals or insects
- Exposure to germs and illnesses from other participants or equipment
- Injury or illness from physical activity
Taking Responsibility
You understand that serious injury or death could happen from these risks, and no amount of care or instruction can eliminate them. You are solely responsible for deciding whether to participate in SoCal Athletics activities.
- You confirm you are physically and mentally capable of participating.
- If your health changes and you can no longer participate safely, you agree to stop participating.
- You agree to follow all posted safety and hygiene procedures.
Assuming the Risks
Despite the risks, in exchange for being allowed to participate, you agree to:
- Expressly assume all risks of injury or death associated with SoCal Athletics activities and use of facilities.
Giving Up Your Right to Sue
In exchange for being allowed to participate, you agree to:
- Never sue SoCal Athletics for any injury or death arising from participation or use of facilities, regardless of cause, including alleged negligence (except for claims not allowed to be released by law).
- This waiver prevents you, your child, and your heirs from suing SoCal Athletics for injuries or death related to participation.
- This waiver applies whenever you participate in SoCal Athletics activities or use their facilities.
Independent Contractors
In addition to SoCal Athletics, Inc., its employees, and agents, this waiver and release of liability applies to any independent contractors who provide services or instruction for SoCal Athletics, Inc.
Medical Treatment Authorization
In the event of an emergency and if I cannot communicate or make decisions regarding medical treatment, I hereby authorize SoCal Athletics, its staff, and/or emergency medical personnel to obtain any necessary medical treatment on my behalf. I understand and agree that I will be financially responsible for all costs associated with such medical treatment.
If You Sue SoCal Athletics
If you or someone on your behalf files a lawsuit against SoCal Athletics, you agree to:
- Defend, indemnify, and hold harmless SoCal Athletics for any damages, attorney fees, and costs arising from the lawsuit.
Other Important Notes
- Severability Clause: If any provision of this Waiver and Release of Liability is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be struck and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. This Waiver and Release of Liability shall be governed to the fullest extent permitted by law by the laws of the State of California and construed as broadly as permissible under California law.
- Governing Law and Dispute Resolution: Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Waiver and Release of Liability or your participation in SoCal Athletics activities or use of facilities shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) and held in San Diego County, California. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding, and subject to limited review as provided by law.
- You acknowledge the risk of contagious diseases, including COVID-19.
- You understand participation may increase your risk of contracting a contagious disease.
- SoCal Athletics cannot guarantee you will not get sick by participating in their activities.
- You agree to abide by all safety protocols set forth by SoCal Athletics, including hand sanitizing, temperature checks, and wearing masks.
- You agree to report any changes in your health status that could put others at risk.
- You release SoCal Athletics and any independent contractors providing services or instruction at their facilities from any liability related to contagious diseases.
You acknowledge SoCal Athletics, and other participants may take photos or videos of the activities and facilities. You agree SoCal Athletics can use these recordings in any way without compensating you, including for marketing and legal purposes.
- All payments are non-refundable.
- Team commitment is for the full season and only releasable by SoCal Athletics.
- If services are not provided for reasons outside of SoCal Athletics’ control, at their discretion, SoCal Athletics, Inc may offer a service credit.
A “training session” is defined as a practice or tournament. Training sessions occur on weekdays and weekends.
If a tournament overlaps with a regular practice day, the tournament itself is considered the training session for that week. This means that participating in the tournament will fulfill the team’s training requirements for that specific week.
Sportsmanship and Respect:
- Be a role model: Act with respect towards coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and parents.
- Maintain positive sportsmanship: No foul language, cyberbullying, or negativity.
- Win or lose with grace: Congratulate opponents and display good sportsmanship at all times.
Commitment and Effort:
- Be dedicated to improvement: Attend practices regularly, listen to coaches, and give your best effort.
- Arrive prepared: Be on time for practices and games with the proper SoCal practice shirt and uniform.
- Be responsible: Bring all necessary equipment to practices and tournaments.
Communication:
- Address concerns directly: If you have an issue, speak with your coach first.
- Maintain open communication: Inform your coach about absences (priority, unexcused, or sickness/injury) as outlined in the SoCal Attendance Policy.
Additional Expectations:
- Follow coaches’ instructions: Pay attention during practices and games, and follow your coach’s guidance.
- Uphold the team spirit: Be a positive teammate, encouraging and supporting others.
- Represent the Club well: Maintain appropriate behavior on and off the court, reflecting positively on yourself and SoCal VBC.
Consequences
Disciplinary actions may be taken for violations of the code of conduct. These may include:
- Verbal warnings
- Limited playing time
- Temporary suspension
- Removal from the Club (with a chance for parental appeal)
By registering for a program, parents/guardians agree to the following:
Positive Environment:
- Promote sportsmanship: Encourage your daughter to cheer positively for everyone involved.
- Prioritize well-being: Value your daughter’s emotional and physical health over winning.
- Foster teamwork: Collaborate with your daughter, coaches, and other parents to create a positive experience.
Communication and Respect:
- Address concerns professionally: Follow the chain of command for any issues that arise.
- Respect coaches’ decisions: Avoid public negativity or outbursts towards coaches, players, or officials.
- Maintain open communication: Use the 24-hour rule – address complaints with coaches after a cooling-off period.
- Support from the sidelines: Parents are not allowed to participate in practices or coaching activities.
Attendance and Playing Time:
- Review the SoCal Attendance Policy: Understand absence procedures and potential consequences for missed practices.
- Respect coaches’ discretion: Playing time is determined by coaches based on various factors. Communicate with coaches regarding playing time expectations.
Conflict Resolution:
- Encourage daughter to take initiative: If your daughter has a concern, guide her to speak with the coach directly.
- Follow the chain of command: If issues persist, follow the established process for addressing concerns. (See CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY below)
Player Absences:
- Three Priority Absences: Notify your coach in advance for important events (weddings, graduations, etc.).
- One Unexcused Absence: Inform the coach beforehand for unplanned situations.
- Sickness/Injury: Notify the coach and understand playing time may be affected.
- Family Birthdays: Not excused absences, but may impact playing time.
- Holidays: Communicate these dates early. They may not count as absences, but could still affect playing time (rewarding consistent attendance).
Dual-Sport Athletes:
- Discuss accommodations with the coach by January 1st.
Blackout Dates:
- Coaches may designate mandatory attendance practices before tournaments.
Consequences for Missed Practices:
- Missing practices beyond allowed absences may result in:
- Sitting out the first tournament set
- Sitting out for a full match
- Not starting the first tournament match (if practice is missed the week before without making it up)
Playing Time:
- Playing time consequences are ultimately at the coach’s discretion and may be affected by missed practices.
Open Communication:
SoCal Volleyball Club is committed to fostering open communication and resolving issues promptly and fairly. We encourage players, parents, and coaches to address concerns directly with the person involved whenever possible. However, the safety and well-being of our players is our top priority. If a parent believes their child is in any danger, they should intervene immediately and contact the appropriate authorities. We still encourage following the chain of command for other concerns, but child safety comes first.
Steps for Addressing Concerns (Chain of Command):
- Direct Communication: Players are encouraged to speak with their coach directly about any concerns.
- Meeting with Coach (After 24-Hour Cooling-Off Period): If the concern is not resolved through direct communication, parents can schedule a meeting with the coach after a 24-hour cooling-off period. This allows everyone involved time to collect their thoughts and approach the situation calmly.
- Meeting with Program Director (With Notice): If the meeting with the coach doesn’t resolve the issue, parents can request a meeting with the Program Director. Notice should be provided to allow the Program Director to prepare and potentially involve the coach in the discussion.
- Escalation to Executive Director (With Notice): In rare instances where the Program Director and parents cannot reach a resolution, a meeting with the Executive Director can be requested. Again, notice should be provided for appropriate preparation.
Documentation:
Throughout the conflict resolution process, it’s helpful to keep a record of communication, including dates, times, and key points discussed. This documentation can be beneficial if the issue needs to be escalated further.
Timeliness:
We encourage all parties involved to address concerns promptly. Ideally, issues should be brought to light within a reasonable timeframe of the incident to ensure accurate recollection and timely resolution.
Our Commitment:
We understand that conflicts can arise. SoCal Volleyball Club is committed to providing a fair and respectful process for addressing concerns. By following these guidelines, we can work together to find solutions that benefit all parties involved.