Waiver and Release of All Claims, and Hold Harmless Agreement

Please read this form carefully and be aware in registering yourself or your minor child(ren) for participation in Bartlett Cheerleading Association, Inc. (BCA) activities that you will be waiving and releasing all claims for injuries you or your child(ren) might sustain arising out of BCA Activities.

A.	I recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury to participants in BCA program(s) and I agree to assume the full risk of any injuries, damages or loss regardless of the severity which I or my minor child(ren) may sustain as a result of participation in any and all activities connected with or associated with such program(s). I further agree that the participants insurance is primary.
B.	I agree to waive and relinquish all claims I or my minor child(ren) may have as a result of participating in the program(s) against BCA and its officers, agents, servants, sponsors and employees.
C.	I do hereby fully release, discharge and hold harmless BCA and its officers, agents, servants, sponsors, employees and volunteers from any and all claims from injuries, including death, damage or loss of which I or my minor child(ren) are arising out of connected with, or in any way associated with the activities of the program(s).
D.	I further agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the BCA and its officers, agents, servants, sponsors and employees from any and all claims from injuries, including death, damage or losses sustained by me or my minor child(ren) arising out of, connected with, or in any way associated with the activities of the program(s).
E.	In the event of any emergency, I authorize BCA officials to secure from any licensed hospital, physician, and/or medical personnel any treatment deemed necessary for *me or my minor child(ren) immediate care, after a reasonable effort has been made to contact me, and agree that I will be responsible for payment of any and all medical services rendered.

I, the undersigned, have fully read and understand the above waiver and release of all claims and agreed to abide by the rules and regulations of BCA and its programs:

Participant & Parent Code of Conduct

All participants, including cheerleaders, parents, or legal guardians, guests, coaches or officials in any youth sports activity have an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the highest standards of sportsmanship. The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "six pillars of character." ( http://charactercounts.org/

As a parent in this program, please keep in mind that anything you do, in either a positive or negative manner, can reflect upon the Jr. Hawks, BCA, or our affiliate’s reputation. It also has an effect on the participants involved. Please remember to be respectful of all members, parents, BCA Board Members, volunteers and instructional staff, as well as our partner business and sponsors.

Proper behavior and respect will be shown toward adults, teen coaches as well as teammates and other franchise cheerleaders at all times. No abusive language, gestures toward coaches or cheerleaders, swearing, ridicule or mocking, at practice, games, any BCA sponsored event, Facebook, Myspace, or via email. If not followed proper disciplinary action will be taken, and decided by the BCA board.

Under no circumstance is a parent allowed to confront a Jr. Coach regarding a problem or complaint they have regarding their child. All questions/comments will need to be directly addressed with the Head or Assistant adult coaches.

The BCA Jr. Hawks program is built on integrity and respect for others; therefore, it is very important that certain guidelines be established and that each member and parent upholds these standards. Your instructional staff will treat every parent and child with respect. In return, we expect every parent and child to follow the rules and regulations that have been set and respect the authority of BCA and its instructional staff.

We, as a non-profit club, have organized BCA to help develop the fundamental skills of cheerleading. The club is managed solely by parents and volunteers, whose primary interest is giving these young participants the opportunity to participate in community events, clinics, and competitions, as well as learn the meaning of teamwork, promote sportsmanship and a solid foundation for physical and mental fitness. Every Jr. Hawk is extremely important to us. Our coaches have been trained not to show favoritism and to run a program where safety and wholesome fun comes first.

It is therefore determined that certain behavior as deemed inconsistent with the goals set forth and obligations of BCA to the children participating in the program, could result in the removal of that participant from the organization. Behavior deemed inappropriate is outlined, but is not limited to:

1. Any participant, parent, spectator, coach, or official at any BCA practice, meeting or event who initiates a fight, scuffle, or any type of physical abuse or threats of abuse towards any player, coach, official, parent, guest, or spectator may be banned from attendance at all youth sports events within BCA for a period not exceeding 12 months from the date of the incident.
2. Any participant, parent, spectator, coach or official at any BCA practice, meeting or event who enters the field of practice, play, court or competition during any BCA event for the purpose of physically or verbally threatening, abusing or confronting coaches, players or officials, may be banned from attendance at all BCA events for a period not exceeding 12 months from the date of the incident.
3. Any participant, parent, spectator, coach, or official at any BCA practice, meeting or event who verbally abuses officials, players, or spectators, including the use of obscene or profane language or gestures, or racial, ethnic, gang symbolism, or inappropriate sexual slurs or behaviors, may be reprimanded from the date of the incident and shall be subject to discipline as provided by the applicable code of conduct.
4. Any participant, parent, spectator, coach or official at any BCA practice, meeting or event who engages in disruptive conduct deemed as directed to other players, parents, spectators, coaches, team Managers, or officials, directors or board members, including but not limited to disrespect, insubordination, negative attitude, fighting, destruction of property, equipment or uniforms, lying, forgery, and any behavior deemed as criminal, including but not limited to theft, smoking, drug or alcohol use, will not be tolerated and subject to dismissal from the program.
5. I therefore agree, as a parent or legal guardian:

a.	I will not force my child to participate in sports. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults;
b.	I will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event;
c.	I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a competition or her performance. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time;
d.	I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also deemphasize games and competition in the lower age groups. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win;
e.	I will respect the officials and their authority during practices, games or competitions and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place;
f.	I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games, competitions and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team;
g.	I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes; I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.

The program is not for everyone and if at any time you feel it is not appropriate for your child, you are free to withdraw by notifying BCA or your coach. Likewise, BCA reserves the right to dismiss a child from the program and further participation if the parent or child is deemed disruptive or not behaving in the best interest of the program or fellow team members.

I agree that I have read the above rules and agree to abide by the BCA Participant Code of Conduct and understand that this policy will be strictly enforced.

BCA Roles & Responsibilities

As we grow as an organization, we would like to clarify the roles and responsibilities of key members in our organization. Remember, we are all volunteers with responsibilities outside of cheerleading as well. We can assure you that first and foremost we all have the best interest for your child at heart. That’s what we are all here for.

• Board and Committee Members: The officers of this association shall be the duly elected Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consist of eleven (11) members. The Board of Directors shall be elected for a term of two (2) years with five (5) members being elected odd years and six (6) being elected in even number years. A candidate for election to the Board shall have been a member of BCA for at least one season prior to election. That season being the season immediately prior to election. The term of any board member is a calendar year. The term for a board member begins with the 1st board meeting in January and ends with the last meeting of December. The board of Directors shall have the sole authority to enter into contracts, agreements or any other long-term commitments of BCA funds after a vote of the BOD (a quorum being present). Each year, the Board of Directors, from their number, shall elect a President, a 1st Vice-President, a 2nd Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. These five elected individuals will represent the Executive Board.

If you ever encounter an issue or situation that you feel needs attention that your coach or team Manager is unable to address to your satisfaction, you can bring it to any one of the BCA Board Members. They are there to assist you. We ask that you come to us as soon as possible so that a situation or issue does not escalate. We would be naive to think that there would not be a few bumps along the road. Your comments, suggestions and advice will be welcomed and taken into consideration without any fear of repercussion to your child. The BCA Board meetings are open to all registered BCA parents; all are welcome to attend.

• Coaches: A coach’s role is to help maintain order, ensure safety at practice, games and competitions, oversee and help direct the junior coaches in the best way to motivate and teach our daughters. They will respond to disciplinary situations, as appropriate. Coaches are to be trained and certified in CPR/Basic First Aid and responsible for having a medical box and completed medical release forms on hand at each practice, BCA program or event. Coaches are responsible for the overall well being of the squad, including ensuring the sportsmanship of their cheerleaders and parents. Coaches should act as role models for the cheerleaders and the Jr. Coaches, and help guide them in coaching and motivating the young girls.


• Jr. Coaches: A Jr. Coach’s role is to model safety at practice, instruct cheers, skills, techniques, and motivate cheerleaders. The Jr. Coach is responsible for competition choreography, and music accompaniment per coach approval. The Jr. Coach is to report disciplinary situations and recommendations to the Head Coach. Jr. Coaches are expected to attend all practices throughout the season. Most of our Jr. Coaches are high school girls that have been through a similar program through their elementary school years in Bartlett or another town. Our Board, as well as most of our coaches can agree that these young girls have far more knowledge of cheerleading than most of us adults. They are giving their time to our squads freely as well as using their own time off the practice field to choreograph the routines that they then teach to the girls. We admire and commend them for their commitment and dedication to our young cheerleaders. We ask that you keep in mind that they are teenagers and many of them are sharpening their interpersonal skills with children who may be only a few years younger than them.

If you have any questions or concerns with regards to a Jr. Coach, comments should only be directed to the squad coach or team manager, either of which should be able to handle the situation or answer any questions you may have. Please do not go directly to the Jr. Coach. Please remember that your child may one day choose to dedicate his/her time to becoming a junior coach. We would hope that you would treat the Jr. Coaches the way you would expect your own child to be treated.

• Team Managers: A Team Manager’s role is integral to the success of each squad. Team Managers should be present at all practices to get information from the Jr. Hawks mailbox and distribute to the team, ensuring all information is sent home in a timely manner, as most are date sensitive. If unable to attend a practice, it is the Team Manager’s responsibility to appoint a temporary substitute. In addition, team managers will be responsible for scheduling volunteers for events, making phone calls regarding practice or cancellation, reminder calls, collecting monies due, and distributing spirit wear. Team Managers are the main liaison between the parents and the coaching staff and will have occasional meetings to attend to discuss issues, upcoming events, etc. It is recommended that Team Managers arrive between 10-15 minutes prior to the start time of practice, especially when indoor practice begins, to provide for parents that have to drop off multiple girls in the program at different practice locations.

I have read and understand the various volunteer Roles and Responsibilities within BCA.

Volunteering

BCA is run solely by volunteers. We welcome and appreciate all parents who volunteer their time to help BCA’s events run smoothly. We will provide an option to volunteer time or accept a $50.00 non-volunteer buy-out per cheerleader in the event that we are granted a BCA hosted competition. It is important that all participants support our program through BCA sponsored efforts.

Fundraising

BCA is a non-profit organization. As such, we rely on sponsorships and fundraising to keep the cost of registration low while providing the needed equipment, uniforms, facility rentals, and competition entrance fees for our spirited young athletes. Fundraising and sponsorships bring the added funds to allow the cheerleaders to participate in more activities throughout the season.

* 8th Grade participants may have additional fundraising goals due to the optional 8th Grade Experience, which is typically an additional competition either inside or outside Illinois that only the 8th grade squad competes in.

Additionally, in an effort to contain NSF-related costs, BCA has installed a “one-check-per-family” policy. When collecting for fundraising, please have checks made out to you; turn in one check from the registered cheer-family for payment of entire order.

I have read, understand and accept the Fundraising and its terms and conditions contained herein.

Uniform Policy

We, as an organization, take great pride in our Jr. Hawk cheerleading uniforms. The uniforms belong to BCA, not the individual cheerleader, and consist of a shell, liner and a skirt. Uniform pieces issued to your child will remain the property of BCA and will be returned upon request to BCA at the end of the season, date to be determined. Uniforms are loaned to the participants while they are on the team, so we ask that you take care of the uniform that is issued to your child and keep in good condition. Please wash the uniforms in cold water with no fabric softener. DO NOT dry them in a dryer, please line dry the uniform. Please do not cut off the tags because that is the only way we know for sure what size that garment is. We ask that at the end of the season, you return the uniform freshly cleaned.

A full competition uniform includes a spankies, socks and a hairbow (“cheer package”)these items are at the cost of the participant. Cheerleaders will be sized and purchase the cheer package items at the time of uniform pick up, prior to the start of the season. These cheer package items – spankies, socks and hairbows - remain the property of the participant after the season. Returning cheerleaders may have the option to use one or more of the cheer package items in following years; however, the league reserves the right to make changes to these items each year keep our uniform design current. Additionally, clean, white cheer shoes are part of the competition uniform. BCA includes the cost of the shoes within the registration fee. Cheerleaders will be sized at the time of uniform pick up. After the season, the shoes are the property of the participants and do not need to be returned.

For the 2012 BCA Season, there is a uniform deposit in place. If the uniform is not returned in the same condition as it was issued to your child, or is not returned by the uniform return date, you will be liable for the cost to repair and/or the replace the uniform entirely, up to a charge of US $160.00 plus legal fees, and may not be able to register your cheerleader the following year.

I have read, understand and accept the Uniform Policy and its terms and conditions contained herein.

Refund Policy

A $100.00 non-refundable deposit is due at time of registration; the registration fee balance is due at the time of uniform pick up. After the first official day of practice, participant refund will only be considered and granted if: (a) a medical condition that prohibits the participant is documented in writing by a physician describing the condition; or (b) proof of relocation outside of the area is provided, although, if granted, it would also be less the cost of the cheer shoes ($50.00). All refund requests and or withdrawal requests from the program should be submitted in writing to the BCA Board for approval.

I have read, understand and accept the Refund Policy and its terms and conditions contained herein.

Website Authorization

I understand that photographs and videos may be taken throughout the BCA season at practice, games, camps, competitions and various BCA sponsored and non-sponsored events of participants, for promotional purposes and may be submitted to the local-area newspapers and/or posted to the BCA website. By initialing where indicated, I am granting BCA permission for use of participant’s image for promotional purposes. Further, I understand that photographs and videos may be taken throughout the BCA season and post-season of spectators at practice, games, camps, competitions and various BCA sponsored and non-sponsored events, for promotional purposes and may be submitted to the local-area newspapers and/or posted to the BCA website. By initialing where indicated, I am granting BCA permission for use of said images for promotional purposes.

BCA is prohibited from posting any IRCA competition pictures and/or video on Facebook, You-Tube, etc. If one team is caught from our organization, the entire league could face disqualification.

I understand that I cannot use Flash Photography or videotape, even on my cell phone, at any cheerleading competition. If I am caught doing so, I am aware that my daughter’s team can be disqualified from that competition.

We, as a non-profit club, have organized BCA to help develop the fundamental skills of cheerleading. Every Jr. Hawk is extremely important to us. Our coaches have been trained to run a program where safety and wholesome fun comes first. The league is managed solely by parents and volunteers, whose primary interest is giving these young participants the opportunity to also take part in community events, clinics, and competitions, as well as learn the meaning of teams, promote sportsmanship and a solid foundation for physical and mental fitness

From time to time, we have opportunities to perform our routines to the public both pre-season and post-season within our community. This has come in the form of High School JV Football games, Village of Bartlett vs. Chamber of Commerce softball game, Summerfest, National Night Out, Bartlett 4th of July and Sight Night Illumination Parades, and the like. Our extra activities are optional and based upon availability of volunteers. We look forward to you joining us.

I, the undersigned, have fully read and understand the 2012 Registration Packet Materials and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of BCA and its programs.

Be sure to visit the BCA website at http://www.bartlettcheerassoc.com/ (bookmark it and check back often for updates). Please call the hotline at (630) 289-0787 or email us at jrhawks@bartlettcheerassoc.com with any questions, comments or concerns you may have.

We sincerely thank you for the privilege of working with your child.

The parent handbook will be emailed to all parents that have registered for the 2012 season. We ask that every parent read the handbook and initial the last page confirming that it has been read. The signature page will need to be turned in to your coach or team manager at uniform sizing in order for your cheerleader to participate in the first day of practice.