Long Meadow Farms STARS

RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR PARTICIPANTS/SWIMMERS

IN CONSIDERATION OF my child(ren)/ward(s) being allowed to participate in any way in West Houston Aquatic League, Inc. (“WHALe”) events and activities, the undersigned hereby represents, acknowledges, appreciates, understands, consents, and agrees that:

1. All of the information that I or my spouse have provided to WHALe or its member teams is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and, in the event that I, my spouse, or any of my child(ren)/ward(s) obtains knowledge that any such information is untrue or incorrect, I will immediately provide true and correct information to the executive board or similar governing entity for my member team; and,

2. The risk of injury to my child(ren)/ward(s) from participation in WHALe events and activities is significant, including the potential for permanent disability and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk for serious injury does exist; and,

3. I for myself, my spouse, and my child(ren)/ward(s), knowingly and freely ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE of WHALe or its member teams or its and their directors, officers, officials, agents, employees, volunteers, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, the owners and/or lessors of the premises used to conduct the event (collectively, the “Releasees”), and ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY for the participation of my child(ren)/ward(s) in WHALe events and activities; and,

4. I willingly agree to comply with the WHALe’s stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If I observe any unusual significant concern in my child(ren)/ward(s) readiness for participation and/or in any WHALe event or activity itself, I will remove my child(ren)/ward(s) from the participation and bring such attention of the nearest official immediately; and,

5. I for myself, my spouse, my child(ren)/ward(s), and on behalf of my/our heirs, assignees, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS the Releasees, WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL ILLNESS, INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY incident to my child(ren)/ward(s) involvement or participation in WHALe events and activities, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE of the Releasees or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law; and

6. I, for myself, my spouse, my child(ren)/ward(s), and on behalf of my/our heirs, assignees, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby INDEMNIFY the Releasees from any and all liabilities incident to my child(ren)/ward(s) involvement or participation in WHALe events and activities, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE of the Releasees or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law; and,

7. In the event that any knowingly incorrect information provided by me or my spouse to WHALe or any of its member teams results in any additional liability, exposure, loss, or damage for any or all of the Releasees, I, for myself, my spouse, my child(ren)/ward(s), and on behalf of my/our heirs, assignees, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR, AND INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the Releasees for, all such liability, exposure, losses and damages.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY, FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING, AND SIGN THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR PARTICIPANTS/SWIMMERS FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT INDUCEMENT.

I hereby authorize and approve my child’s participation in the Long Meadow Farm Swim Club and know of no disability or illnesses, which would interfere or prevent his/her participation. I do hereby waive, release, indemnify, and agree to hold harmless or responsible the Long Meadow Farms HOA and the Long Meadow Farm Swim Club, its board, its sponsors, representatives and participants for any claim arising out of injury to my child, whether the result of negligence or for any other cause except to the extent of their liability insurance for this activity.

Athlete Protection Training

All coaches and adult (anyone over age 17) volunteers are required to complete required Athlete Protection Training. This applies to anyone who will be acting in the capacity of a volunteer or coach for a WHALe team at practice or at meets. It is highly recommended that all parent/guardians of WHALe athletes take this course.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

I understand that my child will be evaluated on his/her swimming abilities and that the coach(es) have the final decision as to whether my child meets the requirements for participation. Swimmers are required to swim 25 yards unassisted by May 20. If my child is unable to meet this requirement, a refund of $60 will be issued and the child will not be allowed to participate for this season.

The Long Meadow Farms HOA requires the Long Meadow Farms swim team to collect a non resident fee from all families that do not live in Long Meadow Farms.  This fee is to support the use of the LMF facilities, which residents pay as part of their HOA dues.   A non resident fee of $35 is charged to each family.  Please register all swimmers in your family at the same time so that you only get charged this fee one time. 

• Be on Time
  • You are an important part of your team. Your teammates are counting on you.
• Be Encouraging
  • Your words can be hurtful or kind. Choose to be kind. Cheer for your teammates and shake hands with your opponents.
• Be Positive
  • Help us to maintain a positive attitude among swimmers and parents. Look for the best in every situation.
• Be Respectful
  • Act appropriately towards your teammates. Keep your hands to yourself. Treat your tent parents in a respectful way. They are responsible for making sure you are in the right place at the right time and they need to know where you are at all times. Please ask your tent parent for guidance in leaving the tent.
• Be Calm
  • Stay with your age group during practice and at meets. Bring fun and “quiet” activities to stay calm during practice and at meets when you are waiting for your turn. We suggest books, games, cards and healthy snacks.
• Be Focused
  • We want you to reserve your energy for the swimming! Please do not run, climb, throw balls in public areas, or play on the playground equipment at any location. We expect you to not hit or fight with your teammates. Keep your focus on what you do best – SWIM!

  Parent Code of Conduct:

• • I will demonstrate fairness and good sportsmanship to all swimmers, officials, other parents, fans and coaches with my words and actions.
  • I will be supportive of my swimmer(s) and our coaches.
  • I will be an active member of the LMF STARS swim team and fulfill my volunteer positions to allow the meets and practices to run smoothly.
  • I will be responsible for reading, as well as responding when appropriate, to emails and correspondence from the team and coaches.
  • I agree that all members of our family will abide by the posted LMF HOA rules as well as the posted rules at any facility we will visit.
  • I will supervise my children during practices and meets especially those that are not registered to swim on the team.
  • I will bring and retrieve my swimmer(s) promptly from practice so the coaches can focus on coaching.
  • I will not drop off or leave my swimmer(s) at the pool/playground for practice without designated adult supervision, unless the child is 9 years or older.
  • I will not drop off or leave my swimmer(s) at a meet without designated supervision, unless my child is 16 years or older.
  • I will only address officials, opposing team’s swimmers, parents and coaches in a positive, respectful and encouraging manner.
  • I will not disrupt a swim meet or practice. I will choose the right time to express concern regarding any rules or officiating calls to the meet director or the league rep for our team.
  • I will remember that swimming is for our children and not for adults.
  • I will remember that no one (including parents, toddlers, non-participating siblings or swimmers) may enter the splash pad and non lap pool during practice or meets for any reason. Swimmers registered with the team may be in the main lap pool during their age group practice and under the direct supervision of the coaches.

  Discipline Policy

  • The LMF STARS Swim Team strives to provide a family friendly environment and has adopted a policy to help guide and protect our swimmers and families. The LMF STARS Swim Team has a zero-tolerance policy for foul language, inappropriate behavior and incivility toward any swimmer, spectator, parent or coach. Swimmers are expected to respect each other. Fighting, inappropriate touching or intentional striking of another swimmer or coach is not allowed and such actions will subject the swimmer to immediate disciplinary action.
  • Parents and spectators should also refrain from foul language, inappropriate behavior and act civilly toward other parents, coaches and meet officials. We are all volunteers. Parents should not behave in a way that brings discredit to their child(ren), the team, or the sport of swimming.
    Disrupting practices or meets in any way as well as failing to abide by coaches’ direction, parent supervision or disrespecting teammates, coaches, board members and/or the pool facilities will not be tolerated. Destruction or damage to our pool, any facility we visit, or personal property belong to another swimmer is strictly prohibited.
    Any violation involving alcohol, illicit drugs, weapons, smoking or bullying will result in immediate removal of the entire family from the swim team without refund.
    Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct by either a swimmer or a parent will result in disciplinary action. Immediate discipline for actions during practice or at a meet may be determined by either the paid coaching staff or a board member. The board will discuss and determine additional discipline if necessary.
    Discipline may include but not limited to the following actions:
    
    • Suspension from practice (for a day/several days/one week)
    • Suspension from an event
    • Suspension from a meet
    • Suspension from the swim team program
    • Forfeiture of all payments and/or credits for participation in an event or the program
    • Dismissal from the swim team program
    • Any combination of the above

Volunteering is required for all families and is essential to the success of our team. If your child swims in a meet, a member of your family (adult) must volunteer at the meet.  We have lots of positions, and there is something for everyone. We cannot do this without you - if you fail to meet your volunteer obligations by the end of the season there is a mandatory fine of $250.

A $250 payment pre-authorization is obtained at the time of registration (this does not place a hold on your credit card). If your family meets your volunteer requirements, your card will not be charged. If you do not meet your volunteer requirements your card will be charged and you may be asked not to return to the team in subsequent years. You will be notified prior to charging your card.

Note: It is a rare situation that a fee ends up being charged and this has only happened a handful of times in the 12 years we've been a team.   There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer.