PLAYER WAIVER & LIABILITY RELEASE

Rugby Injury Acknowledgment, Assumption of Risk, Emergency Treatment Authorization, Media Release, and Conduct Agreement

This Player Waiver & Liability Release is entered into by the undersigned participant, and if the participant is under 18 years of age, by the participant’s parent or legal guardian, in favor of (Tornado Rugby), its officers, directors, coaches, trainers, volunteers, employees, agents, sponsors, affiliated clubs, leagues, facilities, and representatives.

1. Participant Information

If participant is under 18:

2. Acknowledgment of Rugby Risks

I understand and acknowledge that rugby is a full-contact collision sport involving inherent and significant risks of physical injury. These risks include, but are not limited to:

• sprains, strains, bruises, cuts, abrasions, and contusions;

• broken bones, dislocations, ligament and tendon injuries;

• concussions and other traumatic brain injuries;

• spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or neurological damage;

• dental, facial, eye, and head injuries;

• heat illness, dehydration, cardiac events, or other medical emergencies;

• injuries caused by collisions with other players, the ground, equipment, goal posts, or other objects;

• injuries caused by training, conditioning, drills, scrimmages, matches, tournaments, travel, and related activities; and

• in rare cases, catastrophic injury or death.

I understand that these risks may arise from my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of other participants, coaches, officials, spectators, or third parties, field or facility conditions, equipment failure, weather, or other circumstances.

3. Assumption of Risk

I knowingly, freely, and voluntarily assume all risks associated with participating in rugby and related activities, whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable, including the risk of serious injury, permanent disability, paralysis, or death.

I confirm that participation is voluntary and that I am physically and medically able to participate, except as disclosed in writing to the club or coaching staff.

4. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Minnesota law, I release, waive, and agree not to bring claims against (Tornado Rugby), its officers, directors, coaches, trainers, volunteers, employees, agents, representatives, sponsors, affiliated clubs, leagues, event organizers, and facility providers for injuries, damages, losses, or claims arising out of or related to my participation in rugby or related activities.

This release includes claims arising from ordinary negligence, to the extent enforceable under Minnesota law, and risks that are inherent in rugby and related activities.

This release does not release claims that cannot be released under Minnesota law, including claims arising from conduct that constitutes greater than ordinary negligence, gross negligence, reckless conduct, willful or wanton misconduct, or intentional misconduct.

5. Medical Fitness and Disclosure

I represent that I am in sufficient physical condition to participate in rugby activities. I agree to disclose any medical condition, injury, illness, medication, allergy, concussion history, or other health concern that may affect my safe participation.

I understand that I am responsible for stopping participation and notifying a coach, trainer, or official if I experience symptoms of injury, illness, concussion, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or any other concerning condition.

6. Concussion and Head Injury Acknowledgment

I understand that rugby carries a risk of concussion and other head injuries. I acknowledge that concussion symptoms may appear immediately or after a delay and may include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, balance problems, vision problems, sensitivity to light or noise, memory problems, unusual behavior, or loss of consciousness.

For youth athletes, I understand that Minnesota youth sports concussion rules may require removal from play when a youth athlete shows signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or is suspected of sustaining a concussion. I further understand that a youth athlete removed for a suspected concussion may not return to participation until the athlete no longer shows signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with concussion and has been evaluated by a provider trained and experienced in concussion management who gives written permission to return. (revisor.mn.gov)

I agree to follow all concussion protocols, return-to-play requirements, medical instructions, team policies, league policies, and applicable Minnesota requirements.

7. Emergency Medical Treatment Authorization

In the event of an injury, illness, or medical emergency, I authorize (Tornado Rugby), its coaches, trainers, staff, volunteers, or representatives to obtain emergency medical treatment for me if I am unable to consent or, in the case of a minor, if a parent or guardian cannot be reached in time.

I understand that reasonable efforts will be made to contact the emergency contact listed below. I accept responsibility for any medical costs, ambulance fees, treatment expenses, or related charges incurred.

8. Media Release

I grant (Tornado Rugby) permission to photograph, film, record, or otherwise capture my name, image, likeness, voice, and athletic performance during practices, matches, events, tournaments, promotional activities, and related club activities.

I authorize the club to use such materials for lawful purposes, including team communications, websites, social media, promotional materials, fundraising, press releases, and historical records, without compensation.

If I do not consent to media use, I must notify the club in writing before participation.

9. Player Conduct Expectations

I agree to conduct myself in a respectful, safe, and sportsmanlike manner at all times. I agree to:

• follow the instructions of coaches, trainers, referees, officials, and medical personnel;

• comply with all team, club, league, and facility rules;

• use proper technique and avoid reckless, dangerous, or intentionally harmful conduct;

• respect teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, spectators, and volunteers;

• refrain from harassment, bullying, discrimination, threats, fighting, or abusive language;

• refrain from alcohol, drugs, or impairment during practices, matches, travel, or team activities;

• report unsafe conditions, injuries, suspected concussions, or misconduct promptly; and

• accept that violation of conduct expectations may result in suspension or removal from participation.

10. Equipment and Safety

I understand that I am responsible for using appropriate equipment and ensuring that such equipment is properly fitted and in safe condition. I understand that protective equipment may reduce the risk of injury but cannot eliminate all risks associated with rugby.

1. Compliance With Rules and Policies

I agree to comply with all applicable rules, policies, codes of conduct, safety protocols, and eligibility requirements of Tornado Rugby, applicable leagues, governing bodies, event organizers, and facilities.

12. Minors

If the participant is under 18 years of age, the undersigned parent or legal guardian confirms that they have read this waiver, understand its terms, consent to the minor’s participation, authorize emergency medical treatment, and agree to the release and assumption of risk on behalf of the minor to the fullest extent permitted by law.

13. Severability

If any portion of this waiver is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.

14. Acknowledgment and Signature

I have read this Player Waiver & Liability Release carefully. I understand that by signing below, I am giving up certain legal rights, including the right to bring claims against released parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

If participant is under 18: