BASEBALL ONTARIO INFORMED CONSENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT
(To be executed by parents/guardians of Participants who are younger than 18 years old)
WARNING! Please read carefully! By signing this document, you will assume certain risks and responsibilities
1. This is a binding legal agreement. Clarify any questions or concerns before signing. Prior to participating, an individual who is younger than the age of majority and who wants to participate in the sport of baseball and the activities, programs, classes and services provided by, and/or in the events sponsored or organized by Baseball Ontario and its affiliated associations, local associations, clubs, and leagues which may include but is not limited to: competitions, tournaments, practices, training, personal or strength training, dry land training, training using machines or weights, nutritional and dietary programs, orientational or instructional sessions or lessons, and aerobic and anaerobic conditioning programs (collectively the “Activities”) must have their legal parent/guardian (“the Parties”) acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this agreement.
2. The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that they are a parent/guardian of the Participant and have full legal responsibility for the decisions of the Participant.
Disclaimer
3. Baseball Ontario and its affiliated associations, local associations, clubs, leagues and their respective Directors, Officers, committee members, members, employees, coaches, volunteers, officials, participants, agents, sponsors, owners/operators of the facilities in which the Activities take place, and representatives (collectively the “Organization”) are not responsible for any injury, property damage, death, expense, loss of income, damage or loss of any kind suffered by the Participant during, or as a result of, the Activities.
Description and Acknowledgement of Risks
4. The Parties understand and acknowledge that: a) The Activities have foreseeable and unforeseeable inherent risks, hazards and dangers that no amount of care, caution or expertise can eliminate, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life b) The Organization may offer or promote online programming (such as webinars, remote conferences, workshops, and online training) which have different foreseeable and unforeseeable risks than in-person programming c) The Organization has a difficult task to ensure safety and it is not infallible. the Organization may be unaware of the Participant’s fitness or abilities, may give incomplete warnings or instructions, may misjudge weather or environmental conditions, and the equipment being used might malfunction
5. The Participant is participating voluntarily in the Activities. In consideration of that participation, the Parties hereby acknowledge that they are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards and may be exposed to such risks, dangers and hazards. The Parties understand that the Organization may fail to safeguard or protect the Participant from the risks, dangers and hazards of the Activities, some of which are listed below. The risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to: a) Health: executing strenuous and demanding physical techniques; physical exertion; overexertion; stretching; dehydration; fatigue; cardiovascular workouts; rapid movements and stops; lack of fitness or conditioning; traumatic injury; sprains and fractures, spinal cord injuries, bacterial infections; rashes; and the transmission of communicable diseases, including viruses of all kinds, COVID-19, bacteria, parasites or other organisms or any mutation thereof b) Premises: defective, dangerous or unsafe condition of the facilities; falls; collisions with objects, fences, sprinklers, equipment or persons; dangerous, unsafe, or irregular conditions the grass, diamond, or other surfaces; extreme weather conditions and lightning; and travel to and from the premises c) Use of equipment: mechanical failure of the equipment; negligent design or manufacture of the equipment; the provision of or the failure by the Organization to provide any warnings, directions, instructions or guidance as to the use of the equipment; failure to wear safety or protective equipment; and failure to use or operate equipment within the Participant’s own ability d) Contact: contact with fences, bleachers, the ground, bases, bats, balls, other equipment, vehicles, or other persons; and other contact that may lead to serious bodily injury, including but not limited to concussions and/or other brain injury or serious spinal injur e) Advice: negligent advice regarding the Activities f) Ability: failing to act safely or within the Participant’s own ability or within designated areas g) Sport: the sport of baseball and its inherent risks, including but not limited to being hit by the ball or a bat, injuries incurred while running or sliding, collision with umpires or other participants, slipping on or tripping over a base, and entering or leaving the dugout area, bullpen, batting cage, or bleachers h) Cyber: privacy breaches; hacking; and technology malfunction or damage i) Conduct: the Participant’s conduct and conduct of other persons including any physical altercation between participants j) Travel: travel to and from the Activities
Terms
6. In consideration of the Organization allowing the Participant to participate in the Activities, the Parties agree: a) That when the Participant practices or trains in their own space, the Parties are responsible for the Participant’s surroundings and the location and equipment that is selected for the Participant b) That the Participant’s mental and physical condition is appropriate to participate in the Activities and the Parties assume all risks related to the Participant’s mental and physical condition c) To comply with the rules and regulations for participation in the Activities d) To comply with the rules of the facility or equipment e) That if the Participant observes an unusual significant hazard or risk, the Participant will remove themselves from participation and bring their observations to a representative of the Organization immediately f) The risks associated with the Activities are increased when the Participant is impaired and the Participant will not participate if impaired in any way; g) That it is their sole responsibility to assess whether any Activities are too difficult for the Participant. By the Participant commencing an Activity, they acknowledge and accept the suitability and conditions of the Activity h) That they are responsible for the choice of the Participant’s safety or protective equipment and the secure fitting of that equipment
7. In consideration of the Organization allowing the Participant to participate, the Parties agree: a) That the Parties are not relying on any oral or written statements made by the Organization or their agents, whether in brochure or advertisement or in individual conversations, to agree to participate in the Activities b) That the Organization is not responsible or liable for any damage to the Participant’s vehicle, property, or equipment that may occur as a result of the Activities c) That this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law of the Province of Ontario and if any portion thereof is held invalid, the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect
Jurisdiction
8. The Parties agree that in the event that they file a lawsuit against the Organization, they agree to do so solely in the Province of Ontario and they further agree that the substantive law of the Province of Ontario will apply without regard to conflict of law rules.