2024-25 WINTER/SPRING SPORT REGISTRATION FORM

 
 
 

 
 

SOO participation waiver and promotional media opt-out form

Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) the “Organization” 

What this form is 

This form is the agreement between you and Special Olympics needed when you participate in Special Olympics programs and activities as an athlete or volunteer. It contains: 

1. Important terms to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, and to protect Special Olympics. 

2. The opportunity for you to opt out of allowing Special Olympics to use promotional media. 

In this document, “Special Olympics” refers to Special Olympics Canada, to the provincial and territorial chapters of Special Olympics in Canada, to Special Olympics International, and to all the agents, employees, and volunteers of each of these organizations. 

What you need to do before you sign this form 

Before you sign this form, please carefully read all of the following terms and conditions. If you have any questions about what any of the terms and conditions mean, please contact SOO at 1-888-333-5515 ext 241.

This form must be completed and signed by a person who has legal capacity to consent, or by the parent or guardian of a person under the age of majority or who otherwise does not have the capacity to provide legal consent on their own.

Special Olympics follows all public health guidelines relating to COVID-19. These guidelines have evolved during the course of the pandemic, and we expect them to continue to change. What this means is that all participants in Special Olympics events will be required to comply with all the rules relating to COVID-19 and that includes limitations as to who can participate in our events, how they can participate, possibly being tested for COVID-19 and it also means disclosure of certain health related information. In the future, it may mean that proof of vaccination may be mandatory.

Because public health guidelines can change very quickly, it may be that we cannot provide very much, if any advance notice of a change to our policies. While we will do our best to advise of any change to our policies, by signing this form, you are agreeing that you may not get very much, if any advance notice of a change of policy that may have an impact on your ability to participate in our events.

PART 1: HEALTH AND SAFETY  - Terms and conditions for ALL athletes 

(1) I understand that Special Olympics activities involve health and safety risks, and that Special Olympics, its coaches, volunteers, venues, staff, and agents cannot reasonably remove these risks. By signing this form, I agree to accept all risks associated with being present at or participating in Special Olympics activities. I also state and understand that Special Olympics relies on my statement that the person named on this participation waiver is physically and mentally fit to participate in all activities in which they are registered. 

(2) I agree that the person named on this participation waiver is required to follow the Special Olympics Code of Conduct at all times. The code of conduct can be found and referenced here. I also agree that Special Olympics has the ongoing right to revise the Code of Conduct, and that the athlete/volunteer is bound by the most up-to-date version of the Code. I also understand that the Code of Conduct applies everywhere that Special Olympics programs and activities are taking place, including where an athlete/volunteer is a spectator and when travelling to and from events.

(3) I agree that I will inform Special Olympics right away if the athlete named on this participation waiver is charged with any criminal offence, and that Special Olympics may request a criminal background check of the athlete at any time. I also agree and that if the athlete has a criminal record or pending criminal charges against them, Special Olympics may suspend or remove them from participation, whether or not the charges are in any way connected with Special Olympics.

(4) I agree that Special Olympics may accept or not accept the registration of new athletes for any reason. I also agree that Special Olympics may suspend or remove anyone registered in Special Olympics activities or programs for any reason. This includes any conduct that, in the opinion of Special Olympics, poses a risk to the comfort or safety of the person themselves or for others. I further agree that Special Olympics has the right to remove anyone (including parents and spectators) from Special Olympics venues for any of the following reasons:

(a)  In the opinion of Special Olympics, the person has breached the Code of Conduct.

(b)  The safety of the person or other participants is at risk.

(c)  The person has failed to follow the principles of fair play and respect for all athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

(5) I authorize Special Olympics to arrange for medical and hospital treatment and to take any action advised by a licensed medical professional for the emergency care and treatment of the athlete if the emergency contact person designated in the person’s application is unable to provide consent in a timely manner. 

(6) By signing this Participation Waiver, either for myself as an athlete or volunteer, or as the legal guardian on behalf of an athlete or volunteer, I agree:

(a)  That I release Special Olympics from all legal liability associated with attending or participating in all Special Olympics activities to the maximum allowed by law. This release extends to the agents, staff, directors and officers, coaches, athletes, sponsors host, venues and other participants of Special Olympics (called the “Special Olympics Parties”).

(b)  That this release is made for the person signing this form, the athlete or volunteer, and all their heirs, dependants, and estates (called the “Participant).

(c)  That I give up the right of the Participant to make any claim of any description against the Special Olympics Parties including any claim for damages of any kind associated with the athlete/volunteer participating in Special Olympics activities.

(7) I confirm that I understand and accept full responsibility for the risks and dangers that are inherent in participating in Special Olympic events. These include, but are not limited to, the potential of the following:

(a)  Bodily injury or illness (including contracting COVID-19).

(b)  Exposure to or infection with COVID-19 or other communicable illnesses by being close to or in contact with individuals, surfaces, equipment, fixtures, or other objects that may be infected.

I agree that I give up the right of the Participant, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to make any claim against the Special Olympics Parties relating to any illness or injury. I also agree that the Special Olympics Parties will have no liability relating to any illness or injury suffered by the Participant.

PART 2: PROMOTIONAL MEDIA OPT-OUT 

What is promotional media? 

Special Olympics creates promotional media, which includes getting photographs, videos, interviews, and images of program and event participants. Special Olympics shares these images and stories with the public to help the public learn more about the Special Olympics movement, to gain support from sponsors and others, and to help them grow the Special Olympics movement and to keep it thriving.

Do I have the option to opt in or out of promotional media?

Yes, participants have the option to decide whether they want to be included in promotional media or not.

If you choose to opt in, you are giving permission to Special Olympics to include you in promotional media as they see fit. This includes using your picture, words or voice (or those of the person for whomyou are signing as parent or guardian).

If you choose to opt out, you (or the athlete or volunteer for whom you are signing as parent or guardian) may still participate in Special Olympics. Special Olympics promises to make every effort to ensure that you, or the athlete/volunteer for whom you are signing, are not included in promotional media. NOTE: Special Olympics may not be able to prevent other media and people from making and using images of athletes or volunteers at our events.

Please complete all APPLICABLE sections of the Form below, then click “Submit” to submit this Participation Waiver and Promotional Media Opt-Out Form to SOO - Stratford & Area.