Participation Agreement

Definitions

“BTL” means Between the Lines, LLC, a corporation based in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States of America.

“Authorized Representative” means an employee, partner, representative, staff member, consultant, advisor, director, board member, or consultant that is given responsibility and duties to perform for an event by BTL. 

“Athlete” means the student or youth athlete that is participating in a BTL event. 

“Participant” means the athlete, if over the age of 18, or the parent/guardian, if the athlete is under 18. The athlete is expected to adhere to the guidelines listed for the Athlete below.

Assumption of Risk and Release

As a condition of BTL’s permitting participation in activities associated with a BTL event (such as instruction, tournaments, showcases, or exhibition games), which include but are not limited to training, trying out, practicing, playing, traveling to the events, traveling from the events, and lodging during the dates of the events. Participant and Athlete acknowledge that Participant and Athlete are aware of and accept the risks associated with participation. Participant and Athlete also acknowledge that Athlete participation in such activities is voluntary and is not required in any way by BTL. Participant and Athlete realize the dangers of participating in such activities and fully assume the risks associated with participation, which may include, but are not limited to, the possibility of serious physical injury, mental trauma, onset of serious physical and/or medical conditions, and paralysis, which may require surgery or other medical treatment and which may be caused in whole or part by numerous factors, including Athlete medical or physical condition, the actions or inactions of other athletes, the conditions of premises and the negligence of the entity or individuals released. Additionally, Participant and Athlete understand that any previous injury or condition Athlete has may predispose Athlete to an increased risk of re-injury or increased risk of other injuries or conditions. Furthermore, Participant and Athlete understand that in the event of any new injury, there may be short term and/or long term health related risks involved with continued participation in athletics, even after proper treatment and rehabilitation. 

Athlete agrees to abide by all Rules & Regulations of the sport of this event, of BTL, the Terms and Conditions of BTL (found on their website https://betweenthelines.pro), and the terms set out in this  agreement. Participant and Athlete waive, release and discharge for Participant and Athlete, Participant and Athlete’s heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, assignees and successors in interest any and all rights or claims for injuries, or losses of any description that Participant and Athlete may have or which may hereafter accrue to Participant and Athlete against BTL, its Board of Directors, its coaches and players, officers, employees, agents, directors, volunteers, successors, and representatives, in connection with Athlete’s participation in activities associated with this and any BTL event.

Behavior Expectations

Participant and Athlete understand that Athlete, as a participating Athlete, is a visible representative of BTL both during BTL events and after BTL events, whose behaviors are often closely scrutinized by the media and general public.  Athlete behavior affects public perception of institutional ethos, athletics department standards, and the character of BTL customers and athletes.  Therefore, it is an expectation that Athletes will demonstrate consistent role model behavior, sportsmanship and self-control.  More specifically:

Athletes must be committed to fair play.  Intentional acts of unsportsmanlike behavior or cheating will not be tolerated.

When representing their teams during competition, Athletes will exercise self-control in all ways including, but not limited to, resisting the use of profanity, demonstrating unnecessary aggression or hostility towards others, making inappropriate physical gestures, taunting or excessively celebrating, and disrespecting coaches, officials, teammates or opponents.

Athletes are prohibited from interacting in any negative way with fans.

When interacting with the media, Athletes are expected to remain positive and not use media interviews as a platform to share personal frustrations about the team, coaches, BTL or to make any negative comments about opponents or officials. 

Any actions that result in an Athlete being sanctioned by a participating college or university, local, state, or federal authorities may also result in sanctions from BTL.

Physical Conditioning and Training

Participant and Athlete understand that physical conditioning and training programs in preparation for athletics performance as designed and supervised by coaches and support staff (trainers, strength coaches, etc.) require intense physical activities, constant feedback, and creating benchmarks to maximize each athlete’s potential and team success.  Participant and Athlete understand that participation in training and instruction is an educational process that requires collaboration between athletics staff and athletes, especially as such collaboration is intended to minimize the inherent risks associated with intense physical activities that can also be mentally and emotionally challenging. Therefore, Participant and Athlete understand the need for and accept the following participation responsibilities:

  • Report to the coach or an athletics trainer, any change in Athlete’s physical, mental or emotional well-being that may affect Athlete’s ability to participate safely.  This includes any additions of prescription medications or over the counter supplements.
  • Commit to completing all conditioning activities and practice session Athlete is asked to perform to ready Athlete for the physical, mental, and emotional stress associated with Athlete’s sport unless Participant ad Athlete has documented limitations that have been approved by the medical or counseling staff.
  • Refrain from outside activities that will enhance Athlete’s risk of unsafe participation such as excessive exercise, alcohol consumption, using non-prescription drugs, taking over the counter supplements that have not been approved by the athletics department medical staff, taking steroids or other performance enhancing or illegal drugs.
  • Follow the guidelines given to Athlete by Athlete’s coaches and trainers regarding hydration, sleep, and nutrition.
  • Communicate with Athlete’s coach or trainer any time Athlete feels any abnormal or labored physical response to exercise (i.e. pain, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.) and to stop the activity immediately.
  • Communicate with Athlete’s coach or trainer any time Athlete feels incapable of continuing to participate due to any physical, mental or emotional distress.  Participant and Athlete understand that Athlete will not be subjected to any retribution if Athlete self-reports physical, mental, or emotional distress and elect to discontinue participation.
  • Communicate with Athlete’s coach or athletic trainer if Athlete becomes aware of another athlete’s abnormal or labored physical, mental, or emotional response to any activity.
  • Willingly discontinue participation any time a coach, trainer, or strength coach tells Athlete to and, if applicable, follow their directives regarding follow-up meetings with medical staff or other appropriate professionals.
  • Recognize that participation decisions must be made by professional athletics staff members.  Parents may not override these decisions.

Teamwork and Team Expectations

Participant and Athlete understand that team unity and team chemistry are key variables for a positive and successful athletics experience.  Commitment to team goals is essential which, at times, may take precedence over individual goals.  However, Participant and Athlete understand that BTL does not subscribe to a team culture based on intimidation or mandatory allegiance to questionable practices and requires that all athletes be treated fairly by coaches, support staff, and teammates.  Under these conditions, Participant and Athlete understand that Athletes are expected to exhibit a level of selflessness that promotes team goals.  More specifically:

  • Athlete is expected to abide by team rules that have been constructed by the team, approved by the coaches, and approved by the sports administrator and BTL.
  • Athlete is expected to abide by all BTL policies that are contained in BTL Terms and Conditions which are available online, including, but not limited to the policies that prohibit alcohol consumption, sexual harassment, bullying, drug use, gambling, and tobacco use.
  • Athlete is expected to report any actions that establish a class system (hazing, initiations, etc.) to their coach immediately.
  • Athlete is expected to immediately report any behaviors they would describe as abusive by a coach, staff member, or a teammate to BTL.

Medical Consent to Treatment

Participant and Athlete grant permission to physicians, athletic trainers, and/or other medical practitioners, to include staff from medical or wellness centers, or professionals associated, assisting, or employed in connection with BTL athletic programs, or general public health organizations, to render any preventive, emergency, surgical or rehabilitative medical treatment or care deemed reasonable and necessary for Athlete’s health and well-being, and to arrange for Athlete’s hospitalization where reasonable and necessary in circumstances connected with Athlete’s participation in activities associated with a BTL event. Participant and Athlete understand that all clearances for returning to Athlete’s sport after an injury or illness are subject to a final clearance by BTL staff and authorized representatives, and that all outside medical opinions on whether Athlete is fit to return will be considered. However, final clearance of return is by BTL only.

All participating Athletes must review, date, sign, and submit this participation agreement (this form).

This consent is not intended to, and does not create a duty on the part of physicians, athletic trainers, and/or other medical practitioners or professionals associated, assisting, or employed in connection with BTL athletic programs or Athletes, to render or arrange for such treatment or care. 

Health Insurance

Participant and Athlete certify that Athlete has Health Insurance and/or additional coverage by a medical insurance company and that copies of these documents can be provided to BTL upon request. Participant and Athlete certify that any and all medical needs, health care, and treatment needed while traveling to, traveling from, or during the participation in the BTL events will be covered by the athlete’s parent, guardian, or Health Insurance and that Participant and Athlete hereby release BTL of any legal or financial responsibility resulting from the athlete being injured mentally or physically traveling to, traveling from, or participating in the BTL event(s).

Equipment Safety

Athlete agrees to use all safety equipment that is brought by Athlete or issued to Athlete by BTL, equipment manager, athletic trainer, or other authorized BTL representative. Athlete further agrees not to alter or change protective equipment without obtaining permission from BTL or their authorized representative. This includes all braces, protective gear, mouth pieces, and uniforms.

Athlete will not knowingly attempt to harm an opponent through the use of proper or improper techniques.  Athlete will also properly maintain any equipment in good working order issued to Athlete and report any defects to BTL, coaches, athletic trainers, and equipment personnel.

Image, Video, and Audio Release and Authorization

Participant and Athlete hereby grant BTL, its Board of Directors, officers, employees, agents, directors, volunteers, successors, and assigns including independent third party photographers hired by BTL, the unrestricted right to record Athlete’s picture and voice on photographs, films and audio and videotapes, to edit these recordings at the discretion of BTL, and to incorporate these recordings into movie and sound films or audio and videotapes, webcast, streaming, social media sites, broadcasts, (radio and television, including cable and satellite transmissions), programs or otherwise, to use in any manner of media whatsoever, including unrestricted use for purposes of publicity, advertising, and other promotional activities, and to use Athlete name, likeness, or voice in connection therewith.

Participant and Athlete hereby release BTL from any and all claims for damages, for libel, slander, invasion of privacy, false light or any other claim based on the use of the above-described materials. Participant and Athlete further waive any rights conferred under federal copyright laws or any other rights Participant and Athlete might otherwise have in the materials and the subsequent broadcast or commercial, educational, or other use by BTL. Participant and Athlete understand that the recordings are the exclusive property of BTL, and BTL owns all rights to these recordings regardless of the form in which they are produced or used. Further, Participant and Athlete agree that Participant and Athlete are not entitled to nor was Participant and Athlete promised any compensation for the making of such recordings or their use.

All such uses shall be consistent with all applicable league rules and regulations. Participant and Athlete agree that neither Participant and Athlete nor their heirs shall be entitled to any compensation for the use of Athlete name, photograph likeness or other image of Athlete. Participant and Athlete authorize BTL to permit college and non-college groups to use Athlete name, picture or appearance for recruiting purposes.

By electronically signing this document, Participant and Athlete indicate understanding of the information shown and provided on this form, and it is Participant and Athlete’s intent to sign the record. Participant and Athlete certify that answers are complete and correct and that any fraudulent information may make Athlete ineligible for participation. Participant and Athlete understand that BTL may share this information with the NCAA and/or other university athletic organizations and that a photocopy of this authorization shall be as valid as an original.

Accepted & Agreed To

Participant and Athlete agree to accept the participation standards and policies listed above and knowingly accept that violations of these standards may result in a variety of sanctions by BTL including, but not limited to restriction, suspension from, or termination of participation in BTL athletics programs and events.

Participant and Athlete certify that Athlete has Health Insurance and/or additional coverage by a medical insurance company and that copies of these documents can be provided to BTL upon request.