Rider Release Text

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bnicely
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I offer the following without comment for those who wish to review what they sign before each event:

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, I AM ASSUMING RISKS, AND AGREEING TO INDEMNIFY, NOT TO SUE AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY THE ORGANIZER OF THIS EVENT AND USA CYCLING, INC. (USAC), ITS ASSOCIATIONS (THE UNITED STATES CYCLING FEDERATION (USCF), NATIONAL OFF ROAD BICYCLE ASSOCIATION (NORBA), NATIONAL COLLEGIATE CYCLING ASSOCIATION (NCCA), U.S. PROFESSIONAL RACING ASSOCIATION (USPRO), AND BMX ASSOCIATION (BMXA)), AND USA CYCLING DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION (USACDF), AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, MEMBERS, CLUBS, SPONSORS, PROMOTERS AND AFFILIATES (COLLECTIVELY “RELEASEES”), AND THAT I AM GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS. THIS RELEASE IS A CONTRACT WITH LEGAL AND BINDING CONSEQUENCES AND IT APPLIES TO ALL RACES AND ACTIVITIES ENTERED AT THE EVENT, REGARDLESS WHETHER OR NOT LISTED ABOVE. I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING, AND I UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT I AM AGREEING TO BY SIGNING.

In consideration of the issuance of a license to me by one or more Releasees or the acceptance of my application for entry in the above event, I hereby freely agree to and make the following contractual representations and agreements. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT CYCLING IS AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS SPORT AND FULLY REALIZE THE DANGERS OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT, whether as a rider, official, coach, mechanic, volunteer, or otherwise, and FULLY ASSUME THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH PARTICIPATION INCLUDING, by way of example, and not limitation: dangers associated with man made and natural jumps; the dangers of collision with pedestrians, vehicles, other riders, and fixed or moving objects; the dangers arising from surface hazards, including pot holes, equipment failure, inadequate safety equipment, use of equipment or materials provided by the event organizer and others, THE RELEASEES’ OWN NEGLIGENCE, the negligence of others and weather conditions; and the possibility of serious physical and/or mental trauma or injury, or death associated with the event. For myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, assignees, and successors in interest (collectively “Successors”) I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE, DISCHARGE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE TO INDEMNIFY AND NOT TO SUE the Releasees and all sponsors, organizers and promoting organizations, property owners, law enforcement agencies, public entities, special districts and properties that are in any manner connected with this event, and their respective agents, officials, and employees through or by which the event will be held, (the foregoing are also collectively deemed to be Releasees), FROM ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS INCLUDING CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE RELEASEES’ OWN NEGLIGENCE TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, which I have or which may hereafter accrue to me and from any and all damages which may be sustained by me directly or indirectly in connection with, or arising out of, my participation in or association with the event, or travel to or return from the event. I agree it is my sole responsibility to be familiar with the event course and agenda, the Releasees’ rules, and any special regulations for the event and agree to comply with all such rules and regulations. I understand and agree that situations may arise during the event which may be beyond the control of the Releasees, and I must continually ride and otherwise participate so as to neither endanger myself nor others. I accept responsibility for the condition and adequacy of my equipment, any equipment provided for my use, and my conduct in connection with this event. I will wear a helmet which satisfies the requirements of the Releasees’ Racing Rules or Regulations and that can protect against serious head injury, and assume all responsibility and liability for the selection of such a helmet. I have no physical or medical condition which would endanger myself or others if I participate in this event, or would interfere with my ability to safely participate in this event. I understand that drug testing may be conducted for athletes registered for this event and that the use of blood boosting or substances prohibited by Releasees’ rules would make me subject to penalties including, but not limited to, disqualification and suspension. I agree to be subject to drug testing if selected, and its penalties if I fail to comply with the testing or am found positive for the use of a banned substance.

I agree, for myself and my Successors, that the above representations are contractually binding, and are not mere recitals, and that should I or my Successors assert a claim contrary to what I have agreed to in this contract, the claiming party shall be liable for the expenses (including legal fees) incurred by the Releasees in defending the claims. This contract may not be modified orally, and a waiver or modification of any provision shall not be construed as a waiver or modification of any other provision herein or as a consent to any subsequent waiver or modification. I consent to the release by any third party to Releasees and their insurance carriers of my name and medical information that may relate solely to any injury or death I may suffer arising from the event. Every term and provision of this contract is intended to be severable. If any one or more of them is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that shall not affect the other terms and provisions, which shall remain binding and enforceable.

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DT
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Rider Release Text

I'm not clear on the point of this whole posting. is it in response to some people's issues about the Sac GP?

Undecided
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Rider Release Text

BNicely wrote:From the first paragraph:

AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, MEMBERS, CLUBS, SPONSORS, PROMOTERS AND AFFILIATES (COLLECTIVELY “RELEASEES”),

But that's nonsensical as regards the indemnification, at least without answering the "for what" question.

A spectator is injured while watching a crit. The spectator sues the promoter on a valid theory and wins an award that exhausts the promoter's insurance---the promoter can look to any racer for indemnification?

Or a promoter is cited by the hosting city for something, say extensive littering. The promoter can look to any racer for indemnification?

bnicely
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Rider Release Text

From the first paragraph:

AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, MEMBERS, CLUBS, SPONSORS, PROMOTERS AND AFFILIATES (COLLECTIVELY “RELEASEES”),

Undecided
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Rider Release Text

A release is one thing, but who are we indemnifying, and for what? Does USAC intend that any rider who signs this waiver would indemnify USAC and the promoter, or the hosting municipality, against, for example, claims by other riders? While I doubt that they expect it to go that far, it doesn't say.

CPhipps
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Rider Release Text

To those who think the waiver is worthless and doesn't protect promoters, please read this.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2009/07/explainer/the-explainer-signing-a...

Quote from article:

"You’re right in doubting your teammate’s observation that “any lawyer worth his salt can beat one of those.” In reviewing the briefs submitted in the case, it’s clear that attorney Marcy Colkitt is well worth her salt. From the looks of it, she did a fine job of trying to attack the release and to show that the race director’s behavior transcended ordinary negligence. The judge’s decision, however, underscored just how high a hurdle those releases present to a plaintiff.

Indeed, I contacted several other attorneys worth their salt – some of whom even ride bikes competitively – and they all agree that a well-written waiver can serve as a very effective shield for a promoter."

bnicely
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Rider Release Text
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