Swimmers and their parents/legal guardians must read, agree to, and sign the following before traveling:

• Travel Policy (this document)
• Code of Conduct
• Medical consent and release
• Liability release, waiver, or permission to participate

Chaperones and coaches must sign the travel policy (this document).

By signing this travel policy, participants agree to the following rules and policies:

• When only one athlete and one coach travel to a competition, the athlete must have written permission from their parents/legal guardian in advance to travel alone with the coach. The coach must bring the signed form on the travel trip. (USA Swimming, rule 305.5.3)
• Athletes, parents, coaches, and other adults traveling with a club must sign that club’s travel policies. (Required by the USA Swimming rulebook, rule 305.5.4)
• In the event of any violations of the travel code, Code of Conduct (article 304), or USA Swimming Athlete Protection Policies (article 305), the chaperone or head coach shall make a written report of all violations to the appropriate club (LSC) leadership and the parent or legal guardian of any affected minor athlete.
• The possession, use, or sale/distribution of any illegal substance or any form of weapon is forbidden. The sale or distribution of controlled substances to others is also forbidden.

Chaperones

• A chaperone is an adult (21 years of age or older) who is not also a coach.
• Chaperones must be members of USA Swimming and have successfully passed a USA Swimming administered criminal background check. (USA Swimming Rule 305.5.2)
• The use of alcoholic beverages by chaperones is prohibited.
• Chaperones are required to report any violation of the rules. Chaperones cannot use discretion in deciding when to report violations.

Two-Deep Leadership

• Two-deep leadership is an athlete safety procedure specifying that every activity involving youth must have at least two adults (coaches and/or chaperones) present.
• When doing room checks, attending team meetings and/or other activities, coaches and chaperones must maintain two-deep leadership.
• When only one athlete and one coach travel to a competition, the coach and athlete should attempt to establish a “buddy” on another team to facilitate two-deep leadership.

Code of Conduct / Honor Code

• Swimmers and chaperones will display proper respect and sportsmanship toward coaches, officials, administrators, teammates, fellow competitors and the public at all times.
• The possession or use of alcohol or tobacco products by any athlete is prohibited.
• Swimmers are to refrain from inappropriate physical contact at team activities and events.
• Swimmers are to refrain from use of inappropriate language.
• Swimmers’ bags and belongings are subject to inspection by chaperones at any time.

Conduct within Hotels

• Regardless of gender, a coach shall not share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangement with an athlete (unless the coach is the parent, guardian, sibling, or spouse of that particular athlete). (Required by USA Swimming rule 305.5.1)
• During overnight travel, if athletes are paired with other athletes they shall be of the same gender and should be a similar age.
• For overnight travel, chaperones shall stay in nearby rooms.
• Curfews shall be established for each day of the trip. There should be one curfew for athletes to be in their assigned rooms and another for lights-out and quiet. Any swimmer who is out of his or her room after the room curfew without permission from the chaperone must be reported as in violation of the travel policies.
• Swimmers who entertain guests of opposite gender in a hotel room must have explicit permission from a chaperone. When any group (including athletes not staying in that room) gathers in a room, the door shall remain open and the chaperone’s permission is required.
• Swimmers should not go into the halls or lobby unless they are dressed appropriately.
• Swimmers shall not incur any incidental room charges (room service, movies, internet access) without first obtaining the permission of the assigned chaperone.
• Any damages, excessive mess, or loss incurred at a hotel will be the expense of the swimmers assigned to that room and further disciplinary action will be taken. No loud or boisterous behavior will be tolerated in the hallways or public areas.

Transportation and Public Places

• Swimmers are expected to remain with the team at all times during the trip. Swimmers are not to leave the competition venue, the hotel, a restaurant, or any other place at which the team has gathered without the permission/knowledge of the coach and chaperone.
• When visiting public places such as shopping malls or movie theatres, swimmers must remain in groups, of size specified by the chaperone. Athletes 12 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone.
• Athletes should not ride in a coach's vehicle without another adult present who is the same gender as the athlete, unless prior parental permission is obtained.

Disciplinary Action

Failure to comply with the policies as set forth in this document must result in disciplinary action. Such discipline may include, but may not be limited to:

• Dismissal from the trip and immediate return home at the athlete's and/or chaperone’s expense
• Disqualification from one or more events
• Disqualification from future team travel meets
• Financial penalties
• Dismissal from the team
• Proceedings for a Western Zone, USA Swimming National Board of Review, and/or LSC Administration Review

The purpose of a code of conduct for athletes is to establish a consistent expectation for athletes' behavior. By signing this code of conduct, I agree to the following statements:

• I will respect and show courtesy to my teammates and coaches at all times.
• I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all practices and meets.
• I will set a good example of behavior and work ethic for my teammates.
• I will be respectful of my teammates' feelings and personal space. Swimmers who exhibit sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be faced with consequences.
• I will attend all team meetings and training sessions, unless I am excused by my coach.
• I will show respect for all facilities and other property (including locker rooms) used during practices, competitions, and team activities.
• I will refrain from foul language, violence, behavior deemed dishonest, offensive, or illegal.
• If I disagree with an official’s call, I will talk with my coach and not approach the official directly.
• I will obey all of USA Swimming’s rules and codes of conduct.

I understand that if I violate this code of conduct, I will be subject to disciplinary action determined by my coaches and the swim club’s board of directors.

I, the undersigned participant and parent, request voluntary participation for minor to participate in all events, which are hereinafter referred to as the “activities” sponsored by Bend Swim Club, USA Swimming and its local swimming committees. This agreement is valid while the participant is a member of USA Swimming.

I consent to my/minor’s participation in the activities and acknowledge that the minor and I fully understand my/minor’s participation may involve risk of serious injury or death, including losses which may result not only from my/minor’s own actions, inactions or negligence, but also from the actions, inactions, or negligence of others, the condition of the facilities, equipment, or areas where the event or activity is being conducted, and/or the rules of play of this type of event or activity.

I understand that if I have any risk concerns, I should discuss the risks associated with my participation with the activity coordinators and event staff, before I sign this document and before any activities begin.

Release – Parents’/Guardians’ Rights:

In consideration of allowing Minor Participant to participate in this USA Swimming event, I hereby release and hold harmless the Released Parties, of and from, and do discharge and waive, any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, and liabilities that I may have or sustain with respect to any and all damage and/or injury, of any type, arising from Minor Participant’s participation in the activities. I also agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.

I certify that my/minor is in good health and have no physical condition that would prevent participation in this activity. Furthermore, I agree to use my/minor’s personal medical insurance as a primary medical coverage payment if accident or injury occurs. I consent to emergency medical treatment in the event such care is required.

Indemnification by Parent/Guardian:

The undersigned parent/guardian further agrees to indemnify, save and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, losses, damages and liabilities for indemnities, contribution or otherwise with respect to any damage and/or injury, of any type, arising from Minor Participant’s participation in the activities. The undersigned also agrees that this Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement extends to all acts of negligence by the Releasee and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the State in which the Event(s) is/are conducted and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

Release – Minor’s Rights:

In consideration of allowing Minor Participant to participate in the activities, I hereby release and hold harmless Bend Swim Club, USA Swimming and its local swimming committee and their members of its board of directors, officers, employees, volunteers, other participants, and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”), of and from, and do discharge and waive, any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, and liabilities that Minor Participant may have or sustain with respect to any and all damage and/or injury, of any type, arising out of his or her participating in the activities. I also agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.

This medical release form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian for EACH swimmer of the Bend Swim Club. If the swimmer is 18 years of age or older, the swimmer must also sign this form.

I (we) hereby give our permission for our swimmer to participate in practice and travel with the Bend Swim Club to local and out-of-town meets throughout the current swim season. Although I expect all reasonable safety procedures to be followed, I will not hold the coaches of Bend Swim Club nor any chaperone or volunteer working with or traveling with the group personally liable for any accident which may occur.

In case of a minor emergency (cuts, scratches, headache, etc.), I (we) give permission to the coaches or chaperones to treat these as they deem necessary. In the event of a more serious emergency, I give permission for it to be handled in the best manner as determined by the chaperones or coaches of Bend Swim Club until I am able to be contacted.

TO THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OR HOSPITAL:
Permission is hereby granted for you at the discretion of the coaches or chaperons of Bend Swim Club to perform whatever care is necessary for the welfare of my child until such time as you are able to reach me personally.

Insurance Information (must be complete)