The WPRC Board of Directors supports and enforces compliance with the United States Ski & Snowboard Association (USSS) code of conduct. This code is published as part of the USSS Competition Guide and on the USSS website.

USSS members, including athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, and are responsible for actions in competitions, going to and from competitions, and while at areas hosting competitions. Members are also responsible for knowledge of competition rules and procedures. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification from an event and possibly prevent you from participating in future events.

This includes (but is not limited to): respect for competition officials, ski area employees, and the skiing public, courtesy and good manners, responsible behavior, no profane language or abusive language, mature conduct, respect for facilities, privileges and operating procedures, and closed areas, and attendance at award ceremonies and receptions.

All WPRC Members, parents and guardians should realize that the success of the Western Pennsylvania Race Club and its programs depend on the hard work and support of athletes, coaches, parents and volunteers. All athletes, parents and guardians are expected to contribute their time and effort when the need arises.

All athletes must comply with the current USSS and PARA codes of conduct as well as these organizations' current equipment standards. Parents and guardians while on the mountain during official USSS or PARA events are also expected to comply with USSS and PARA code of conduct.

All athletes and parents agree to review and acknowledge compliance with US Ski & Snowboard (USSS) equipment rules for all age groups. The USSS equipment specifications by age group are available on the USSS website. Violation of the equipment rules may result in disqualification or sanctions imposed by the Race Organizing Committee, PARA, or USSS.

All WPRC athletes, parents and guardians will abide by all rules of skier safety, including those rules set forth by individual ski areas while at WPRC supported events.

Athletes, parents and guardians are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times, realizing that they represent the Western Pennsylvania Race Club. No athlete, parent, or guardian shall use profanity, abusive language, disruptive or disrespectful behavior during any Team sponsored event, including training, home or away races, and non-race activities. If such behavior does occur, the individual may be suspended from training, racing in WPRC supported events, or other Team activities. Athletes, parents or guardians who continually display disruptive behavior during training may be suspended from training for the remainder of the day upon the discretion of the lead coach for the level involved and/or by the WPRC Program Director or Board of Director member.

All WPRC athletes are prohibited from the use of alcohol or illegal drugs at any WPRC sponsored events, including training and racing at all venues, as well as any time the skier is under the supervision of the Western Pennsylvania Race Club or its staff. Consequences of illegal use or possession of alcohol or drugs will be suspended from all WPRC training and races for the remainder of the season not to exceed one calendar year. Suspensions will be determined by the Board of Directors, with appeal, and no refund or reimbursement of fees will be made.

WPRC has created the Parent Code of Conduct below to help guide our program towards knowing what "right looks like". This creates a culture that not only develops your children into better skiers, racers, and future leaders, but also establishes parental boundaries that enable your kids to succeed. It takes a 3 team effort to help your racers exceed their goals: parents, racer and coach. Each has their role in ensuring these goals are exceeded. When in doubt: Racers race. Coaches coach. Parents parent.

WPRC has experienced, professional coaches working to develop our children into better skiers and racers while at the same time teaching and instilling important life skills. These skills include time management, self-discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Your racer will reap the benefits of skiing long after their participation with WPRC ends. As the parent/legal guardian of a WPRC Racer, you agree to follow the rules for behavior and sportsmanship. Set a good example.

Sportsmanlike conduct is defined as but is not limited to: respect for coaches, competition officials, resort employees, fellow members, and the skiing public, respect for facilities, privileges, and operating procedures, the use of courtesy and good manners, acting responsibly and maturely, refraining from the use of profane or abusive language.

Show respect and be polite to everyone
Follow US Ski and Snowboard Safe Sport Policies located under the Safe Sport tab on their website.
Follow US Ski and Snowboard Code of Conduct located under the Governance Tab on their website.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship. Win gracefully, Lose graciously. Congratulate your opponents and teammates.
Assume the best from coaches. We all want to see your racers succeed and meet their individual goals.
While at WPRC functions, facilities and events always represent the team in a positive and respectful manner.

Know your Role:
Racers race. Coaches coach. Officials officiate. Parents parent.
Provide your kids positive reinforcement and encouragement.
Ensure your child treats other racers, coaches, officials, parents and resort employees with respect.
Do not coach your children or any other racers during practice or events.
Do not distract the racers, coaches or officials by interfering in practices or events. On race day, parents should raise concerns with team captains/coaches and not approach race officials directly.
If you have a concern about your racer, please reach out to the coach and make arrangements to have a meaningful discussion about your child.

Zero Tolerance Behaviors:
The following behaviors will not be tolerated under any circumstances and will result in immediate action by the WPRC Board.
- Inappropriate name calling or bullying of any WPRC athlete, parent or coach.
- Cheating
- Vandalism of WPRC facility or Ski venue.

1. Agreement to Release, hold harmless, indemnify, and defend WPRC and Seven Springs. In consideration of being allowed by the Western Pennsylvania Race Club (WPRC) to participate in the WPRC Program on Seven Springs Mountain Resort premises, I do hereby agree to release, hold harmless, indemnify and defend WPRC, its owners, agents and employees, and also Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Inc. (“Seven Springs”), along with its agents, representatives, employees, and owners, from any and all liability in the form of judgments, settlements, or attorneys fees related to claims, actions or damages without limitation, whether consisting of personal injury, property damage or death that may arise or result from participating in skiing, alpine ski racing, boarding, freestyle competitions, or lessons, training, or practice for said activities at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. This promise to release, hold harmless, indemnify, and defend includes claims based in whole or in part of the negligence, gross negligence, or recklessness of WPRC or Seven Springs. I further understand and agree that the Western Pennsylvania Race Club is an independent organization separate and in no way related to Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

2. Agreement to assume risks. I specifically understand and agree that the skiing, alpine ski races, and practice, lessons, and training for such activities which I may engage in at Seven Springs may expose me to risks, both inherent to these activities and not inherent to these activities, that could cause catastrophic injury or death. Said risks include, but are not limited to, traveling at high rates of speed, negotiating race gates, strenuous physical activity, varied and changing surface and subsurface conditions such as snow, ice and slush; changes to features such as jumps, half-pipes, rails, ramps, and boxes provided by the resort due to weather, use, or other factors; misjudging my ability to use these features; failure of my helmet or other protective equipment; falling and striking the surface; collisions with other skiers or boarders; collisions with man-made and natural objects, both padded and unpadded, such as trees, rocks, stumps, buildings, snowmaking equipment, lift equipment, poles, gates, starting area or finishing area structures, and spectators, fences and posts; and, hazards created and/or permitted to persist because of the negligence, gross negligence, or recklessness of WPRC or of employees or agents of Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Inc. (Seven Springs). Understanding the same, I voluntarily and expressly agree to assume the risks involved.

3. Waiver agreement. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to inspect race and training courses prior to use. I further acknowledge that it is my responsibility to follow the Skiers’ Responsibility Code, as well as any instructions published by Seven Springs pertaining to use of terrain parks, lifts, and race/training courses. Instructions are published on Seven Springs ski area maps, brochures, signs, and lift tickets. I agree that if I do not fulfill these responsibilities, I waive my right to bring any claims against Seven Springs or WPRC arising out of or relating to skiing, alpine ski racing, and practice, lessons, or training related to said activities. This waiver includes, but is not limited to, claims based in whole or in part on alleged negligence, gross negligence, or recklessness on the part of Seven Springs or WPRC.

4. Additional terms. I hereby grant WPRC permission to use my photograph, video tape, motion picture or my name, whole or in part, for any legitimate purpose, including website posting.

I further agree to abide by Your Responsibility Code and all ski area policies at all times when using said facility. Repeated violations will result in loss of privileges without warning or refund.

This agreement is governed by the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Any lawsuits arising out of or relating to the activities covered by this Agreement, or the meaning of this Agreement, will be filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. If any part of this agreement is determined to be unenforceable, all other parts shall be given full force and effect.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE LIABILITY RELEASE AGREEMENT. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT THIS RELEASE IS BINDING NOT ONLY UPON MYSELF BUT UPON MY HEIRS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND EXECUTORS FOR ANY CLAIM THEY MAY HAVE. I EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT UNDERSTANDING THE CONDITIONS, TERMS AND THE TOTALITY OF ITS EFFECT.

The guidelines below include the safety measures and conditions that WPRC is implementing and will require compliance in order to remain compliant with youth sports guidelines. It is incumbent on you, the parent, and your child to understand, agree to and abide by these conditions before engaging in these activities with WPRC and its staff.

The WPRC guidelines for Engaging in Team Practice and Competition will adhere to state and local rules and regulations, 7 Springs Mountain Resort restrictions, and the US Ski & Snowboard (USSS) guidelines for “Return to On-Snow Training” and “Return to Competition” found on the Covid-19 section of the USSS website at https://usskiandsnowboard.org/covid-19. The WPRC guidelines will include:
- All players and coaches with Covid-19 symptoms or who have been in close, sustained contact with someone with Covid-19 in the last 14 days will be required to stay home and not engage in training/events.
- Parents/players will be responsible to measure each participant's temperature before any event begins. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep the player home, should the player’s temperature read above 100.4 degrees.
- WPRC events will adhere to the current guidelines of state and local governments regarding the number of participants allowed to congregate and the locations where these activities will take place.
- Physical distancing of 6 feet between individuals will be mandated and best efforts to maintain this standard will be enforced at all times before, during and after the event.
- Face coverings are required by all participants (athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers) at all times when not socially distanced (less than 6 feet from others), except for training or racing. Parents / players are responsible for getting their mask. Players and staff need to use clean masks at each activity and ensure to the best of their ability that these masks are working properly.
- Any player who violates these provisions will be given one warning and upon a second violation will be asked to leave practice.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK / WAIVER OF LIABILITY / INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

In consideration of being allowed to participate on behalf of WPRC ski program and related events and activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:
1. Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including but not limited to influenza and COVID-19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist; and,
2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and,
3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation as regards protection against infectious diseases. If, however, I observe and any unusual or significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and,
4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA RACE CLUB (WPRC) their officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (“RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IF FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT. FOR PARTICIPANTS OF MINORITY AGE (UNDER AGE 18 AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION)

This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian, with legal responsibility for this participant, have read and explained the provisions in this waiver/release to my child/ward including the risks of presence and participation and his/her personal responsibilities for adhering to the rules and regulations for protection against communicable diseases. Furthermore, my child/ward understands and accepts these risks and responsibilities. I for myself, my spouse, and child/ward do consent and agree to his/her release provided above for all the Releasees and myself, my spouse, and child/ward do release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees for any and all liabilities incident to my minor child’s/ward’s presence or participation in these activities as provided above, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE, to the fullest extent provided by law.

For the 2018-2019 ski season, PARA is asking all members to review and acknowledge compliance with US Ski & Snowboard (USSS) equipment rules for all age groups.

The USSS equipment specifications by age group are available in the USSS Competition Guide, which may be found on the USSS website at: https://usskiandsnowboard.org/sport-development/officials-development/alpine-officials

For scored races (i.e. U16 / U19 / U21) and speed events of any age, race organizers are allowed to perform controlled ski checks.  For non-scored SL & GS races (i.e. U14 and younger), the ski rules will be enforced on a protest basis only.

Violation of the equipment rules may result in disqualification or sanctions imposed by the Race Organizing Committee, PARA, or USSS.

If you have any questions regarding ski length, please ask your athlete's age group coach, head coach, or program director.

By signing off on this notice, I acknowledge that my athlete(s) has reviewed and will comply with the USSS equipment rules for the 2017-2018 ski season.

Any USSA athlete suspected of having sustained a concussion/ traumatic brain injury must be removed immediately from participation in USSA sporting event (e.g. sanctioned training, practice, camps, competitions or tryouts), by the Technical Delegate or USSS member coach overseeing such sporting event.

The athlete will be prohibited from further participation until evaluated and cleared in writing to resume participation in USSS sporting events by a qualified health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries.

The health care professional must certify to USSS in the clearance letter that he/she has successfully completed a continuing education course in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries within three years of the day on which the written statement is made.

Upon removal of an athlete from participation for a suspected concussion/traumatic brain injury, the USSS TD or member coach making the removal must inform USSS Competition Services.

Athletes who have subsequently been medically cleared to resume participation must provide such medical clearance (as described above) to USSS Competition Services in order to be permitted to participate in USSS sporting events.