While US Throwball Association (USTA) programs involve minimal contact and the risk for concussions in our programs is low, we ask that you read and acknowledge that you understand our concussion safety policy below. What is a Concussion? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. The CDC estimates as many as 3.8 million concussions occur in the U.S. annually through sports and recreational activities. The Facts Recognizing a Possible Concussion 1. A concussion is a brain injury. 2. All concussions are serious. 3. Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness. 4. Concussions can occur in any sport. 5. Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death. To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things among your athletes: 1. A bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head. 2. Any change in the athlete’s social or emotional behavior, thinking or remembering, physical or sleep functioning. You may notice signs before the athlete does. Recognize the Signs and Symptoms! PHYSICAL • Bothered by light or noise • Dizziness or balance problems • Feeling tired, no energy • Headaches • Nausea or vomiting (early on) • Vision problems THINKING OR REMEMBERING • Attention or concentration problems • Feeling slowed down • Foggy or groggy • Problems with memory (short or long-term) • Trouble thinking clearly SOCIAL OR EMOTIONAL • Anxiety or nervousness • Irritability or easily angered • Feeling more emotional • Sadness SLEEP • Sleeping less than usual • Sleeping more than usual • Trouble falling asleep For more information on concussions, please visit cdc.com/headsup or concussionfoundation.org. US Throwball Association (USTA) “When In Doubt, Sit Them Out” Policy: An athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury will be removed from the practice or game immediately and will not be allowed to return to play without written clearance from a licensed health care provider. The player should not be left alone, and the parent/guardian will be notified to follow up accordingly.

I agree and acknowledge the following: • I agree and acknowledge that my or my child’s participation in US Throwball Association (USTA) activities may involve inherent danger and risk, including, without limitation, the risk of exposure to, and/or illness resulting from, the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), and I knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks and release US Throwball Association (USTA), and the venue where my child is participating in the US Throwball Association (USTA) activities from any liability whatsoever. • Me or my child is not experiencing any symptoms of illness including a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. • Me or my child has not been diagnosed with COVID-19, and if I or my child has previously been diagnosed with COVID-19, me or my child has followed all medical recommendations following such diagnosis and since that time, tested negative for COVID-19. • I do not believe that I or my child has been exposed to a person with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days. • If I or my child develops any COVID-19 symptoms, or if I or my child has a suspected or diagnosed case of COVID-19, I agree that I or my child will not attend or participate in any US Throwball Association (USTA) activities. • I agree to notify US Throwball Association (USTA) immediately if I believe that I or my child is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 and/or if I or my child has a suspected or diagnosed case of COVID-19. • I will comply with all safety protocols that have been or will be implemented by US Throwball Association (USTA). I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP CERTAIN RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, WHICH I AGREE TO DO VOLUNTARILY.

1. The risk of injury from the activities involved in the program is significant, including the potential for serious personal injury, and while particular rules, equipment and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury 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 (as defined below) or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and, 3. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next to kin, hereby release and hold harmless US Throwball Association (USTA), 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 injury, disability, death or loss or damage to person or property, whether arising from the negligence of the Releasees, or otherwise; and, 4. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If however I observe any unusual 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, 5. I willingly agree to comply with all rules and regulations set by US Throwball Association (USTA). I have read this release of liability and assumption of risk agreement and fully understand its terms. I also understand that I have given up certain rights by signing it, as described above, which I agree to do voluntarily.

I understand that participants, including myself and my child, in US Throwball Association (USTA) functions may be included in photographs and/or videos (the “Photos”) taken by spectators, parents, coaches, staff members, and/or by professional photographers. Accordingly, I give US Throwball Association (USTA) (and their designees, if applicable) the right to use the Photos as well as my name, my child’s name (first names only), and likeness in any manner and without any compensation to me or my child. I waive any right to inspect or approve the final version of the Photos and/or any accompanying written materials, such as a description of the applicable Photo. Examples of how US Throwball Association (USTA) uses the Photos include on social media, in e-mail marketing, on printed marketing materials, on the US Throwball Association (USTA) website, on signage, and on other materials used to promote the US Throwball Association (USTA) brand. I represent that I am a parent/legal guardian to my child, who is a participant, and I agree that the grant and release explained above binds me and my child to all of its terms. If I am an athlete myself then I agree and grant and release the waiver for photos of myself for the US Throwball Association. I have read this photo release and fully understand its terms. I also understand that I have given up certain rights by signing this release, as explained above, and I voluntary agree to do so.

Release and Waiver Forms