RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS,

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

(hereinafter referred to as the “Release Agreement”)

BY PROCEEDING WITH CHECKOUT, YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT

TO SUE OR CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

Organization Name Toronto Gay Pickleball Association (to be referred to as “organization”) and its (their) directors, officers, employees, instructors, guides, agents, representatives, independent contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, sponsors, successors and assigns (all of whom are hereinafter referred as “the Releasees”)

“SPORT ACTIVITIES”: Pickleball (to be referred to as “SPORT” in this documents)

DEFINITION

In this Release Agreement, the term “SPORT” shall include all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall include, but is not limited to: “SPORT”; “SPORT” rental; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; travel, transport and accommodation; and other such activities, events and services in any way connected with or related to “SPORT”.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

I have been advised to wear all protective equipment that is required by the rules and regulations of the governing body for my sport.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

I am aware that “SPORT” involves many risks, dangers and hazards. The risks, dangers and hazards, including but not limited to: loss of balance; difficulty or inability to control one’s speed and direction; variation or steepness in terrain; rapid or uncontrolled acceleration on hills and inclines; mechanical failure of equipment; variation or changes in the playing surface including rocks, gravel; changing weather conditions; exposure to temperature extremes or inclement weather; travel or transport to and from the sites used for “SPORT”; travel on highways and backcountry roads; encounters with domestic and wild animals including dogs, bears and cougars; collision with pedestrians, motor vehicles, cyclists and other players; failing to play safely or within the limitations of one’s own abilities, negligence of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES, INCLUDING THE FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RISKS RELEASEES TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF “SPORT”.

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH “SPORT” AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of the RELEASEES agreeing to my participation in “SPORT” and permitting my use of their services, equipment and other facilities, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged, I hereby agree as follows:

1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the RELEASEES AND TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury, including death, that I may suffer or that my next of kin may suffer, as a result of my participation in “SPORT” DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE, INCLUDING ANY DUTY OF CARE OWED UNDER THE OCCUPIERS LIABILITY ACT, ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES, AND FURTHER INCLUDING THE FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN “SPORT” REFERRED TO ABOVE;

MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT

JULY 2024

The Toronto Gay Pickleball Association (TGPA) s a volunteer run not-for-profit pickleball association for gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer individuals, as well as their allies. 

Our mission is to create a safe space for Picklers who are interested in playing pickleball in an environment free from harassment or discrimination that encourages fair play, openness and friendship for enthusiasts of all skill-levels. 

Our vision is to create a community that promotes diversity, inclusivity and a safe space to have fun and socialize while introducing more individuals to the fastest growing sport in North America.

TGPA is committed to ensuring a safe and positive environment within TGPA’s programs, activities, and events by advising individuals that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate  behaviour and of potential consequences for violating TGPA’s code of conduct.

This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals participating in TGPA’s programs, activities and events. The Code also applies to TGPA members outside of its programs, activities and events when such conduct, including conduct on social media, is detrimental to the image and reputation of TGPA or its members.

TGPA members are expected to behave respectfully and courteously in the spirit of fair play towards teammates, members and spectators. 

General guidelines for appropriate behaviour include:

a) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of TGPA members and other individuals by:

•  demonstrating respect for every person regardless of physical characteristics, athletic ability, age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, creed, disability, family, economic or marital status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation;
• focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism officials, organizers, volunteers, employees or members;
• consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportspersonship, sport leadership and ethical conduct;
• acting, when appropriate, to correct or prevent practices that are unjustly discriminatory; 

•  consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably; and

•  ensuring adherence to the rules of TGPA, pickleball and the spirit of those rules and accepting decisions made by officials.

b) Refrain from:

•  actions or attitudes that are aimed at either influencing the decisions of officials, the outcome of the game, or covering up errors committed by one’s own team;

•  verbally or physically abusing members, opponents, officials, spectators or sponsors;

•  any form of harassment, including sexual harassment;

•  the use of profane, insulting, or otherwise offensive language;

•  the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person; and

•  consuming alcohol, tobacco products or recreational drugs while participating in TGPA activities.

c) Respect the property of others and not wilfully cause damage;

d) Promote the sport of Pickleball in the most constructive and positive manner possible;

e) Adhere to all federal, provincial and municipal laws; and

f) Comply, at all times, with TGPA’s bylaws, policies, procedures and rules and
regulations, as adopted and amended from time to time. 

TORONTO GAY PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION PHOTO AND VIDEO CONSENT

By participating in TGPA events, activities, or programs, you grant the Toronto Gay Pickleball Association (TGPA) permission to capture, use, and share photographs and videos that may include your likeness, image, or performance. These materials may be used for promotional, educational, or informational purposes in connection with TGPA, including but not limited to:

• Social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook)
• TGPA’s official website
• Promotional materials (e.g., newsletters, brochures)
• News media or publications

You acknowledge that you will not receive any compensation for the use of such images or recordings. TGPA agrees not to use your likeness in any manner that would be deemed defamatory, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate.

If you wish to withdraw consent or have specific concerns about your likeness being used, please contact TGPA at torontogaypickleball@gmail.com.

By agreeing to the TGPA terms and conditions, you acknowledge that this consent is voluntary and does not require your signature.