Each participant has a responsibility to act in a way that assures a positive experience for all. All participants are required to follow these requirements and guidelines:

Requirements:

• All Registration Materials must be complete including (a) Registration Form & Payment and (b) Participation Agreement, including Code of Conduct and Liability Waiver.
• A swim test is required of all first-time students consisting of swimming 50 yards in sailing clothing and footwear.
• Proper footwear must also be worn at all times, both on land, in boats, and in the water.
• All participants are required to wear a Coast Guard approved, vest-type life jacket that is the proper size for their weight and build so that it is form-fitting and comfortable. Please put your name on the life jacket using waterproof ink.

Behavior Guidelines:

• Participants shall be responsible for their words and actions.
• Participants shall be respectful of others
• Participants shall follow directions from TIPYC team members.
• Participants shall leave all electronic devices at home such as mobile phones and other devices. TIPYC and/or staff are not responsible for lost or damaged devices.

Prohibited Behaviors:

• Endangering the health and safety of themselves, other Participants, staff or volunteers through words or actions which might be disruptive or distracting.
• Stealing, damaging, or failing to care for TIPYC or personal property.
• Continual disruption of the program or related activities.
• Inappropriate physical contact.
• Using profanity or inappropriate language or displaying clothing or other personal items with offensive content.
• Bullying or acts of aggression or violence.
• Possession or use of illegal substances, tobacco, or alcohol.
• Possession of weapons – any object that may cause harm to another, or place another person in fear of his/her safety, may be considered a weapon.
• Refusal to follow the behavior guidelines above.

Disciplinary Actions:

When a participant doesn’t follow behavior guidelines, the following steps may be taken:

• TIPYC staff will remind Participant of the behavior guidelines and redirect the Participant to a more appropriate behavior.
• If the behavior persists, TIPYC staff will discuss the problem in a conference with parent/guardian.
• TIPYC staff will document the situation as appropriate. Written documents may include what the behavior problem is, what provoked the problem, and the corrective action taken.
• If the problem persists following the parent/guardian conference, TIPYC staff may find it necessary to have the participant picked up early from the Sailing School.
• If a Participant’s behavior at any time threatens the immediate safety of him/her, other Participants, staff, or volunteers, the parent/guardian will be notified and expected to pick-up the child immediately.

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in the removal from the program and/or additional penalties. There will be no registration refunds given for Participants who are removed from the program due to violations of the Code of Conduct.

By registering in the program, registrants, parents, and guardians agree that they have read, understand, and accept the Thousand Island Park Yacht Club Sailing School Code of Conduct as well as the Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement available on the TIPYC website. They agree to obey all program rules as set forth by the program, instructors, counselors, staff and this document. They also agree to use utmost care in the use of the boats and equipment, and will not engage in any horseplay or other disruptive behavior. They understand that failure to arrive promptly and abide by the rules may result in my suspension from the program without refund of payment.

Participants, parents, and guardians assume full responsibility for any loss or damage, excepting loss or damage covered by insurance, that may come to any person, boat, sailboat, equipment, pier, float, or other property used in conjunction with this course as the result of improper use, negligence, violation of the rules, and other acts of sailors, or other representatives of the school, instructional program, or host location in connection herewith. Registrants, parents, and guardians accept that the sport of sailing and the conduct of this course entail and are subject to certain inherent risks and assume all risks on land and on the water of participation in this program. They further agree to hold the school instructional program, or host location, and their representatives harmless for personal injuries and/or property damage.

Parents/Guardians understand the contents of this statement and agree to see to it that their child adheres to the program rules. They agree to assume the obligation for the expenses of repair and/or replacement of program equipment that is attributable to their child’s reckless or irresponsible behavior and agree to make an appointment for a parent-instructor conference, if requested.

Participants, parents, and guardians agree and understand that this Agreement and Code of Conduct may be updated from time to time and is always available on the TIPYC.org website.

Parents/Guardians agree and understand that all electronic signatures are the legal equivalent of its original manual/handwritten signature and consent to be legally bound to this agreement.