Team Agreement

I acknowledge that I have been provided access to the CMU Cross Country Ski Team Student-Athlete Handbook, available at:

https://cmunordic.org/handbook/

I understand that the handbook contains the rules, policies, expectations, procedures, and requirements governing my participation on the team.

It is my responsibility to read and understand the handbook and to ask the Head Coach or appropriate CMU Club Sports staff member if I have questions about a policy or expectation.

By signing this agreement, I agree to follow the policies and expectations contained in the handbook, including reasonable updates made during the season and communicated to team members.

I understand that being a member of the team involves more than attending races.

I agree to:

• Treat teammates, coaches, competitors, officials, volunteers, hosts, supporters, and members of the public with respect.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship and responsible behavior.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive, inclusive, and team-oriented environment.
• Represent Colorado Mesa University and the team appropriately during training, competition, travel, lodging, team functions, volunteer activities, and other situations in which I am representing the team.
• Follow reasonable instructions from coaches, CMU Club Sports personnel, athletic trainers, race officials, and others responsible for team activities or safety.
• Participate in required team community service and fundraising activities as outlined in the handbook.

I understand that the handbook cannot anticipate every possible situation and that appropriate judgment, respect for others, honesty, safety, and responsible team behavior are expected even when a specific behavior is not expressly addressed by a written rule.

I understand that remaining on the team requires maintaining the academic, enrollment, eligibility, registration, and other requirements established by CMU, Club Sports, USCSA, and the team.

I am responsible for completing required registrations, medical clearance, eligibility documentation, and other required forms by established deadlines.

I understand that failure to remain eligible may prevent me from training, traveling, or competing with the team.

I understand that consistent training and participation are fundamental expectations of team membership.

I agree to participate in required team practices, strength and fitness sessions, training camps, races, meetings, volunteer activities, and other required team events in accordance with the participation standards described in the handbook.

When illness, injury, academics, work, or another legitimate circumstance prevents participation, I agree to communicate with the coaching staff as early as reasonably possible.

I understand that continued failure to meet the team's participation requirements may affect my eligibility to train, travel, race, receive team benefits, or remain on the team.

I agree to promptly report injuries, significant illnesses, or other health or safety concerns that may affect my ability to participate safely.

When a rehabilitation or modified training program has been established by an athletic trainer, physical therapist, physician, CMU Sports Medicine provider, or other qualified medical professional, I agree to follow that program as required for continued team participation.

I understand that disregarding medical restrictions or failing to follow an established rehabilitation plan may result in restriction from training or competition and may affect my continued membership on the team.

I will not knowingly participate in an activity in a manner that unnecessarily endangers myself, my teammates, or others.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the team's Substance Use and Conduct Policy.

I understand that alcohol, marijuana/THC, illicit drugs, nicotine/tobacco products, and vaping are prohibited during team activities and team travel as specified in the handbook, including applicable periods of team lodging and team-related social activity.

I understand that reporting to a team activity impaired by alcohol, drugs, or another substance is also prohibited.

I understand that intentional doping and other intentional anti-doping rule violations are strictly prohibited. This includes knowingly using, possessing, administering, or attempting to use a prohibited substance or prohibited method, or knowingly engaging in other conduct that violates applicable USCSA, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, USADA, WADA, or other applicable anti-doping rules.

I understand that athletes are responsible for knowing what substances and methods are prohibited and for taking reasonable precautions regarding medications, supplements, and other substances they use. If I am uncertain whether a medication, supplement, substance, or treatment is permitted, I am expected to seek appropriate guidance before using it.

I understand that I am responsible for substances, supplements, and medications I knowingly use and should seek appropriate guidance whenever I am uncertain whether a medication, supplement, substance, or treatment may violate applicable anti-doping rules.

I understand that violations of the team's substance use or anti-doping policies may result in suspension or dismissal from the team, in addition to any consequences imposed by CMU or applicable sport governing bodies.

24/7 Safety and Ride Rule: I understand that I may contact the Head Coach at any hour if I am in any circumstance in which driving, remaining where I am, or attempting to get home on my own could put me or another person at risk. This includes, but is not limited to, situations involving alcohol or drugs, an unsafe driver, an unsafe social situation, severe fatigue, illness, injury, threatening behavior, or any other circumstance in which I do not feel safe.

I understand that asking for help or requesting a safe ride under this rule will not result in punishment. The situation will be handled as privately and confidentially as reasonably possible, and information will not be shared with teammates, parents, or others except when disclosure is required by law, required by Colorado Mesa University policy, or necessary to address an immediate safety concern.

I also understand that this protection is intended to encourage students to ask for help before a situation becomes dangerous. It does not excuse separate serious misconduct, intentionally placing others at risk, impaired driving, or violations that must be reported or addressed under law or University policy.

When traveling with the team, I agree to follow team schedules, lodging rules, transportation requirements, curfews or quiet hours when established, and reasonable instructions intended to protect the safety and welfare of the group.

I understand that team travel remains a team activity during periods of personal or unscheduled time while traveling or staying in team-provided lodging.

I will respect vehicles, lodging facilities, ski venues, equipment, and other property used by the team and may be responsible for damage caused by intentional misconduct or negligence.

I accept responsibility for team-owned equipment, apparel, skis, tools, or other property issued or loaned to me.

I agree to care for team property appropriately and return items when required under the handbook.

I understand that certain race suits, jackets, warm-up clothing, equipment, or other items remain team property even though they may be assigned to me for my use.

I acknowledge that I have reviewed the current team dues, club fees, other required fees, refund policies, and student expenses described in the handbook.

I understand that club fees are refundable only during the first seven (7) calendar days after payment. After that seven-day period, club fees are non-refundable, including if I voluntarily leave the team, stop participating, become ineligible, am removed from the team, or otherwise do not complete the season.

I understand that some expenses associated with participation may remain my responsibility and that additional costs may apply to certain events, including participation in the USCSA National Championships.

If financial circumstances create a barrier to my participation, I understand that I am encouraged to discuss the situation privately with the Head Coach as early as possible rather than simply withdrawing from an activity or failing to meet an obligation.

I agree to communicate honestly and reasonably promptly with coaches and team leadership regarding matters affecting my participation.

I understand that I am responsible for reviewing team communications, schedules, deadlines, travel information, and changes to training or competition plans.

I understand that being a college student-athlete requires personal responsibility. Coaches, captains, and teammates may provide reminders and assistance, but responsibility for meeting my obligations ultimately rests with me.

I agree to help maintain an environment free from hazing, bullying, harassment, retaliation, discrimination, abuse, sexual misconduct, and other behavior inconsistent with CMU policies, team standards, or applicable SafeSport requirements.

I understand that serious safety, misconduct, harassment, or abuse concerns should be reported through the appropriate CMU, USCSA, SafeSport, or law-enforcement channels described in the handbook.

I understand that retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report or participates in an investigation is unacceptable.

I acknowledge the handbook's media policy concerning photographs, video, team results, athlete names, and other materials created during team activities and understand that such materials may be used to document and promote the CMU Cross Country Ski Team.

Any use of my likeness remains subject to applicable Colorado Mesa University policies and law.

I understand that failure to follow team policies or reasonable behavioral expectations may result in consequences appropriate to the circumstances, which may include:

• A warning or meeting with the coaching staff;
• Restriction from particular team activities;
• Removal from travel or competition;
• Suspension from the team; or
• Termination of team membership.

I understand that serious conduct or safety violations may warrant immediate suspension or dismissal without requiring lesser disciplinary measures first.

Nothing in this agreement supersedes Colorado Mesa University policies or procedures.

By signing below, I confirm that:

• I have been given access to the CMU Cross Country Ski Team Student-Athlete Handbook.
• I have read the handbook and understand that I am responsible for knowing its contents.
• I have had an opportunity to ask questions about team policies and expectations.
• I understand the academic, athletic, participation, conduct, health, safety, financial, and travel responsibilities associated with membership on the team.
• I understand that membership on the team is conditional upon continued compliance with applicable team, CMU, Club Sports, and USCSA requirements.
• I agree to conduct myself in a manner that contributes positively to the team and protects the safety, dignity, and well-being of my teammates and others.
• I agree to abide by the CMU Cross Country Ski Team Student-Athlete Handbook and this agreement.