Parent & Guardian Waiver

This Waiver and Release of Liability (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between the undersigned parent or legal guardian (“Parent/Guardian”) on behalf of themselves and their minor child (“Student-Athlete”), and the National Federation of Middle School Sports (NFMSS), its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, member schools, coaches, officials, sponsors, regional coordinators, and any affiliated organizations (collectively, “NFMSS Parties”).

This Agreement applies to all NFMSS-sanctioned activities, including but not limited to:

• Regular season games and scrimmages
• Regional and conference competitions
• State Championship events
• National Championship events
• Preseason Jamborees and Holiday Tournaments
• Special events, fundraisers, and any NFMSS-organized gathering
• Travel to and from any of the above events when organized by a member school or NFMSS
• Practices, conditioning sessions, and tryouts held under NFMSS school membership

This Agreement covers all sports offered by NFMSS, including Baseball, Basketball (Boys & Girls), Cheerleading, Flag Football, Football, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Swimming, Track & Field, and Volleyball.

Parent/Guardian acknowledges and agrees that participation in organized middle school athletics involves inherent physical risks and potential dangers that cannot be eliminated, regardless of the precautions taken by NFMSS, member schools, coaches, or officials.

These inherent risks include, but are not limited to:

• Sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and contusions
• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and spinal injuries, including paralysis
• Heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Cardiac events, including sudden cardiac arrest
• Cuts, bruises, abrasions, and lacerations
• Eye injuries and dental injuries
• Overuse injuries, growth plate injuries, and stress fractures
• Injury resulting from contact with other participants, equipment, or playing surfaces
• Injury during warm-up, cool-down, or incidental activity at the event venue
• Psychological and emotional stress related to competition
• In extreme and unforeseeable circumstances, death

Parent/Guardian, on behalf of themselves and the Student-Athlete, hereby voluntarily and knowingly assumes all risks associated with participation in NFMSS activities — both known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseen — including the inherent risks described in Article II above.

Parent/Guardian affirms that participation in NFMSS activities is entirely voluntary, that no one has pressured or coerced them or the Student-Athlete into participating, and that they fully understand the physical demands and risks involved.

This assumption of risk includes risks arising from the negligence of the NFMSS Parties, except in cases of gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraud.

In consideration of the Student-Athlete’s participation in NFMSS activities, Parent/Guardian, on behalf of themselves, the Student-Athlete, their heirs, personal representatives, and assigns, hereby fully and forever releases, discharges, and waives any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses of any kind arising out of or related to the Student-Athlete’s participation in any NFMSS activity.

This Release applies to all NFMSS Parties and covers claims arising from:

• Personal injury, illness, or physical harm sustained during any NFMSS event or tournament
• Property damage or loss occurring at or in connection with NFMSS activities
• Actions or omissions of coaches, officials, volunteers, or other participants
• First aid, emergency response, or medical treatment administered at the event
• Decisions made by NFMSS officials regarding eligibility, competition, or disqualification
• Conditions of playing surfaces, venues, or equipment
• Transportation to or from NFMSS-organized events

This Release does not apply to claims arising from intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or violations of law by NFMSS or its Parties.

Parent/Guardian agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NFMSS and all NFMSS Parties from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), and liabilities arising out of or related to the Student-Athlete’s participation in NFMSS activities — including claims brought by third parties arising from the Student-Athlete’s conduct.

This includes any claim arising from an injury the Student-Athlete causes to another participant, official, spectator, or any other person during NFMSS activities.

Parent/Guardian hereby authorizes NFMSS staff, school personnel, coaches, athletic trainers, and emergency medical personnel to provide or arrange for emergency medical care and treatment for the Student-Athlete in the event of injury or illness occurring during an NFMSS activity, when Parent/Guardian cannot be immediately reached.

Authorized actions include, but are not limited to:

• Calling emergency services (911) and arranging transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility
• Administering first aid and emergency care on-site
• Authorizing emergency medical procedures deemed necessary by licensed medical professionals
• Administering an automated external defibrillator (AED) if indicated
• Authorizing emergency surgery, anesthesia, or hospitalization when delay would endanger the Student-Athlete’s health or life

Parent/Guardian agrees to maintain adequate health insurance for the Student-Athlete during participation in NFMSS activities and acknowledges that NFMSS does not provide primary health insurance coverage for participants.

Parent/Guardian acknowledges receipt of and agrees to the following NFMSS safety policies:

Concussion Protocol: NFMSS adheres to a strict concussion management policy. Any Student-Athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion during an NFMSS event will be immediately removed from play. The Student-Athlete will not be permitted to return to play until cleared in writing by a licensed medical professional, in compliance with applicable state law. Parent/Guardian agrees to inform NFMSS and school personnel of any prior concussion history.

Heat Safety: NFMSS follows established heat safety guidelines for outdoor activities. Parent/Guardian agrees to ensure the Student-Athlete is adequately hydrated and physically prepared for participation in hot or humid conditions. Parent/Guardian agrees to notify NFMSS and school staff of any heat-related medical conditions or concerns.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Parent/Guardian acknowledges that sudden cardiac arrest is a rare but serious risk in athletic activity. Parent/Guardian agrees to disclose any known cardiac conditions, family history of cardiac events, or prior cardiac episodes involving the Student-Athlete to their school’s athletic director and medical personnel prior to participation.

Return-to-Play: Parent/Guardian agrees to comply with all NFMSS return-to-play protocols following any injury or medical event. Student-Athletes will not be permitted to return to competition without appropriate medical clearance where required.

Parent/Guardian grants NFMSS and its authorized partners a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to photograph, film, record, and/or broadcast the Student-Athlete’s image, likeness, voice, and athletic performance during NFMSS events for the following purposes:

• Official NFMSS website, social media, and digital publications
• Event programs, brochures, and promotional materials
• Educational content, highlight reels, and championship coverage
• Recruiting and promotion of NFMSS programs and member schools

NFMSS will exercise reasonable care to avoid the use of any Student-Athlete’s image in a way that is harmful, embarrassing, or disparaging. Parent/Guardian may opt out of this media release by checking the box below:

Parent/Guardian acknowledges that participation in NFMSS activities is subject to the NFMSS Code of Conduct, the NFMSS Student-Athlete Eligibility Policy, and all applicable NFMSS rules and standards. Parent/Guardian agrees to:

• Support the Student-Athlete in adhering to NFMSS rules, ethical standards, and sportsmanship expectations.
• Conduct themselves in a respectful, sportsmanlike manner as a spectator and NFMSS community member.
• Refrain from verbal or physical confrontation with officials, coaches, opposing players, or spectators.
• Accept that NFMSS may suspend or remove a Student-Athlete from participation for conduct violations, with no refund of fees paid.
• Immediately notify their school’s athletic director of any injury, illness, or eligibility-related matter affecting the Student-Athlete.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising under or related to this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in Fulton County, Georgia.

Parent/Guardian expressly consents to personal jurisdiction in the State of Georgia and waives any objection to venue in Fulton County.

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable.