In consideration of being allowed to participate on behalf of The Marching Elite Foundation, Inc., and related events and activities, I the participant, or as the parent or legal guardian of the participant, a minor/member (hereinafter "Minor"), hereby acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:
1. I am aware that during any of the activities of the organization, including without limitation rehearsals, trips, and competitions, certain hazards may occur, including but not limited to, the hazards of accidents or illness, which may occur at places without nearby medical facilities, hazards created by the forces of nature and hazards of travel by air, train, bus, automobile, and other means, including walking.
2. Participation also includes possible exposure to, and illness from infectious diseases including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist; and,
3. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my or Minor's participation; and,
4. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation as regards protection against infectious diseases. If, however, I observe any unusual or 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, for myself or Minor and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS The Marching Elite Foundation, Inc., their officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, volunteers, 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, ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
I HAVE READ THIS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

Attendance Policy

Attendance- Because of the nature of the arts, routine attendance is required to maintain membership. Music, formations, and group choreography cannot be planned and designed when vacancies occur in the ensembles. Excessive, unexcused absences from rehearsals, drills, performances, or engagements will result in dismissal from TME

All participants should know and adhere to the following rules:

Excused Absences

Excused Absences may be given for any of the following reasons with advance notice:
Illness of participant
Serious illness or death of a close friend, relative, etc., when with written confirmation
School Exams scheduled during rehearsal period
Attending Prom (The participants or as a date/guest)
Attending Graduation (The participant's graduation)
Weddings
Excused (by Directors), participation only in non-social community activities, church, or school-sponsored activities

Note: Excessive excused absences will not be tolerated!

No participant will be excused from any engagement or performance unless permission is granted by the Director 2 weeks prior to the event.

Absolutely no excuse will be honored or given for participation in non-school social or community organizations when conflicts occur in TME scheduled activities.
Participants are advised against joining such groups/activities whose schedules cannot be controlled to avoid scheduled regular rehearsals, engagements, and performances.

Participants must provide copies of their work and/or school or work schedules to the staff to make proper accommodations. If no notice is given, you will be marked as unexcused absence or lateness.

Unexcused Absence

During 90 consecutive days (three months,) three or more unexcused absences will result in a participant being placed on alternate status. Alternate status for six months equals suspension. More absences result in dismissal.

Tardiness

Attendance will be taken at the beginning of all rehearsals by section leaders or staff members. Additionally, upon arrival for class or rehearsal, each participant is responsible for their own sign-in/check-in with the assigned attendance keeper.

The Directors reserves the right to determine if the tardy may be excused. If a participant is tardy for practice more than twice in a month and is not deemed excused, will result in unexcused absence. Three or more unexcused absences results in alternative status.

Only a 15-minute grace period will be given each day.

Absence from Performance

Only in cases of extreme emergency or personal illness will a participant be excused from a performance. Excused absences must be approved by the Director. Any absence which is not brought to the Director's attention for approval prior to the performance will be considered unexcused.

Penalties

Suspension refers to the penalty given to participants for not adhering rules and guidelines with the understanding that the member will get his or her active privileges back. Suspension means that a participant 1) may not participate in any performances, 2) must attend all rehearsals and participate actively in those rehearsals and 3) must perform additional duties as instructed by the staff, or Director of Band and Dance.

Any participant will be temporarily suspended from participating in classes and ensembles for any of the reasons below. The Director determines length of suspension and severity.

Too many unexcused absences
Insubordination, disrespect, disobedience to directors, drum major(s); band staff, conductors, and section leaders.
Unexcused absence from dress or final rehearsal or choreography before any performance.

Dismissal refers to a participant who is permanently removed from The Marching Elite Programs. Any participant, regardless of standing or classification, will be permanently dismissed for any of the following reasons:

More than two suspensions
Conduct unbecoming of TME student and bandsmen (disrespect, being under the influence of or possession of intoxicating beverages or drugs, possession of firearms/weapons)
Excessive unexcused absences from rehearsals and/or choreography and performances.
Bullying

TME will use our BAND APP to communicate with you in most circumstances.

TME will also use EMAIL as an additional way to communicate with you.

TEXT MESSAGES: All contacts will be enrolled in text messages for the purpose of last minute cancellations or in the event that regular phone/email communications are not effective. You have the right to opt out of text messages at any time. Please ensure that your email and mobile phone numbers are correct.

All participants, parents and guardians are required to download the BAND APP to have consistent and accurate communication regarding all classes, activities and events.

TME will post all information pertinent to dates and events in their Band App.
All participants, parents and guardians are required to download the Band App to have consistent and accurate information of all classes and band activities and events.

Medical Release: I, on my own behalf and on behalf of Minor, acknowledge and agree that such participation subjects Minor to the possibility of physical illness or injury (minimal, serious, catastrophic, and/ or death) and that I, on my own behalf and on behalf of Minor, acknowledge that Minor is assuming the risk of such illness or injury by participating in the event. In the event of such illness or injury, I authorize The Marching Elite to obtain necessary medical treatment for Minor and hereby, on my own behalf and on behalf of Minor, release and hold harmless Releasees in the exercises of this authority. I further acknowledge and understand that I will be responsible for any and all medical and related bills that may be incurred on behalf of Minor for any illness or injury that Minor may sustain during the Event and while traveling to and from the site for the Event whether or not the Event actually occurs. I represent that any medication to which Minor is allergic or medications that Minor is currently taking are listed in their medical disclosure form. I agree that Minor shall bring medications which Minor is currently taking with him/her to the Event and that he/she shall consume the prescribed dosage for such medications.

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, I as participant, parent, or legal guardian of the student, a minor/member (hereinafter "Minor"), hereby grant understanding that TME, from time to time produces promotional material relating to its programs. I understand that as participant and/ or spectator at the Event the Minor may be included in videotapes or photographs taken during the Event.

Therefore, without reservation or limitations, I, in my own behalf and on behalf of Minor, hereby assign, transfer and grant to TME and its successors, assignees, licensees, sponsors, any television networks, and all other commercial exhibitors the exclusive right to photograph and/or videotape Minor and to utilize such videotapes and photographs and Minor's name, face likeness, voice and appearance as a part of the Event, in advertising and promoting the Event or in advertising and promoting similar future events. I further understand that neither TME nor any third party is under any obligation to exercise any of the foregoing rights, licenses, and privileges.

TME is hereby granted permission to take photographs and videos of the Minor to use in brochures, websites, posters, advertisements, and other promotional materials. Permission is also hereby granted for the TME to copyright such photographs in its name.

TME reserves the right to provide a substitute teacher in the event the regular teacher is unavailable.

Liability Release: For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, I as participant, parent or legal guardian of the student, a minor/member (hereinafter "Minor"), hereby grant the permission necessary to allow Minor to participate in the above organization (The Marching Elite Foundation) (TME) I, in my own behalf and on behalf of Minor, further agree to release and to hold harmless (TME), the Hosting site, (university, hotel, convention center, high school, etc) on whose premises the Event (practice, performance, meeting, camp, field trip) will the affiliates of TME, and the respective directors, officers, representatives, members, agents and employees of TME, the Hosting site, and their respective affiliates (hereinafter collectively "Releasees") from any and all liability for negligence or any other claim judgment, loss, liability, cost and expenses (including, without limitations, attorney's fees and costs) arising out of or connected with the Event, including any claim arising out of or connected with any illness or injury (minimal, serious, catastrophic and / or death) that the Minor may incur or sustain during the Event, all activities associated with the Event, and while traveling to and from the site for the Event whether or not the Event actually occurs. I further expressly agree to indemnify and hold harmless Releasees and Releasees' heirs, successors, assigns, executors and administrators against loss from any further claims, demands or actions that may subsequently be brought by Minor or by any other persons on the account of damages of any character resulting to the Minor in any way from the foregoing activities. I further agree to reimburse and to make good to Releasees any loss, or costs Releasees may have to pay as a result of any such action, claim, or demand.
I, in my own behalf and on behalf of Minor, hereby warrant that I have read this Liability Release in its entirety and fully understand its contents. I, in my own behalf and on behalf of Minor, am aware that this Liability Release releases Releasees from liability and contains an acknowledgement of my voluntary and knowing assumption of the risk of injury or illness. I, in my own behalf and on behalf of Minor, further acknowledge that nothing in this Liability Release constitutes a guarantee that the Event will occur. I, in my own behalf and on behalf of Minor, have signed this document voluntarily and of my own free will.