Dashing Whippets Running Team Membership Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: (Insert Effective Date)
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern membership in the Dashing Whippets Running Team, Inc. (“Dashing Whippets” or “the Team”). By registering as a member or participating in Team activities, you agree to abide by these Terms. Please read this agreement carefully before joining.
Membership Dues and Payment
Annual Dues: Membership costs $65 per year. After a 90-day free trial period, the annual dues will be charged to your selected payment method. The first $65 payment will be processed at the end of your free trial, and subsequent payments will occur annually on the anniversary of your account sign-up date.
Payment Method: You must provide a valid payment method at sign-up. You authorize Dashing Whippets to automatically charge this payment method for the membership dues at the end of the trial and on each annual renewal date thereafter. Charges will appear annually unless you cancel your membership in accordance with the Cancellation and Refund Policy stated below.
Auto-Renewal: Membership dues recur automatically each year. By joining, you acknowledge and agree to this automatic renewal. It is your responsibility to ensure your payment information is up to date to avoid interruption of membership.
Free Trial Period
New members are entitled to a one-time 30-day free trial of Dashing Whippets membership benefits. The trial begins on the date of account sign-up and lasts for 30 consecutive days. If you do not cancel before the trial period ends, your membership will automatically convert to a paid annual membership, and the $65 annual dues will be charged at that time. Only individuals who have not been members before are eligible for the free trial. The free trial offers full membership benefits, and all Terms herein (including the Code of Conduct and liability waiver) apply during the trial period.
Membership Dues Changes
Dashing Whippets reserves the right to change the membership dues, including but not limited to changing the price and/or payment frequency. If the dues are modified, you will be given at least 30 days’ advance notice via the email associated with your account. The notice will outline the new membership dues and the date it becomes effective. Dues changes will apply to the next billing cycle after the notice period. By continuing your membership beyond the effective date of the new membership dues, you indicate acceptance of the updated membership dues. If you do not agree to a membership dues change, you must cancel your membership before the new rate takes effect.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Member Cancellation: You may cancel your membership at any time by using the account management features on the team website (or other designated membership portal). Upon cancellation, you will continue to have access to membership benefits until the end of your current paid term (or trial period), but no further charges will be made to your account.
No Refunds: No refunds will be issued on membership dues. This includes no pro-rated refunds for partial membership periods. If you cancel after your annual dues have been charged, you will retain membership benefits for the remainder of that paid year, but the membership fee will not be refunded. Likewise, if you choose to end your participation or stop attending Team activities, you are not entitled to a refund for the remaining period of your membership.
Team Cancellation or Termination: The Team reserves the right to terminate or suspend your membership at any time for violation of these Terms or the Code of Conduct, or for any behavior detrimental to the Team or its members. If the Team terminates your membership due to a violation of rules or misconduct, you will not be entitled to any refund of dues.
Effect of Cancellation: Upon either member or Team cancellation/termination of membership, your access to member benefits and participation in Team activities will cease at the end of the current paid term (or immediately, if termination is due to serious misconduct at the Team’s discretion). It is your responsibility to cancel prior to the annual renewal date if you do not wish to continue membership for the next year.
Membership Eligibility
By registering for membership, you certify that you meet the following eligibility criteria:
Minimum Age: You are at least 18 years old. Membership in Dashing Whippets is only open to adults 18 and over. By joining, you confirm that you are 18 or older. (The Team does not allow minors to join as members at this time.)
Personal Membership: Membership is personal to you and may not be assigned or transferred to any other individual. Each member must register with their own information and agree to these Terms.
Accurate Information: You agree to provide true, accurate, and current information during sign-up (such as your name and contact information), and to update your information if it changes. The Team may communicate important membership and billing notices to the email address you provide, so you are responsible for keeping it current.
If at any time you no longer meet the eligibility requirements (for example, if a minor were to use a membership in violation of the age requirement), the Team reserves the right to cancel the membership.
Member Code of Conduct
All members are required to adhere to the Dashing Whippets Running Team Code of Conduct (https://www.dashingwhippets.org/dashing-whippets-code-of-conduct/). By agreeing to these Terms, you also agree to read and follow the Code of Conduct.
Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of membership (as noted in the Cancellation and Refund Policy section). The Team’s Board or officers may revoke membership for serious or repeated misconduct. No refunds will be provided in such cases.
Assumption of Risk
Running and Training Activities: By joining the Dashing Whippets and participating in any Team-organized runs, workouts, races, or events, you acknowledge that running and related athletic activities carry inherent risks. These activities can be potentially hazardous and may result in injury, illness, or even death. You agree that you participate voluntarily and at your own risk.
Health and Fitness Certification: You certify that you are physically fit and medically able to participate in running activities. You will not participate in any Team activity (group run, race, etc.) unless you are in appropriate physical condition and have no known medical condition or injury that would put you or others at risk. By commencing participation, you affirm that you have no condition (whether illness, injury, or other) that makes such participation unsafe for you. If you have any doubts about your health, you agree to consult with a physician before participating. You also agree to not participate if you are ill, injured, or advised by a medical professional to refrain from physical activity.
Safety Rules: You agree to abide by all safety rules and guidelines of the Team. This includes following the directions of coaches and event leaders, and any venue rules where activities occur. You will follow all applicable traffic and pedestrian regulations (e.g., using sidewalks, yield right-of-way to all vehicles if there are no crosswalks, signs or signals, or running against traffic as far to the left as possible when no sidewalk is available) during Team runs.
Assumed Risks: You understand and expressly assume all risks associated with running and team activities. These risks may include, but are not limited to: tripping or falling; collisions or contact with other people, objects, or vehicles; weather conditions (such as heat, humidity, cold, ice, rain, or storms); terrain and traffic hazards (uneven ground, potholes, road crossings); and health risks such as dehydration, overexertion, or exacerbation of medical conditions. You also acknowledge that participating in group activities includes possible exposure to communicable diseases (for example, contracting COVID-19 or other illnesses from contact with others). By participating, you willingly assume all of these risks and any other risks inherent in Team activities, whether or not they are obvious to you.
Release of Liability and Waiver
In consideration for being allowed to become a member of Dashing Whippets and to participate in Team activities, you hereby release, waive, and discharge the following parties from any and all liability, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected to your membership or participation in any Team-sanctioned activities: Dashing Whippets Running Team, Inc., its officers, directors, coaches, run leaders, event organizers, volunteers, and agents, as well as the Team’s sponsors, partners, and affiliates (including, but not limited to, the Road Runners Club of America and USA Track & Field). This release applies to any and all claims for injuries, illnesses, death, or property damage you may experience, whether arising from negligence (to the fullest extent permitted by law) or other causes.
By agreeing to this waiver, you also agree that:
No Lawsuits: You will not make a claim or file a lawsuit against the released parties for any injury or damage you experience related to Team activities. You understand this waiver means to bar you from recovering any compensation or damages from the released parties if you are hurt or suffer loss.
Liability Coverage: The waiver covers all forms of injury or loss, including those caused or contributed to by the negligence of the released parties. The only exceptions are for acts of gross negligence or intentional misconduct that may not be waivable under law. (This means you are releasing even claims that might result from mistakes, carelessness, or ordinary negligence by the Team or its representatives during Team activities.)
Third-Party Claims: You agree that this release is binding on your heirs, assigns, and anyone else acting on your behalf. If you, or anyone on your behalf, assert a claim against any of the released parties despite this waiver, you will indemnify (reimburse) the released party for any costs or damages incurred as a result.
Acknowledgment of Understanding: You confirm that you have read this “Assumption of Risk” and “Release of Liability” section, fully understand its terms, and understand that you are giving up substantial rights, including your right to sue. You acknowledge that you are agreeing to this provision freely and voluntarily.
Medical Treatment and Emergencies
You consent to receive reasonable first aid, medical treatment, or other assistance that may be deemed necessary in the event of an injury, accident, or illness during any Team activity. You assume all liability for any costs or expenses incurred as a result of such treatment. You also release and indemnify the Team and all released parties from any claims or liability arising out of any medical assistance or treatment provided to you in connection with a Team event.
It is understood that Dashing Whippets does not carry or provide personal health or accident insurance for members. You are encouraged to have your own health insurance coverage in place. The Team is not responsible for any medical or emergency expenses you may incur by participating in Team activities.
Photography and Media Release
Use of Likeness: By participating in Dashing Whippets events or activities, you grant the Team permission to photograph or record you during runs, races, or other team functions. You authorize Dashing Whippets to use your name, image, likeness, voice, and/or appearance in any photographs, videos, or other media taken in connection with Team activities for promotional or any legitimate Team-related purposes. This may include use on the Team’s website, social media, newsletters, promotional materials, or press releases.
No Compensation: You understand that you will not be paid or compensated for any such use of your likeness. All photographs and recordings will be the property of the Team or the party authorized by the Team to produce such materials.
If you have a privacy concern or specific objection to appearing in team media, it is your responsibility to inform the Team in writing. The Team will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests, but cannot guarantee that you will not appear incidentally in group activity photos or recordings.
Team Activities and Events
Dashing Whippets will strive to provide a variety of group runs, training sessions, and events for its members throughout the year. However, all scheduled Team activities are subject to change or cancellation at the discretion of the Team. Factors such as weather, safety concerns, coach availability, or public health guidelines (including COVID-19 restrictions) may result in last-minute changes or cancellations.
The Team will attempt to communicate cancellations or changes in a timely manner via email, text, or social media. It is your responsibility to check for communications on the day of events, especially in inclement weather.
No Guarantee of Activity Level: While membership includes access to group runs and training plans, the Team makes no guarantee about the number or frequency of events, or that any particular event will occur as scheduled. Membership is primarily a fee for supporting the Team and accessing its community and resources, not a specific promise of services.
No Refund for Cancellations: As noted in the No Refunds policy, you are not entitled to any refund of dues if a specific run, race, or event is cancelled or if the Team must suspend activities for a period of time. (For example, if group runs are temporarily halted due to a public health order or any other reason, memberships will not be refunded. The Team may, at its discretion, extend memberships or offer alternative benefits, but this is not guaranteed.)
Privacy and Communications
Use of Personal Information: The personal information you provide to Dashing Whippets (such as name, contact details, and any health information you choose to share) will be used only for legitimate Team purposes. This includes managing your membership, processing payments, and communicating with you about Team activities, renewals, or important updates. The Team may also use your email to send newsletters or announcements related to running and Team events. We do not sell or share your personal data with unrelated third parties for their own marketing without your permission.
Communications Consent: By joining, you consent to receive communications from the Team through various channels, including electronic communications (such as email, website postings, or official social media), voice calls, and both automated and non-automated SMS/text messages. Communications can include membership notices, event updates, newsletters, renewal reminders, and other Team-related information. You can opt out of non-essential communications (like general newsletters or promotional messages) by following unsubscribe or opt-out instructions. However, certain communications regarding your membership (e.g., billing notices, critical updates) are considered essential and will continue as long as you are a member.
Modifications to Terms
The Dashing Whippets Running Team may update or revise these Terms and Conditions from time to time to reflect changes in policies, the law, or membership features. If material changes are made to the Terms, the Team will notify members via email. Updated Terms will be posted on the official website with an updated effective date. It is your responsibility to review any such changes. By continuing your membership or participating in Team activities after an update, you signify acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you must cancel your membership before the changes take effect.
(Note: Changes to the membership dues price specifically will follow the “Membership Dues Changes” notice policy outlined above, generally requiring 30 days’ notice.)
Miscellaneous Provisions
Non-Transferability: Membership rights and benefits are personal to you. You may not transfer your membership or any Team privileges to another person. Any attempt to transfer membership (for example, letting a friend use your membership benefits) is void and can result in termination of membership.
No Agency: Membership does not create any agency, partnership, or employment relationship between you and the Team. You are a volunteer participant in Team activities.
Indemnification: Except as provided in the Liability Waiver section, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Team and its officers, coaches, and agents from any loss, liability, damage, or cost (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that arises from your breach of these Terms or misconduct in Team activities.
Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be severed, and the remainder of the Terms will remain in full effect.
No Waiver: The failure of the Team to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not be considered a waiver of the right to enforce that provision in the future.
Governing Law: This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York (the state in which Dashing Whippets Running Team, Inc. is registered), without regard to its conflict of law principles. By agreeing to these Terms, you consent to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in New York for the resolution of any disputes arising under this agreement.
Acknowledgment and Agreement
By registering as a Dashing Whippets Running Team member, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these Terms and Conditions. You agree to abide by all the terms above, including payment obligations, the Code of Conduct, and the liability waiver. You understand that these Terms are intended to be legally binding and enforceable. If you have any questions about this agreement, you should contact the Team or seek clarification before agreeing.
If you do not agree to these Terms and Conditions, do not proceed with membership registration or participation in Dashing Whippets activities.