All Officers, Directors, Participants, and Volunteers will abide by a Standard of Conduct, which includes the following provisions. If any of these provisions are violated, the Blackstone Valley Adult Sports & Recreation Association ("BVASRA" or "Association") shall have the authority to impose any penalty they see fit. 

Officers, Directors, Participants, and Volunteers, having already accepted and agreed to abide by the “Officer, Director, Participant, and Volunteer Pledge” and the “Participant and Director Code”, by their accepting and active participation in membership, shall follow the intent of the Pledge and Code and shall inclusively and/or additionally agree to:

• Smoking and/or the use of smokeless tobacco, consumption of alcohol, and any other substances is prohibited on the field and anywhere on the premises, per park regulations. All participants and spectators are required to abide by any and all regulations imposed by Facilities at which BVASRA activities are conducted.

• BVASRA is obliged to enforce regulations imposed by the park or field permit authority and reserves the right to expel or otherwise discipline any player whose conduct jeopardizes the league’s permits and field agreements.

• Accept decisions of the game officials and judges on the field as being fair and called to the best of their ability.

• Not criticize an opposing team, its players, spirit participants, volunteers, or fans by word of mouth or by gesture.

• Together with team officials, be jointly responsible for the conduct and control of team fans and spectators. Any spectator or fan that becomes a nuisance and out of control must be asked to leave.

• Not use abusive or profane language at any time.

• Not deliberately incite unsportsmanlike conduct.

• Not criticize/berate participants ever, but to provide constructive criticism, in private, or in the presence of team members if others might benefit.

• Remove from a game or practice any participant when their health is in question, whether or not as a result of injury, until competent medical advice is available.

• All participants will follow the parameters of the Anti-Substance Abuse Rule and see that it's carried out faithfully and that all players understand its importance.

• Uphold all rules and regulations of the Association.

The following are the minimum penalties to be enforced for violation of, but not limited to the following rules. Anyone found to have allowed a variance to this rulebook, the rules regulations and the spirit of the rules and regulations without filing and receiving written approval may be suspended. 

Anyone found not enforcing this rulebook, the rules regulations and the spirit of the rules and regulations may be suspended.

• Smoking & Alcohol: If a participant/director is found using tobacco products (including smokeless) or in possession of or drinking alcoholic beverages on the field at any time.

1) First offense: suspension for one game of the session/sport in which the offense took place.

2) Second offense: suspension from the remaining session games.

3) Third offense: permanent suspension from the Association.

• Badgering of or Disrespecting Directors, Participants, or Volunteers with Threats; Inciting Fans to Display Poor Sportsmanship; or Cheating:

1) First offense: suspension for two games of the session/sport in which the offense took place. May NOT be present at the field during the game of their suspension.

2) Second offense: suspension from the remaining session games.

3) Third offense: permanent suspension from the Association.

• Fighting of Any Kind:

1)     First offense: permanent suspension from the Association and subject to criminal proceedings.

• Inciting a Confrontation (Verbal/Threatening/Use of Profanity; may include one or all):

1)     First offense: suspension for two games the session/sport in which the offense took place. May NOT be present at the field during the game of their suspension.

2)     Second offense: permanent suspension from the Association.

• Falsifying Birth or Any Other Documents to Make a Participant Eligible to Play:

1)     First offense: A permanent suspension of the participant(s) responsible for the act from the Association.

WAIVER/RELEASE FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES INCLUDING COVID-19

ASSUMPTION OF RISK / WAIVER OF LIABILITY / INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

In consideration of being allowed to participate on behalf of the Blackstone Valley Adult Sports & Recreation Association, Inc. (BVASRA) and related events and activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:

• Participation 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,

• 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 participation; and,

• 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 and 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,

• I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS the Blackstone Valley Adult Sports & Recreation Association, Inc. (BVASRA), their officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, 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 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 RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IF FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms generally show up soon after the injury. However, you may not know how serious the injury is at first and some symptoms may not show up for hours or days. For example, in the first few minutes your child or teen might have a headache or feel confused or a bit dazed. But a few days later, your child might have more trouble sleeping or changes in mood than usual.

You should continue to check for signs of concussion right after the injury and a few days after the injury. If your child or teen's concussion signs or symptoms get worse be sure to share this information with their healthcare provider.

Observable signs of a concussion:

• Can't recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.

• Appears dazed or stunned.

• Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.

• Moves clumsily.

• Answers questions slowly.

• Loses consciousness (even briefly).

• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.

Reported symptoms of concussion:

• Headache or "pressure" in head.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.

• Bothered by light or noise.

• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.

• Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.

• Just not "feeling right," or "feeling down".

Concussion danger signs:

In rare cases, a dangerous collection of blood (hematoma) may form on the brain after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that may squeeze the brain against the skull. Call 9-1-1 right away, or take the player to the emergency department if he or she has one or more of the following danger signs after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body.

Dangerous signs & symptoms of a concussion:

• One pupil larger than the other.

• Drowsiness or inability to wake up.

• A headache that gets worse and does not go away.

• Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.

• Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching).

• Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.

• Loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.

Responding to a Sports-Related Concussion

Remove the athlete from practice or competition:

If an athlete has a possible concussion, you should:

1. Remove them from sports participation right away.

2. Check the athlete for concussion danger signs. An athlete experiencing concussion danger signs needs to go to the emergency department right away.

3. Keep the athlete out of sports participation the same day of the injury and until cleared by a healthcare provider to begin the return-to-sports protocol.

Do not try to judge the severity of a concussion yourself. Only a healthcare provider should assess an athlete for a possible concussion. After an athlete with a possible concussion is removed from sports participation, the decision about return to sports is a medical decision that should be made by a healthcare provider.

Athletes who return to sports participation too soon—while their brain is still healing—have a greater chance of getting a repeat concussion. Repeat concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.

Seek medical care:

An athlete with a possible concussion needs to be seen by a healthcare provider. Most athletes who have a concussion are treated in the emergency department or a medical office and get to go home to recover. An athlete may need to stay in the hospital overnight if the injury is more serious. Through telemedicine or telehealth services, patients may get checked for concussion symptoms and get recovery tips without needing to travel to a medical office or hospital. You may consider using telemedicine and telehealth services  if you are unable to visit a healthcare provider in person.

What to tell the health care provider:

Be sure to tell the athlete's healthcare provider if the athlete is taking medications—prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or "natural remedies." When possible, share the following information:

• Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body

• Any loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and if so, for how long

• Any memory loss right after the injury

• Any seizures right after the injury

• Number of previous concussions (if any)

What to expect:

A healthcare provider may do a scan of the athlete's brain (such as a CT scan) if there are signs of a more serious brain injury. Other tests such as "neuropsychological" or "neurocognitive" tests may also be performed. These tests help assess the athlete's learning and memory skills, the ability to pay attention or concentrate, and how quickly he or she can think and solve problems. These tests can help the athlete's healthcare provider identify the effects of the concussion.

Additional Information and Resources

Additional resources, videos, and information related to identifying and responding to potential concussions can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/index.html.