General Registration

HIT ZERO ATHLETICS PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT, RELEASE & CONSENT IMPORTANT: This is a legally binding agreement. It includes payment obligations, an assumption of risk, a release of liability, a medical authorization, a photo/video release, travel consent, and codes of conduct. Please read it completely before signing. This Participation Agreement, Release & Consent ("Agreement") is entered into between Hit Zero LLC, doing business as Hit Zero Athletics ("Hit Zero"), and the parent or legal guardian signing below ("Parent") on behalf of each athlete enrolled under the Parent's account ("Athlete"). An adult athlete enrolling for themselves signs in their own capacity, and references to "Athlete" then mean the signer. If more than one Athlete is enrolled, this Agreement applies separately and fully to each Athlete. All fees, withdrawal fees, attendance requirements, conduct standards, waivers, authorizations, and other terms apply to each Athlete individually unless Hit Zero expressly states otherwise in writing. "Program" means any Hit Zero activity an Athlete participates in, including All Star Cheer teams (full-season and half-season), tumbling and skill classes, private lessons, clinics, camps, evaluation sessions, open gym, and related practices, events, performances, competitions, and travel. Participation in any Hit Zero Program is conditioned on Parent's acceptance of this Agreement. This Agreement remains in effect for all current and future Programs the Athlete participates in, until superseded in writing. 1. FEES AND THE PUBLISHED FEE SCHEDULE 1.1 Fee Schedule. The fees for each Program — including registration or membership fees, tuition, apparel, music, choreography, session fees, and withdrawal fees — are set out in the Fee Schedule that Hit Zero publishes for that Program and, for team programs, for the Athlete's assigned classification. The current Fee Schedule is available on the registration page and in the Parent Portal, and is presented at enrollment. The Fee Schedule in effect for the Athlete's Program and season, as presented at or after enrollment, is incorporated into this Agreement. 1.2 Per-Athlete assessment. All fees are assessed separately for each enrolled Athlete unless Hit Zero expressly identifies a sibling discount, family discount, shared expense, or other adjustment in writing. 1.3 Governing-body fees. Where a sanctioning or governing body (for example, USASF) requires its own athlete registration, that fee is paid by the Parent directly to that body and is not billed by Hit Zero unless the Fee Schedule states otherwise. 2. PAYMENT METHOD ON FILE AND AUTOMATIC BILLING 2.1 Card on file. As a condition of participation, Parent must maintain a valid credit card, debit card, bank account, or other payment method approved by Hit Zero on file at all times. 2.2 Authorization. Parent expressly authorizes Hit Zero and its payment processor to automatically charge the payment method on file for all tuition, fees, and other amounts due under this Agreement on or after the applicable due dates in the Fee Schedule or otherwise communicated under this Agreement. This authorization covers each enrolled Athlete and includes tuition; registration and membership fees; practice wear, uniforms, and apparel; music and choreography; session and lesson fees; end-of-season and postseason charges; withdrawal fees; and other amounts properly due. 2.3 No separate invoice required. Hit Zero is not required to send a separate invoice or obtain additional authorization before processing a charge identified in the Fee Schedule or otherwise authorized by this Agreement. Account statements are available in the Parent Portal; the existence or timing of a statement does not alter the authorization or a due date. For material additional expenses not listed in the Fee Schedule, Hit Zero will provide notice of the amount before processing the charge when reasonably practical. 2.4 Failed payments. A declined, expired, closed, disputed, or otherwise unsuccessful payment method does not relieve Parent of any obligation. Hit Zero may retry unsuccessful payments and may apply payments to the oldest outstanding balance first. Declined or late payments may result in suspension from participation, and late fees may apply beginning 10 days after the applicable due date. All balances must be current before uniforms or Athlete-specific orders are distributed, and such orders may be delayed until payment is received. Parents experiencing a payment issue should contact Hit Zero before the due date to discuss options. 2.5 No refunds. ALL TUITION, REGISTRATION FEES, SESSION FEES, AND OTHER AMOUNTS PAID ARE NONREFUNDABLE AND NONTRANSFERABLE, except as expressly stated in this Agreement or agreed by Hit Zero in writing. No refund, credit, prorating, or make-up is owed for absences, vacations, illness, injury, schedule conflicts, voluntary withdrawal, disciplinary suspension or dismissal, weather closures, holidays, or other missed participation. If Hit Zero permanently cancels a class or Program without offering a reasonable replacement, its sole obligation is a prorated credit or refund for the canceled portion, as determined by Hit Zero. Amounts already paid or committed by Hit Zero to vendors, competition producers, choreographers, music providers, or apparel companies, and custom or Athlete-specific merchandise already ordered, are non-refundable. 3. PROGRAM-SPECIFIC ENROLLMENT TERMS 3.1 Monthly classes (tumbling and skill classes). Class enrollment continues automatically from month to month until properly canceled. Tuition is charged on the first day of each month to the payment method on file and reserves the Athlete's place in a recurring class; the monthly rate is the same whether a calendar month contains four or five class meetings. To cancel for the following month, Parent must provide written notice received by Hit Zero no later than the 20th day of the current month, through the Parent Portal or another written method designated by Hit Zero. Notice after the 20th does not cancel or excuse the following month's tuition, and a verbal statement to a coach is not sufficient. 3.2 All Star teams — full season and half season. Accepting a team placement is a commitment for the full duration of that team's published season (a full season or a half season, as applicable). Team sports are planned around committed rosters: stunt groups, formations, choreography, music, competition registrations, apparel, and travel are all built on the athletes who commit. The season dates, tuition, itemized fees, and due dates for the Athlete's team and classification are set out in the Fee Schedule. Monthly team tuition is charged on the due dates in the Fee Schedule and covers the period the Fee Schedule states. Team placement, level, stunt group, and routine position are determined by Hit Zero, are not guaranteed for the season, and may be adjusted for Athlete development, safety, eligibility, competitive strategy, or team needs. 3.3 Evaluation sessions, camps, clinics, and short sessions. Session fees are due at registration and are nonrefundable. Participation in an evaluation session, camp, clinic, or tryout does not guarantee placement on any team. Placements are determined by Hit Zero based on factors including skill, age, maturity, attendance, attitude, coachability, team needs, and overall fit; Hit Zero's goal is to place every athlete where they can thrive. 3.4 Private lessons. Lessons are billed at the coach's listed rate to the payment method on file when the lesson is confirmed. A lesson missed without reasonable advance notice may be charged. 3.5 Schedule changes. Hit Zero may make reasonable changes to coaches, schedules, practice times, class times or format, team assignments, competition schedules, choreography, positions, divisions, and other operational matters, and will communicate changes as soon as reasonably possible. Reasonable Program changes do not create a right to cancel financial obligations or receive a refund. 4. ADDITIONAL PROGRAM EXPENSES; POSTSEASON 4.1 Additional expenses. The Fee Schedule identifies the primary anticipated costs but may not include every expense reasonably necessary during a season. Parent agrees to be responsible for additional reasonable Athlete, team, competition, travel, apparel, equipment, or training expenses that Hit Zero determines are reasonably necessary — for example required shoes, replacement apparel, competition accessories, team apparel, travel, lodging, transportation, meals, admission or credential fees, and governing-body fees. Hit Zero will communicate material additional charges in advance when reasonably practical; the nature of competitive cheer may make some expenses impossible to determine at the start of a season. 4.2 End-of-season and postseason competitions. Postseason events are NOT included in tuition or regular-season competition fees. Hit Zero determines whether a team attends a postseason event based on performance, qualification, bids, readiness, scheduling, and overall program considerations. If a team attends, Parent is responsible for each participating Athlete's applicable costs (registration, event fees, credentials, additional practices, travel, lodging, meals, required apparel, and allocated coach or team travel expenses). Pricing may not be known until the team qualifies or commits; Hit Zero will provide pricing and payment information when the event is determined. 5. WITHDRAWAL FROM A TEAM PROGRAM 5.1 Notice. A Parent voluntarily withdrawing an Athlete from a team Program must provide written notice to Hit Zero. Communication solely to a coach is not a formal withdrawal unless confirmed by Hit Zero management. 5.2 Withdrawal fees. Withdrawal fees apply separately to each withdrawing Athlete and are determined by when in the season the Athlete withdraws, in three tiers as published with the Fee Schedule for the Athlete's Program: (Tier 1) before the Athlete's team choreography begins; (Tier 2) after choreography begins but before competition season begins; and (Tier 3) after competition season begins, as those dates are announced for the Athlete's team and season. Once competition season begins, the Athlete is an integral part of the routine and season plan, and withdrawal materially affects the entire team. 5.3 Effect of withdrawal. The applicable withdrawal fee is in addition to any outstanding balance attributable to the Athlete and any other amounts owed on the family account, all of which become immediately due on withdrawal. Withdrawal of one Athlete does not terminate, modify, or reduce the obligations applicable to any other enrolled Athlete. Fundraising credits are not refunded on voluntary withdrawal; remaining fundraising funds associated with the Athlete transfer to the Hit Zero Athletics scholarship fund. Hit Zero leadership may consider documented extenuating circumstances individually; any exception must be approved by Hit Zero management. 5.4 Half-Year Team Withdrawal Fee Policy. Because each athlete occupies a limited roster position and withdrawals can create significant disruption to team planning, choreography, competition preparation, and replacement recruiting, the following withdrawal fees apply once an athlete has participated in their first team practice: • $250 Withdrawal Fee — If the athlete withdraws after the first practice but before the scheduled choreography date. • $500 Withdrawal Fee — If the athlete withdraws on or after the choreography date but before the team's first competition. • $1,000 Withdrawal Fee — If the athlete withdraws on or after the team's first competition. The applicable withdrawal fee is due at the time notice of withdrawal is provided and is separate from any outstanding tuition, competition fees, merchandise charges, or other amounts already incurred. By enrolling in the Half-Year Program, the parent/guardian acknowledges that team placements are limited and that Hit Zero Athletics makes staffing, choreography, competition, and program commitments based upon the athlete's participation for the full season. 6. ATTENDANCE (TEAM PROGRAMS) Cheerleading is a team sport in which every athlete affects stunts, formations, transitions, and timing. Each team Athlete is expected to attend all scheduled practices, required tumbling sessions, choreography sessions, mandatory additional practices, competition practices, competitions, team meetings, and other required events. Parent must notify Hit Zero as soon as reasonably possible of an absence. Repeated absences, excessive tardiness, or missed mandatory events may result in loss of routine position, stunt group changes, alternate status, team reassignment, removal from a competition, suspension, or dismissal. Illness, documented injury, mandatory academic obligations, and extraordinary family circumstances are considered individually; optional social activities or choosing another activity over a required commitment may be treated as unexcused. 7. HEALTH, FITNESS, AND MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION 7.1 Fitness to participate. Parent represents that each Athlete is physically and mentally able to participate, that relevant medical conditions, allergies, injuries, medications, and limitations have been disclosed, and that Parent will promptly notify Hit Zero of any change. An Athlete will not participate while ill, contagious, impaired, or contrary to medical advice. Hit Zero may restrict participation or require medical clearance when reasonably necessary for safety. 7.2 Emergency care. If Parent cannot reasonably be reached and Hit Zero personnel reasonably believe emergency medical attention is necessary, Parent authorizes Hit Zero to obtain emergency assistance for the Athlete, including calling 911, emergency evaluation, ambulance transport, and emergency-room treatment, and authorizes disclosure of necessary information to emergency providers. This authorization applies during travel, where designated chaperones and staff may act under it. Hit Zero personnel are not acting as medical providers by providing or arranging emergency assistance, and this authorization does not create a duty to provide medical care. Parent is responsible for all resulting costs. 7.3 Insurance. Hit Zero does not provide medical or accident insurance for Athletes. Parent is responsible for the Athlete's health insurance and for all medical expenses resulting from participation. 8. ASSUMPTION OF RISK Cheerleading, tumbling, gymnastics, stunting, jumping, conditioning, dance, trampoline and equipment use, strength training, and related athletic activities involve inherent and other risks that cannot be eliminated without fundamentally changing the activity. These risks include falls, failed stunts, collisions, contact with people, surfaces, or objects, incorrect landings, equipment failure, and overexertion, and may result in strains, sprains, bruises, cuts, fractures, dislocations, concussion, head, neck, or spinal injury, paralysis, illness, emotional injury, property loss, permanent disability, and, in rare cases, death. Risks may arise from the Athlete's own actions, the actions of others, facility conditions, instruction or supervision, or ordinary negligence. Travel and away events involve additional risks associated with transportation, unfamiliar facilities, crowds, public venues, and being away from home. Parent understands these risks, and knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks of participation, known and unknown, to the fullest extent permitted by law, for all Programs. 9. RELEASE OF CLAIMS; INDEMNIFICATION; MARYLAND LAW 9.1 Release (Parent's own claims). To the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law, Parent — individually, and on behalf of Parent's spouse, heirs, and assigns — releases, waives, and agrees not to sue Hit Zero LLC and its owners, affiliates, landlords, officers, employees, coaches, contractors, volunteers, agents, insurers, successors, and assigns (the "Released Parties") for any claims, demands, damages, losses, or causes of action arising from or relating to the Athlete's participation in any Program, presence at the facility, use of equipment, or travel, INCLUDING CLAIMS ALLEGING THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF A RELEASED PARTY. This release covers Parent's own independent claims, including emotional distress, loss of services or consortium, and reimbursement of medical or other expenses. 9.2 Maryland limitation on waiving a minor's claims. Parent understands that under Maryland law (including Rosen v. BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc., 435 Md. 714 (2013)), a parent generally may not waive a minor child's own prospective negligence claims. This Agreement is not intended to, and does not, waive any claim belonging to the Athlete that cannot lawfully be waived by a parent. The remaining provisions — including Parent's release of Parent's own claims, the assumption of risk, and the indemnification below — remain fully effective. 9.3 Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Parent agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) brought by or on behalf of Parent or any third party arising out of the Athlete's or Parent's intentional misconduct, violation of this Agreement, or damage caused by them, or otherwise arising out of the Athlete's participation, except to the extent caused by a Released Party's gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. 9.4 Exclusions. Nothing in this Agreement releases liability for gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional or willful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be released as a matter of law. 10. CODES OF CONDUCT 10.1 Athlete standards. Each Athlete will: treat teammates, coaches, staff, competitors, officials, parents, and visitors with respect; follow coaching instructions and all safety rules; demonstrate good sportsmanship and support teammates; arrive on time, prepared, and in required attire; use appropriate language; respect facilities, equipment, and others' property; and represent Hit Zero appropriately at practices, competitions, hotels, restaurants, airports, and team events. Athletes may not engage in bullying, cyberbullying, hazing, harassment, threats, intimidation, fighting, physical or sexual aggression, discriminatory conduct, deliberate humiliation or exclusion of another athlete, malicious rumor spreading, theft, intentional property damage, use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal substances at any Hit Zero activity, or conduct creating an unreasonable safety risk. 10.2 Parent and guest standards. Parents, guardians, and guests will: communicate respectfully and raise concerns privately through the designated management process; allow coaches to coach and respect placement and routine decisions; refrain from sideline coaching, confrontations during practices or competitions, gossip, harassment, threats, profanity, public disparagement of the gym, coaches, athletes, or families (including on social media), and disruptive conduct; follow viewing-area, parking, pickup, facility, competition, and travel rules; ensure timely drop-off and pick-up; supervise nonparticipating children; provide required forms, fees, and information when due; and support Athlete attendance. 10.3 Social media. Parent and Athlete agree that social media and electronic communications will not be used to bully, harass, or threaten anyone; distribute humiliating content involving another athlete; impersonate another person; publish sensitive personal information about another minor; publish confidential choreography contrary to Hit Zero instructions; or attack officials, staff, coaches, teammates, or families in a manner that materially harms the team environment. This provision does not prohibit truthful reviews, lawful complaints, safety reports, or communications protected by law. 10.4 Anti-bullying and athlete safety. Hit Zero has zero tolerance for serious or repeated bullying, hazing, abuse, or misconduct, whether at the facility, at competitions, while traveling, or through electronic communications that materially affect the team environment. Hit Zero supports athlete-safety principles consistent with applicable SafeSport standards, including appropriate boundaries between adults and minors. Suspected bullying or safety concerns should be reported promptly to Hit Zero management. Retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report is prohibited, and a Parent may always make a good-faith report regarding athlete safety, bullying, harassment, or criminal conduct. 10.5 Athlete privacy. Parent agrees not to publicly disclose confidential medical, disciplinary, or sensitive personal information about another minor obtained through the Program, except where disclosure is legally permitted or reasonably necessary to report a legitimate safety or legal concern. 10.6 Enforcement. Hit Zero may respond to violations with a conference, warning, parent meeting, behavior agreement, probation, conditioning, removal from a practice, class, or facility, suspension, removal from a competition, level or team reassignment, or dismissal from the program, at Hit Zero's discretion. Progressive discipline is not required for sufficiently serious conduct, including physical violence, credible threats, severe or discriminatory harassment, sexual misconduct, or conduct creating a significant safety concern. Discipline of one Athlete does not automatically alter another family member's enrollment or obligations. Removal, suspension, or dismissal for conduct does not eliminate amounts already due and does not create a refund or credit. 11. PHOTO, VIDEO, AND MEDIA RELEASE 11.1 Permission. Parent grants Hit Zero and its designees permission to photograph, film, record, livestream, edit, reproduce, publish, display, distribute, and otherwise use each Athlete's image, likeness, voice, first name, team or class affiliation, and athletic performance in any lawful media — including Hit Zero's website, social media (such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube), digital and printed advertising, promotional and recruiting materials, facility displays, team graphics, highlight reels, competition submissions, newsletters, email, news coverage, and archival use — without compensation, approval rights, or ownership interest. Athletes may appear individually or as part of a team, class, or group. Hit Zero owns the resulting materials and is not obligated to use any of them. 11.2 Privacy. Hit Zero will not intentionally publish an Athlete's home address, personal phone number, private email address, or private medical information, will use reasonable efforts to follow responsible social-media practices regarding minors, and will honor a Parent's request not to publicly tag or name the Athlete. 11.3 Revocation. Parent may revoke this permission for future use by written notice. Revocation applies only going forward and does not affect materials already created, published, distributed, contracted for, or included in group content, and Hit Zero cannot guarantee removal from third-party platforms or shared media. 12. TRAVEL AND COMPETITION CONSENT 12.1 Consent. Parent consents to each Athlete's participation in Hit Zero activities away from the facility — competitions, practices, clinics, camps, team activities, and events — which may involve local or out-of-town travel and overnight stays. Hit Zero will provide a schedule and details for each event. 12.2 Transportation. Unless Hit Zero expressly agrees otherwise, Parent is responsible for arranging and supervising the Athlete's transportation and travel. Where families arrange or share transportation, drivers act in their individual capacity and not as agents of Hit Zero, and Parent assumes the risks of such transportation. 12.3 Supervision and accommodations. Hit Zero will use reasonable efforts to provide appropriate adult supervision during team travel, consistent with SafeSport-aligned principles, including avoiding one-on-one situations between an adult and an unrelated minor; athletes may nonetheless have unsupervised free time, and continuous supervision cannot be guaranteed. For overnight events, athletes may share rooms with teammates of the same gender and similar age; room assignments and curfews are set by Hit Zero. 12.4 Conduct and costs. All conduct standards in this Agreement apply during travel. Parent is responsible for ensuring the Athlete arrives on time, attends required activities, and follows schedules, curfews, and hotel and venue rules. Serious misconduct during a trip may result in the Athlete being sent home at Parent's expense. Travel-related costs are Parent's responsibility as described in Sections 4 and the applicable Fee Schedule. 13. FACILITY RULES, SAFETY, AND COACHING AUTHORITY 13.1 Facility and safety rules. Athletes and families will follow all facility rules, safety policies, parking and viewing-area rules, and coach instructions. Unless specifically instructed by a coach: no unsupervised stunting or tumbling; no use of equipment without supervision or authorization; no jewelry during athletic participation; no gum during practices or competitions; and phones put away during team practices. 13.2 Skill progression. Athlete safety and long-term development take priority over advancement. Coaches determine which skills each Athlete may perform, may require demonstrated mastery of foundational skills before progression, and may move an Athlete to an appropriate level, modify skills, or stop participation. Neither Parent nor Athlete may direct a coach to allow a skill the coach considers inappropriate or unsafe. Coaches cannot guarantee constant one-on-one supervision or the prevention of every injury. 13.3 Personal property. Hit Zero is not responsible for lost, stolen, misplaced, or damaged personal property except to the extent required by law. Athletes should bring only necessary items into the facility. Parent is responsible for ensuring each Athlete has required uniforms, practice wear, shoes, bows, and accessories; customized or Athlete-specific items are generally non-refundable once ordered. 14. NO GUARANTEED RESULTS Hit Zero provides coaching, facilities, programming, and training, but cannot guarantee acquisition of any particular skill; placement on a particular team; a particular stunt, tumbling, or routine position; competition scores or placements; bids or championships; qualification for postseason events; or recruiting opportunities. Results depend on many factors outside Hit Zero's control. 15. COMMUNICATIONS CONSENT Parent authorizes Hit Zero and service providers acting on its behalf to use Parent's phone number, email address, and electronic account information to communicate about any enrolled Athlete — including practice and schedule changes, competition information, weather closures, emergency announcements, billing notifications and payment reminders, team and program announcements, and account notices — by text message, email, app notification, or other electronic means. Message and data rates may apply. Parent is responsible for keeping contact information current and agrees to update it promptly. Nothing in this section requires consent to automated telemarketing where law requires separate consent. 16. GENERAL TERMS 16.1 Governing law; venue. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to conflict-of-laws principles. Any dispute shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Maryland. 16.2 Severability. If any provision is held invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, it will be limited, modified, or severed to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions continue in full effect. 16.3 Entire agreement; modification. This Agreement, together with the applicable published Fee Schedules and any team-specific schedules, travel documents, or written policies expressly incorporated into it, is the complete agreement concerning its subject matter. It may be modified only in a writing authorized by Hit Zero. A failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. 16.4 Electronic signature; continuing effect. This Agreement may be entered into electronically, and an electronic signature or legally recognized electronic acceptance has the same effect as a handwritten signature. Signatures in counterparts are effective. This Agreement remains in effect for all current and future Programs and, after cancellation or withdrawal, as to obligations and claims arising during participation. 17. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE BY SIGNING, I CERTIFY THAT I AM THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF EACH ATHLETE ENROLLED UNDER MY ACCOUNT (OR THE ADULT ATHLETE SIGNING FOR MYSELF) AND HAVE AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT ON EACH ATHLETE'S BEHALF. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS ENTIRE AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE FEE SCHEDULE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, THE AUTOMATIC BILLING AUTHORIZATION, THE CANCELLATION AND NO-REFUND POLICIES, THE WITHDRAWAL FEES, THE ASSUMPTION OF RISK, THE RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION, THE MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION, THE PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE, THE TRAVEL CONSENT, AND THE CODES OF CONDUCT. I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS AND TO SEEK INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE, AND I AGREE VOLUNTARILY. IF MORE THAN ONE ATHLETE IS ENROLLED, I UNDERSTAND THAT ALL TERMS APPLY SEPARATELY AND FULLY TO EACH ATHLETE.