Athlete Agreements#

Please read the following information CAREFULLY.

You must complete the 'Personal Information and Signature Section' before DATE and indicate whether or not you will be accepting the place you earned to compete at TOURNAMENT NAME AND DATE. 

If you DO NOT complete the information before DATE we will attempt to call you on the number supplied below. If you do not answer, we will leave a voicemail directing you to visit this site and complete the information and accept the place.

If, after a further 48 hours you still have not completed your information and formally accepted the place it will be assumed you are not competing and the place will be offered to the next qualified athlete. 

It is your responsibility to provide a correct telephone number that will be monitored.

PLEASE NOTE: Once the place has been offered to the next qualified athlete you will not be able to claim the place under any circumstance.

To print a copy of the information contained in the Athlete Agreement, click here to download the PDF (minus the Personal Information and Signature Section, which must be completed electronically)

Click here to go directly to the personal information and signature section.

(EXAMPLE ONLY) USA TAEKWONDO
2015 Junior National Team Athlete Agreement

THIS ATHLETE AGREEMENT, effective as of July 1, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between USA Taekwondo, a Colorado nonprofit corporation having its principal office at 1 Olympic Plaza; Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909, and the athlete signing below (“Athlete”), whose address is also set forth below. Athlete and USA Taekwondo may be collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party.”

Recitals

1. USA Taekwondo is the national governing body for the sport of taekwondo in the United States in accordance with The Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, 36 U.S.C. § 220501 et seq. (the "Act"). As the national governing body, USA Taekwondo is responsible for developing elite athletes with the goal of winning medals in the Olympic Games and other international competitions. As part of that mission, USA Taekwondo has developed an Athlete Agreement program to support athletes who have demonstrated the capability to be elite international athletes with potential to win medals in international competition.

2.   I, the Athlete, desire to be a member of USA Taekwondo and participate in the Athlete Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and obligations, the Parties agree as follows:

Agreement

I. Obligations of Athlete.

Athlete agrees to perform the following duties and obligations:

1. NGB Membership and Eligibility. Athlete is and shall remain a member in good standing with USA Taekwondo throughout the term. Athlete shall remain eligible to compete in international competitions for the USA.
2. Ambassador of the Sport. Athlete shall be a representative of USA Taekwondo and conduct themselves in a manner which upholds the name, reputation and goodwill of USA Taekwondo as the National Governing Body for the sport of taekwondo in the United States. Sportsmanlike conduct is defined as, but is not limited to: respect for opponents, competition officials, employees, the public: respect for facilities, privileges and operating procedures; the use of courtesy and good manners; acting responsibly and maturely; refraining from the use of profane or abusive language; and abstinence from illegal and banned drugs. Athlete conduct must not reflect poorly upon or bring discredit to USA Taekwondo, its athletes, its coaches or its events and programs.
   a. Athlete conduct extends beyond actions on the field of play, including but not limited to actions/posting/images disseminated in the public domain.
   b. Any public communication by Athlete via the Internet or via social media must be appropriate as a member of USA Taekwondo.
3. Code of Conduct. Athlete shall sign and abide by the current USA Taekwondo Code of Conduct attached as Addendum B. The Code of Conduct is incorporated into this Athlete Agreement. 
4. Training. Unless otherwise agreed by USA Taekwondo in writing, Athlete shall train for peak performances at key national and international events held during the Term. This includes participating in all organized activities and required agendas, including camps, to which the Athlete is assigned. Athlete’s training shall be in accordance with his/her Athlete Training Plan.
5. Competition. Athlete shall preform to the best of their ability when participating in national and international competitions which Athlete is assigned by USA Taekwondo and shall participate for the full duration of the event. Unless excused in writing by USA Taekwondo, Athlete shall attend all events identified in Addendum A. At all competitions at which Athlete represents USA Taekwondo, Athlete shall meet the weight class in which Athlete is scheduled to compete. In the event Athlete fails to make weight at a competition, whether held in the United States of a foreign country, athlete shall be subject to the following penalties;
   a.  Dismissal from trip and liability for reimbursement of all travel expenses for said competition paid on Athlete behalf by USA Taekwondo including transportation, per diem and housing.
   b.  Athlete stipend reduction and/or forfeiture.
6. Commitment to Train for and Participate in 2015 events. Athlete commits to USA Taekwondo that it is his/her intention to train for the 2015 Pan AM Open, barring injury, Athlete fully intends to compete in the 2015 Pan Am Open
7. Travel. Athlete shall have a valid, current passport. Athlete shall also maintain current passport style photos for use by USA Taekwondo in applying for visas. Athlete agrees to meet all travel schedules set by USA Taekwondo and understands that changes may only be made with approval from USA Taekwondo. Athlete is financially responsible for any additional expenses resulting from changes made by Athlete to travel arrangements. Athlete will also be financially responsible for airline, hotel, food and other expense which Athlete has agreed to attend, unless formally excused by USA Taekwondo. 
8. Team Policies. The following guidelines are to be strictly observed by Athlete during all competitions, training camps, USAT Olympic Training Center programs, seminars, or other USA Taekwondo designated activities and functions:
   • Athlete is subject to a 10:00 p.m. curfew, unless changed by National Team Staff
   • Absolutely no alcohol is permitted. From the time you get on the plane to travel to the event to the time you arrive back home. Alcohol is not permitted.
   • Absolutely no performance-enhancing drugs or stimulants or recreational drugs are permitted
   • Hazing and/or sexual harassment of any nature are not permitted in any form or fashion
   • Abiding by the weight issues policy of being no more than (5) five pounds for men, (3) pounds for women, overweight five (5) days before competition
   • Athletes are required to make weight at official weigh-in
   • Neither family, friends, personal coaches nor other visitors are permitted to linger on the team floor or be in team members’ rooms or the competition areas.
   • Only National team coaches, staff and athletes are permitted at team meetings, team meals, training sessions and competitions.  Visitors are welcome to attend competitions and support the national team from designated spectator areas
   • If team members wish to spend any team designated free time with family or friends, they need to seek approval from the Head Coach, as meals, transportation and other activities may have already been planned and paid for
   • Athletes shall sleep in the room assigned to them by National Team Staff, except in the case that athletes have made their own arrangements.
   • Athletes are not permitted in teammates’ hotel rooms of the opposite gender.
   • Only national team coaches, staff or other national team members shall be permitted to warm up athletes during competitions
9. Injuries.  Athlete shall promptly notify USA Taekwondo in writing of any injury that interferes, or could reasonably be expected to interfere, in any manner with Athlete’s obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, notifying USAT of the receipt by Athlete of any medical attention given with respect thereto (including, without limitation, physician and emergency room visits). Such notification shall be within forty-eight hours of incurring such injury or receiving such medical attention, as applicable and such notification shall include the name and address of any provider from whom Athlete received medical attention and/or health care services. Upon such notice, and/or at USAT's request, Athlete shall execute and deliver to USA Taekwondo such forms as are required to evidence Athlete’s condition and medical attention and/or health care services received by Athlete.
10. Medical. Should an athlete be injured, the athlete may be required to report to the United States Olympic Training Center to undergo a thorough examination by a USOC or USA Taekwondo medical doctor to determine if the athlete has medical reasons to forego any planned National Team event in which Athlete has been selected to compete. Athlete shall comply with the full rehabilitation process as prescribed by USAT, USOC or other agreed upon rehabilitation services.
11. Anti-Doping. Athlete pledges to not use any chemicals, drugs or other banned substances and shall comply with all anti-doping policies, procedures and protocols of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and United States Olympic Committee (USOC). 
12. Hazardous Activities. Athlete acknowledges and agrees that Athlete's participation in other sports or hazardous activities may impair or destroy Athlete's ability and skill as a taekwondo athlete. Accordingly, Athlete agrees that Athlete will not engage in sports or activities which could endanger Athlete's health or safety (including, but not limited to, boxing, wrestling, motorcycling, moped riding, auto racing, sky diving, bungee jumping, water or snow skiing, snowboarding, water skiing and hang gliding); and that, except with the prior written consent of USAT. Nothing contained herein, however, shall be intended to require Athlete to obtain the written consent of USAT in order to enable Athlete to participate in, as an amateur, the sport of golf, tennis, handball, swimming, hiking, softball or other “recreational” activities.
13. NCAA Eligibility. If Athlete wishes to remain eligible under National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules, it is the Athlete’s responsibility to know the rules and take the necessary steps to remain eligible, including compensation, endorsement and agent responsibilities.
14. Use of Image. Athlete agrees to be filmed, videotaped and photographed, and to have his/her name, image, picture, likeness, voice and biographical information otherwise recorded, in any media, by the USA Taekwondo’s official photographer(s), film crew(s) and video crew(s), and by any other entity authorized by the USA Taekwondo, under the conditions specified by the USA Taekwondo (the “Footage”). Athlete grants to USA Taekwondo the irrevocable, perpetual, fully paid-up, worldwide right and license to use, and to authorize third parties to use, in all media, the Footage for: (1) news and information purposes, (2) promotion of the specific competition(s) in which Athlete competes, (3) promotion of the national team, and (4) promotion the sport of taekwondo, provided that, in no event may the USA Taekwondo use or authorize the commercial use of the Footage in any manner that would imply Athlete’s endorsement of any company, product, or service, without Athlete’s express written permission.
15. Promoting of the Team
    a. Participation in Media Sessions. Athlete agrees to participate in media sessions including photo shoots, as reasonably requested by USA Taekwondo, to promote a competition in which Athlete is participating.
    b. Appearances for USA Taekwondo. Athlete agrees to make two (2) personal non-commercial appearances for USA Taekwondo without remuneration except for reasonable travel costs. Such appearances will not interfere with Athlete’s training, preparation or competitions.
    c. Autographed Items. Athlete shall autograph up to 25 non-sponsor branded items, provided by USA Taekwondo at its expense, which USA Taekwondo may use to promote the sport and its mission, such as for thank you gifts, auctions, etc.
    d. Promotional Efforts. Athlete shall, on his/her personal web site and on social media sites (including without limitation Facebook and Twitter), promote USA Taekwondo collaboratively and in good faith. With respect to Facebook, Twitter and other social media applications that may develop, Athlete agrees to list USA Taekwondo as a friend and to include the USA Taekwondo logo in appropriate places.
16. Athlete Personal Sponsors. Athlete may not use or authorize the use of the USA Taekwondo’s intellectual property, including use of photographs, films or videos of Athlete in USA Taekwondo apparel or equipment, or the marks and logos of the USA Taekwondo, or terms containing national team without the express written permission of USA Taekwondo.
17. Team Apparel. Athlete will wear designated USA Taekwondo apparel at all official Team functions and events, and will not conceal or cover-up any USA Taekwondo sponsor, supplier or licensee brand or other identification appearing on USA Taekwondo apparel. Team apparel issued by USA Taekwondo may not be sold or traded until after new apparel is issued or the Athlete’s Term with USA Taekwondo has expired and will not be renewed. No other logos are permitted on Team Uniform: Athlete is not permitted to add to the official National Team uniform any trade name, trademark, name, logo or any other identification of any person, company or business unless expressly provided for in this Agreement or a written waiver.

II. Obligations of USA Taekwondo.
USA Taekwondo agrees to perform the following duties and obligations:

1. Respect for Athlete’s Training. In carrying out its duties and activities under this Agreement, USA Taekwondo shall be respectful of, and shall use reasonable efforts to avoid interfering with Athlete’s training and competition schedules.
2. Use of Image. In no event will USA Taekwondo use or authorize the use of Athlete’s name, picture, likeness, voice and biographical information for the purpose of trade, including any use in a manner that would imply Athlete’s endorsement of any company, product, or service, without Athlete’s express written permission.
3. NGB Support Staff. USA Taekwondo, through its office staff, shall be available to Athlete to coordinate all NGB/Athlete activities, including programs of the USOC and its training centers.
4. Travel Expenses. USA Taekwondo will not provide any funding to the Pan Am Championships. 100% of travel expenses including airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation, food and misc. expenses will be the responsibility of the athlete.
5. USA Taekwondo Sponsors. Athlete is strongly encouraged, but not required, to support or sign with USA Taekwondo sponsors, a list of which is included in Addendum A. 
6. Corporate Sponsor Networking Events. USA Taekwondo shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to develop corporate sponsor networking events, and Athlete and their agent may participate in such corporate networking events for the purpose of meeting potential personal sponsors.
7. Athlete’s Personal Endorsements. USA Taekwondo shall not require Athlete to reveal the details of any personal sponsorship agreement other than the name of the company. Athlete shall not be required to give USA Taekwondo right of first refusal for any of USA Taekwondo’s sponsors regarding a personal contract with individual Athlete.
8. Agents. USA Taekwondo shall not prevent Athlete from hiring or retaining an agent.
9. Team Apparel. If and when Athlete is invited or assigned by USA Taekwondo to participate in national or international competitions or activities USA Taekwondo will provide Athlete with Team apparel if possible.
10. Personal Performance Gear. USA Taekwondo will not prevent athlete from using personal performance gear, as defined by the USOC, of his/her choice in competitions and training. Further, USA Taekwondo shall not require Athlete to cover up a manufacturer logo on Personal Performance Gear, as long as it complies with the relevant IOC or World Taekwondo Federation rules regarding size and placement.

III. Additional Terms of Agreement

1. Term. This Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall continue through and include December 31, 2015, unless earlier terminated as set forth in Section III., 4.
2. Suspension or Dismissal. Failure to comply with any of the contract provisions may lead to disciplinary action against Athlete as solely determined by Team Management, i.e., coaches, medical and administrator. This is not a system of progressive discipline. Nothing herein shall require USA Taekwondo to impose any one of the penalties prior to the institution of a more severe penalty. USA Taekwondo, in its sole discretion, shall select the penalty appropriate to the particular violation of the contract. Any action taken shall be applied fairly and equitably to all parties involved. Athletes do have a right to a hearing if they so desire. The disciplinary action taken can include:
   a. Verbal warning and written warning.
   b. Repayment of all cost associated with competition
   c. Suspension from team or competition.
   d. Dismissal from the team trip or training camp. All costs in returning a dismissed athlete home will be the sole responsibility of the athlete.
   e. Athlete stipend reduction and /or forfeiture
   f. Elimination from future USA Taekwondo events
3. Suspension of Activities. USA Taekwondo acknowledges that, from time to time, Athlete may desire to take an extended break from training. If Athlete desires to suspend training for a period of longer than one (1) week, Athlete acknowledges and agrees that USA Taekwondo may suspend the delivery of benefits to Athlete under this Agreement unless Athlete has first obtained the prior written approval of USA Taekwondo to continue the benefits while Athlete is not training.
4. Dispute Resolution. The Parties agree that any dispute under this Agreement shall first be addressed by good-faith negotiation of the Parties. If a dispute involving a breach, act, omission or interpretation of this Agreement is not resolved by good-faith negotiation, the dispute shall be resolved by a hearing under the grievance procedures in the Bylaws of USA Taekwondo.
5. AAA. In the event that the Parties cannot resolve a dispute, either Party may bring any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or breach thereof, for final settlement by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under their Commercial Rules.
6. Legalities
   a. Nature of the Parties Relationship. It is expressly understood and agreed that, in the performance of this Agreement, USA Taekwondo and Athlete shall be independent contractors, free from control of each other except as specified in this Agreement.
   b. Intellectual Property and Ownership. Nothing contained herein will be construed as an assignment or grant to Athlete of any right, title or interest in or to USA Taekwondo’s trademarks, or in or to any copyright or other right in and to USA Taekwondo’s materials. Likewise, nothing contained herein will be construed as an assignment or grant to USA Taekwondo of any right, title or interest in or to Athlete’s image and personality rights.
   c. Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be delivered under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed properly delivered on the earlier of the actual receipt, one day after being sent via electronic mail, or three days after the date deposited in the U.S. Mail, by first class mail, addressed to the recipient at the Athlete’s address set forth below.
   d. Force Majeure. If for any reason outside a Party’s reasonable control, including without limitation strikes, boycotts, war, acts of God, labor troubles, riots, acts of terrorism, delays of commercial carriers, restraints of public authority, or for any other reason, similar or dissimilar, beyond either Party’s control, a Party is unable to perform its duties and obligations hereunder, such failure to perform will not be considered a default under this Agreement, and such Party will not be liable for the failure to deliver the corresponding benefits and privileges.
   e. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any attachments hereto, contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether verbal or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof and any such other agreements or understandings are hereby revoked.
   f. Waiver. A failure on the part of either Party to exercise any right, remedy, power, or privilege under this Agreement will operate as a waiver thereof. No waiver will be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Party granting such waiver.
   g. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that determination will in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision herein.
   h. Governing Law. The terms of this Agreement and any dispute between the Parties shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado.

ADDENDUM A
USA Taekwondo Sponsors

Athlete is strongly encouraged to sign with USA Taekwondo sponsors listed below. Should Athlete sign a personal contract with a competing sponsor of the USA Taekwondo, they will probably not be given permission to use the USA Taekwondo’s intellectual property with that sponsorship, including any association with USA Taekwondo, the national team and their marks and logos.

Nike
Daedo