I desire and agree to provide certain services on a volunteer basis to the United States Golf Association and to engage in activities related to serving as a volunteer (“Volunteer Services”). I understand that, by signing below (or my parent/guardian signing below, in case I am under 18 years old), I am releasing and forever discharging and holding harmless the United States Golf Association, a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and each of its directors, officers, employees, vendors, contractors, affiliates, agents, sponsors and co-sponsors, and corporate partners (collectively, the "USGA"), as follows:
- Acknowledgement: I understand and acknowledge that the scope of my relationship with USGA is limited to a volunteer position and that no compensation is expected in return for my services; that USGA will not provide me with any benefits traditionally associated with employment; and that I am responsible for my own insurance coverage in the event of personal injury or illness as a result of my Volunteer Services.
- Waiver and Release: I release and forever discharge and hold harmless USGA and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind of nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the Volunteer Services I provide to USGA ("Release"). I understand and acknowledge that this Release discharges USGA from any liability or claim that I may have against USGA with respect to bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from the services I provide to USGA or occurring while I am providing Volunteer Services.
- Insurance: I understand that USGA does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide me with financial or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability benefits or insurance. I expressly waive any such claim for compensation or liability on the part of USGA.
- Medical Treatment: I hereby Release and forever discharge USGA from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first-aid treatment or other medical services rendered in connection with an emergency during my tenure as a volunteer with USGA.
- Assumption of Risk: I understand that the services I provide to USGA may include activities that may be hazardous to me, including inherently dangerous activities. As a volunteer, I hereby expressly assume risk of injury or harm from these activities and Release USGA from all liability.
- Photo/Video Release: I grant and convey to USGA all right, title, and interests in any and all photographs, images, video, or audio recordings of me or my likeness made by USGA in connection with my providing Volunteer Services to USGA, and agree that the USGA may use such material for any lawful purpose.
- Volunteer code of conduct: I have read and fully understand the USGA's Volunteer Code of Conduct which can be found here. I agree to be bound to all of its terms and conditions
- USGA Championship Integrity Policy: I have read and fully understand the USGA's Championship Integrity policy which can be found here. I agree to be bound by all of its terms and conditions as it relates to volunteers.
- Other: As a volunteer, I expressly agree that this Release and Waiver of Liability is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law and that this agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State in which my Volunteer Services are provided. I agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this agreement is deemed invalid, the enforceability of the remaining provisions of this agreement shall not be affected. If the services are provided in California, I understand and hereby agree that all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California and any similar law of any state or territory of the United States are hereby expressly waived. That section reads as follows: “1542. Certain claims not affected by general release. A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor."
Acknowledgement
My registration as a volunteer indicates my acknowledgement that the USGA may undertake an official background (check/review). It also confirms my understanding that my volunteer position is not guaranteed, nor if granted, guaranteed for any length of time and that the USGA may deny or end my volunteer opportunity at any time, for any reason, with or without prior notice. I acknowledge that I have reviewed this application and understand its terms, in particular, that I have chosen to apply for a volunteering position with the knowledge that I will not be compensated in monetary wages or any other form. I hereby agree that any current or future controversy or claim between me and the USGA arising out of or relating to my volunteer activities must be submitted for confidential, final and binding resolution by a private and impartial arbitrator to be jointly selected by me and the USGA from a list of neutral arbitrators provided by Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS), in accordance with the then-current JAMS rules and procedures. I further agree that the arbitrator shall have the power to award any remedies, available under applicable law, and the arbitration shall take place in a location chosen by mutual written agreement. In agreeing to submit all disputes for resolution by arbitration, I acknowledge that such agreement is given in exchange for rights or benefits to which I am not otherwise entitled—namely, being permitted to volunteer at the U.S. Senior Open Championship and the more expeditious and confidential resolution or any such disputes. By acknowledging this volunteer agreement/waiver, I hereby waive my right to commence, or be a party to, any class or collective claims or to bring jointly any claim against the USGA with any other person and that my attendance at the championship as a spectator shall be subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in the U.S. Senior Open Championship ticket license, which will be available at www.usga.org.
United States Golf Association Volunteer Code of Conduct
USGA Mission & Culture
The USGA promotes and conserves the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it. The USGA’s core values are central to its mission and culture. They define how we carry ourselves with one another; with partner allied associations; with golf facilities, including championship host sites and USGA Member clubs and courses; and with golfers, including USGA Members, fans, spectators, and volunteers – all for the good of the game.
The USGA’s core values include:
- LEAD – We embody the spirit of the game through integrity, transparency, candor, and respect.
- SERVE – We listen to and leverage diverse perspectives from the golf community; we collaborate and encourage healthy debate.
- INSPIRE – We create opportunity through a shared passion and commitment to excellence.
Volunteer Ambassadors
Volunteers are an integral part of the success of all USGA Championships and are expected to conduct themselves consistent with the USGA’s mission and cultural standards. We are hopeful that your experience will be one that you reflect upon fondly for many years to come.
In addition to your specific volunteer committee responsibilities, all Volunteer Ambassadors will assume the following responsibilities:
- Provide exceptional customer service by maintaining high standards of ethical and moral conduct, including self-control and responsible behavior, consideration for the physical and emotional well-being of others, and the courtesy of treating all individuals with a sense of dignity, respect, and worth.
- Being a source of knowledge to all championship guests, including answering questions politely and consistently.
- Being familiar with and proactive in communicating USGA policies designed to enhance the player, fan, and volunteer experiences, including but not limited to the Autograph Policy and Mobile Device Policy including camera and photography restrictions.
- Being aware of your surroundings and reporting any suspicious or inappropriate behavior to your supervisor and/or law enforcement personnel (i.e. “If You See Something, Say Something”)
- Following the Safety & Etiquette guidelines provided in the Championship’s Fan Guide.
While it is the USGA’s goal to provide volunteers with an exemplary championship experience, we do require volunteers to refrain from the following:
- Engaging in inappropriate behavior or harassing, verbally or physically, any players, volunteers, officials, fans or championship guests.
- Distracting a player or causing any disruption of play.
- Asking for autographs and/or photographs while on-duty.
- Except in case of an emergency, utilizing cell phones or other mobile devices to the detriment of player and/or the fan experience.
- Consuming or using any alcohol, tobacco products, and/or illegal substances prior to or while on-duty.
- Lending or selling his/her credential to family, friends, and/or third-party.
USGA Non-Harassment Policy for Volunteers
The USGA does not tolerate any form of workplace harassment, including but not limited to, sexual harassment. Harassment is defined as conduct relating to an individual’s protected characteristics (e.g., sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristics), which is severe or pervasive enough to make a reasonable person possessing the characteristic believe that the conditions of volunteering are altered and the working environment is hostile or abusive, or unreasonably interferes with the individual’s work performance.
Any volunteer who believes that he or she has been harassed by a supervisor, other volunteers or anyone associated with the USGA or any of its vendors, or who believes that another volunteer is being subjected to such harassment, should report the situation immediately to his/her supervisor, any of the volunteer chairs or any member of the USGA Human Resources or Legal teams. You may also report directly to USGA’s Speak Up resource by phone or online. Speak Up is a 24-hour, free ethics hotline available to all USGA associates as well as its partners, suppliers and customers to ask questions or raise concerns about compliance or ethics. Speak Up calls are answered by an independent third party with expertise in handling hotline calls. You may call the Speak Up hotline number at (855) 874-2744 or access their website by going to www.usga.ethicspoint.com. The information will be kept confidential, except as needed to conduct a full, fair investigation. You may remain anonymous, and your identity, phone number or IP address will not be recorded or included in any report that is provided to the USGA.
A comprehensive USGA Non-Harassment Policy for Volunteers can be viewed online at LINK.
Volunteer Safety & Etiquette
Volunteers are expected to observe the Safety & Etiquette guidelines set forth in the Championship’s Fan Guide. In conjunction with your volunteer committees’ responsibilities, all volunteers should:
- Stay behind gallery rope lines and follow directions of championship marshals.
- Do not cross fairways except at designated crosswalk areas.
- Stay quiet and stand still when players are about to hit or when instructed by marshals.
- Set all mobile device volume controls to silent or vibrate at all times.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- To provide protection from the sun, remember to wear sunscreen, hats and sunglasses – while observing the Prohibited Items guidelines.
- Wear appropriate footwear such as sneakers (no metal spikes).
- Wear your championship designed volunteer apparel while you are on-duty.