Player Agreement

PLEASE READ THIS IN ITS ENTIRETY.  OUR PLAYER EXPECTATIONS, REPS AND WARRANTIES ARE ALL LISTED, AS WELL AS OUR NO REFUND POLICY.  THERE IS ALSO REG SAVER INSURANCE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE HEREIN TO PROTECT AGAINST INJURY OR OTHER QUALIFYING INSTANCES.

I/We the undersigned, hereby understand and acknowledge that Softball is a girl’s sport and activity and give my/our permission for our daughter noted above/ herein as “Player” to participate in club softball with The North Jersey Vipers ( “Vipers”, “Organization”).  The following names listed here are all representative of the NJ Vipers/ Organization: NJ Vipers, Vipers, Vipers Fastpitch, NE Vipers, R Germano’s NE Vipers, Renegades, Viper Futures, or any other trade name used.  It is understood that participation in softball activities may result in injury. I do hereby waive, release, absolve, indemnify, and agree to hold harmless The NJ Vipers, its volunteers, coaches, owners, directors, board members, facility owner, landlord, management company, Lessee, Robert Germano, Jr., Elizabeth Germano, Lindsey Germano & Raegen Germano.

WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND HEREBY AGREE VIA OUR SIGNATURE HEREIN THAT:

• I HAVE/ HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE INSURANCE ON MY FEES AND AVAILABILITY TO PARTICIPATE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE VIPERS ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO REFUND ANY MONIES SHOULD A PLAYER SUFFER AN INJURY, RELOCATE OR NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY FOR ANY REASON.  I HEREBY WAIVE MY RIGHT TO REQUEST ANY REFUNDS DUE TO INJURY, RELOCATION OR INABAILITY TO PLAY.
• That we have been provided an “Offer Letter” that contains an outline of program offerings. The offerings are based in Good Faith and serve as general guidelines since there can be things that change beyond the control of The Vipers, including but not limited to Executive Orders and potential impact and/ or limitations due to CoVid-19 or other health/ government related orders or mandates.  Also see the Acts of God section.  Installment and payment options cannot account for “CoVid” or mandated interruptions as they are beyond the control of the organization.  As shown in 2020, the organization will address any actual interruptions on a case-by-case basis and attempt to make up for any lost time in whatever reasonable ways are possible.  NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR LOST TRAINING OR TOURNAMENT TIME.  It is acknowledged this is at the sole discretion of the Vipers.
• Our Offer Letter contains general description, uniform management, practice/game expectations, etc…. Coaches, player availability, weather and misc. schedules can impact practice scheduling and practices can be cancelled.  We will always “err” on the side of caution with weather.  Further, if school is cancelled for weather/ power/ state of emergency, etc.…, there is a great chance (90%+) that all indoor facility practices will be cancelled.  We do look at these case by case but will always be cautious to ensure the safety of our players, coaches, and parents.
• The Vipers are always looking for volunteers and acknowledge that many of the best ideas come from our parents and players. So do the best coaches and players.  Should a parent have a concern, objection, or question on what/why/how/when something happens or is managed, they should first approach their coach, then the commissioner, then ownership.  Parents should be prepared to offer ideas, suggestions, and alternative solutions whenever possible.  We want to hear from you.
• If you know of anyone who would be a good candidate to be added to the Viper staff, please consider making a referral.  It is the best compliment we can receive.
• Being part of the Vipers is an honor, privilege, and an enhanced commitment. I represent herein that my child(ren) will make as many games and practices as possible.
• We are part of a team and that the team’s commitment to scheduled events is necessary for the team and the organization to be successful. Should there be a situation(s) where a player cannot attend a tournament, game, or practice, as much notice as possible will be provided to the staff directly via phone/ email text.  Should there be recurring situations where games and practices are missed, and communication is not pro-active between the player (including family/ guardian) and the coach, it is acknowledged that playing time may lessen and/ or be significantly reduced.
• Players who miss events with regularity (without agreement with staff), leaving the team short or player to be unprepared for what they will be facing, are subject to reduced (or no) playing time and could potentially have their membership terminated by the organization if all other solutions and actions taken are not correcting the attendance challenge.

PROMISE TO PAY:

Payments:

• You acknowledge that the Commitment Fee paid is your commitment to accept the position offered to join the Vipers. You are accepting a spot and in turn The Organization has ceased its efforts to fill that position.  This is a joint commitment.  THIS FEE IS NOT REFUNDABLE
• You completed the sign up and registration on your own, inputting all your own personal information and credit card payment information authorizing payment, or authorized the Vipers to swipe your credit card, whose payment information and/ or card was provided by you. You may have paid via payment apps.  The Vipers did not auto enroll your membership without your knowledge
• You accept that payments are due in full or on the scheduled due dates per the payment due dates listed. Method of payment is chosen by you
• You acknowledge that your Viper player will not be eligible to play in games or practices with any fee balances outstanding.
• If agreed upon payments are missed or not paid, you acknowledge that The Vipers can collect any past due payments, that you agreed to upon registration, that are owed.
• YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS SECTION REGARDING PAYMENTS.
• YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IF A PLAYER QUITS, STOPS RESPONDING OR ATTENDING EVENTS, IS REMOVED FROM A TEAM (FOR ANY REASON, VOLUNTARILY OR INVOLUNTARILY), OR A PLAYER REFUSES A TEAM ASSIGNMENT, THERE ARE NO REFUNDS GIVEN, NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Your Signature herein certifies your promise to pay all fees due and payable while membership is active
• If membership is terminated, any fees that have not yet come due are voided, unless a separate agreement is or has been made between the parties in writing.
• The Vipers can seek legal action should outstanding payments that have been due and are unpaid and in arrears per this agreement

ATTENDANCE

The organization works very hard and in conjunction with Head Coaches and team coaches to create a competitive schedule commensurate with team ability.  The club will communicate these events to you and/ or place TBD dates into your calendars as much as possible.  YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BE AT AS MANY GAMES/ TOURNAMENTS AS POSSIBLE.  VIPERS ARE YOUR PRIORITY OVER TOWN, REC, TRAVEL SUMMER TEAMS AND SUMMER/ FALL HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL GAMES.  FOR HS PLAYERS, SHOULD A SHOWCASE GAME BE SCHEDULED, IT TAKES PRIORITY OVER ANYTHING ELSE (OTHER THAN FALL HS SPORTS IN SEASON).

Should a tournament be scheduled, and the team cannot field enough players, the tournament will be considered as if it happened AND THE Vipers fulfilling our commitment.  Players, coaches, and parents are expected to appreciate and fulfill the commitment being made by all parties.  VIPERS ARE THE PRIORITY!  Rosters are built to absorb 1-2 players being unavailable from time to time.  The club will, if possible, work with the team to try and change or reschedule if possible, however, if no substitute tournaments or events are possible (in same fee and seasonal range), the tournament will be considered played for the purposes of delivery.    Assumption is that the tournament fee is refundable.

Should a tournament be re-scheduled due to weather, State/CDC shutdowns, field availability, etc… that is beyond the control of the organization.  It is acknowledged that players are expected to make every effort to be available for a rescheduled date.  Player unavailability is the player’s responsibility and choice.  The organization will not entertain any requests for refunds, give backs, etc… in these situations.  No exceptions.

Fundraising: Only fundraising events approved by The Vipers are permissible.  Teams, players & coaches cannot fundraise on their own, regardless of if referencing Vipers, using logos, marketing material, social media/ website links, etc.

Viper Gear: Only gear available through Team Stores or certified Viper Vendors/ events are permissible for sale.  In short, no bootleg/ unofficial Viper gear should be created or manufactured unless written permission is received by the Vipers.

UNIFORMS: Uniform requirements are listed in the Viper website

• Players must always wear Vipers practice shirt and softball pants to practice. They must wear team uniforms for games.
• No Jewelry.
• Pitchers should always bring a jacket and players should wear appropriate gear and clothing as weather and conditions dictate. Pitchers should bring ice for their arms as well.
• Players are responsible for water and meals on game and practice days.
• Uniforms must be worn properly. Jerseys tucked in at all times.
• Delivery of uniforms can vary from estimated delivery times due to items beyond the control of the Vipers and subject to vendor turn times. This needs to be considered by the player when gear is ordered.
• If organizational dissemination, Uniform items/ accessories/ player gear will not be distributed without payment of fees as scheduled and agreed upon as listed above. The organization must approve the uniform # choice to ensure no duplicates.
• The Vipers do not put the player’s name on the back of the jersey. We play for the name on the front.  It is permissible to do it on practice gear, sweatshirts, t-shirts, etc…
• Uniform links and fan gear are on the Viper website

FIELD CONDUCT:

• Warnings or ejections – if you disagree with an umpire’s call, keep your opinion to yourself. Do not throw or kick your bat, helmet, or the dugout fence.  Do not argue, mouth off, or glare at an umpire.  If you scream or give lip to any umpire at any time, you will be removed from the game.
• Hustle!!! Run on and off the field.  If you are hustling, you will not have time to give an umpire an angry look or nasty comment.
• Facility Conduct: You will respect the indoor facility and will keep it clean. I will respect it being there for Viper players to train and get better.  I will do my part to help clean the facility after my team practices to keep it ready for the next team to use (just as the previous team did for me)
• It is understand & acknowledged that the coach and staff have the right and responsibility on what position(s) a player plays, bats in the lineup, how many innings they pitch/catch, etc…. It is agreed that players play the positions assigned during the games in which we play.  Players will hustle with enthusiasm, present a positive attitude, and represent the organization with class.  THE COACH WILL DECIDE WHERE PLAYERS PLAY AND HOW MUCH THEY PLAY.  As referenced herein and throughout, the times to discuss positioning, playing time, etc… is after the 48-hour rule has elapsed.
• Playing time and positions are earned not given. EVERY position on the field is important.  EVERY ONE!  Coaches run practice and evaluate skills on an ongoing basis.  Players are inserted where they can best succeed & the team can succeed.

DUGOUT BEHAVIOR:

• Stay alert and involved in the game. Being in the dugout is game time and NOT break time.  Keep your focus on the field and the game that we are playing.
• No horseplay or verbal abuse of teammates. Your teammates come to the field to compete – not to be put down or mistreated by a teammate or anyone else.
• NO dugout visitation with friends or family. You can visit before or after the game – NOT DURING THE GAME
• No food is allowed in the dugout. Eat before or after the game.
• I will root on my teammates and participate/ create a positive attitude.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Please be positive in the stands to each and every player. Do not argue with the umpires or coaches.  Let the coaches coach!  Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
• Players play. Coaches coach.  Parents cheer.

No Cell Phone Policy

• The Vipers prohibit the use of cell phones by all players once they have reported to an event (practice, game warm up, games). Cell phones should remain in their equipment bags at all times unless there is an emergency or they have received permission from their coach on a case-by-case basis.
• Further, parents should not be calling, e-mailing or texting players, coaches, commissioners or ownership during a game unless an emergency.
• This is common sense and a basic expectation. Players who do not adhere to this will be addressed on a case-by-case basis and may result in lost playing time.

PLAYING TIME

 

• ➢ THE TEAM’S MANAGER AND COACHING STAFF DETERMINE PLAYING TIME.  Playing time is not guaranteed, nor will it be equal for all players.
• ➢ If a parent or child has a question regarding playing time, it should be addressed with the Team Manager (Head Coach), in a civil manner, and not ever during a game or practice.
• Coaches are advised to NOT discuss anything game related with parents/ guardians until the “48-hour rule” has elapsed. 48 hours must elapse.  Coaches are directed by the organization to not have these conversations in < 48 hours.  If a coach pushes a conversation back, it is based on the policies of the Vipers.
• Attendance is mandatory! Players are expected to be on time for practice, meetings, and games. The team will not be able to achieve their goals and maintain a positive attitude if players are missing or arriving late for games and/or practices.  VIPERS ARE YOUR PRIORITY.
• The organization requires that players (12U+) contact their coach directly if they are unable to attend a practice or game. Teamsnap or other similar app tracking is not sufficient.  Should a player not contact their coach directly and with as much lead time as possible, when possible, this will result in less playing time.
• Club Softball is not recreation softball, where every participant is guaranteed a minimum number of innings played, or that every player bats in the lineup. Club Softball is a privilege and a heightened commitment.  Viper softball is a privilege.  Our objective is to play everyone as much as we can as game situations dictate to be competitive.  Having said that, no girl or parent signs up for club softball and attends practices with the expectation to travel all over the state (and surrounding states) just to watch from the bench while the other girls play.  If a girl has been deemed worthy of making the team, then it becomes incumbent upon the Head Coach/ manager and his/her coaching staff to find playing time for all players Saturday (50%) vs. Sunday (no min requirement).  The manager will make every attempt to get each kid half the game in scrimmage/ league games/ friendly tournaments.  We will also strive to play competitive softball and there may be times when the Manager and coaches will be “unfair” with playing time in the interest of competition.  As stated above, playing time and positioning is earned.
• Playing time will be addressed in the aggregate and not on a week-to-week basis. Games are timed and in many cases Viper teams may get less/ more at bats, less/ more field time as per game flow and competitive situation.   Playing time is considered fulfilled if player is in the batting lineup.
• Many of our athletes will take up pitching as their career evolves.  The Viper rosters are often set with pitchers when entering the season.  There is an old saying  “you never have enough pitching”, so if a player is excelling with pitching outside of Viper tryout offers, the coach and player will see if there is a way to get innings here to help the team.  Coaches are under no obligation to let players “try” pitching during Viper games, however roster make up and availability will allow coaches to use discretion.
• Performance will be a key driver and metric on games and innings pitched. This cannot be stated more directly.  The best way to pitch more is to pitch better.
• Pitcher workloads will be managed to ensure health and safety. The belief a softball pitcher can go unlimited innings is not one this organization subscribes to
• The most important batter is the one who is up to bat.  Lineups are made by the coaching staff and balance a number of factors.  The Vipers will set and tinker with lineups often with the goal to produce the most runs.  Coaches watch practices and games.  They see what is being worked on.  48 hours must elapse after games to even approach questions about lineups.
• The best way to move up in a line up and get more at bats is to work hard and hit your way up.

PRIORITY

• THIS IS WORTH REPEATING. IT IS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS TEAM IS MY PRIMARY SOFTBALL TEAM AND IS MY PRIORITY.  I WILL NOT FOREGO NJ VIPER GAMES OR TOURNAMENTS FOR SOFTBALL GAMES AT THE REC, TOWN OR TOWN TRAVEL LEVEL UNLESS GIVEN PERMISSION BY MY HEAD COACH OR THE ORGANIZATION.  I ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I WILL NOT PRACTICE WITH, PLAY FOR OR GUEST WITH ANY OTHER CLUB (OR SIMILAR/ COMPETING) ORGANIZATION (WITH THE VIPERS)  AND THAT DOING SO WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION FROM THE VIPERS.
• High School Players. Some high school programs have fall & summer softball schedules.  The Vipers will have conflicts with these events from time to time and as stated herein, we expect you to be at VIPER events as your priority.  We do schedule our events where they will not conflict weekly, and you should have more than advance notice 99% of the time.  You and your coach must ensure a balance is struck and event rosters managed.
• It is acknowledged and agreed that if I try out for another Softball Club organization during the Viper season, I understand I may be subject to restricted and/ or significant forfeiture of playing time, including termination of membership if deemed warranted solely by the NJ Vipers.
• The Vipers do support and encourage multi-sport athletes. We ask that the Primary Sport/Primary season approach be applied…Soccer/field hockey/volleyball in the fall, Track, Hockey, Basketball in the Winter.  IN THE SPRING/SUMMER, VIPERS IS YOUR PRIORITY AND #1 COMMITMENT.  Should there be conflicts:
• Viper Games trump all unless a High School in season game or practice.
• Other sport games should trump practices in season (Basketball game vs. Vipers Practice)
• Should there be conflicts for Fall and Winter Viper games/ tournaments, planning will need to happen ASAP with the Head Coach to ensure Vipers have enough players.

I WILL CONTACT THE COACH DIRECTLY IF I CANNOT ATTEND A PRACTICE OR GAME.  APPS SUCH AS TEAMSNAP MAY BE USED BUT I ACKNOWLEDGE I WILL CONTACT THE COACH DIRECTLY AND AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

HS/ SHOWCASE PLAYERS

Attention Showcase Players:

You have been offered and are accepting a roster spot on a showcase team.  This means that players on these rosters have an interest in, or at least exploring playing at the NCAA level. Acceptance of a roster spot on these teams is not a passive, participation commitment.  You are expected to attend team practices & organization workouts so that you are prepared to compete in these events.  You are expected to attend showcase tournaments, as your teammates may need your support on any given day to assist their recruitment, just as you will need theirs to assist in yours.  We expect you to be at all games, or at the very least, as many games as you can.  These games are scheduled with enough advance notice that players can plan for them.  Should conflicts arise communication and coordination with your Head Coach is imperative and needs to be pro-active.  Summer vacations should not be scheduled until August to allow for tournament attendance in July.  Your teammates may and often times will have college coaches there observing.  College coaches may be observing the game in general, in which case our players must be prepared to compete and represent the Viper brand.  Showcase players are an example for the younger players in the organization.  Lack of commitment, attendance uncertainty or disengagement can result in the organization addressing membership, team roster assignments and or playing time.  Should the organization feel roster competitiveness is compromised, and not commensurate with the schedule that has been booked, roster adjustments and/ or schedule changes can be made solely at the discretion of the NJ Vipers.

• If a player plays a HS sport in the fall, we expect you to make every effort to make our events around your HS commitment. If this is not possible, advance notice must be given to your coach
• College committed players are expected to continue their commitment to the Vipers and help other players with their showcases, just as was done for them
• The Summer portion of the schedule, usually all July events, are showcase events (unless team scope was not presented that way). You agree that vacations and not being available for these events is costly to both the Vipers and the Viper players.    By accepting our roster invite, you are agreeing to attend all summer events.
• As referenced above, this further acknowledges that trends or excessive missing of practices and/ or games without coach collaboration, communication &/ or notification can result in restricted or forfeiture of playing time, up to and including membership termination.

PLAY LIKE ATHLETES:

• EXCEL IN EFFORT. Give your best 100% effort always.
• HUSTLE on and off field, walking is prohibited. We hustle and run at all times! A team that hustles is a team that has GREAT SPIRIT and one that plays with discipline and enthusiasm. Hustle does not require awesome talent; it requires simple commitment and desire. When we compete with other teams on the softball field, this part of the game we will always win.  Regardless of the competition, WE WILL OUT HUSTLE EVERY TEAM WE PLAY.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

The intention of this document is to promote Respect, Fairness and Sportsmanship for all participants within the Vipers Program. It is expected that all parents and players of the Vipers read and understand the Code of Conduct and continue to observe and follow all the principles contained within the Code throughout the season.

PARENTS

• I will never yell, taunt, threaten or inflict physical violence upon any player, coach, official or spectator.
• I will refrain from the use of abusive or vulgar language, racial, ethnic or gender related slurs at any time.
• I will leave the coaching to the coaching staff. I will encourage my child to play in a manner consistent with the team’s strategy or plans.
• I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteers who give their time to Club Softball for my child.
• I will refrain from addressing or challenging a coach during a game.
• I will never ridicule or yell at my child or any other players for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• I will respect the umpires and their authority during games. I will not confront an umpire before, during or after a game.
• I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices unless I am one of the official coaches of the team. Attempts to coach your child, while may be well intentioned, may contradict what the head coach is doing or what has been practiced.  Parents are encouraged to approach coaches when appropriate to ask questions, but attempting to coach during a game is prohibited.
• I will not enter the dugout during a game or position myself near a dugout as to interfere with players or coaches.
• I will learn the rules of the game so that I may best support my child’s development in the game.
• I will not confront coaches at the game field. I will take the time to speak with the coaches at an agreed upon time and place and it must be at least 48 hours after the game. Further, I also acknowledge that if I elect to “pull my child” midway through a game, tournament, practice, or Viper event because I am unhappy or disappointed, I am effectively pulling them from the program and my membership will be immediately terminated.  The 48-hour rule has already been explained, as has playing time, positioning & expectations.
• I will remember that my child plays Club Softball for his or her enjoyment, not the managers or coaches.
• I will teach my child that playing by the rules, doing their very best is more important than winning so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
• I will teach my child that this is a team sport and no one individual can determine the outcome of a game.
• I will not consume alcohol or tobacco products in the presence of any youth participant on the field or complex.
• A parent should NEVER be ejected or asked to leave a game by umpires. Please remember you are representing yourselves, your child(ren) and the Vipers.  The parent, coach or organization do not want to be in a position to have to address this, so let’s make sure it does not happen.  No player will be signed by a professional team at one of our games.

 

PLAYERS

 

• I will display good sportsmanship and team play at all times.
• I will control my emotions at all times. I will be a player that will think and then act, not the other way around. I will not throw my helmet, bat, glove or anything in the dugout or on the field.  I understand this will not be tolerated and I will be disciplined if I do it.
• Follow the direction of the coaching staff. I will play where asked to play and hustle on and off the field.
• I will respect all coaches, players, league officials, umpires, opponents and spectators.
• I will make every attempt to be on time and ready to play for all games and practices. I understand failure to attend practices or games without notice or being excused by the coaching staff can result in a loss of playing time.
• I will wear my uniforms and practice attire properly. I will be fully dressed from the time I get to the field until the time I leave.
• I will wear long pants and proper softball attire for all games and practices unless directed otherwise. I will wear jackets and/or long sleeves when necessary to all games and practices, especially early in the season.  I understand that cleats and a facemask are required equipment at all times.
• I will always try my hardest when playing the game and will always be supportive and positive teammates.
• I hereby agree that if I fail to conform to the foregoing, I will be subject to disciplinary action including but not limited to the following in any order or combination thereof:
• Verbal or written warning.
• Immediate ejection from any game, practice, or any other organized league event.
• Suspension from games(s), practice(s), or any other organized league event(s).
• Removal from program

 

ROSTER SIZE AND MAKE UP:

I understand that I as a player/ parent/ member/ coach, do not have any control over team/club rosters or size. The Vipers represent in good faith that the number targeted is 13 players per roster.  Should the organization identify a situation, or situations, where a roster exceeds 13, we may look to do so.  The Vipers will not chase additional players or randomly add players for the sake of growing roster size.  If situations dictate, and there have been numerous reasons over our history where this has arisen, that a roster size exceeds 13, the organization will consider doing so and can do so.  The only instance a roster we may go below 13 is if a membership terminates, yet as referenced, the target would still remain to be 13 and is subject to adjustment.  10U and Futures will be more than 13 as young players adjust to and learn the commitment and balance multiple activities, and absence/ unavailable players  and in season turnover are more common and expected at those levels.  Final roster decisions are made solely at the discretion of the NJ Vipers.

 

IMAGE AND LIKENESS:

 

You permit the Vipers to post (re-post) pictures of game, practice, and other events to its website & social media pages that many contain images of you and/ or your child.

 

NON-COMPETE/ SOLICITATION:

 

• Proprietary information may be shared between you and The Vipers for use in scoping, estimating, and completing projects, rosters, practice plans, committees, tryout assistance, hotel bookings, team parties, or anything related to the business of the Vipers as well as for the everyday business practices.
• During the tenure of the Player/ Family/ Coach with the Vipers, you agree to not, directly, or indirectly provide the same or similar softball products, services as The Vipers, or engage in any other way representation of any other business of a similar nature to the business of the Vipers without written consent.
• It is understood that players/ coaches/ parents represent the Vipers exclusively during their tenure (excluding Rec, Town Travel or High School) unless written notice has been provided from The Vipers.
• The Vipers, through considerable expense, reputation, relationships, track record, marketing/ promotion, branding, etic…, make enormous efforts in advancing the program, attracting players, putting together rosters, day to day management, college/ high school recruiting and running the overall program. You agree that you cannot:
• directly or indirectly engage in any similar business practice of the Vipers while being a member with the Vipers unless approved by The Vipers.
• solicit, directly or indirectly, any client/ member/ vendor, coach, or player of the Vipers for the benefit of yourself or that of a third party, that is engaged in a similar business to that of the Vipers while being part of the Vipers, or for a period of three (3) months after the conclusion of the annual season (July 31st).
• engage in business activity, whether paid or nonpaid, with a competitor of The Vipers that provides a similar product or service while being active with The Vipers.
• if a Viper coach or player: Act as a professional instructor/ coaching role with other organizations or competitors, directly or indirectly without written consent of The Vipers.
• I will return all equipment provided to me by The Vipers upon request (not equipment you purchase, only if equipment was provided by The Vipers), or I will pay the replacement cost.
• I acknowledge The Vipers can pursue legal recourse if I violate the Non-Compete/ Solicitation clause.

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

 

You acknowledge that all rights, title, and interest in and to your softball membership remain with The Organization.  The unauthorized redistribution or dissemination of our products, services, menus, prices, processes, coaching and teaching methods, trade secrets,  etc., could materially and irreparably harm The Organization, its vendors, customers, and other relationships.

 

Intellectual property rights are the rights given to the creators for their innovation. These rights remain exclusive to The Organization.  When someone creates anything unique, the creator can claim ownership of their work with these rights. The owner of this content/product will have complete control over its usage.

 

USE OF LOGO:

The Vipers review and written approval is required for any use of all Viper logos including but not limited to marketing fliers, print pieces, apparel, broadcast emails, and postings.  Copyright law provides that the designer of the logo (The Organization) is the first owner, unless it’s made by a member in the course of their membership, in which case the copyright will be owned by The Organization.

 

Fundraising & Sponsorships

Team Or Individual Fundraisers Are Not Permitted unless supervised and approved by the NJ Vipers.  No independent, private label/ no label fundraisers to address fees, activities, travel, etc… are permitted.

At the size and scale of our organization, we receive dozens of sponsorship/ contribution requests throughout a month.  From Girl Scouts, rec/ travel/ HS softball team fundraisers, fall/ winter sport fundraisers, school activities, etc…, the requests come from all directions, and from all ages.

While we would love to sponsor and support all requests that come our way, it is simply impossible for us to do financially.  We are always balancing our price points to be as low as possible, so we simply do not have the budget to match the requests we get.  We also do not want to (not purposely) appear to show favoritism to an individual(s) by doing for one player/ town/ event type vs another.

As a result, unless there is a specific marketing/ strategic opportunity for the Vipers, we respectfully will not be able to approve or participate with fundraising/ donation requests.

 

ACTS OF GOD.

In the event that The Organization is unable to meet its representations because of acts of God, equipment or transmission failure or damage beyond its reasonable control, or other causes beyond its reasonable control (Earthquakes, Blizzards, extreme weather, Tornadoes, Extremely high tides, Floods, Hurricanes, Lightning storms, Hail, Volcanic eruptions, Death), The Organization shall not be liable to any other party for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or otherwise from such causes.