Raleigh Rugby Football Club - U8 Co-Ed Touch Program

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U8 Co-Ed Touch Program - Fall 2025

Join the Raleigh Rugby U8 Co-Ed Touch Team! Be part of the Fall 2025 Touch Rugby Season with Raleigh Rugby! Who: Boys and Girls, ages 5–8 (U8 Co-Ed) When: Season runs from late September through October on Saturday mornings (10am-11:15am) Format: Fun-focused touch rugby games and skill development each weekend This program is a safe, exciting, and inclusive introduction to rugby — perfect for young players to learn teamwork, passing, catching, and running while having fun!

All registration options are closed

Program Details

Program start date: Sep 13, 2025

Program end date: Oct 25, 2025

Gender

Male, Female

Eligible only if born on or after: Sep 02, 2011

Eligible only if born on or before: Sep 01, 2020

🏉 About U8 Co-Ed Touch Rugby

U8 Touch Rugby is a fun, safe, and fast-paced introduction to rugby for boys and girls ages 5–8. The game is played without tackling, focusing instead on running, passing, and teamwork. It’s the perfect way for young athletes to build confidence, coordination, and friendships in a positive environment.

👥 Who Can Register

Open to boys and girls ages 5–8 (must be at least 5 and no older than 8 on Sept 1, 2025)
All skill levels welcome – whether brand new to rugby or already playing sports
No previous rugby experience required!

🗓️ Season Dates & Schedule

Season Runs: Late September 13th through the end of October 25th
Practice & Play Days: Saturdays, 10:00–11:15 AM at John Chavis Community Center

🎯 What to Expect

Fun-focused training sessions with games, skill development, and scrimmages
Learning the basics: passing, catching, running into space, and working as a team
Safe, positive coaching and an inclusive team culture
A program designed to encourage confidence, teamwork, and FUN!

🧢 What You’ll Need

Sneakers or cleats (soccer or rugby)
Water bottle
Comfortable athletic clothing (team shirt info shared after registration)

💲Registration Fee

$75.00 – Includes practices, coaching, and program SWAG
Scholarships available – contact us for more info!
Note: U8 Touch players do not need to register with USA Rugby

📢 Why Rugby?

Rugby is a sport for every body type and skill level. In U8 Touch, kids discover the joy of teamwork, build coordination and fitness, and develop skills that carry into all sports — all while having fun and making friends! 🏉✨

Waivers

Waiver Summary Text:

CONSENT, LIABILITY & PHOTO RELEASE:

____ With informed consent, I shall hold harmless the Raleigh Rugby Club, their sponsors, coaches, administrators, volunteers, officers, and owners of property on which Raleigh Rugby Club events occur for any loss or injury which might occur during participation in Raleigh Rugby Club sanctioned events.

_____ I also certify that the above-listed participant has been examined within the last year by a physician and has been determined fit to participate in rigorous athletic activities.

____ If the above-listed participant is in need of medical care, and my immediate consent is unavailable, I hereby give the Raleigh Rugby Club coaches and administrators present my consent to appropriate medical treatment. I assume full responsibility for the cost of any treatment given.

____ I give my consent to Raleigh Rugby to use the likeness of the above-listed participant in photographs and videos for marketing material and social media of Raleigh Rugby. I hereby grant permission to the Raleigh Rugby Football Club to use photographs and/or video of me/my child for promotional and communication purposes in both print and digital media.

Obtain Consent - Enter Text that Displays Next to the Checkbox: I HAVE READ THE CONSENT TO TREAT, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, MEDIA WAIVERS. I UNDERSTAND THAT I GIVE UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING

Waiver Summary Text:

Raleigh Rugby Youth Program – Code of Conduct Registration Statement

The Raleigh Rugby Youth Program is part of the non-profit Raleigh Rugby Football Club (RRFC). The Youth Program is dedicated to building community through rugby and developing better players and better people, with the commitment that everyone who wants to play gets to play.

In partnership with the North Carolina Youth Rugby Union (NCYRU) and USA Rugby, we provide inclusive opportunities for growth and development in rugby union.

Raleigh Rugby Youth Program embraces World Rugby’s Core Values: integrity, respect, solidarity, passion, and discipline. These values, together with our program vision and promises — guide everything we do on and off the field.

Participation in Raleigh Rugby Youth Program is conditional on adherence to the Raleigh Rugby Youth Code of Conduct.

The Code applies to players, parents/guardians, coaches, and volunteers at all club-related activities, including practices, games, travel, tournaments, social events, and digital communications.
Violations of the Code of Conduct will be addressed by the RRFC Youth Program Committee and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or dismissal from the Youth Program and/or the Raleigh Rugby Football Club. Serious violations may be referred to the RRFC Board of Directors for review, and outcomes may include suspension or dismissal from the club, with no appeal or refund of fees paid. Where required, violations may also be reported to NCYRU and USA Rugby.

By registering and paying dues, all players and parents/guardians acknowledge and agree to uphold the Raleigh Rugby Youth Program Code of Conduct, including the standards for behavior, safety, respect, and digital conduct.

Obtain Consent - Enter Text that Displays Next to the Checkbox: HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE POTENTIAL OUTCOMES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY.

Waiver Summary Text:

Raleigh Rugby Youth Program – Code of Conduct

(Revised July 2025)

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

As a player participating in the Raleigh Rugby Youth Program, I agree to the following standards of conduct:

RESPECT & INTEGRITY

1. I am an ambassador of rugby and represent the team I am playing for, Raleigh Rugby Football Club, NCYRU and USA Rugby. As such, I understand that I am expected to demonstrate good and responsible behavior at all times, both on and off the pitch.

2. I will abide by all rules and regulations applicable to the team imposed by the International Rugby Board, NCYRU, USA Rugby, and the local hosts.

3. I will respect my teammates, coaches, referees & touch judges, opponents, and volunteers.

4. I will honor the laws and spirit of the game.

5. I understand that I am on a team and will be a team player. I will do this by putting my personal goals aside for the betterment of the team.

COMMITMENT & EFFORT

6. I will give my best effort at all practices and matches.

7. I will communicate promptly if I am unable to attend or will be late.

8. I will prioritize the success of the team over individual recognition.

9. I will arrive prepared and properly equipped.

10. I will balance rugby with school and personal responsibilities.

CONDUCT & SAFETY

11. I will not exhibit impolite or antisocial behavior (dangerous play) of any sort that would adversely affect the image of the game as a serious and disciplined endeavor. This includes dirty play, and verbal and physical abuse of teammates, opposing players, coaches, referees, touch judges, spectators and/or support staff.

12. I will not, before, during or after a match, threaten or address a referee or touch judge in insulting terms or act in a provocative manner towards teammates, opposing players, coaches, referees, touch judges, spectators and/or supporters.

13. I will abide by all rules and regulations applicable to the team imposed by the International Rugby Board, NCYRU, USA Rugby, and the local hosts.

14. I understand that Raleigh Rugby is an all-inclusive club that welcomes diversity, and will not make racist, sexist, homophobic, religious or otherwise bigoted jokes or statements.

15. I understand that obscene or profane language will not be tolerated and will not use foul language towards, taunt, or disrespect teammates, opposing players, coaches, referees, touch judges, spectators and/or supporters.

16. I understand that bullying or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated whether through physical, emotional or digital means in personal or club related communication channels including social media, text messages, etc.

17. I will not be critical of teammates and never discuss a teammate's abilities except to encourage good teamwork and thank them for their efforts.

18. I will not be under the influence of, possess or use alcoholic beverages or drugs including but not limited to tobacco, vapes, and/or marijuana at any event in which I am representing the club including away matches, trips, activities and tournaments.

19. I will never bring weapons or dangerous materials to any team event.

SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL BEHAVIOR

20. I will use social media respectfully and will not post messages, images, or videos that insult, disparage, criticize, or harm players, parents, coaches, referees, volunteers, or the Raleigh Rugby Youth Program or Club.

21. I understand that online behavior that violates this code may result in disciplinary action.

DISCIPLINARY POLICY

Enforcement

The Raleigh Rugby Youth Program will review any violations of this Code of Conduct. Depending on the severity, consequences may include:

Verbal or written warning
Suspension from team activities
Dismissal from the program
Ineligibility for future seasons

Appeals

Families may submit written appeals within 7 days of a decision to the Raleigh Rugby Club Chairperson. All decisions will be reviewed in good faith with an emphasis on fairness and safety.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By registering with the Raleigh Rugby Youth Program, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this Code of Conduct. I agree to follow its standards and represent the program with respect and integrity.

_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________

Name Date Signature

Obtain Consent - Enter Text that Displays Next to the Checkbox: HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT. I UNDERSTAND IF THE CODE IS BROKEN DISCIPLINARY ACTION MAY OCCUR.

Waiver Summary Text:

Raleigh Rugby Youth Program – Code of Conduct

(Revised July 2025)

PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT

As a Parent/Guardian participating in the Raleigh Rugby Youth Program, I agree to the following standards of conduct:

RESPECT & INTEGRITY

1. I will set an example for my child by honoring the game and will encourage him/her to remember to have respect for the laws and rules, opponents, officials, teammates and themselves.

2. I will demand that children always play within the laws of the game. Cheating is not allowed.

3. I will refrain from making negative comments about my child's coach in my child’s presence. I understand that this will help to avoid planting negative seeds in my child's head that can negatively influence my child's motivation and overall experience.

4. I will recognize the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for young people.

5. I will not publicly question the referee's judgment and never their honesty.

SUPPORT & ENCOURAGEMENT

6. I will support my child’s development through positive encouragement and respectful involvement.

7. I understand that rugby is for the players, and I will not pressure my child to win or perform a certain way.

8. I will let players and coaches take responsibility for the first goal of winning. I will relentlessly focus on the second, more important, goal of using sports to teach life lessons to my child and other youth.

9. I will use positive encouragement with my children, their teammates and coaches.

10. I will set an example for my child by honoring the game and will encourage him/her to remember to have respect for the laws and rules, opponents, officials, teammates and themselves.

11. I will set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.

COMMUNITY & SAFETY

12. I will ensure my child is on time for practices and games and picked up promptly.

13. I will take an active role in Raleigh Youth Program activities and volunteer to assist our team and the club.

14. I understand that Raleigh Rugby is an all-inclusive club that welcomes diversity, and will not make racist, sexist, homophobic, religious or otherwise bigoted jokes or statements.

15. I will not use tobacco, vapes, or alcohol at youth rugby events.

16. I will not provide drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vapes to any youth player.

SOCIAL MEDIA & COMMUNICATION

17. I will not post or share messages online that negatively target players, parents, coaches, volunteers, referees, or the Raleigh Rugby Youth Program or Club.

18. I will raise concerns respectfully and through appropriate program channels—not through public or social media platforms.

DISCIPLINARY POLICY

Enforcement

The Raleigh Rugby Youth Program will review any violations of this Code of Conduct. Depending on the severity, consequences may include:

Verbal or written warning
Suspension from team activities
Dismissal from the program
Ineligibility for future seasons

Appeals

Families may submit written appeals within 7 days of a decision to the Raleigh Rugby Club Chairperson. All decisions will be reviewed in good faith with an emphasis on fairness and safety.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________

Name Date Signature

Obtain Consent - Enter Text that Displays Next to the Checkbox: HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT. I UNDERSTAND IF THE CODE IS BROKEN DISCIPLINARY ACTION MAY OCCUR

Waiver Summary Text:

Player Release and Consent

IN CONSIDERATION OF my child/ward, being allowed to participate in any way in Raleigh Rugby Football Club (hereinafter “RRFC”) related events and activities (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Activities”), the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates and agrees as follows:

Participants’ Release and Waiver

1. I have independently investigated the risk of injury to myself, spouse and ward/child (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Participants”), from the Activities, including the potential for permanent disability and death, and understand that, while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury is an inherent risk in participation in the Activities;

2. ON BEHALF OF ALL PARTICIPANTS, I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RRFC or others, and assume full responsibility for said risks;

3. I myself, my spouse, my child, and on behalf of my/our heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS USA Rugby, RRFC, North Raleigh Youth Rugby Association, their directors, executive board members, officers, officials, agents, employees, volunteers, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, their designated Local Area Union or Territorial Union Team officials and administrators and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (“Releasees”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property incident to any Participants’ involvement or participation in these programs, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law;

4. I, for myself, my spouse, my child, and on behalf of my/our heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS all the above Releasees from any and all liabilities incident to the Participants’ involvement or participation in these programs, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE, to the fullest extent permitted by law;

5. I, for myself, my spouse and my child AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS all the above Releasees for any and all claims made by any third-party entity or individual against any Releasee based, in whole or in part, upon any intentional or negligent action by a Participant;Player Release and Consent

6. I, FOR MYSELF, MY SPOUSE, AND CHILD/WARD, HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT WE HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT;

Participants’ Medical Condition and Consent to Treat

7. I certify that all Player(s) have been examined within the last year by a physician and have been determined fit to participate in rigorous athletic activities;

8. In the event that any Player requires medical care or a medical examination, and my immediate consent is unavailable, I hereby give any RRFC representatives present my consent to obtain appropriate medical treatment for the Player. I agree to assume full responsibility for the cost of any treatment provided;

9. I understand that RRFC representatives are not trained medical professionals and agree to AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS for myself, my spouse, my child, and on behalf of my/our heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, all the above Releasees from any and all liabilities incident to

a) the provision of first aid care by any Releasee,

b) the provision of first aid or medical care by third parties and

c) any determination by Releasees to seek, or refrain from seeking, medical care for any

Player or other Participant.

Release of Photographs and Likenesses of Participants

10. I hereby consent to the use of photographs and videotape taken by Releasees of Participants for publicity, promotional and/or educational purposes (including publications, presentation or broadcast via newspaper, internet or other media sources). I do so with full knowledge and consent and waive all claims for compensation for use or for damages.

Acknowledgement by Participants

11. On behalf of myself and the Participants, we hereby understand,

acknowledge and agree that

a. RRFC not sponsored by any school or school district and, as such, hosting institutions and their administrators and officials shall not be responsible or liable for any injury or claim that may result from participation in the Activities;

b. RRFC does not employ salaried coaches or administrators assisting the Team. All RRFC representatives are volunteers;

c. The conduct of all Participants shall at all times be governed by applicable USA Rugby Code(s) of Conduct (web address);

d. The conduct of all Participants shall also be governed at all times by written policies of the RRFC (RRFC Policies) to be published and distributed by email and other designated web and social media outlets. RRFC Policies shall include, but shall not be limited to, the RRFC Travel Policy attached hereto as Addendum A.

e. This Release and Consent and/or RRFC Policies may be amended at any time when, at the sole discretion of RRFC officials, an amendment is required to maintain the safety and wellbeing of the RRFC and its Participants;

f. Amendments and/or additions to this Release and Consent and/or RRFC Policies shall become effective immediately upon publication within designated web and social media outlets. Participation in RRFC Activities following the publication of any amendment shall constitute an acknowledgement of, and agreement to, any published amendment;

Promises by Participants

12. On behalf of myself and the Participants, we hereby promise, covenant and warranty that:

a. If a Participant observes any unusual significant concern in a child’s readiness for participation and/or in the program itself, they will remove the child from the participation and bring such attention of the nearest official immediately;

b. All Participants intending to play Rugby will undergo a physical to determine that he/she is able and fit to play Rugby;

c. All Participants intending to play Rugby will secure and maintain appropriate medical insurance coverage(s) and will complete and sign authorizations and consents for medical treatment;

d. All Participants intending to play Rugby will provide RRFC with an executed USA RUGBY PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT AND WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY;

e. When required, (U13 and above), all Participants intending to play Rugby will maintain and use mouthpieces during all practices and games;

f. Parents, guardians and their designees shall ensure that Players and other Participants abide by all RRFC Policies, Rules and instructions;

g. Participants shall ensure that a player’s participation in Rugby does not interfere with their school performance and/or requirements;

h. Participants shall ensure that Players maintain a law-abiding personal life in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations;

i. Participants shall ensure that all Players are appropriately dressed for Rugby practices, warmups and play as directed by RRFC Officials. Current RRFC policy requires that each Player must play in a regulation uniform that consists of a jersey, shorts, socks, and approved shoes; that a Player will wear a prescribed jersey and will provide his/her own shorts and over the calf socks.

Choice of Laws, Construction and Venue

13. The releases, waivers, covenants, consents and acknowledgments contained herein shall be presumed to be enforceable, and any reading causing unenforceability shall yield to a construction permitting enforcement. If any single covenant or clause shall be found unenforceable, it shall be severed, and the remaining covenants and clauses enforced in accordance with the tenor of the Agreement. In the event that any judicial body or Arbitrator(s) should determine not to enforce a covenant as written due to overbreadth, the parties specifically agree that said covenant shall be modified and enforced to the extent reasonable, whether said modifications are in time, territory, or scope of prohibited activities.

14. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of North Carolina without regard to its conflict of law rules. The federal and state courts located in North Carolina shall have exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate any non-arbitrable dispute arising out of this Agreement.

15. No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right, power or privilege will operate as a waiver thereof nor will any single or partial exercise preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege.

16. The Parties shall exercise their best efforts to resolve by negotiation any and all disputes, controversies or differences between them which may arise in connection with this agreement or any other matter. In the absence of an explicit written agreement to the contrary, any and all disputes between the parties, or any principal, executive or agent of the parties, whether based in contract, tort, statute or any other basis for legal liability, shall fall both within the scope of the Arbitration provision set forth within Addendum B.

Obtain Consent - Enter Text that Displays Next to the Checkbox: I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE COVENANTS AND AGREE TO ADHERE TO THEM.

Waiver Summary Text:

RRFC Team Travel Policy

Addendum A

Effective July 15, 2019

RRFC has some teams that travel regularly to play in tournaments, has some teams where travel is limited to a few events per season, and some teams where there is no travel other than local travel to and from our own area. We distinguish between travel to training, practice and local tournaments (“local travel”) and team travel involving an overnight stay (“team travel”).

Local Travel

Local travel occurs when RRFC does not sponsor, coordinate or arrange for travel.

Players and/or their parents/guardians are responsible for making all arrangements for local travel. The team and its coaches, managers or administrators are not responsible for arranging or coordinating local travel. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians or their designees to ensure the person transporting the minor player maintains the proper safety and legal requirements, including but not limited to a valid driver’s license, automobile liability insurance, a vehicle in safe working order and compliance with applicable state laws.

Officials, coaches and/or volunteers of RRFC, or one of its teams, who are not also acting as a parent, shall not drive alone with an unrelated minor player.

Team Travel

Team travel is overnight travel that occurs when RRFC or one of its teams or designees’ sponsors, coordinates or arranges for travel so that the team can compete locally, regionally or nationally.

Because of the greater distances, coaches, staff, volunteers and chaperones will often travel with the players.

When possible, RRFC will provide reasonable advance notice before team travel. Travel notice will also include designated team hotels for overnight stays as well as a contact person within the RRFC. This individual will be the point of contact to confirm your intention to travel and to help with travel details. RRFC

Coach and Chaperone Team Travel Rules and Responsibilities

Regardless of gender, a coach shall not share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangements alone with a minor player (unless the coach is the parent, guardian or sibling of the player).

The coach or his/her designee will establish a curfew by when all players must be in their hotel rooms or in a supervised location. Regular monitoring and curfew checks will be made of each room. RRFC reserves the right to check player’s bags at any point in time.

At no time will only one adult be in a room with a lone minor player, regardless of gender (unless the adult is the parent, guardian or sibling of the player).

Team personnel shall ask hotels to block adult pay per view channels for player- only rooms.

Individual meetings between a coach and a player may not occur in hotel sleeping rooms and must be held in public settings or with additional adults present.

Parents/Guardians who wish to stay in the team hotel are permitted and encouraged to do so.

RRFC will make every effort to accommodate reasonable parental requests when a child is away from home without a parent. If any special arrangements are necessary for your child, please contact the team personnel who can either make or assist with making those arrangements.

No coach or chaperone shall at any time be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while performing their coaching and/or chaperoning duties.

In all cases involving travel, parents have the right to transport their minor player.

Prior to any travel, coaches will endeavor to make players and parents aware of all expectations and rules. Coaches will also support chaperones and/or participate in the monitoring of the players for adherence to curfew restrictions and other travel rules.

If disciplinary action against a player is required while the player is traveling without his/her parents, then except where immediate action is necessary, parents will be notified before any action is taken, or immediately after.

Player Team Travel Rules and Responsibilities

Players are expected to remain with the team at all times during the trip. Players are not to leave the competition venue, the hotel, restaurant or any other place at which the team has gathered without the explicit permission of the coach or chaperone.

When visiting public places such as restaurants, shopping malls, movie theaters, etc., players will stay in groups of no less than three persons. Athletes 12 and under will be accompanied by an adult chaperone at all times.

All Players shall display proper respect and sportsmanship toward coaches, officials, administrator, teammates, fellow competitors and the public at all times.

Players will refrain from any illegal or inappropriate behavior that would detract from a positive image of the team or be detrimental to its performance objectives.

The possession or use of alcohol or tobacco products (including electronic cigarettes) by any athlete is prohibited at all times.

The possession, use or sale/distribution of any controlled or illegal substance or any form of weapon is strictly forbidden.

Team members are reminded that when competing in tournaments, traveling on trips and attending other club-related functions, they are representing both themselves and RRFC. Athlete behavior must positively reflect the high standards of RRFC at all times .

Failure to comply with Player Responsibilities as set forth in this document may result in disciplinary action.

Such discipline may include, but may not be limited to:

o Dismissal from the trip and immediate return home at the Player’s expense;

o Disqualification from future tournaments, either local or traveling;

o Dismissal from team and/or Such other and further penalties as deemed appropriate by RRFC Officials.

Obtain Consent - Enter Text that Displays Next to the Checkbox: I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO FOLLOW THE RRFC TEAM TRAVEL POLICY.

Waiver Summary Text:

Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures

Addendum B

Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures

1. The Parties shall exercise their best efforts to resolve by negotiation any and all disputes, controversies or differences between them. In the absence of an explicit written agreement to the contrary, any and all disputes between the parties, or any principal, executive, affiliate or agent of the parties, whether based in contract, tort, statute or any other basis for legal liability, shall fall both within the scope of the arbitration provision herein and within the jurisdiction of the Arbitration authority.

2. Any and all such disputes, controversies or differences that are not settled by negotiation shall be submitted to the American Arbitration Association in Charlotte, North Carolina and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitral award shall be final and binding upon both parties.

3. In the absence of an explicit written agreement to the contrary, the parties agree that all proceedings, testimony, evidence produced and information shared within the context of the arbitration proceeding shall be deemed confidential. Neither party shall disclose, nor allow another party to disclose, any such confidential information to a third party.

4. In the absence of an explicit written agreement to the contrary, the Claimant shall, in the first instance, remit all fees for compensation of the American Arbitration Association and any appointed arbitrator(s). Upon rendering its final determination, the appointed arbitrator may require a Respondent to reimburse, in whole or in part, any such fees paid by the Claimant.

5. The arbitrator shall not award attorney’s fees or exemplary damages. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Arbitrator shall award attorney’s fees and costs against a party found to have brought any claim (or counterclaim) that is found to be frivolous or wholly without merit. The arbitrator shall also award attorney’s fees, costs and actual damages incurred by a party required to answer or litigate a claim within an alternate court or tribunal where it is ultimately determined that such claim(s) come within this scope of this arbitration agreement.

6. Nothing within this agreement shall be deemed to bar a party from seeking injunctive relief before a tribunal of competent jurisdiction, if necessary, to prevent or mitigate irreparable damages to the applying party.

7. If, and only if, the American Arbitration Association is unable or unwilling to preside over all or part of any dispute, the following procedure shall be implemented in the selection of an arbitrator: The entirety of the dispute(s) shall subject to and governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. section 1 et seq. (the "F.A.A."). In accordance with Section 3 of the F.A.A., the Qualified Arbitrator (as defined herein) must interpret, apply and enforce this Arbitration Policy as written.

a. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the "Qualified Arbitrator" must be a retired state or federal judge (excluding retired administrative law judges and hearing officers) from the state jurisdiction or federal judicial district in which the Covered Dispute(s) arose or will be arbitrated.

b. The parties to any arbitration as described in this Arbitration Policy will select and appoint a Qualified Arbitrator by mutual agreement. If the parties do not mutually agree on the selection and appointment of a Qualified Arbitrator, the following selection method will be used to select and appoint a Qualified Arbitrator:

(a) Each party to the arbitration proceeding will propose a list of three Qualified Arbitrators that they want appointed to hear and decide the Covered Dispute(s); and

(b) The parties will alternate in striking one name from any other party's list of proposed Qualified Arbitrators, with the first strike to be made by a party who has not demanded arbitration pursuant to this Arbitration Policy, followed by a continuing rotation of alternating adverse parties until there is only one proposed Qualified Arbitrator that has not been stricken, who will be deemed to be the parties' selected and appointed Qualified Arbitrator to hear and decide the Covered Dispute(s) that are the subject of the arbitration proceedings.

All registration options are closed