TEAM QCW RIDER AGREEMENT

QCW is a volunteer run organization with a mission of growing and developing competitive cycling in our region. Our Team relies heavily on the support and backing of our sponsors and their contributions to the team. In return, we expect all members to wear the current Team Kit as much as possible while racing, training, or on your bike at a race venue. (We recognize that there are legitimate reasons to wear alternate kits at some non-racing events. This agreement is not intended to prohibit members from wearing other kits when the situation warrants.) We also ask that you support our sponsors by using their products as much as possible and generally promoting and advocating for them at all times.

Under no circumstances should a member of QCW publicly post negative comments about our team, sponsors, and/or events. This includes all social media and is not limited to Facebook, Twitter, blogs, message boards, etc. If there are issues with sponsors, they should be worked one-on-one through the QCW Board of Trustees’ representative to the sponsor. Team members must read and follow the QCW Code of Conduct at all times.

Team members should not contact sponsors on anything regarding sponsorship issues or discount offers. The QCW board contact should be made aware of issues and facilitate any sponsor interaction if deemed necessary. General contact with sponsor companies related to technical questions, product questions, etc. are approved, as well as in-store price negotiating on specific items (e.g., complete bike pricing at Montgomery Cyclery). Under no circumstances should a Team member provide negative comments/feedback directly to a sponsor without the approval of the QCW Board of Trustees.

Membership Requirements

All riders must meet the following requirements to be a member in good standing:

• Possess a current USA Cycling license. (This only applies to those individuals who compete in USAC sanctioned events.)

• List Queen City Wheels as their club on their USA Cycling license.

• Agree to race only for Team QCW when racing USAC events, and understand that switching club status during the year will void this agreement and forfeit any benefits provided herein including entry fee reimbursement.

• Purchase (if not provided free of charge when eligible) a Team QCW race kit (jersey and shorts/skin or flyte suit) and wear the most current uniform available at all race events. At certain non-race events it may be appropriate to wear an alternate kit appropriate to the event or its’ sponsor (e.g. charity rides). This is permitted as long as any event sponsors are not in direct conflict with QCW’s sponsors. Entry fees from events NOT using the QCW uniform are not eligible for our reimbursement program.

• Log all competitive events, approved volunteer opportunities, and approved club targeted charity rides on the points logger. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of any entry fees for that event. Details regarding the points logger sheet will be sent once the member’s Rider Agreement is submitted.

• Purchase a Queen City Wheels membership and sign a “Waiver and Release of Liability Form” each year.

• List Queen City Wheels as their club when registering for USAC events unless racing a collegiate or tri event (assuming the member also belongs to a tri club).

• Obtain written consent from the QCW Board of Trustees to compete for any other USAC club or team.

• Understand that discounts from kit sponsors are for Team Members (and their families) only and NOT for re-sale.

• Wear current jersey (at minimum) for ALL podiums, promotional, photo shoots, press photos, etc. It is never acceptable to wear an outdated jersey in any of the above situations.

• Advocate for and refer the use of our sponsors at all times.

• Promote the QCW team, sponsors and community and act as an ambassador for cycling and QCW at all times.

• Keep any pricing discount information concerning Giant Bicycles confidential; do not share with anyone not on Team QCW.

• Agree that Team QCW and any person authorized by them may use the member’s name, likeness, accomplishments, photographs, image and statements in any manner and without time limitation.

• Know that all behavior reflects directly on the public image of QCW. As such, when representing QCW, ensure that all personal actions will always be of the highest standards, including always treating others with dignity and respect.

• Abide by the guidelines specified by the USAC SafeSport Program when interacting with Junior riders.

• Realize that this agreement will remain in effect until December 31, of this year and that the board of Trustees reserve the right to deny or revoke membership at any time if its terms are not met.

Exceptions to the above listed requirements are granted by the Board of Trustees on a case-by-case basis only. The QCW Board can amend these requirements at any time during the term; any change made would be communicated and apply going forward.

In addition to the above expectations, team members are also “encouraged” to:

• Be a good teammate and work with members on team tactics together at all races, which includes mentoring newer racers.

• Promptly notify the Board of Trustees of any category upgrades

• Monitor club communications via the two QCW Google email groups (you will automatically be added to the QCW Team Email Google Group upon submission and approval of this agreement)

• Be available for a team photo shoot, most likely the first or second week of the Ault Park Crit Series.

• Attend team sponsored training rides

• Participate in USAC Championship and Senior Olympics races (if age eligible)

• Endeavor to grow the team by inviting new and current riders to join Team QCW

Note: Members may qualify for and/or receive other benefits determined by the Board of Trustees in addition to the benefits described on the QCW website (qcw.org).

I hereby freely agree to and make the following contractual representations and agreements:

I acknowledge that cycling is an inherently dangerous sport and fully realize the dangers of participating in a bicycle race and/or training ride and FULLY ASSUME THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH PARTICIPATION INCLUDING, by way of example, and not limitation, the following: the dangers of collision with pedestrians, vehicles, other racers, and fixed or moving objects; the dangers arising from surface hazards, equipment failure, inadequate safety equipment, THE RELEASEES’ OWN NEGLIGENCE, and weather conditions; and possibility of serious physical and/or mental trauma or injury, including death, associated with athletic cycling competition. For myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, assignees, and successors-in interest (collectively “Successors”) I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE, DISCHARGE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE AND INDEMNIFY the releasee’s and Queen City Wheels, Inc., and their respective agents, trustees, directors, members, employees, sponsors, promoters, representatives, FROM ANY and all rights and CLAIMS INCLUDING CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE RELEASEES’ OWN NEGLIGENCE, which I have or which may hereafter accrue to me and from any and all damages which may be sustained by me directly or indirectly in connection with, or arising out of, my participation in or association with Team QCW, or travel to or return from events. I agree it is my sole responsibility to be familiar with race courses, the release’s rules, and USA Cycling rules. I accept responsibility for the condition and adequacy of my competition equipment. I will compete and train wearing a helmet which satisfies the requirements of USA Cycling. I have no physical or medical condition which to my knowledge, would endanger myself or others if I participate for Queen City Wheels, Inc. or interfere with my ability to participate in athletic cycling competition. I do not use drugs, or other substances that are prohibited by USA Cycling.

I have read and agree, for myself and my successors, that the above representations are contractually binding, and are not mere recitals, and that should I or my successors assert my claim in contravention of this agreement, the asserting party shall be liable for expenses (including legal fees) incurred by the other party or parties in defending, unless the other party or parties are finally adjudged liable on such claim for willful and wanton negligence. This agreement may not be modified orally, and a waiver of any provision shall not be construed as a modification of any other provision herein or as a consent to any other provision herein or as a consent to any subsequent waiver or modification.

Violation of the Rider Agreement is subject to loss of benefits and/or suspension.