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Reformed Youth Services (RYS)

2026 Summer Convention & Day Away Activities

Participant Liability Waiver, Release, and Assumption of Risk
July 13–17, 2026 | Dordt University & Off-Campus Activities

This waiver applies to participation in the Reformed Youth Services (RYS) Summer Convention, including all on-campus activities at Dordt University and any off-campus, Day Away, fair-style, or livestock-related activities, including those operated in partnership with Honey Creek Rodeo.

1. Voluntary Participation & Assumption of Risk

I acknowledge and agree that I am voluntarily choosing to participate (or allow my child to participate) in the RYS Summer Convention and related activities.

I affirm that I (or my child) am in good physical and mental health and able to safely participate in all planned activities.

General Event Risks

I understand that while the RYS Convention is not an athletic or high-risk program, participation may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Minor injuries
• Weather-related conditions
• Group-based activities and travel
• Personal conflicts or interactions
• Emergency or unforeseen incidents

I understand that every effort will be made to contact me, but I do hereby give my permission for the Convention staff or any licensed physician to render emergency medical care in the event of a medical emergency.

Day Away

I understand and acknowledge that during a Day Away event, all participants will attend and observe a rodeo performance only. Participants will not ride or handle bucking livestock, including broncos, bulls, or similar animals, as part of the rodeo performance.

I further understand that participation in any Day Away activities beyond observation is completely voluntary and not required for convention attendance.

The only activities in which participants may choose to participate, if they wish, are limited to the following low-intensity, fair-style activities (“Activities”):

• Dummy Roping
• Hay Bale Toss
• Mutton Busting
• Calf Scramble
• Wild Mule Race
• Greased Pig Contest
• Similar supervised, fair-style activities

I understand that participants may opt out of any or all Activities at any time, without penalty. These Activities involve inherent and potentially dangerous risks, including but not limited to:

• Falls, slips, rope burns, or collisions
• Contact with animals or animal-related props
• Being kicked, stepped on, bumped, or knocked over by livestock
• Muscle strains, sprains, dislocations, or broken bones
• Cuts, abrasions, bruising, or scratches
• Concussion, head/neck/back injury, or in rare cases serious injury or death

I understand these risks cannot be eliminated, even with proper supervision, instruction, or safety equipment.

I freely and voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation.

2. Release & Waiver of Liability

In consideration of being allowed to participate, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and agree not to sue the following Released Parties from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or losses arising out of participation, whether caused by ordinary negligence or otherwise:

Released Parties Include

• Reformed Youth Services (RYS), including its board, officers, employees, volunteers, sponsors, and event leaders
• Dordt University, including its trustees, officers, employees, agents, and representatives
• Honey Creek Rodeo, including its owners, employees, stock contractors, subcontractors, volunteers, agents, and representatives
• Partnering churches, property owners, facility operators, and transportation providers

This release applies to all injuries, illnesses, losses, or damages arising out of or related to participation in RYS events or Activities.

This release does not apply to injuries caused by willful, reckless, or intentional misconduct where prohibited by law.

3. Indemnification & Hold Harmless Agreement

I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, damages, costs, or legal fees arising from:

• My actions or omissions (or my child’s)
• Failure to follow rules, instructions, or safety guidelines
• Damage to persons or property caused by participation

4. Transportation & Off-Campus Activities

I acknowledge that participation may include travel on foot, by bus, van, or other vehicles, and I accept all risks associated with transportation and off-campus activities.

5. Photo & Video Release

I grant Reformed Youth Services and its partners permission to use photographs or video recordings taken during the event for promotional, educational, or informational purposes, without compensation.

6. Parent / Guardian Acknowledgment (Required for Minors)

I certify that I am the legal parent or guardian of the participant named below.
I have read and fully understand this waiver, including the assumption of risk, release of liability, and indemnification provisions covering Reformed Youth Services, Dordt University, and Honey Creek Rodeo.

• I agree to these terms on behalf of my minor child and grant permission for their participation.
• I certify that the information on this form is true to the best of my knowledge.

Convention Rules

Conventioneers (including sponsors) will be cooperative, contribute to the well-being of all, and abide by all rules determined by the convention committee.

1. Attendance at all convention functions is mandatory, unless excused by a sponsor or Convention Committee member.
2. Attendees will adhere to the dress code at all times, including tournaments and day away.
3. Students may not possess electronic equipment, including cell phones, laptops, iPods, smart watches, video games, etc. Devices must be held by sponsors until Friday morning when they may be returned to students.
4. Attendees will abide by the curfew set by the Convention Committee
5. No entering the dorm rooms of persons of the opposite sex. Boys and girls may not occupy the same dorm room at any time, except for married couples sharing a room.
6. Possession of weapons, knives, and explosives (e.g. fireworks) is not permitted.
7. Conventioneers will respect college property and may be held responsible for property damages incurred.
8. Sexual immorality in words or actions is prohibited.
9. No use or possession of tobacco products or vapes.
10. No use or possession of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs.
11. Conventioneers will abide by all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Discipline cases, including any relevant punishments, will be handled by the Discipline Committee. If any egregious infraction takes place, the student’s convention experience will be concluded immediately. The student will be sent home at their parents’ expense and may not be permitted to attend next year’s event.

These rules were printed on the registration form (here) and electronically signed by everyone.

RYS CONVENTION DRESS CODE
FOR STUDENTS AND SPONSORS

The RYS Board and convention planning committee is recommending a policy per I Timothy 2:9, “to dress modestly, with decency and propriety.” It is our responsibility to
provide a proper atmosphere for biblical learning and fellowship. We would respectfully
ask you to honor the policies stated below during the entire convention, including the
day away, sports tournaments, and the talent show. Ultimately, dress code is at the discretion of the
Board and convention committee.

SHIRTS

• Should be modest and loose-fitting, covering all personal areas (including midriffs and cleavage), not showing undergarments
• Sleeves are required (no tank tops, sleeveless shirts, cold shoulders or cut-outs)
• Should not contain writing or images of an inappropriate nature

SHORTS, JEANS & SKIRTS

• All shorts will require a 5 inch inseam or longer.
• No writing on the seat, no obvious holes.
• Modest and loose-fitting, not showing undergarments
• Sports events: dress code still applies

The RYS National Convention Planning Committee

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