Wisconsin Hoofers Behavioral Standards

While every subtlety of acceptable behavior cannot be practically detailed, all Hoofer club and team members are expected to stringently adhere to the following standards:

1. The Wisconsin Hoofers is committed to providing a safe, friendly, and inclusive environment for all members.  Members are expected to act in a considerate, respectful, and responsible manner at all times while participating in Hoofer activities. Any verbal or physical conduct that demeans or threatens others is absolutely unacceptable.
2. The Wisconsin Hoofers adhere to all policies and procedures of the Wisconsin Union and the University of Wisconsin – Madison in handling complaints of harassment and/or discrimination. Any inappropriate or unwanted comments, misconduct, touching, or bullying should be reported immediately to club advisor. 
3. The Wisconsin Hoofers maintain that consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21 during a Hoofer-sponsored activity is illegal and is thus strictly prohibited. Alcohol is not allowed in University vehicles at any time.
4. The Wisconsin Hoofers forbid participation in any illegal activity during Hoofer-sponsored activities, regardless of location. All University and Hoofer-sponsored activities, whether within or outside the State of Wisconsin, are bound by Wisconsin State law.
5. The Wisconsin Hoofers strictly prohibit consumption of alcohol as well as marijuana or any illegal drugs prior to or during participation in any inherently dangerous Hoofer activity, including but not limited to: sailing, riding, climbing, paddling, skiing/snowboarding, and SCUBA diving. Individuals who are found to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will not be permitted to participate in Hoofer-sponosored activity.
6. The Wisconsin Hoofers hold members personally and financially responsible for charges incurred as a result of improper behavior, including but not exclusive to: being arrested, being ticketed, damaging or losing property, having to find alternative transportation/lodging due to misconduct, etc.
7. The Wisconsin Hoofers require that all Hoofer trip leaders follow all advisor expectations related to team and club sponsored trips—including trip plans, itineraries, reservations, and event posts in the Hoofer database.  Varying expectations do exist depending on the length of the trip, activity risk, distance traveled, and fleet vehicle use and club advisor must be consulted and informed.
8. The Wisconsin Hoofers require that all Hoofers activities follow prudent and reasonable safety/risk management practices which are in line with industry and University specific guidelines, including but not exclusive to manufacturer recommendations and national governing bodies.
9. The Wisconsin Hoofers ask that all members grant permission to use their photograph in print or online promotional materials related to the Wisconsin Hoofers and the Wisconsin Union.
10. The Wisconsin Hoofers requires all members to abide by all Club rules and the rules of any third party premises used in connection with Club activities.

Any individual violating the above standards will be required to meet with club/team leadership and advisor/coach to determine disciplinary outcomes from the incident/activity in question.  Outcomes may include suspension or expulsion from Hoofer and Wisconsin Union membership without refund.   Hoofer Club Trip Leaders and Instructors retain the authority to immediately dismiss any participant in violation of this agreement or any University policies from a trip, program, or lesson at the participant’s expense.

I understand and agree to the above standards.

Assumption of Risk and Liability Release

I desire to participate voluntarily in recreational activities of the Hoofer Mountaineering Club. I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM BEING ASKED TO READ EACH OF THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH CAREFULLY. I UNDERSTAND THAT IF I WISH TO DISCUSS ANY OF THE TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, I MAY CONTACT THE UW RISK MANAGEMENT OFFICE AT (608) 262-0375. IN CONSIDERATION FOR ANY AND ALL PRIVELEGES MADE AVAILABLE TO ME BY THE HOOFER MOUNTAINEERING CLUB, I AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:

Assumption of Risk

I understand that the HOOFER MOUNTAINEERING CLUB ACTIVITIES ARE INHERENTLY DANGEROUS. I affirm that I am voluntarily participating in the Hoofer Mountaineering Club, and I know, understand and appreciate that rappelling, top rope climbing, sport climbing, traditional lead climbing, bouldering, ice climbing, caving, hiking, camping and mountaineering are hazardous action sports and that there are inherent risks which can cause death by falling from a rock wall, drowning in a body of water, or other causes not limited by this listing and I acknowledge that permanent disfigurement and disability can result from the activities listed above due to broken bones, lacerations, contusions, illness, skin puncture, or other medical problems which may result from participation. I further attest and verify that I am physically fit to withstand the rigors of the activities I will participate in and will only participate in activities that are within my ability. I understand that I need to dress accordingly for the activities. I also understand that the Wisconsin Hoofers does NOT provide any kind of medical coverage or liability insurance for me.

Hold Harmless, Indemnity and Release

In consideration for any and all privileges made available to me by the Hoofer Mountaineering Club, I, for myself, my family, my heirs or assigns, do hereby agree to hold harmless and indemnify the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, the Memorial Union Building Association, the Wisconsin Union Hoofers, their employees, officers or members, from any and all liability for damages to or loss of personal property, loss of money, sickness, injury, and even death, which might occur while participating in Hoofer Mountaineering Club activities, (including travel to and from the various trip and program destinations), using the facilities or in engaging in any activities incidental thereto, in present or future participation, wherever or however the same may occur, which result from the ordinary negligence of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin system, the Wisconsin Union, the Wisconsin Hoofers or a subgroup thereof, its employees, officers or members.

I understand that by digitally signing my name here I am releasing claims and giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue.