​This CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT​ (the "Agreement") is between DARE Performing Arts Corp, 1454 US Hwy 11, Castle Creek, NY, 13744 ("DARE"), and
    I hereby confirm, understand, and agree to the Member obligations within the DARE Performing Arts Corp. By affixing my signature below (along with my parent/guardian electronic signature due to being under the age of 18 years old), I pledge adherence to all policies and procedures outlined by DARE Performing Arts Corp. in the furnished materials and do not have any outstanding financial obligations to DARE or any other organization(s) before participating. DARE Performing Arts Corp. has the prerogative to modify or revoke any policy or procedure as deemed necessary by the Guard Director and Board of Directors. Such alterations will be presented in writing and considered a Change Addendum to this contract.  I acknowledge that failure to comply with any terms within this contract may result in disciplinary measures and/or termination of this contract. 

    This contract remains valid from the date of the undersigned through April 30th, 2026.    ​
    ​Payment Options:

    Full Payment:
    Non-refundable participation fee of $300.00 (Three Hundred Dollars) paid on or before November 22, 2025.

    Monthly Payments:
    Non-refundable participation fee of $300.00 (Three Hundred Dollars) paid on the following schedule $50.00 (Fifty Dollars) on November 22, 2025; December 20, 2025; January 24, 2026; February 21, 2026; March 20, 2026; April 10, 2026.
    ​Required Participation In Organizational Fundraisers:
    Calendar:
    Members are required to raise $125.00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Five Dollars). Any funds raised beyond the requirement will go toward the member's balance due.  If the minimum requirement is not met, the difference will be added to the member's balance. 

    Snap!: 
    A minimum of ten (10) valid emails for sponsorship is required from each member.
    Members' financial commitments will be met through private funding or fundraising programs. Carryover credits from the previous season are applied to the last scheduled payment date. Any cancellation due to Covid-19 or any other unforeseen circumstances will not result in a refund.

    If uniforms and/or equipment under Members trust need repair or replacement due to their carelessness or negligence, alterations will be done at Members expense. Members understand that all members are responsible for purchasing their body tights, dance belts, gloves, flip-flops, makeup, and face masks.

    Drugs and alcohol are not permitted and strictly prohibited at rehearsals, camps, events, or competitions attended by or held by DARE. Members will strictly adhere to this policy and conduct themselves professionally and respectfully on and off the floor.

    Intentionally falsifying information or failure to meet the obligations and commitments outlined above will result in a Member's removal from the organization.
    ​​LIABILITY WAIVER
    I, the Member of DARE, will be engaging in activities that involve the risk of serious injury, including permanent disability or death, which might result not only from a Members action, inaction or negligence, but also from the action, inaction or negligence of others, the condition of any premises (including, without limitation, school gymnasiums, indoor soccer facilities, and outdoor facilities), risks created by the forces of nature, and hazards of travel by air, train, bus, automobile and other means, including, without limitation, walking and/or driving, or being driven to and from rehearsals and other activities. Furthermore, there may be other unknown risks that are not reasonably foreseeable.
    ​ 
    Accordingly, I acknowledge and fully understand and agree that I assume all of the foregoing risks and accept personal responsibility for any and all damages following such injury, permanent disability, or death, and hereby release, discharge, and covenant to indemnify and not to sue DARE, its Members, Staff Members, Directors, Board of Directors and Volunteers from any and all liability to the undersigned, and his/her heirs and next of kin, against any and all claims by or on behalf of the Member as a result of the Member’s involvement with DARE. I agree to indemnify and defend DARE against all claims, causes of actions, damages, judgments, costs, or expenses, including attorneys’ fees and other litigation costs, which may arise with the Member’s involvement with DARE.
     
    In the event of Member’s illness or injury, I hereby authorize any of the Members, Staff Members, Directors, Board of Directors, or Volunteers who are present, to consent to whatever x-ray, examination, anesthetic, medical, surgical, or dental diagnosis, treatment, pain control, other invasive treatments and/or hospital care that may be considered necessary for the Member in the reasonable judgment of the attending physician, surgeon, or dentist and to be performed by or under the supervision of a member of the medical staff of the hospital or facility furnishing such medical or dental services. I agree to be financially responsible for such assistance and/or treatment costs. I recognize and agree that the Member, Staff Member, Director, Board of Director, or Volunteer consenting to such health care may reasonably and in good faith rely upon the advice furnished to him or her by the attending licensed health care provider(s).
     
    I agree that all claims arising from a Member’s association with DARE shall be resolved under New York law.
     
    I have read the above waiver/release and understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing this release and am signing below voluntarily. I understand that this document may not be altered without the express written consent of the Guard Director and that any unauthorized alteration may cause my contract to be terminated by DARE.    ​
    CODE OF CONDUCT
    All Members, Staff Members, Directors, Trainers, and Volunteers of DARE Performing Arts Corp (“DARE”) must accept and act on the policies and procedures outlined within this Code of Conduct. 

    Definitions:

    Member: A person who accepts the performer role and agrees to the contractual and financial obligation of the winter guard season.
    Staff Member: A person who accepts the role and agrees to the contractual obligation of the winter guard season.
    Director: A person holding a position overseeing the Staff Members or holding a position on the Board of Directors.
    Trainer: A person who accepts the role and agrees to the contractual obligation of such role.
    Volunteer: A person who consistently works with the organization during the winter guard season.

    As a Member, Staff Member, Director, Trainer, or Volunteer, I agree to abide by the below Code of Conduct.  Failure to adhere to these standards may subject the Participant, Staff Member, Director, Trainer, or Volunteer to suspension or revocation of any DARE associations. DARE also reserves the right to remove the Participant, Staff Member, Director, Trainer, or Volunteer from future participation with DARE.

    DARE will not tolerate conduct that negatively impacts the organization. Members, Staff Members, Directors, Trainers, and Volunteers are considered ambassadors of DARE. You are not only expected to uphold all policies yourself but also help others to uphold them as well.

    Further, DARE reserves the right to discipline, discharge, or suspend a Member, Staff Member, Director, Trainer, or Volunteer who engages in, or is alleged to have engaged in, any unlawful activity to the extent of applicable law.
    ​
    ALCOHOL
    Member, Staff Member, Director, Trainer, or Volunteer agree to not consume alcohol during rehearsals, camps, events, or competitions attended by or held by DARE.  It is unlawful to bring alcohol onto any school grounds and most arena facilities. Violators may receive disciplinary actions, including suspension, dismissal and/or referral to law enforcement for law violations. 

    Any driver transporting DARE personnel/members in vehicles must refrain from consuming any alcoholic beverages before and during the operation of vehicles.

    DRUGS
    The DARE Staff Member, Director, Trainer, or Volunteer agrees not to pursue, continue, or engage in the use of, or be under the influence of, illegal or recreational drugs or prescription medications or substances that may affect his/her ability to function or cause one to be impaired while with DARE. This includes rehearsals, camps, events, and competitions attended by or held by DARE.  Violators may receive disciplinary actions, including suspension, dismissal and/or referral to law enforcement for law violations.

    SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
    DARE strictly prohibits all conduct that could threaten the safety of the Participants, Staff Members, Directors, Trainers, and Volunteers. This policy sets forth DARE’s expectation that all individuals associated with DARE shall report the following kinds of misconduct without exception:
    • Any misconduct of a sexual nature or potentially classifiable as a sex offense under applicable law, including, without limitation, so-called “victimless” activities such as prostitution, pornography, and indecent exposure.
    • Any misconduct in which actual or suggested sexual relations are an element.
    • ​Any harassing conduct, in whole or in part, of an individual’s sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender expression. 

    After an appropriate investigation, anyone found to have participated in misconduct that threatens the safety of a Member, Staff Member, Director, Trainer, or Volunteer will be disciplined as DARE finds appropriate, up to and including a permanent ban from association with DARE in any capacity and referral to law enforcement, if appropriate.

    NON - DISCRIMINATION
    DARE prohibits discrimination against any Member, Staff Member, Director, Trainer, and Volunteer because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.

    After an appropriate investigation, anyone found to have discriminated against another DARE Member, Staff Member, Director, Trainer, or Volunteer will be disciplined as DARE finds appropriate, up to and including a permanent ban from association with DARE in any capacity and referral to law enforcement, if appropriate.

    HARASSMENT
    Behavior that may be considered inappropriate or deemed harassment is not allowed. Harassment refers to a wide spectrum of offensive behavior. When the term is used legally, it refers to behaviors that can be found threatening or disturbing and beyond those sanctioned by society. Conduct that creates a hostile environment is prohibited. Such conduct may include:​
    • Any harassing conduct about, in whole or in part of, an individual’s sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender expression.
    • ​Repeated unwanted sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions
    • Verbal abuse of a sexual nature
    • Unwarranted verbal comments about an individual’s body
    • Sexually degrading words used to describe an individual
    • Unwanted physical contact
    • Cyber-bullying or social media abuse
    • Any other behavior that is not socially acceptable in a professional environment.

    ​After an appropriate investigation, anyone found to have harassed another DARE Member, Staff Member, Director, Trainer, or Volunteer will be disciplined as DARE finds appropriate, up to and including a permanent ban from association with DARE in any capacity and referral to law enforcement, if appropriate.

    ANTI-RETALIATION AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY
    To protect all interested parties and address our commitment to integrity and ethical behavior, DARE will not tolerate any retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report or threatens to make a good faith report regarding DARE, another organization, or an individual whose suspected violation of the law or other violation endangers the health or safety of a participant or the general public. 

    GENERAL CONDUCT
    Our reputation depends on the conduct of all Members, Staff Members, Directors, Trainers, and Volunteers. All those engaged by DARE must play a part in maintaining that reputation to the highest ethical standards. Good manners, courtesy, respect, and common sense are all required to ensure appropriate conduct and behavior. Conduct or language that could be perceived by a reasonable person as rude, inappropriate, abusive, disorderly, derogatory, immoral, or threatening will not be tolerated.

    SOCIAL NETWORKING
    DARE respects the right of Members, Staff Members, Directors, Trainers, and Volunteers to use social networking sites on their own time and does not wish to discourage self-publishing or self-expression. Nevertheless, we expect those engaged by DARE to follow applicable guidelines and policies.

    Blogging or other forms of social media or technology include but are not limited to video or wiki postings, sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and X, chat rooms, personal blogs, or other similar forms of online journals, diaries, or personal newsletters not affiliated with DARE.

    Our policies prohibit the use of social media to post or display comments that are vulgar, obscene, threatening, intimidating, harassing, or hostile on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other basis or characteristic protected by applicable law.

    When posting to any website, assume that many people, including coworkers, fans, supporters, performers, parents, school administrators, potential customers, and the media, are reading your comments. All parties should know your association with DARE in online media streams. Use common sense, professional judgment, and caution.

    Bloggers and commentators are personally responsible for their commentary on blogs and social networking sites. They can be held personally liable for commentary that is considered defamatory, obscene, proprietary, or libelous.

    It is important to remember that anything posted on the Internet is permanent. Although it can be “taken down,” it may well exist elsewhere for years to come and often reach large numbers of people quickly. If misinterpreted or open to misinterpretation, such postings can do incalculable damage to the reputation of individuals, organizations, and DARE.
    DARE will use these guidelines to determine whether the Member, Staff Member, Director, Trainer, or Volunteer has been inappropriate with their public online behavior. Members, Staff Members, Directors, Trainers, and Volunteers associated with DARE must behave appropriately for a competitive, scholastic-based activity. Violating these guidelines can lead to disciplinary action, including suspension and/or termination.

    DISCIPLINARY ACTION
    Members, Staff Members, Directors, Trainers, and Volunteers found to violate this Code of Conduct will be subject to further investigation by the DARE Board of Directors. Based on the circumstances considered, the decision to apply disciplinary action, including dismissal, will be at the sole discretion of the DARE Board of Directors.

    The type of action taken depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding each situation. Please note that corrective action may vary depending on the circumstances. It is important to note that the type of action applied to Members, Staff Members, Directors, Trainers, and Volunteers, and any prior notice of action, is at DARE’s sole discretion.

    ​The policies of this Code of Conduct should provide any and all Members, Staff Members, Directors, Trainers, and Volunteers with an understanding of what is considered appropriate or inappropriate behavior. While all possible circumstances are impossible to foresee, those engaged with DARE should not take any chance with the spirit and intent of these guidelines.
    ​​​​PERFORMER ROLE
    As an inclusive performance organization,  we acknowledge and encourage our members' rights to their gender identity and gender expression.  Our programs are usually built around a story, typically involving male/female characters.  As a member, you will be given the opportunity to select the character you wish to portray in the program.  Our show designers make every effort to assure the character's role assigned for the season is portrayed appropriately, which will include the following commitments and responsibilities during performances and competitions:

    Hair:  Color should be natural in style, (no bright colors, green, orange, purple, etc.).  Hair style should be aligned with the character you choose to play.  For male characters, style may be short and classic; for female characters, style may be specific to a time period, for example, victory rolls, updos, extensions, etc.  This will depend on program and character selection.

    Make-up:  Female characters will require specific make-up to portray their role.  This may include foundation, eye-liner, eyelash extensions, blush, lip shades, etc., depending on the program and role.  Male characters typically do not require make-up but may depending on the program (for example vampires).

    Proper Uniform Undergarments:  Depending on the uniform style and chosen character, proper undergarments may be required.  For example, bodysuits, body tights, unitards, tights, stockings, thongs, dance belts, etc.

    Grooming:  Depending on the character chosen you may be asked to maintain proper grooming, for example, female characters may need to keep legs shaved, male performers may need to keep face shaved, etc.  We will work with you to identify where this is required.

    ​When selecting your costume preference, please refer to the responsibilities and commitments to the character portrayal outlined above.  As uniforms are ordered by December, we cannot accommodate changes to preferred roles once the uniform order is placed.
    ​​EMERGENCY INFORMATION
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MISSION
To offer a platform for artistic performance available to members of all ages in the Greater Binghamton area and its surrounding communities. We promote individual and team growth, enhance personal skills and self-confidence, and educate about honorable sportsmanship and the spirit of inclusion.​​​