Kearney Dog Sled Races Policies and Waiver

WAIVER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY

READ CAREFULLY, BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE

Event: Kearney Dog Sled Races

Activities: Kearney Dog Sled Races, including 8 Dog Sprint, 6 Dog Sprint, 4 Dog Sprint,

2 Dog Skijoring, 1 Dog Skijoring, 2 Dog Sled, Pet a Pup Pitstop (the “Activities”)

IN CONSIDERATION of the acceptance of my application and the permission to

participate as an entrant or competitor in the above-noted Activities, I, the undersigned, acknowledges, appreciates and agrees that:

1. I, for myself, my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL RISKS of injury, death, and illness (ex: communicable diseases such as MSRA, influenza, and/or COVID-19, etc.), both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation in the Activities.
2. I willing agree to comply with the Activities’ stated and customary rules and regulations, as set out on the Activities Registration Form(s) for participation. I WARRANT that I am physically fit to participate in this event and I confirm that I do not have any physical limitations, medical ailments, or other disabilities that would limit or prevent my participation in the Activities.
3. I, for myself, my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, successors and assigns HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Kearney Dog Sled Races committee and its officials, agents, employees, volunteers, and The Corporation of the Town of Kearney, and its directors, officers, officials, agents, employees, volunteers, as well as other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (the “Releasees”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES, ACTIONS OR CAUSES OF ACTION, whether in law or equity, IN RESPECT OF INJURY, ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property arising from my involvement or participation in the Activities, howsoever caused, WHETHER ARISING OR CONTRIBUTED TO BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, or arising from breach of contract, mistakes or errors in judgment, mechanical breakdown or failure of equipment, or breach of any statutory or other duty of care on the part of the Releasees, including any duty of care owed under the Occupier’s Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.2, as amended, and also including the failure on the part of the Releasees to safeguard or protect me from the risks, dangers and hazards of the Activities, to the fullest extent permitted by law;
4. I FURTHER HEREBY UNDERTAKE to HOLD AND SAVE HARMLESS and AGREE TO INDEMNIFY all of the aforesaid from and against any and all liability incurred by any or all of them arising as a result of, or in any way connected with my participation in the said event;
5. I have been advised to obtain independent legal advice prior to signing this RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS ENTIRE RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT AND I AM AWARE THAT BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE, AND I SIGN THIS DOCUMENT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

ADDITIONAL POLICIES:

MUSHER CONDUCT AND ANTI-BULLYING:

I agree to be responsible for my conduct, my dogs and handlers and to abide by all decisions of the Race Officials, which are final. I give permission for the free use of my name, voice or picture in  any broadcast, advertising promotion or account of this event.  I understand that if my conduct on site is deemed inappropriate or abusive in any fashion, I will be asked to leave the property and disallowed from competing in the future.

I understand that my conduct on and off the racecourse is held to the highest standards of professionalism and tact by the Kearney Dog Sled Races (KDSR) committee and its officials. I understand that I must speak to the Race Marshal or Race Committee President immediately if I have any problems while I am attending the race. International Federation of Sleddog Sports policies and procedures are adhered to regarding all complaints about the trail, the race facilities, musher conduct, safety, dog care, etc. I agree to review these rules and become familiar with them as they pertain to the KDSR. I understand that any problems or concerns I have must be addressed ON SITE.

I understand that KDSR has a zero tolerance policy for any online bullying, name calling, bashing, or slander associated with the KDSR committee, race facilities, sponsors, and officials 365 days a year. I understand that any information received by the race committee about inappropriate conduct online associated with the race will be investigated fully by the race committee. Any allegations of animal abuse and neglect are included in this clause. I understand that if my conduct is found to be in violation of this agreement, I may be disinvited to return to race with the KDSR in the future for a period of time deemed appropriate by the race committee. 

RACE ENTRY CAP:

There will be a CAP of 110 registrations total. (excluding I-kid-arod participants). If the cap is reached prior to registrations closing, we will create a waitlist. If there are any cancellations we will reach out to those on the wait list to try and fill the spots. Musher on the waiting list will be notified as promptly as possible when spots become available. Mushers will be given 48hrs to accept their spot before we contact the next person in line.

Registration for all races will close on February 1, 2026 at 8pm. Any open spots will be given to waitlisted participants. Those on the waiting list will be contacted in order of entries received.

CANCELLATION POLICY

In order to receive a full refund, cancellations need to be made on or before January 9, 2026. 

If for any reason you need to cancel after January 9, 2026 and the spots are not filled, there will be no refund available. If the spots are filled by a new entry there will be a 90% refund issued (10% administration fee).

If the Kearney Dog Sled Race needs to cancel at any time/for any reason we will offer a FULL refund for entry fees. Should this occur, anyone choosing not to receive a refund and donate their entry to the race would be issued a tax receipt and a sincere thank you for contributing to the ongoing success of the event.

Please contact the race committee volunteers or the Town of Kearney for any questions or concerns.