¹ú²úÔ´´ Participation Agreement for Youth Programs
¹ú²úÔ´´ programs which include minor participants should implement the use of Participation Agreements, signed and dated by the minor’s parent/guardian. Participation agreements are required both for programs supervising minors and for events that have certain elements of risk (including but not limited to physical activity, hands-on science activities, activities with water, travel, etc.). Participation agreements are also commonly known as Liability Release Forms or Liability Waivers. Participation agreements should include the name and birth date/age of the minor participating, the name and dates of the activity, and any specific information about the program’s activities which would present risk to a minor. New programs should consult with the Office of General Counsel for assistance in creating a program-specific participation agreement.  Program leaders can find additional operational information in the POM Policy Handbook. At minimum, participation agreements should contain approved language which addresses the following:
- A general release for participation and hold harmless agreement
- Emergency treatment authorization and medication
- Photo/Image release
- Protection of minors provision (see the text below)
The Protection of Minors provision language can be added to currently approved participation agreements and releases. The purpose of this provision is to inform the adult signing the form about the requirements of ¹ú²úÔ´´ to adhere to state law and University policy regarding mandatory reporting of child abuse. It also gives the adult granting permission specific information about how to report concerns related to the safety of a minor in a ¹ú²úÔ´´ program.
¹ú²úÔ´´ Protection of Minors Provision – Informing Parents of Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Providing a Reporting Resource in Case of a Concern
¹ú²úÔ´´ personnel adhere to Tennessee state law on mandatory child abuse reporting to either the appropriate law enforcement agency or the state hotline operated by the Department of Children’s Service. In addition to external reporting, ¹ú²úÔ´´ has a mandatory internal child abuse reporting procedure. If you have reason to believe abuse or inappropriate behavior has occurred concerning a minor participating in a ¹ú²úÔ´´ program, please consult the program director, or Compliance Services (615-936-5935), or report via the ¹ú²úÔ´´ Compliance Hotline at 844-814-5935. The Tennessee Child Abuse reporting hotline number is 877-237-0004.