Terms and Conditions

Introduction

These Terms and Conditions (the "Terms") govern your registration and participation in any program, event, league, practice, game, or other activity (collectively, "Programs") offered by AB Sports Academy Ltd., including its affiliates, successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees, agents, coaches, referees, volunteers, and representatives (collectively, "AB Sports", "AB Hockey" or "we," "us," or "our"). By registering yourself or any minor child (under the age of 18) for whom you are the parent or legal guardian (the "Participant") in any Program, you agree to be bound by these Terms on behalf of yourself and the Participant. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not register or participate. These Terms include a release of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity provisions. You acknowledge that participation in ice hockey and related activities involves inherent risks, and you voluntarily assume those risks.

Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity

In consideration of being permitted to participate in our Programs, you, on behalf of yourself and the Participant, hereby:

Release and Waiver: Fully and forever release, discharge, and covenant not to sue AB Sports from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses (including attorneys' fees), or injuries (including death) arising out of or related to participation in the Programs, whether caused by negligence, gross negligence, or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Assumption of Risk: Acknowledge and understand that ice hockey is a contact sport involving physical exertion, potential collisions with other participants, equipment (such as pucks, sticks, boards, goals, and the ice surface), and environmental hazards. Such activities may result in serious injury, including but not limited to concussions, fractures, sprains, cuts, bruises, paralysis, or death, as well as property damage or loss. You voluntarily assume all known and unknown risks associated with participation, including those arising from the condition of facilities, equipment, or the actions of other participants or third parties.
Equipment Responsibility: Agree that it is your sole responsibility to ensure that the Participant wears appropriate protective equipment designed for ice hockey while on the ice, including but not limited to a helmet with face protection, mouth guard, neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin pads, hockey pants, athletic support, and skates. All equipment must be properly fitted, maintained, and in good condition. AB Sports does not provide, inspect, or maintain personal equipment and disclaims any liability related thereto.
Indemnity: Agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless AB Sports from any claims, losses, or damages arising from your or the Participant's actions, including but not limited to any third-party claims related to injury or property damage caused by you or the Participant.

This release, waiver, assumption of risk, and indemnity shall survive the completion or termination of participation in the Programs and shall be binding on your heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.

General Policies

You agree to comply with all policies, rules, and guidelines established by AB Sports, as may be amended from time to time in our sole discretion. We reserve the right to update or modify these policies (including those related to safety, conduct, gameplay, or any other matter) without prior notice. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of any changes. Policies may be communicated via our website, email, or on-site postings.

Refund Policy

All registrations are non-refundable except in limited circumstances at our absolute discretion. Refunds may be considered for documented family emergencies, serious illness or injury (supported by medical certification), or adverse weather conditions that result in Program cancellation by AB Sports. No refunds will be issued for voluntary withdrawal, expulsion due to policy violations, or changes in personal circumstances. Any approved refunds may be subject to administrative fees.

Child Protection Policy

AB Sports is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and protective environment for all children under the age of 18, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of child abuse or exploitation. This Child Protection Policy applies to all individuals associated with AB Sports, including but not limited to employees, committee members, coaches, referees, volunteers, contractors, and representatives of partner organizations.

1. Definitions of Child Abuse

Child abuse includes any physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological harm, neglect, or exploitation inflicted upon a child under 18, often arising from a power imbalance. We prohibit all forms of abuse, including:

Emotional Abuse: Persistent non-physical mistreatment that undermines a child's self-worth, such as name-calling, humiliation, threats, unreasonable expectations, or demeaning behavior, which may lead to anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues.
Sexual Abuse: Any act involving forcing, coercing, or pressuring a child into sexual activity, including exposure to inappropriate content, which can cause severe and long-term trauma.
Physical Abuse: Intentional use of force causing injury, such as hitting, shaking, burning, or other bodily harm, with potential immediate and lasting effects.
Neglect: Failure to provide for a child's basic needs, including inadequate supervision, nutrition, medical care, shelter, or emotional support. This is the most common form of abuse.

2. Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse

Child abuse may be identified through direct observation, reports from the child, third-party notifications, or anonymous allegations. All suspicions or disclosures must be taken seriously.

Suspected Cases: Record all relevant details (e.g., date, time, observations, statements) on our incident report form and promptly submit it to the designated Child Protection Officer via the contact details in Section 5 below. Do not investigate independently.
Disclosures by a Child:
- Remain calm, neutral, and supportive; avoid overreacting or interrogating.
- Believe the child and reassure them that the abuse is not their fault.
- Listen actively without judgment and ask only open-ended questions if needed.
- Ask what support the child needs and assure them of confidentiality (subject to legal reporting obligations).
- Report immediately as outlined below.

3. Handling Reports

Upon receipt of a report, the Child Protection Officer will escalate it to the Chairman for immediate action. We will:

Notify the child's parent or guardian (unless doing so poses a risk to the child).
Report to appropriate authorities, including the Child Abuse Investigation Unit (hotline: 3661-7100) or the Family and Child Protective Services Unit (hotline: 2324-2255), and cooperate fully with investigations.
Provide ongoing support to the child and family as appropriate.

4. Actions Based on Involved Parties

AB Sports Employee: Immediate suspension pending investigation. We will conduct an impartial internal review, allow the accused to respond, and cooperate with law enforcement if criminal conduct is alleged. If cleared, reinstatement is at the Chairman's discretion. If guilty, termination and potential legal action will follow.
AB Sports Volunteer: Immediate temporary suspension. Similar investigation process as above; if guilty, termination of volunteer agreement.
Partner Organization Employee: Require the partner to suspend the individual pending investigation. Non-compliance may result in termination of the partnership.
Unrelated Third Party: Immediate report to law enforcement or the Social Welfare Department, with follow-up based on their guidance.

Our priority is always the child's safety and well-being. All proceedings will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible under law.

5. Contact Information

For reporting or inquiries related to child protection:

Email: info@abhockey.org
WhatsApp: +852-9376 2049
Address: 2A, Man Cheung Building, 15-17 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

Code of Conduct

All participants, players, parents, and guardians must adhere to this Code of Conduct to foster a positive, respectful environment.For Players:

Arrive punctually and prepared for all activities (e.g., arrive at least 20 minutes early for gear-up and warm-up).
Exhibit discipline, sportsmanship, and respect toward teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials; avoid arguments or unsportsmanlike behavior.
Participate actively with maximum effort, maintain focus, and adapt to changing conditions.
Visualize success, reflect on performance, learn from mistakes, and seek improvement.
Accept coaches' and officials' decisions without challenge.
Provide constructive feedback to teammates; avoid negativity or criticism.
Prioritize mental resilience alongside physical skills.

For Parents/Guardians:

Support and encourage the team and your child, focusing on effort and growth over outcomes.
Prioritize team success and unity.
Allow coaches to lead without interference; refrain from sideline coaching.
Communicate respectfully in all forums, including social media; avoid negative or critical remarks.
Model positive behavior; zero tolerance for abuse toward any party.

Non-compliance with this Code by players, parents, or guardians may result in disciplinary action, including warnings, suspension from activities, expulsion from Programs, or revocation of membership privileges. Decisions are made by the Chairman and coaching staff in their sole discretion and apply to current and future participation. Severe or repeated violations may lead to permanent exclusion.