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Merino Muster Event Terms & Conditions

Race Disclaimer & Participant Agreement

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By entering the Merino Muster, Snow Rake, Snow Farmer or any associated Merino Muster event, I confirm that I understand and accept the risks and hazards associated with participating in cross-country skiing event and an alpine sporting event.

I acknowledge that these risks may include, but are not limited to, changing weather and snow conditions, cold temperatures, wind, natural hazards, uneven or variable terrain.

I confirm that I am appropriately prepared and equipped for the conditions and agree to follow all reasonable instructions from race officials, volunteers, Snow Farm staff and emergency personnel.

I participate entirely at my own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, I release and discharge the Merino Muster organisers, committee, volunteers, sponsors, landowners, Snow Farm and its operators, contractors and other persons involved in the organisation and delivery of the event from claims arising from my participation, including claims relating to injury, loss or damage, except where such liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

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Event Rules & Officials

I agree to abide by all Merino Muster event rules and the directions and instructions of all Event Officials, volunteers, Snow Farm staff and emergency personnel.

The Event Organisers reserve the right to remove a participant from the event where they believe the participant is unable to safely continue, is inadequately equipped, or is not complying with event rules or instructions.

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Course, Start Time & Event Changes

I acknowledge that the Event Organisers may change the advertised course, distance, start time or race format where they consider this necessary due to weather, snow conditions, safety considerations, access, environmental conditions, operational requirements or other circumstances beyond their reasonable control.

Changes may be made with limited or no notice where required to ensure the safety and viability of the event.

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Event Cancellation

The Merino Muster is a snow-dependent event and is conducted in an alpine environment where conditions can change rapidly.

I acknowledge that the Event Organisers may cancel, postpone, shorten or materially alter the event due to adverse weather or snow conditions, safety considerations, natural disaster, fire, public health orders, government requirements, access restrictions, pandemic, war, or other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Event Organisers.

In such circumstances, entry fees will be non-refundable, subject to any alternative arrangements or future-event options offered by the Merino Muster Organisers.

Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, insurance and other costs associated with attending the event. These costs will not be reimbursed by the Merino Muster.

Refund & Transfer Policy

Merino Muster requires considerable planning and expenditure well in advance of race day.

If you withdraw from the event for any reason, your entry fee is non-refundable, except where the withdrawal is due to injury or medical reasons, as outlined below.

Medical or Injury Withdrawal:
If you are unable to participate due to injury or medical reasons, you may apply for a refund of your entry fee, less a $50 administration fee. A medical certificate or other appropriate evidence may be requested by the Merino Muster Organisers.

Medical or injury refund requests must be received before the advertised race-day registration or withdrawal deadline. Refunds will be processed after the event or within a reasonable timeframe determined by the Merino Muster Organisers.

An entry may alternatively be transferred to another competitor, provided the transfer is completed through the Merino Muster Organisers by the advertised transfer deadline. Unauthorised transfer of race numbers is not permitted.

If you transfer your entry, the new participant must provide all required registration information and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

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Changing Your Race Distance

If you wish to change to a longer-distance event, you will pay an adjustment fee equal to the difference between the amount originally paid and the current entry price for the longer event.

If you change to a shorter-distance event, there will be no additional charge, but no refund of the difference will be provided.

All changes must be requested through the Race Secretary before the advertised deadline.

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Photography, Video & Media

I agree to allow my name, race results, photographs, videos, multimedia or film likeness to be used by the Merino Muster, its sponsors, event partners, landowners, contractors or assigns for legitimate purposes connected with the event, its promotion, reporting, marketing and future events, without payment or compensation.

I acknowledge that my image may be captured by an Event photographer or videographer during the event. I also acknowledge that Event photographers may contact me or make available for purchase photographs or other images taken of me during the event.

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Medical & Emergency Assistance

I understand that the Merino Muster takes place in a remote alpine environment and that emergency assistance may take time to reach me.

In the event of an emergency, I authorise the Event Organisers and their appointed medical or emergency personnel to arrange appropriate first aid, medical assistance, evacuation or other emergency response where reasonably necessary.

Any costs associated with medical treatment or evacuation that are not covered by the event will be the responsibility of the participant.

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Privacy

The personal information collected during registration will be used for purposes associated with administering and delivering the Merino Muster, including race registration, results, communications, safety and emergency management.

Information may also be used to provide information about future Merino Muster events and related activities where permitted.

Participants have rights under the Privacy Act 2020 to request access to and correction of personal information held about them.

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Race Results

Participants agree to comply with the event rules and instructions.

The Event Organisers reserve the right to amend results, apply penalties or disqualify participants where necessary, including in cases of rule breaches, unauthorised course use, assistance or other conduct that may affect the fairness or safety of the event.

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Acceptance of Terms

By submitting an entry, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to these Terms & Conditions and accept the risks associated with participating in the Merino Muster.

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Questions & Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions, your entry, race categories, transfers or any other aspect of the Merino Muster, please contact the Merino Muster Organisers at merinomuster@gmail.com.