BRASS Acknowledgment and Consent

I, ______________________________, hereby volunteer to participate in activities associated with the Belize River Archaeological Settlement Survey (BRASS)/ El Pilar Program at locations in Belize and Guatemala, Central America.

As part of my agreement to participate in these activities I have been informed that the activities involved may expose me to certain risks not normally encountered in the United States. These risks include, but are not limited to, exposure to the sun, heat, and tropical climates not normally experienced in the United States. I also understand that the working and living conditions I will encounter are not necessarily the same as I would experience in the United States. The travel, activities, and participation in the BRASS studies in these two countries could possibly expose me to such things as tropical diseases, viruses, infections, malaria, cholera, insect bites, stings, poisonous snakes, as well as contact with plants and trees capable of causing allergic reactions in human beings. It is also my understanding that the medical treatment facilities in these two countries are quite limited and cannot provide the same level of health care and emergency services which I am accustomed to in the United States. I understand that the level of police protection and emergency services are not similar to those found in the United States.

I also understand that as a volunteer and participant in the BRASS/El Pilar Program and activities, I will be personally responsible for obtaining all necessary inoculations for travel in third-world countries, and for maintaining myself on anti-malarial medication before, during, and after the stay in Central America.

I have been informed about the living conditions, food, laundry, and other services that will be available during my stay and understand that I am personally responsible for maintaining my health and well-being during these activities, which includes ensuring that I maintain adequate rest, drink adequate amounts of water, and moderate any activities likely to cause or contribute to dehydration, illness, or susceptibility to conditions caused by my lowered physical resistance.

In volunteering for this project I acknowledge the University of California at Santa Barbara, the Regents thereof, Dr. Anabel Ford, and the rest of the staff members of the project assume no liability or responsibility for any loss or injuries, or damage sustained by me as a result of my participation in any of the BRASS/El Pilar activities, or exposure to any of the conditions described above, including travel to and from Central America or any site locations. I further understand that neither the University of California, Santa Barbara, Dr. Anabel Ford, BRASS, nor any of the staff members are guarantors or ensures of my safety during the course of any activities on this project.

I acknowledge that all information obtained by me during my participation in the BRASS/El Pilar project activities, including any cultural remains, samples, reports, drawings, plans, maps, strategies, summaries, written materials, measurements, locations, photographs, analysis, or other such related information is the exclusive property of the BRASS/El Pilar Program and Dr. Anabel Ford. I fully acknowledge that I may not cause to be published or reported, either orally or in writing, any of the above described information, which forms part of the BRASS/El Pilar surveys and studies, to any third persons without obtaining the prior express written consent of Dr. Anabel Ford. I agree to be fully bound by the laws of the State of California in the event of any unauthorized publication of those materials initiated by me.

During my participation in the BRASS/El Pilar activities I understand that I will receive tasks and other assignments necessary for the accomplishment of the BRASS/El Pilar project goals, and that attempts will be made to accommodate volunteers in these assignments, but that no guarantees can be made that such assignments will always be that desired by any individual or that a choice of assignment location or co-workers can be guaranteed. I also understand and agree to abide by the living requirements contained in the BRASS Tax attached hereto, and that if any individual refuses to abide by those requirements, or in any way jeopardizes the health, safety, or goals of the project or any other person by his refusal to carry out given assignments or responsibilities, that such individual may, at the discretion of the Project Director, be asked to leave the project prior to the completion of his or her term without recourse to any donation or payment made to the project.

I understand that it is my responsibility to obtain round-trip transportation to and from Belize, and that I am required to maintain sufficient personal money for any incidental expenses, including laundry, email access, recreation, vacations, independent travel, outside meals, beverages, and the like.

In the event of any dispute arising from my participation in the BRASS/El Pilar Program, or of any claims for injuries, damages, or loss associated with such activities, I agree that all such matters shall be governed by the Laws of the State of California, and agree that all such matters shall be properly venued in Santa Barbara County, and that such disputes shall be resolved by reference to a neutral arbitrator appointed from a panel of the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the rules of that organization and subject to binding arbitration of all issues related to any such dispute, and I hereby waive my right to either a jury trial or appeal of such matter in any State or Federal Court or tribunal, except in the case where an award or decision has been procured by fraud, including fraud on the part of the arbitrator.

I have read and understand the foregoing document consisting of two typewritten pages and the attachment BRASS Tax, and I fully acknowledge and consent to all the provisions and terms of these documents by my signature.

executed this ___________ day of ____________________20________ at

City _______________________, State ______________________________