2026 National YAL Conference – Cleveland, OH
Event Polices, Code of Conduct & Informed Consent
EVENT POLICIES:
- You must be 18 years or older to register and attend. A Government Issued photo ID will be required for verification at registration the weekend of the Event.
- THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS.
- You MUST register for the weekend-long Event package; there are no one-day registration packages.
- Registration packages are non-transferable.
- Event registration fee includes admission, transportation to all events, and meals listed on the schedule.
- Registration package DOES NOT include hotel room, airfare, or transportation to or from the resort.
- All YAL Event registrants must conduct themselves throughout the weekend as Orthodox Christians. Event registrants must also conduct themselves in accordance with all rules of the venue where the Event takes place. Any behavior that is unbecoming of an Orthodox Christian or against the venue’s rules will not be tolerated in any form. The YAL Event Leadership and Hotel reserve the right to cancel any participant’s registration, hotel reservation and remove them from the premises.
- By registering for this event, you are also consenting to have your photo taken and potentially published for future YAL programs.
CODE OF CONDUCT & INFORMED CONSENT
I, a Young Adult Participant in a Greek Orthodox Archdiocese-organized YAL event (hereinafter referred to as the “Event”), acknowledge and agree to abide by the YAL Event Policies and Code of Conduct. I also agree to abide by all rules of the venue where the Event takes place. I further agree and accept the consequences for any of my actions that violate the Event Policies and Code of Conduct as outlined below.
I. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
The use, manufacture, transfer, dispensation, distribution, sale, purchase, exchange, and/or possession of any controlled substances of any kind is against the law and is strictly prohibited at all times by any participant at the Event. Being under the influence of controlled substances during the Event is also prohibited. Any registrant who violates this policy shall be subject to immediate expulsion from the Event, at the discretion of the Event Leadership, and without any refund for previously paid registration or hotel costs. Any registrant who violates this policy may be subject to further disciplinary action with respect to attendance and participation at any other YAL event, at the sole discretion of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Any registrant who violates this policy shall be subject to immediate removal from the hotel property, at the discretion of the hotel security and management. In addition to actions taken by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, event security, hotel security, and management, any registrants who violate this subsection may face federal or state criminal penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment.
Because cannabis is not legal under federal law, the phrase “controlled substances” as used in this document encompasses cannabis products.
The provisions in this subsection do not encompass a participant’s consumption of prescription medication that he or she was lawfully prescribed, so long as said consumption conforms to his or her physician’s instructions.
II. CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Consumption, purchase, possession, and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages involving registrants under the age of 21 at the Event, in hotel rooms or at any of its related functions, is strictly prohibited. Any registrant who violates any provision in this subsection shall be subject to immediate expulsion from the Event, at the discretion of the Event Leadership and/or Hotel Security and Management, and without any refund for previously paid registration or hotel costs. Any registrant who violates any provision in this subsection may be subject to further disciplinary action with respect to attendance and participation at any other YAL event, at the sole discretion of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Any registrant who violates any provision in this subsection shall be subject to immediate removal from the hotel property, at the discretion of the hotel security and management.
III. EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages involving registrants 21 years old or older at the Event, in hotel rooms or at any of its related functions, is strictly prohibited. Moreover, participants who are 21 years or older must drink responsibly, and must not exhibit signs of intoxication, including but not limited to uneven gait, slurred words, and unpredictable or confrontational actions.
Participants who are legally able to consume alcohol and who elect to drink during the Event must adhere to the following provisions:
- All alcohol must:
- Be purchased from a licensed distributor.
- Be stored in its original receptacle.
- Be consumed in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
- The following activities are prohibited at the Event, in hotel rooms or at any of its related functions:
- Drinking games that encourage swift or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Pressuring other participants to use, manufacture, transfer, dispense, distribute, sell, buy, exchange, and/or possess alcoholic beverages.
Any registrant who violates any provision in this subsection shall be subject to immediate expulsion from the Event, at the discretion of the Event Leadership, Hotel Security and Management and without any refund for previously paid registration or hotel costs. Any registrant who violates any provision in this subsection shall be subject to further disciplinary action with respect to attendance and participation at any other YAL event, at the sole discretion of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.
IV. SMOKING
Smoking, including vaping, by registrants at any function of the Event is strongly discouraged. Smoking and vaping by adults is permitted only in publicly designated smoking areas.
V. LOITERING/GUESTS/NOISE
No registrant shall loiter in hotel or facility halls or common areas, nor create disruptive noise after 10:00 P.M. All registrants shall exhibit respect and courtesy to every other hotel guest at all times, and comply with the hotel noise policy, whether in any hotel room or in facility halls or common areas.
Visiting any hotel room, for which you are not listed as a registered guest, between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM is strongly discouraged.
VI. HARASSMENT/BULLYING
No registrant shall do any of the following: fight or challenge another person to fight; maliciously and willfully disturb another person by loud and unreasonable noise; use offensive words, intimidate, harass, exploit, annoy, assault, stalk, be disrespectful to, or engage in any unwelcome conduct to any other registrant or individual. Any registrant who violates this policy shall be subject to immediate expulsion from the Event, at the discretion of the Event Leadership, and without any refund for previously paid registration or hotel costs. Any registrant who violates this policy may be subject to further disciplinary action with respect to attendance and participation at any other YAL Event, at the sole discretion of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Any registrant who violates this policy shall be subject to immediate removal from the hotel property, at the discretion of the hotel security and management.
VII. DAMAGE
No registrant shall cause damage to, disrupt, take, steal or dislodge any hotel property. Damage, theft or disruption of any kind by any registrant is strictly prohibited and is the sole responsibility and liability of that registrant. Any registrant who violates this policy shall be subject to immediate expulsion from the Event, at the discretion of the Event Leadership, and without any refund for previously paid registration or hotel costs. Any registrant who violates this policy may be subject to further disciplinary action with respect to attendance and participation at any other YAL Event, at the sole discretion of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Any registrant who violates this policy shall be subject to immediate removal from the hotel property, at the discretion of the hotel security and management.
VIII. WRISTBANDS
No registrant shall be in possession of a fake, forged, or improperly fastened Event registration wristband. Any registrant in possession of such a wristband shall immediately relinquish possession of said wristband to the Event Leadership, and shall be subject to immediate expulsion from the Event, at the discretion of the Event Leadership, and without any refund for previously paid registration or hotel costs.
IX. REGISTRATION FEE
Any person who attends the YAL Event, who is not a registrant, is required to register and pay the registration fee, if space permits. Any person who attends who does not register is not welcome and shall be excluded by the Event Leadership which will be enforced by hotel and/or 3rd party security services.
X. REPORTING PROCEDURE
If a participant becomes aware of any potential violation of this code of conduct, he or she must promptly speak to, or otherwise contact YAL Conference Staff as soon as possible.
In addition, if a participant experiences or hears of any conduct that violates federal, state, or local law, and the participant or others are or have been endangered from that violation, the participant must call 911.
XI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RECEIPT OF REVIEW
These rules will be strictly enforced by the YAL Event Leadership, the Hotel, Convention Center and/or 3rd party security services.
I acknowledge that I received a copy of the YAL Event Policies, Code of Conduct & Informed Consent and that I read it, understood it, and agree to abide by all of its provisions. If I violate any of the Policies or Code Conduct, I consent to any and all decisions of the YAL Event Leadership regarding my expulsion from the Event. I understand that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has the maximum discretion permitted by law to interpret, administer, change, modify, or delete this policy at any time, with or without notice. No statement or representation by YAL Event staff or organizers, whether oral or written, can supplement or modify this policy. Changes can only be made if approved in writing by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. I also understand that any delay or failure by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to enforce any policy or rule will not constitute a waiver of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s right to do so in the future. I consent for the YAL Event to charge my credit card on file for any and all damages I have caused. I also consent to any and all decisions by the Hotel to remove me from the property.
I consent to pay any and all damages owed to the hotel by my credit card on file.
As a registrant, I further agree to conduct myself at all times as an Orthodox Christian by exercising good judgment, moderation, and respect for all persons and property.
RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION
WHEREAS, the Young Adult Participant wishes to participate in a YAL event hereinafter referred to as the "Event," organized by the Archdiocese;
WHEREAS, the Young Adult acknowledges and understands that participation in the Event involves certain risks and hazards;
WHEREAS, the Young Adult desires to release and indemnify the Archdiocese from any and all claims, liabilities, and actions that may arise from their participation in the Event.
Agreement
Release of Claims: The Young Adult hereby releases, waives, discharges, and holds harmless the Archdiocese, its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, subsidiaries, affiliates, members, volunteers, permitted successors, and permitted assigns from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, demands, actions, causes of action, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, obligations, costs, expenses, liens, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, extents, executions, and claims, of every kind and nature whatsoever, whether not known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, matured or unmatured, suspected or unsuspected, in law, admiralty, or equity, arising out of or in connection with the Young Adult 's participation in the Event.
Indemnification: The Young Adult agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Archdiocese and its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, subsidiaries, affiliates, members, volunteers, permitted successors, and permitted assigns against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, deficiencies, actions, judgments, settlements, interest, awards, penalties, fines, and expenses, of whatever kind, including reasonable attorney's fees, fees and the costs of enforcing any right to indemnification under this Release Agreement, and the cost of pursuing any insurance providers, arising from or in connection with any injury to persons (including but not limited to the Participant), damage to property, or any other harm or loss resulting from the Participant's actions or participation in the Event.
Assumption of Risk: The Young Adult acknowledges and understands that participation in the Event carries inherent risks, including, but not limited to, the risk of personal injury, property damage, or other harm. The Young Adult voluntarily assumes all such risks and agrees that the Archdiocese shall not be liable for any injuries or damages sustained during the Event.
Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the [Ohio / USA] without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
Entire Agreement: This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the Young Adult and the Archdiocese concerning the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.
