Which situation would violate Administrative Standard A14?

The correct answer highlights a critical aspect of risk management and participant safety within the context of PATH International standards. Administrative Standard A14 emphasizes the necessity of obtaining a signed liability release prior to a participant’s involvement in any activities. This requirement is in place to ensure that everyone involved understands the risks associated with the activities and acknowledges them before participation begins.

If a participant were to start a session without this signed liability release, it would indeed violate the standard. This lapse not only jeopardizes the organization's protocol but also exposes both the organization and the participant to potential legal ramifications should an incident occur.

In contrast, having a release kept onsite with the participant's file is a best practice in documentation but does not itself constitute a violation as long as the release is signed beforehand. Similarly, a parent signing a release for their minor child is a standard procedure that complies with policies concerning minors participating in activities, ensuring appropriate legal consent. Moreover, a volunteer signing a release before their first shift aligns with safety expectations and protects both the volunteer and the organization. This comprehension of the importance of signed liability releases emphasizes a proactive approach to managing risks effectively within program operations.