Athlete Waiver & Release Template

As a sports coach or business owner, safeguarding your athletes and your business is paramount. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using a comprehensive athlete waiver and release form. Whether you’re managing a sports facility, running a training camp, or coaching a team, having a legally sound athlete waiver template is crucial to protecting against potential liabilities. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of athlete waivers, what to include in your waiver, and how you can easily download our free athlete waiver template to give you a jump start.

Why Every Sports Business Needs an Athlete Waiver & Release

An athlete waiver form is a legal document that athletes sign before participating in sports activities, acknowledging the risks involved and releasing the business from liability in case of injury. This form serves multiple purposes:

• Risk Management: The primary purpose of an athlete waiver is to manage the risks associated with sports activities. By clearly outlining the potential hazards, you ensure that participants are aware of the dangers and accept the risks involved.
• Legal Protection: In the event of an accident or injury, a signed waiver can protect your business from lawsuits. It serves as evidence that the athlete was informed of the risks and voluntarily chose to participate.
• Building Trust: By providing a well-structured waiver form, you demonstrate professionalism and commitment to athlete safety. This builds trust with athletes and their families, which is essential for long-term success in the sports industry.
• Streamlining Operations: Having a standardized waiver template ensures consistency in how you handle legal documentation. This can save time and reduce administrative burdens, allowing you to focus more on coaching and managing your business.

What to Include in an Athlete Waiver

To ensure your athlete waiver form is comprehensive and legally sound, it should include the following key elements:

• Title and Purpose: Start with a clear title, such as “Athlete Waiver and Release Form,” followed by a brief description of the form’s purpose. This helps set expectations for the reader.
• Participant Information: Collect essential details such as the athlete’s name, contact information, date of birth, and emergency contact information. This section ensures you have all the necessary information in case of an emergency.
• Assumption of Risk: This section should explicitly state that the athlete understands the risks involved in participating in sports activities and voluntarily assumes those risks.
• Release of Liability: Here, the athlete agrees to release the business, coaches, and associated parties from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during participation.
• Medical Authorization: Include a clause that allows the business to seek medical treatment for the athlete in case of an emergency. This ensures that prompt care can be provided if needed.
• Parental Consent: For athletes under 18, a parental consent section is crucial. Parents or guardians should acknowledge the risks and provide their consent for the minor to participate.
• Signature and Date: The form should include spaces for the athlete’s signature, date, and, if applicable, the parent or guardian’s signature. This section legally binds the athlete and their guardian to the terms of the waiver.

Download Your Free Athlete Waiver Template

At Upper Hand, we understand the importance of protecting your athletes and business. That’s why we’ve created a free athlete waiver and release form template designed specifically for sports coaches and business owners. Our template is easy to use, and customizable, ensuring you have the right protection in place.