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Why Sports Organizations Should Use Waivers

By June 3, 2023Insurance, Sports

Youth LacrosseSports organizations risk being sued for injuries during practices, games, or other activities. A “waiver” can protect a sports organization from liability in the event of an injury.

A waiver is a legal document that releases a sports organization from liability for injuries that occur during participation in sports-related activities. Waivers are not foolproof but can be essential for protecting sports organizations from harm.

Benefits of Using Waivers

There are several benefits to using waivers for sports organizations. Releases can help to:

  • Reduce liability. Waivers can help reduce the risk of a sports organization being sued for injuries that occur during sports activities.
  • Protect participants. Waivers can help protect participants by ensuring they are aware of the risks involved in participating in sports activities.
  • Save time and money. Waivers can save sports organizations time and money by avoiding the need to defend lawsuits.

 

Best Practices for Using Waivers

There are several best practices for using waivers for sports organizations. These best practices include:

  • Obtain informed consent. Before signing a waiver, participants must be fully informed about the risks of participating in sports activities.
  • Use clear and concise language. Waivers should be written in clear and concise language that is easy to understand.
  • Specifically, identify the risks. Waivers should specifically identify the risks that participants are waiving.
  • Get signatures. All participants must sign the waiver before participating in sports activities (The parent or guardian should sign for participants under 18).

 

Waivers can be an essential tool for protecting sports organizations from liability. 

Here are some additional tips for using waivers:

  • Have an attorney review the waiver before it is used. An attorney can help to ensure that the release is valid and enforceable.
  • Keep copies of the waivers. Sports organizations should keep copies of all releases that participants sign.
  • Update the waiver regularly. Sports organizations should update the waiver regularly to reflect changes in the risks involved in participating in sports activities.

 

By following these tips, sports organizations can help protect themselves from liability and ensure that their participants know the risks involved in participating in sports activities.  Learn more about the insurance programs available for your organization.