Waiver Template
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Scope and disclaimer
This document is a reference. State law varies. A gym MUST have its own counsel review and adapt any waiver before adopting it. Nothing in this page is legal advice. CombatScore is not a party to the waiver between the gym and its participants.
Template
The text below is a starting draft. Brackets mark fields the gym fills in. Do not delete the bracketed labels; replace them. In the gym dashboard (Waivers), use the one-click Adult / COPPA presets — they load this language (plus tokens for branding at render time on the public site).
Release of Liability, Waiver, and Assumption of Risk
Participant name: [full legal name]
Date of birth: [YYYY-MM-DD]
Address: [street, city, state, zip]
In consideration of the opportunity to participate in classes, training, sparring, drilling, competitions, seminars, open mats, and any other activity (the “ACTIVITIES”) offered by [Gym Legal Name], a [state] [entity type](the “GYM”), the undersigned (the “PARTICIPANT”) agrees to the following:
1. Assumption of risk. Combat sports involve inherent risks of injury that cannot be eliminated, including but not limited to: bruising, sprains, fractures, dislocations, concussions, joint and ligament injuries, infectious disease exposure, and death. The PARTICIPANT assumes every such risk.
2. Release. The PARTICIPANT releases the GYM, its owners, employees, instructors, contractors, agents, training partners, and any premises owner from every claim arising out of or related to participation in the ACTIVITIES, including claims based on negligence, to the maximum extent allowed by [state] law.
3. Medical authorization. The PARTICIPANT authorizes the GYM to summon emergency medical care if the GYM believes the PARTICIPANT needs it. The PARTICIPANT is responsible for any cost of that care.
4. Fitness representation. The PARTICIPANT represents that they are physically fit to participate. The PARTICIPANT agrees to inform the GYM of any condition that may affect safe participation, including but not limited to pregnancy, cardiac conditions, recent surgery, communicable disease, or medications affecting balance or judgment.
5. Image release. The PARTICIPANT [grants / does not grant] the GYM the right to use photographs and video taken during the ACTIVITIES for the GYM’s marketing. This grant is revocable on written notice.
6. Governing law and venue. This agreement is governed by the laws of [state]. Venue for any dispute is [county, state].
7. Severability. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
Signed: [Participant signature]
Date: [YYYY-MM-DD]
If the PARTICIPANT is under 18:
The undersigned parent or legal guardian (the GUARDIAN) represents that they have authority to sign on behalf of the minor PARTICIPANT, agrees to be bound by every provision above on the minor’s behalf, and accepts financial responsibility for any charges associated with the minor’s participation.
Guardian signed: [Guardian signature]
Relationship: [parent / legal guardian]
Date: [YYYY-MM-DD]
Adoption checklist
Before adopting a waiver, gyms should:
- Engage state-licensed counsel. Waiver enforceability varies and some clauses are unenforceable as a matter of public policy in certain states.
- Adapt the language to match the actual activities offered. A grappling gym’s waiver differs from one that includes weapons training, MMA sparring, or open mat-style competition prep.
- Decide on minor-specific provisions. Several states do not enforce pre-injury waivers signed on behalf of minors. The remedy is usually additional insurance, not stronger waiver language.
- Store signed waivers in a system that captures timestamp, IP, and an immutable copy of the version signed. CombatScore stores signed waivers per gym in the waivers module.