Are liability waivers enforceable?

Often, if they are clear and specific, but states differ. Most do not allow releasing gross negligence or intentional harm, and a few disfavor waivers for ordinary negligence. The template excludes what cannot be waived.

Can a parent sign a waiver for a child?

A parent or guardian should sign for anyone under eighteen, but whether a parent can waive a child's claims varies by state. Check your state's rule before relying on it for minors.

Can participants sign on their phone at check-in?

Yes. Send the waiver by link or show it on a tablet; participants sign in the browser without an account, and you keep a signed PDF with an audit trail for each one.

Free template

Release of liability (waiver) template

A release of liability, or liability waiver, is signed by someone taking part in an activity. They acknowledge its risks and agree not to hold the organizer responsible for ordinary accidents, within the limits the law allows. Edit it in the browser and send it for signature from the same page; the free plan includes 5 sends a month and never asks for a card.

Start free with this template

When to use it

Gyms, fitness classes, climbing walls and sports leagues.
Events, tours, retreats and outdoor activities.
Letting someone use your equipment, venue or vehicle.

What's in it

1.Activity
2.Risks
3.Assumption of risk
4.Fitness and rules
5.Release
6.Medical treatment
7.Photographs
8.General

Plus signature, name and date fields for participant and organizer.

The full template

The text you start from, exactly as it opens in the editor. Bracketed blanks are yours to fill in; highlighted fields are filled by each signer.

Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk

This Release (the “Release”) is made as of Date signed — Participant by [Participant name] (the “Participant”) in favor of [Organizer legal name] and its owners, employees, volunteers and agents (together, the “Organizer”). Please read it carefully: it affects your legal rights.

1. Activity

The Participant wishes to take part in [describe the activity, event, class or use of facilities] on [date or dates] at [location] (the “Activity”).

2. Risks

The Participant understands that the Activity involves risks, including [list the main risks, e.g. falls, collisions, equipment failure, weather, physical exertion], which can cause injury, illness, property damage or, rarely, death. Some risks cannot be removed without changing the nature of the Activity.

3. Assumption of risk

The Participant takes part voluntarily and accepts the risks of the Activity, both known and unknown, including risks arising from the ordinary negligence of the Organizer.

4. Fitness and rules

The Participant confirms they are physically able to take part, have disclosed any condition that may affect their safety [here: [conditions]], and will follow the Organizer's rules and the instructions of its staff. The Organizer may exclude anyone it believes is acting unsafely.

5. Release

To the fullest extent the law allows, the Participant releases the Organizer from, and agrees not to sue it over, any claim for injury, illness, death, or property loss or damage arising from the Activity, including claims based on the Organizer's ordinary negligence. This Release does not cover gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or any claim that cannot be waived under the law of the state where the Activity takes place.

6. Medical treatment

The Participant authorizes the Organizer to obtain emergency medical care for the Participant if needed and agrees to pay its cost. Emergency contact: [name, phone].

7. Photographs

The Organizer may use photographs or video of the Activity that include the Participant for its own promotion, unless the Participant opts out here: [opt out].

8. General

This Release is governed by the laws of the State of [State] and binds the Participant's heirs and representatives. If any part is unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. A participant under eighteen must have a parent or guardian sign; rules for releases signed for minors vary by state.

Signatures

By signing, the Participant confirms they have read this Release, understand it, and sign it voluntarily.

Participant (or parent or guardian)

Signature: Signature — Participant

Name: Full name — Participant

Date: Date signed — Participant

Organizer

Signature: Signature — Organizer

Name: Full name — Organizer

Date: Date signed — Organizer

This template is a general-purpose starting point written in plain English for use in the United States. It is not legal advice and has not been reviewed for your situation; for anything high-stakes, have a lawyer review the final version.

How to send it for signature

Step 1
Start from the template
It opens as a document in the editor with both parties' signature, name and date fields already placed. Fill in the bracketed blanks and change any clause.
Step 2
Add who signs
Put an email address on each party, set the signing order if it matters, add an access code if you want one, and add a viewer for anyone who only needs to read it.
Step 3
Send it and track it
Each signer gets a link and signs in the browser, no account needed. You see who has opened and signed, and everyone gets the completed PDF with a certificate of completion.