Free Sports Business Waiver Template: Liability Protection for Athletic Programs & Facilities

If you're running a sports business—whether it's a youth sports program, adult recreational league, sports training facility, athletic academy, or specialized coaching service—you understand that athletic activities involve inherent physical risks. From contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball to individual sports like tennis, golf, and swimming, every athletic activity carries the potential for injury. Sprains, strains, concussions, fractures, and other sports-related injuries are unfortunate realities that no amount of safety precautions can completely eliminate.

As a sports business owner, coach, or program director, you have a legal obligation to provide a safe environment and proper instruction. But you also need to protect your business from liability when injuries occur despite your best efforts. That's where a comprehensive sports liability waiver becomes essential. A properly drafted sports waiver (also called an athletic waiver, sports participation waiver, or sports release form) protects your organization while ensuring participants and their parents/guardians understand and acknowledge the risks involved in athletic activities.

Unfortunately, many sports organizations operate without adequate waiver protection, use outdated templates that don't comply with current laws, or pay expensive legal fees for custom documentation. To help sports businesses of all sizes protect themselves affordably, we've partnered with our legal team to create a free, attorney-reviewed sports business waiver template that addresses the unique liability concerns of athletic programs and facilities.

This comprehensive sports waiver template covers:

• Sport-specific liability releases and assumption of risk
• Parental consent provisions for minor participants
• Medical emergency authorization and health screening
• Concussion awareness and protocols
• Equipment use and safety requirements
• Transportation and off-site activity releases
• Photo/video consent for promotional purposes
• Legal language designed to withstand court challenges

Whether you operate a youth sports league, adult recreational program, sports training academy, summer sports camp, private coaching business, multi-sport facility, or specialized athletic program, this template provides essential legal protection. It can be customized for virtually any sport—from baseball, soccer, and lacrosse to gymnastics, cheerleading, and track and field—and adapted for participants of any age.

Protect your sports business from potentially devastating liability claims. Download this free waiver template today and make it a required part of your registration process. Every athlete (or parent/guardian for minors) should sign this waiver before participating in any practices, games, tournaments, or training sessions. This critical document could be the difference between a manageable situation and a lawsuit that threatens your entire operation.

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Sports Training / Athletic Coaching Liability Waiver Template

This Agreement is between [Participant Name] ('Participant') and [Sports Training Academy, LLC], including its owners, trainers, employees, contractors, and agents (‘Released Parties’).

1. Acknowledgment of Risks

I understand that sports training and athletic development activities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                -including conditioning drills, speed and agility training, contact and non-contact drills, scrimmages, and use of training equipment-carry risks of serious injury. Risks include but are not limited to: collisions, falls, concussions, sprains, fractures, heat-related illness, and even permanent disability or death.

2. Voluntary Participation & Health

I represent that I am voluntarily participating, and I am physically fit to do so. I understand it is my responsibility to consult a physician before engaging in the Activities.

3. Assumption of Risk

I knowingly assume all risks associated with sports training and athletic development activities including conditioning drills, speed and agility training, contact and non-contact drills, scrimmages, and use of training equipment, whether arising from negligence, facility conditions, or other causes.

4. Release of Liability

I release the Released Parties from any and all claims for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death related to participation in Activities, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

5. Indemnification

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties against any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) that may result from my participation.

6. Medical Treatment

I consent to receive first aid and/or medical treatment deemed advisable in the event of an injury, accident, or illness during participation. I release and hold harmless the Released Parties for any costs or liability related to such treatment.

7. Photography & Media Release

I grant permission to the Business to use my likeness in photographs, videos, or other media taken during the Activities for promotional purposes, without compensation.

8. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

9. Governing Law & Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State], and any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in [County, State].

10. Arbitration Agreement

I agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or related to this Agreement or my participation in the Activities shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Consumer Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall take place in [City, State] before a single arbitrator. I understand that by agreeing to arbitration, I am waiving my right to a jury trial or to participate in a class action.

11. Acknowledgment of Understanding

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read this Agreement, fully understand its terms, and sign it freely and voluntarily. I understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue.

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Participant Information

Name: ______________________________

Address: ____________________________

Phone: ______________________________

Email: ______________________________

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Signature of Participant: ________________________   Date: ___________

If Participant is under 18:

Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________   Date: ___________

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