What is an activity waiver?

An activity waiver, officially known as an Activity Waiver and Release Form, is a legal document that protects your business by having participants acknowledge the risks associated with a specific activity. It outlines the potential dangers and secures the participant’s agreement not to hold your business liable for injuries, damages, or losses that may occur during the activity. This form is commonly used in sports, recreation, travel, fitness, and other high-engagement experiences.

When should I use Activity Waiver and Release Forms?

You should use an Activity Waiver and Release Form whenever you’re offering an activity that includes any level of risk — from mild to extreme. This includes physical activities like hiking, swimming, fitness classes, trampoline parks, or horseback riding, as well as experiential events like yoga retreats or bounce house rentals. If your activity includes equipment use, group participation, outdoor exposure, or any element of risk, it’s wise to have participants sign a waiver before they begin.

Are activity waiver forms legally binding?

In most states and jurisdictions, yes — activity waiver forms are legally binding if they are properly written and presented. For a waiver to be enforceable, it must clearly explain the risks, be voluntarily signed by the participant (or guardian for minors), and comply with your local laws. Courts typically uphold waivers that are specific, written in plain language, and fairly structured without trying to waive rights for gross negligence or reckless conduct.

What should be included in an activity waiver form?

A comprehensive activity waiver form should include: A clear title (e.g., “Activity Waiver and Release Form”) A description of the activity The specific risks and potential hazards involved A statement releasing the business or organizer from liability An acknowledgment that the participant understands the risks Signature and date lines Guardian signature if the participant is a minor Optional: indemnification clause, photo release, medical consent, or emergency contact info

Do I need a waiver form for every type of activity?

Yes, it’s best practice to tailor your waiver to each type of activity you offer. While you can reuse a general structure, the risks and legal language should match the activity at hand. For example, a waiver for a yoga class won’t address the same risks as one for mountain biking or swimming. WaiverSign allows you to create different waiver templates and group them for multi-activity events so participants only have to fill out their info once but can sign all necessary documents in one session.

Activity Waiver & Release Form | Reduce Liability Risks

No More Paperwork

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"All my clients sign a digital waiver before the day of their tour or lesson, so we don’t waste any time doing paperwork. I also love that we both can get a copy and it’s easy for me to access my signed waivers at any time."

ALEX MARTENS

Ozark Bike Guides

Fast. Easy. Professional.

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"We use WaiverSign for all of our waivers and other client onboarding documents. We absolutely love it! It’s fast, it’s easy, and it actually makes the entire experience feel and look more professional! Well worth it! "

JUSTIN BOLKEMA

BRelentless Training & Sports Performance

No More Paper Forms

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"Before WaiverSign I would run out of our paper forms and had issues storing our release forms. WaiverSign now makes it easy to track and store. And when I hand our iPad to the client, it looks so much more professional."

JOEY SPARACINO

Silicon Valley Athletics

What is an activity waiver?
An activity waiver, officially known as an Activity Waiver and Release Form, is a legal document that protects your business by having participants acknowledge the risks associated with a specific activity. It outlines the potential dangers and secures the participant’s agreement not to hold your business liable for injuries, damages, or losses that may occur during the activity. This form is commonly used in sports, recreation, travel, fitness, and other high-engagement experiences.
When should I use Activity Waiver and Release Forms?
You should use an Activity Waiver and Release Form whenever you’re offering an activity that includes any level of risk — from mild to extreme. This includes physical activities like hiking, swimming, fitness classes, trampoline parks, or horseback riding, as well as experiential events like yoga retreats or bounce house rentals. If your activity includes equipment use, group participation, outdoor exposure, or any element of risk, it’s wise to have participants sign a waiver before they begin.
Are activity waiver forms legally binding?
In most states and jurisdictions, yes — activity waiver forms are legally binding if they are properly written and presented. For a waiver to be enforceable, it must clearly explain the risks, be voluntarily signed by the participant (or guardian for minors), and comply with your local laws. Courts typically uphold waivers that are specific, written in plain language, and fairly structured without trying to waive rights for gross negligence or reckless conduct.
What should be included in an activity waiver form?
A comprehensive activity waiver form should include:

A clear title (e.g., “Activity Waiver and Release Form”)
A description of the activity
The specific risks and potential hazards involved
A statement releasing the business or organizer from liability
An acknowledgment that the participant understands the risks
Signature and date lines
Guardian signature if the participant is a minor
Optional: indemnification clause, photo release, medical consent, or emergency contact info
Do I need a waiver form for every type of activity?
Yes, it’s best practice to tailor your waiver to each type of activity you offer. While you can reuse a general structure, the risks and legal language should match the activity at hand. For example, a waiver for a yoga class won’t address the same risks as one for mountain biking or swimming. WaiverSign allows you to create different waiver templates and group them for multi-activity events so participants only have to fill out their info once but can sign all necessary documents in one session.

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