Signing waivers for kids' classes
Berkeley Parents Network >
Reviews >
Classes & Lessons >
Signing waivers for kids' classes
Oct 2001
I have a three year old who is at the Harold Jones Center. I love the
center, its staff and activities, but have a question they are unable to
help with, and which is not just specific to that program. In order for my
daughter to participate in the Cal Bears Gymnastics part of the program, I
was told I need to sign a waiver which was attached to the registration
form. In it, one waives all rights and assumes all risks, even in cases of
negligence on their part. The waiver includes assumption of risks, a
number of other things, and an acknowledgement of understanding, saying you
know you are giving up substantial rights. When I received a similar
waiver for another class she takes, I crossed out the parts I did not agree
with, but Cal Bears told me I cannot do that. It seems everyone is signing
away these rights, all over the place. Does anyone know of a way out of
this? I don't want her to be unable to participate in things, and I
understand the University's desire to protect itself from unnecessary
litigation, but I find it offensive that the University would basically say
that even if they are at fault, I would not be able to seek redress in a
case where I or my insurance could not financially cover the results of
their actions. How do you handle these things?
Charlotte
The waiver is standard practice; in fact, as your child enters more and
more activities, you will find yourself in waiver-land: school field
trips, camps, after-school programs, swimming lessons, soccer...you name it
and there's a waiver very similar if not identical to the one you're
signing for Harold E. Jones. Responsible organizations must take steps to
protect their assets and to identify and make known areas of potential
risk: the van that will transport your child to and from the gym, the gym
equipment.... You as a parent have the responsibility to understand the
risk to your child and if you wish her to participate, recognize your role
in assuming risk. You aren't signing away your rights--if there is
negligence on the part of the organization you have the right to take
action--but you are acknowledging that you understand and assume risk. All
activity carries an inherent risk and organizations have a responsibility
to inform you of that risk and to know that you understand and assume that
risk to your child by signing the waiver--you are providing informed
consent. Can you still sue if something horrible happens? Of course. But
without a complete and unadulterated waiver on file, your child will not be
able to participate. If you're a UC employee, you might want to contact
the risk management department on campus (in the business and finance unit)
to get more information.
By the time your child gets to high school you will have signed a
million of these. Swimming class, ice skating, summer camp, field trip,
gym, martial arts, you name it.
this page was last updated: Sep 18, 2003
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network