A free archery waiver template.
A plain-language starting point for clubs, school teams and tournaments: the risks, your range rules, a release, medical consent and photo permission. Copy it, fill in the brackets, and have it reviewed.
This is a starting point, not legal advice. Waiver rules differ from state to state, especially for minors. Have your own attorney, your insurer or your governing body review it before you use it.
ARCHERY PARTICIPATION WAIVER, RELEASE AND CONSENT
Club or team: [Club or team name] ("the Club")
Participant name: ______________________________ Date of birth: ____________
Parent or guardian (if participant is under 18): ______________________________
Phone: ____________________ Email: ______________________________
Emergency contact (name and phone): ______________________________
1. Activities. The participant wants to take part in archery instruction, practice, competitions, travel and related activities run by the Club ("Activities"), at [range or location] and other locations the Club uses.
2. Risks. I understand that archery involves risks, including injury from arrows, bows and other equipment, trips and falls, heat, cold and weather, and the actions of other people. Some of these risks cannot be removed even when everyone is careful.
3. Safety rules. The participant agrees to follow all range safety rules and every instruction from coaches and range officers, including whistle commands. I understand that a participant who does not follow safety rules may be removed from the range.
4. Assumption of risk. Knowing these risks, I choose to let the participant take part, and I accept those risks.
5. Release. To the fullest extent the law allows, I release the Club, its coaches, volunteers, officers and the owners of any facility the Club uses from claims for injury, illness or loss arising from the Activities, except claims caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.
6. Medical treatment. In an emergency, if I cannot be reached, I authorize the Club to get medical treatment for the participant. I am responsible for the cost of that treatment.
7. Medical information. Allergies, conditions or medications the coaches should know about:
_______________________________________________________________
8. Photos (choose one).
[ ] Photos and video of the participant taken at Club activities may be used in Club newsletters, websites and social media.
[ ] Please do not use photos or video of the participant.
9. If any part of this form is found unenforceable, the rest still applies.
I have read this form, I understand it, and I sign it voluntarily.
Participant signature (if 18 or older): ______________________________ Date: __________
Parent or guardian signature: ______________________________ Date: __________
Printed name of parent or guardian: ______________________________
How to use it
- Copy the template into a document and fill in everything in [brackets].
- Add anything your venue or insurer requires, such as a specific facility name in the release.
- Have it reviewed, then save it as a PDF.
- Collect signatures before anyone shoots: on paper at the first practice, or online when families register.
What makes a waiver useful
- Plain language. A parent should understand it on a phone in a minute or two.
- Specific risks and rules. Name archery's real hazards and say that range commands must be followed.
- A real signature and date, from a parent or guardian for anyone under 18.
- Easy to find later. A waiver in a shoebox doesn't help when you need it at a tournament.
Questions
Is a waiver for a minor enforceable?
It depends on your state. Some states enforce releases signed by a parent for a child, some limit them, and some don't enforce them at all. That's why a lawyer, your insurer or your governing body should review your waiver before you use it.
Do I still need insurance if I have a waiver?
Yes. A waiver is not insurance. Ask your venue what coverage it requires, and talk with your school, your 4-H program or USA Archery about club coverage options.
How do parents sign it?
On paper, or online: in Archers Track you upload your waiver as a PDF and parents sign it with a finger on their phones when they register. Each signed copy is saved with the archer.
Let parents sign it on their phones.
Upload your waiver as a PDF. Families sign it when they register, and every signed copy is saved with the archer. Hosting tournaments is free.
No card neededSigned copies saved with each archerHosting tournaments is always free