Consent Form
Waiver and Release of Liability Form

REQUIREMENTS

USA Fencing Membership
All Coaches in Training (CIT), Coach Developers (CD) must have a current USA Fencing Annual Coach Membership, and all Students must have a USA Fencing Annual Membership (collectively “Participant” or “Participants”). These memberships provide personal insurance coverage and can be immediately purchased online at www.usafencing.org. No Participant shall be permitted to participate in any United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) activity without the required USA Fencing membership. USFCA reserves the right to expel any Participant if, in USFCA’s sole discretion, they are found to be behaving in an unsafe, overly aggressive, illegal, or otherwise offensive manner. No parents or spectators are allowed in the clinic teaching areas, regardless of whether they hold a USA Fencing membership.

Fencing / Coaching Gear
While engaged in any fencing activity, all CITs and CDs shall wear coaching gear with full coverage of target areas and Students shall wear a full fencing uniform including, but not limited to, mask, jacket, underarm protector, knickers, knee socks, and chest protector (women). USFCA reserves the right to prohibit participation if, in USFCA’s sole discretion, it determines that a Participant’s gear is not in acceptable condition. Participants are also fully responsible for bringing water, food, and any other items necessary for their health or safety.

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

In consideration and as a condition of my and/or my minor child’s participation and/or membership in any USFCA clinic, I acknowledge and agree, on my behalf and on behalf of any child or other person over whom I have legal authority (“I” or “myself” or “my” being construed hereinafter to include all such persons), as follows:

Definitions: “Releasees” shall include USFCA, USA Fencing and all affiliated sections, divisions, clubs, host organizations, officers, directors, athletes, referees, coaches, volunteers, officials, club members, individual members, agents, employees, contractors, participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners or lessors of the premises used for any activity.

Submission to Rules: I agree to abide, at all times, to the USFCA Code of Ethics, USA Fencing membership requirements, including, but not limited to, USA Fencing Bylaws, Rules of Competition, Athlete Handbook, Operations Manual, USA Fencing Safe Sport Policy, USOC Safe Sport Code, all as now constituted and as may be amended from time to time.

Acceptance and Assumption of Risk: All sessions are supervised by CDs or USFCA staff and Participants are expected to follow all safety protocols set by USFCA. Participants acknowledge and agree that fencing carries physical, mental, and emotional risks, including sprains, bruises, exhaustion, concussion, dehydration, and other serious injuries, including death. By signing, I assume responsibility and liability for my health, safety, and welfare.

Pre-Existing Conditions / COVID-19: I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for determining whether I have pre-existing health conditions that may be affected by participation. I accept the risks, including contracting illnesses such as COVID-19, by participating in USFCA events.

Physical Limitations: I affirm that I am in good health and voluntarily assume all risks of participation, including injury, disability, or death, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.

Release: In consideration for my participation, I release and hold harmless all Releasees from any and all claims, liability, or damages arising from participation in USFCA events, whether supervised or unsupervised, known or unknown.

Consent for Medical Treatment: I grant consent to USFCA and USA Fencing representatives to obtain medical care in the event of injury or illness.

Consent to Media: I understand that photography, filming, or recording may occur, and agree that media may be used by USFCA for promotional and training purposes. (If you do not wish to be photographed, please contact the organizer.)

Choice of Law: Any dispute shall be governed by the laws of the State of Pennsylvania.

Arbitration: Any controversy arising from participation shall be settled by arbitration to the fullest extent permitted by law, after exhausting all administrative remedies.

Authority / Modifications: By signing, I affirm I am over 18 and legally competent. This document supersedes all prior representations.

I have read this agreement, understand its terms, and voluntarily sign as a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the fullest extent permitted by law.