Templates / Gym, fitness & CrossFit
Gym, fitness & CrossFit waiver template.
Free starting-point wording for New Zealand gym, fitness & crossfit operators. Copy it, or have it live as a digital form in about a minute.
Use this as a digital form, free →Fitness participant acknowledgement & health check
Exercise is good for you and it also carries some risk, especially if you have an injury or health condition we do not know about. This form helps us look after you properly.
The risks
- Muscle strains, sprains and overuse injuries.
- Injury from weights or equipment, including dropped weights.
- In rare cases, serious medical events brought on by hard exertion, particularly with an underlying heart or other condition.
The rules
- Tell your coach about any injury, illness, pregnancy or medical condition before you train, and if anything changes.
- Train within your limits and stop if you feel pain, dizziness or unwell.
- Use equipment as shown, return it after use, and ask if you are not sure.
- If your doctor has advised you not to exercise, get their clearance first.
Acknowledgement
- I have read and understood the risks and rules above, and I have had the chance to ask questions.
- I am taking part voluntarily and I will follow the instructions of staff at all times.
- The information I have given is true, and I have disclosed any medical condition or injury that could affect my safety or the safety of others.
- For each person under 18 listed below: I am their parent or legal guardian (or I am authorised by their parent or guardian to sign for them), and I consent to them taking part on the same terms.
I understand that Your Business takes reasonable care to run this activity safely, that it cannot remove every risk, and that I am responsible for my own behaviour and for following the rules. Nothing in this form limits any rights I have under New Zealand law that cannot be excluded, including ACC cover.
Why it's worded this way
You'll notice it doesn't say "I release the operator from all liability". In New Zealand, ACC covers personal injury and people generally can't sue for compensation for injuries ACC covers, and an operator can't sign away its health and safety duties. So a sweeping American-style release adds little here and can look like you're hiding something. What's useful is a clear record that the person was told the risks, agreed to the rules, and gave you the medical and emergency details you need. More in the plain-English guide.
Not legal advice. This is a starting point. Swap "Your Business" for your name, change anything that doesn't match how you operate, and have the final version checked by your lawyer or insurer.