I desire to participate in any seminar, training session, physical conditioning activity, control-technique instruction, martial arts training, Brazilian jiu-jitsu instruction, grappling, wrestling, judo, live sparring (rolling), open mat, demonstration, or other event or activity (collectively, the “Activities”) hosted, organized, or sponsored by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and/or the FLEOA 111 Project (together, “FLEOA”), whether occurring now or in the future, at any facility, venue, or location in the United States.
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Activities, and in recognition of FLEOA’s reliance on this Release, I agree to the following:
Released Parties.
“Released Parties” means the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; the FLEOA 111 Project; Brian Bowers; every current or guest coach, instructor, assistant, helper, volunteer, officer, director, employee, agent, affiliate, successor, and assign of either organization; and the title owner, landlord, property manager, and lessee of any building or premises where Activities take place.
Assumption of Risk.
I understand that Brazilian jiu-jitsu and related combatives are high-intensity, close-contact activities that carry significant physical danger. Full physical contact, throws, takedowns, pinning, sweeps, joint manipulation, submissions, chokes, and vascular neck restrictions are inherent components of the Activities and cannot be eliminated without changing the nature of the training.
Risks include, but are not limited to: bruises, cuts, lacerations, sprains, strains, muscle tears, dislocations, broken bones, joint and ligament injuries, mat burns, loss of consciousness, concussions, traumatic brain injury, cervical spine or back trauma, paralysis, communicable disease, skin infection (including MRSA, staph, and ringworm), heat illness, dehydration, exertion-related complications, property damage, accidents involving gear or mat conditions, the actions or omissions of other participants, unforeseen medical emergencies, unknown risks, and death.
I am voluntarily participating with full knowledge of these dangers. I expressly assume all inherent risks of the Activities, including risks arising from other participants and from the premises, whether caused by my own actions, the actions of others, the condition of the premises, or otherwise. This Agreement does not waive claims arising from the operation of a motor vehicle to the extent the law forbids that waiver.
Release of Ordinary Negligence.
To the maximum extent allowed by applicable law, I forever release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Released Parties from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of injury, disability, illness, death, or property loss or damage resulting from or related to the Activities, including claims caused in whole or in part by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties.
I agree never to institute, prosecute, or assist in any lawsuit against the Released Parties asserting claims of ordinary negligence. If the law of the place where an Activity occurs limits or restricts a release of ordinary negligence, this provision shall operate as a full assumption of risk and a binding promise not to sue to the maximum extent that law permits.
What Is Not Released.
This Agreement does not release claims resulting from gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or intentional harm. It does not waive any right that mandatory law forbids parties from waiving by private contract.
Health Status, Medical Consent, and Financial Responsibility.
I represent that I am at least 18 years of age, legally competent, in suitable physical and mental condition for the Activities, and that I know of no medical condition that would make my participation unsafe for me or others. I will notify instructors immediately of any change in medical status. In an injury or emergency, I authorize the Released Parties to render first aid and to secure professional medical services, transportation, or hospital care. My personal health and accident insurance is primary. I assume full responsibility for all medical and emergency costs not paid by insurance.
Rules, Discipline, and Safety.
I agree to follow all oral and written instructions from coaches, instructors, and staff, and all posted rules concerning hygiene, safety gear, sparring intensity, and mat etiquette. The Released Parties may suspend or remove me from the mats or the facility at any time, without refund, if my conduct is determined to be dangerous, reckless, unhygienic, or disruptive.
Photo / Video / Likeness Release.
I understand that Activities are photographed and recorded and that I cannot be excluded from group or class images. I irrevocably grant FLEOA and the FLEOA 111 Project permission to photograph, film, and record me during the Activities and to use my name, likeness, image, voice, and appearance in any photographs, videos, or other media. I authorize FLEOA to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these materials for any lawful purpose, including promotion, education, or fundraising, without payment or further consent. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product and any right to royalties or other compensation. All such media shall become the sole property of FLEOA.
Electronic Signature.
Typing my full legal name and submitting this form constitutes my legally binding electronic signature under the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN, 15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq.) and the applicable electronic-signature law of the jurisdiction where this Agreement is executed or where the Activity occurs. My electronic signature has the same force as a handwritten ink signature. I may request or save a fully executed digital copy of this Agreement.
Governing Law.
The mandatory substantive law of the state or territory where the Activity or alleged incident occurs governs tort claims arising from that event. To the maximum extent permitted by conflicts-of-law principles, the contractual terms of this Agreement shall be interpreted consistently with its purpose: a knowing assumption of inherent risk and a release of ordinary negligence to the fullest extent allowed by the law of the place of the Activity. This sentence does not take away any protection that local law requires me to keep.
Forum.
I consent to personal jurisdiction in the competent state or federal courts of the state or territory where the underlying Activity or incident occurred for any dispute arising from this Agreement or the Activities. I waive any inconvenient-forum objection to the extent the law allows. This is consent to jurisdiction in those forums; it does not require every case to be filed in only one place.
Severability and Reformation.
If any term of this Agreement is held illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, that term shall be modified, narrowed, or severed only to the minimum extent necessary to comply with the law. All remaining provisions remain in full force. Unenforceability in one jurisdiction does not impair validity in any other. If a release of ordinary negligence cannot be enforced as written, it shall be enforced to the maximum extent that place allows, including as an assumption of risk and a covenant not to sue.
Entire Agreement.
This Release is the sole and entire agreement between the Released Parties and me regarding the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior discussions or understandings.
The FLEOA 111 Project 