Posted By Mark Eastbourne
Morning

Anyone see Casino Royale?

There is a scene at the beginning where Daniel Craig chases someone.

The person being chased off camera is a free runner. Free running is a physical art, in which participants attempt to pass all obstacles in their path in a smooth and fluid way while interacting with their environment using movements such as vaulting, jumping, somersaults and other acrobatic movements, creating an athletic and aesthetically pleasing way of moving.

I work in a college and we have an enrichment programme which involves introducing students to new experiences and thereby enriching their lives.

I have just been asked about the ramifications of running a free running course, i.e. paying someone from a local club with his volunteers to carry out a 9 week course which will involve instruction in a gym then perhaps at the end of the 9 weeks a visit to the beach.

Now, my fear is that it is inevitable some students will get hurt, inevitable. However, it is also a very modern enjoyable experience which I think they will get a lot out of.

The organisation who will be taking the group have provided me with an application form they give to those they teach which asks for details like name, DOB, email address and then Next of Kin!

It also asks about medical conditions, experience which is all good but it also has a section which the student must sign saying,

"I am fully aware of the nature, inherent dangers, and risks involved in the activity. I do assume full and complete responsibility for any and all losses, damages, or injuries that I might sustain or incur, while attending, participating, or traveling to and from any events or Sessions arranged by ____, it’s Clubs or affiliates. I hereby waive all claims against The _______, the Instructors, Assistants, Sponsors and any or all the Institutions or Organizations connected with or associated to The _________, for any or all injuries that I might sustain."

Does this hold any weight? Will the college be held liable if a student is injured?
What are your immediate fears? Should I allow this activity to go ahead?

Any help, mutterings, ideas, fears and castigations welcome.

Many thanks

Mark

Posted By Raymond Rapp
Why is everyone so worried about being sued? Provided some basic sensible precautions are taken then there is no reason to panic.

The risks should be made known to those who wish to participate. It is then their choice and the principle of volenti non fit injuria - you take the risk knowingly, will negate the need for any worthless disclaimer. After all, we talking about young, fit and healthy people here.

Ray

Posted By Elizabeth Reeves
People are worried about being sued as it adversely effects employers liability insurance costs.

In addition the media love nothing better than to jump on the tiniest health and safety issue and to make out that all health and safety professionals want the population to live inside cotton wool balls!!!

Posted By John Donaldson
We have a Acting School where we teach stage combat and circus skills. These courses will involve the use of swords, knifes, gymnastics etc

The teaching is done by qualified instructors and the classes have good supervision ratios.

We certainly don’t have any disclaimers as, as others have said, they are not worth the paper they are written on in most cases.

Provided your activity is well supervised and you use qualified instructors, I don’t see why you should be unduly concerned.

We certainly apply the principle of volenti non fit injuria, but in saying that all our students are over the age of 18. If your students are under that age I am not sure if that principle can be used.