WAIVER FOR CUTTING

LIVE CUTTING EVENT SAFETY RULES

Safety staff are in charge at all times.
Listen immediately and respectfully to all instructions given by the designated Safety Officer, instructors, or event staff.
No unauthorized cutting or handling.
Any cutting, swinging, drawing, or handling of sharp weapons outside the designated cutting area is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate removal from the event.
Approved weapons only.
Only weapons inspected and approved by the Safety Officer may be used for cutting activities.
Wait for permission before cutting.
Do not begin cutting until instructed to do so by the Safety Officer or supervising instructor.
One cutter at a time.
Only the active participant and authorized staff may be inside the designated cutting lane while cutting is taking place.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Always maintain awareness of nearby participants, spectators, equipment, and range conditions.
If you have questions, ask.
If you are unsure about any procedure, stop and seek clarification before proceeding.
Report unsafe conditions.
If you notice unsafe behavior, damaged equipment, loose targets, or hazardous conditions, immediately notify event staff.
No horseplay or reckless conduct.
Unsafe conduct, showing off, rushing, practical jokes, or failure to follow instructions will not be tolerated.
Handle sharp weapons responsibly.
Treat every sharp weapon as capable of causing serious injury or death at all times.
No alcohol or impairment.
Any person reasonably believed to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication, or any substance that may impair judgment or physical ability may be denied participation without refund.
Respect the process.
Live cutting is a controlled training activity requiring discipline, patience, and attention to safety.
You may stop at any time.
If you feel uncomfortable, fatigued, distracted, or unsafe for any reason, stop immediately and notify staff.

LIVE CUTTING EVENT WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND AGREEMENT NOT TO SUE

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS IS A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT.

In consideration for being permitted to participate in live cutting activities, sword handling, Historical European Martial Arts activities, demonstrations, training exercises, competitions, seminars, workshops, and any related activities (collectively, the "Activities"), I knowingly and voluntarily agree as follows:

1. Independent Event Disclaimer

I understand and acknowledge that this event is independently organized and operated.

This event is NOT sponsored by, operated by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or conducted on behalf of Ludus Ferocia Historical Combat, Applied Defense Concepts LLC, Universal Combat Center, or any affiliated business entity. My participation is voluntary and at my own risk.

2. Assumption of Risk

I understand that participation in the Activities involves significant inherent dangers and risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken by organizers, instructors, volunteers, staff, participants, or spectators.

These risks include, but are not limited to:

Cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds, and amputations
Broken bones and joint injuries
Head, neck, eye, and spinal injuries
Permanent disability
Disfigurement
Property damage
Illness
Emotional distress
Death
Injuries caused by sharp weapons
Equipment failure
Flying debris
Target failures
Slippery or uneven terrain
Weather conditions
Physical exertion
Actions or negligence of participants, instructors, volunteers, spectators, or third parties

I knowingly, voluntarily, and expressly assume all risks of injury, damage, loss, or death arising from participation in the Activities, whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable.

3. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Virginia law, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the event organizers, instructors, safety officers, volunteers, assistants, staff members, property owners, venue owners, sponsors, vendors, agents, representatives, successors, assigns, and any other persons associated with the Activities (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, expenses, attorney's fees, or injuries arising out of or related to my participation in the Activities.

This release includes claims arising from the ordinary negligence of any Released Party.

4. Agreement Not to Sue

I agree that neither I nor anyone acting on my behalf will bring, file, or maintain any lawsuit, claim, arbitration, or legal proceeding against any Released Party for injuries, damages, losses, or death arising from participation in the Activities, except where prohibited by applicable law.

5. Safety Rules and Participant Responsibilities

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the safety rules governing the Activities.

I agree to:

Follow all safety rules and instructions immediately.
Comply with all directions given by Safety Officers and event staff.
Use only approved equipment.
Refrain from reckless conduct.
Stop participation if instructed to do so.
Notify staff of any unsafe condition.

I understand that failure to comply may result in immediate removal from the event without refund.

6. Physical and Mental Fitness

I certify that I am physically and mentally capable of participating in the Activities.

I further certify that I am not under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, recreational drugs, or any substance that could impair judgment, coordination, reaction time, or physical ability.

I accept full responsibility for determining my own fitness to participate.

7. Equipment Responsibility

I understand that I am solely responsible for the condition, maintenance, inspection, and safe use of any equipment I bring or use.

I acknowledge that equipment failure may result in severe injury or death and that I assume all risks associated with such failure.

8. Indemnification and Hold Harmless

I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any claims, demands, lawsuits, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, or expenses, including attorney's fees, arising out of:

My participation in the Activities;
My actions or omissions;
My violation of safety rules;
Injury or damage caused by me to any person or property.

9. Medical Treatment

I understand that no medical insurance is provided for participants.

I authorize emergency medical treatment if deemed necessary and accept full responsibility for all medical expenses incurred on my behalf.

10. Media Release

I grant permission for photographs, video recordings, and audio recordings taken during the Activities to be used for promotional, educational, archival, or commercial purposes without compensation unless otherwise prohibited by law.

11. Virginia Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Any dispute relating to this Agreement or the Activities shall be brought exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction located within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

12. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. Electronic Signature and Acknowledgment

By submitting this form electronically, I acknowledge and agree that my electronic signature shall have the same force and legal effect as an original handwritten signature.

I acknowledge that:

I have carefully read this entire Agreement.
I understand its contents.
I understand that I am waiving substantial legal rights.
I understand that participation involves serious risks, including severe injury and death.
I agree to participate voluntarily and entirely at my own risk.
I intend this Agreement to be a complete and unconditional release of liability to the fullest extent permitted by law.

If the participant is under the age of eighteen (18), a parent or legal guardian must complete the parental consent section and agree to these terms on behalf of the minor participant.