This Agreement must be read and signed before any Participant may take part in training, classes, competitions, meetings, camps, or other activities organized by Royal Fencing Academy (“RFA”).  If the participant is under eighteen (18) years of age, this Agreement must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Please read the waiver carefully and provide your information and signature below.

1. Acknowledgment of Risk

I understand that participation in fencing and related athletic activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to: physical contact with other participants, use of fencing weapons and equipment, slips, falls, or collisions, equipment malfunction, strains, sprains, fractures, concussions, or other injuries, and serious bodily injury, disability, or death.

I acknowledge that while RFA takes reasonable precautions and requires appropriate protective equipment, these risks cannot be completely eliminated.

By signing this Agreement, I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks, both known and unknown, associated with participation in RFA activities.

2. Release and Waiver of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Maryland, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue:

RFA, its owners, directors, instructors, coaches, employees, agents, volunteers, affiliates, sponsors, and the owners or operators of facilities used by RFA (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, or causes of action arising out of or related to participation in RFA activities, including claims arising from ordinary negligence of the Released Parties.

This release applies to personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may occur while participating in or attending any RFA activity.

3. Parental Consent and Indemnification (For Minor Participants)

If the participant is under the age of eighteen (18), the undersigned parent or legal guardian:

• Consents to the minor’s participation in all RFA activities.
• Agrees to the terms of this Agreement on behalf of the minor.
• Agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims brought by or on behalf of the minor.

4. Medical Certification and Health Acknowledgment

I certify that:

• The participant is in good physical health and capable of participating safely in fencing activities.
• The participant has no known medical condition that would make participation unsafe.
• I understand that RFA strongly recommends obtaining a physical examination by a licensed physician before participating.

5. Medical Insurance and Responsibility for Costs

I certify that the participant has adequate health and medical insurance coverage.

I understand and agree that RFA does not provide medical insurance for participants and that I am solely responsible for all medical costs, hospital bills, therapy costs, and related expenses arising from any injury or illness sustained during participation.

6. USA Fencing Membership

I certify that the participant has active membership with USA Fencing.  I understand and agree that if and when such membership expires it will be promptly renewed.  Further I understand and agree that if the participant does not have active membership they cannot participate in RFA activities.  Please provide the participants USA Fencing membership number at the bottom of the form in the signature section. 

7. Emergency Medical Authorization

In the event of injury or medical emergency, I authorize RFA staff, instructors, or representatives to obtain emergency medical treatment, contact emergency services and/or arrange transportation to a hospital or medical facility. 

I understand that all associated medical costs are my responsibility.

8. Equipment and Facility Safety

I agree that I will:

• Inspect all equipment before use;
• Immediately notify an instructor or staff member if I observe any unsafe condition; and
• Follow all safety rules, equipment requirements, and instructor directions.

Failure to follow safety rules may result in removal from activities without refund.

9. Participant Conduct

I agree that the participant will:

• Follow all instructions from coaches and staff;
• Use proper fencing equipment and protective gear;
• Treat instructors and other participants respectfully; and
• Refrain from dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct.

RFA reserves the right to remove or suspend participants for unsafe or disruptive behavior.

10. Photo and Video Release

I agree to grant permission to RFA to photograph, video record, or otherwise capture the likeness, image, voice, and/or participation of my child listed below, and of me as a spectator or participant, during Academy practices, games, tournaments, events, or related activities.

The Academy may use such photographs and recordings for lawful purposes, including its website, social media, promotional, marketing, informational materials, and internal or external communications.  I understand that images and recordings may be edited, copied, published, or distributed, and I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or its use.

I release and hold harmless RFA and its officers, directors, coaches, volunteers, agents, and representatives from any claims or liability arising from the use of such images or recordings, including claims of invasion of privacy or publicity, to the fullest extent permitted under Maryland law.  This release remains in effect unless revoked in writing and applies to all uses made prior to revocation.

11. Payment Policy

By registering for RFA programs, I agree that:

• All program fees must be paid through RFA’s designated electronic payment system.
• Withdrawal from a program requires at least thirty (30) days written notice sent to billing administrators (tsafai42@gmail.com and sarah.royalfa@gmail.com).
• Partial monthly refunds will not be provided.
• If prepaid discounted tuition was used, refunds for unused months will be recalculated at the non-discounted rate. Requests for refunds for unused months must be submitted in writing to billing administrators (tsafai42@gmail.com and sarah.royalfa@gmail.com).
• I agree to pay reasonable collection costs, attorney’s fees, and court costs if payment enforcement becomes necessary.
• I agree to reimburse RFA for any damage to facilities or equipment caused by the participant. Reimbursement will be paid within ten (10) days of notice.

12. Severability

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

13. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland.

14. Binding Arbitration Agreement and Procedure

In consideration of being permitted to participate in activities conducted by RFA, the undersigned participant and/or parent or legal guardian agree that any and all disputes, claims, or controversies arising out of or relating to participation in RFA activities or this Agreement shall be resolved through binding arbitration.

This agreement to arbitrate includes, but is not limited to, claims for personal injury, property damage, negligence, breach of contract, statutory claims, and any other claims permitted by law.

Arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the Maryland Uniform Arbitration Act, Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 3-201 et seq., and administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its applicable consumer arbitration rules, unless the parties mutually agree to a different arbitration provider.  The arbitration shall take place in Montgomery County, Maryland, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.  The arbitrator shall have authority to award any relief available under applicable law. Judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

15. Acknowledgment of Understanding

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Agreement in its entirety, understand that it includes a waiver of certain legal rights, and execute it knowingly, voluntarily, and without coercion.