Waivers | Photo Releases | More Topics
What forms will I need to sign?
You will need to sign a Liability Waiver and possibly a Photo Release form. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about both these forms.
Liability Waiver
Participants are asked to sign a waiver on all Sierra Club outings. The waivers are in Portable Document Format (PDF). To print them you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, which you can download for free from the Adobe website.
- Individual Liability Waiver
- Sign-In Sheet & Liability Waiver
- Children under 18 not accompanied by a parent or guardian will need a completed minor release form.
Waiver FAQs
- Why is the Sierra Club using a liability waiver?
- Are liability waivers enforceable?
- What is the difference between a liability waiver and an acknowledgement of risk?
- On the sign-in sheet waiver, what does "Early Sign-Out" mean?
- Can minors sign liability waivers?
- Can an adult who is not the parent or guardian, such as a scout leader or teacher, sign the liability waiver on behalf of the parent or guardian of a minor?
- (Regarding Inner City Outings) I have already signed a waiver with the sponsoring social agency. Why do I need to sign another waiver for the Sierra Club?
Q. Why is the Sierra Club using a liability waiver?
A. The use of liability waivers have become a standard practice in the outdoor industry. Customers are now required to sign a waiver when doing anything from renting a kayak to going horseback riding. Waivers are used to help protect the outdoor organization and leaders in the event of a lawsuit.
Q. Are liability waivers enforceable?
A. Although some say that liability waivers are worthless, our legal counsel and outdoor industry professionals believe that they are of great value. There is an emerging body of case law in which liability waivers have afforded outdoor organizations very real protection from frivilous claims.
Q. What is the difference between a liability waiver and an acknowledgement of risk?
A. A participant's acknowledgement of risk is just that -- an acknowledgment that the participant might get hurt. A liability wavier includes such an acknowledgement, but goes beyond mere acknowledgement of risk and also asks the participants to assume the responsibility for that risk.
Q. On the sign-in sheets, what does "Early Sign-Out" mean?
A. Occasionally a participant decides to leave an outing before the outing officially ends. When this happens, the participant must initialize the "Early Sign-Out" column next to their name. This will document the fact that the participant is no longer on the outing and that the Sierra Club leaders are no longer responsible for the participant's safety. This documentation will help protect the Club and the leaders in the event that a participant is injured after leaving the outing.
Only participants who leave the outing early need to initialize the "Early Sign-Out" column. Participants who stay with the group until the outing officially ends do not need to initialize this column.
Q. Can minors sign liability waivers?
A. No. Liability waivers signed by minors are not enforceable. Minors must have a liability waiver signed by their parent or guardian. Anyone under 18 years old is considered a minor.
Q. Can an adult who is not the parent or guardian, such as a scout leader or teacher, sign the liability waiver on behalf of the parent or guardian of a minor?
A. No.
Q. (Regarding Inner City Outings) I have already signed a waiver with the sponsoring social agency. Why do I need to sign another waiver for the Sierra Club?
A. The agency's liability waiver only protects the agency and its employees -- not the Sierra Club and its leaders.
Photo Releases
Participants might be asked to sign a photo/video model release. This is used to protect leaders from claims such as defamation or invasion of privacy. The person who signs the release usually gives up any right to sue over these kinds of claims. If the subject is a minor, a parent or guardian will need to sign.
If the subject of the photograph is a public figure such as a well-known elected official, a celebrity, or Michael Brune, a photo release is generally not necessary.
More FAQs about Local Outings
Q. Can I carpool to the trip starting point?
A. Yes. We encourage trip participants, whenever possible, to carpool to and from the trailhead or starting point in order to minimize their carbon emissions. However, it is at your sole risk, whether you are the driver or passenger. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them; carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the drivers and riders.
Q. May I bring electronic devices on a Sierra Club trip?
A. Electronic devices may be used as long as, in the judgment of the trip leader, they do not impair the safety, serenity, or enjoyment of any trip member, or cohesiveness of the group.
Q. Am I supposed to give the trip leader a tip?
A. All Sierra Club leaders are volunteers who hope that your positive experience on our trips will heighten your commitment to and support of the Sierra Club. Accordingly, our leaders do not accept gratuities. If your experience was especially positive and you wish to do something extra, contributions can be made to the Sierra Club or the Sierra Club Foundation.
Q. What do I need to know about medical issues and safety?
A. Sierra Club trips are outdoor adventures where the group may not have ready access to definitive medical care such as 911. Each leader is first-aid trained and carries a first-aid kit for medical emergencies. The first-aid kit only includes general first-aid supplies and some over-the counter medications appropriate for the type of outing-it does not include any prescription medications.
Q. How do I provide feedback about my experience?
A. We strive to provide safe and enjoyable experiences for all of our participants, and we appreciate any comments and suggestions, positive or negative, so that we may assess, improve, and expand our program. Please feel free to provide feedback about your experience by contacting the chair person for your group or by writing local.outings@sierraclub.org. Please include the Leader name(s), trip destination (including city and state) and date.