Before you start grooving to that irresistible Zumba® beat, you begin with a warm-up to get everyone ready to move. It’s a step you never skip. Just as important as a pre-dance stretch is ensuring your participants have all signed liability waivers.
By having a waiver form in place, you protect both your students and your business, giving you peace of mind to keep the music going and the energy high in every class.
What Is a Zumba Liability Waiver?
A Zumba liability waiver is a legal document designed to protect Zumba instructors from the liabilities associated with their work.
How it works: Before someone takes your class, they sign the liability waiver you provide them. By signing, they acknowledge the risks of participating in Zumba activities and agree to participate regardless and not to hold you liable if things go wrong.
Essentially, it’s a written agreement that says, “I know there’s a chance I can get hurt by taking this class, but I want to do it anyway.”
Of course, you as the Zumba instructor will do your best to maintain a safe environment and provide proper guidance, but the liability waiver is a just-in-case precaution that can keep you safe from lawsuits.
Get Your FREE Zumba Liability Waiver Form
To help get you started, here’s a free Zumba liability waiver form you can customize for your business. This downloadable template was reviewed by our legal team and includes the essential provisions, such as release of claims, acknowledgment of good health, and consent to necessary medical treatment.
Get Your Free Zumba Liability Waiver
Be sure to have a legal professional look over your Zumba waiver form template to make sure it covers your specific business needs.
What Does a Zumba Waiver Cover?
This Zumba waiver of liability covers:
- Assumption of risk: The participant agrees to accept the risks (such as injury or property damage) involved with taking your classes.
- Release of liability: The participant agrees not to hold you liable (they won’t sue you) for any claims brought on by the outlined risks.
- Confirmation of good health: The participant confirms they’re healthy enough to take a class.
- Medical authorization: The participant permits you to seek medical attention if needed on their behalf.
- Consent to participation: The participant (or their guardian) consents to the conditions and agrees to take part in the activity.
What Does It Not Cover?
A waiver can reduce the chances of you facing a lawsuit, but it doesn’t cover everything.
Here are some things it won’t cover:
- Gross negligence or the intentional harm of a participant
- Unenforceable clauses (the court would decide this)
- Non-Zumba-related incidents
- Injuries to non-participants
You can think of a waiver as a blanket of protection; just be aware that lawyers are trained to find loopholes in the language. Say a particular liability wasn’t defined clearly enough, they could argue that the waiver doesn’t cover your business for that instance.
That’s why you should always have a legal expert review your waiver beforehand.
And keep in mind that a waiver should not be your only line of business defense. Getting insured, having clear safety protocols, and staying up to date on training are other important ways to keep your career safe.
Who Needs to Use a Zumba Waiver Form?
Whether you just got certified, teach online, or already have a loyal Zumba community at the gym, it’s always a smart idea to require participants to sign a waiver form.
Do I Need Insurance in Addition to a Waiver?
Yes, for the most comprehensive protection, you should carry liability insurance to work in tandem with your Zumba waiver.
Because you teach a high-energy fitness style, you face inherent physical risks every time you step onto the dance floor. Zumba instructor insurance is a safety net that can keep you from paying out of pocket for third-party injuries, property damage, and more.
For as low as $15/month, you can insure your business and focus on helping your clients dance toward their fitness goals!
JoAnne Hammer | Program Manager
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Insurance Canopy. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Insurance Canopy. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
