From losing balance in Warrior Three to wobbly shoulder stands, you’ve seen your fair share of stumbles in class. And while these often don’t lead to serious injury, that doesn’t mean big accidents can’t happen.
Case in point: The student who had a hefty iguana drop onto his face during an outdoor class in Miami, which caused his eye to become swollen shut. Or, the student who fell into and shattered a sixth-floor studio window while performing a headstand during a New York class.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard your yoga practice from lawsuits caused by mishaps like these is to require students to sign a yoga liability waiver.
What Is a Yoga Waiver?
A yoga waiver is a legal document used by yoga instructors and studio owners designed to protect against claims of injuries or accidents that occur during class or on the premises.
When students sign this waiver, they consent to participate in your yoga classes, acknowledge the potential risks, and agree that you cannot be held responsible if something goes wrong.
This waiver typically includes a description of the activities, potential risks, and a statement that students assume responsibility for any injuries or damages. By signing, they waive the right to sue you in the context of the conditions outlined.
You became a certified yoga instructor to share your passion, not to worry about liability claims. A waiver is an essential tool that takes care of those potential legal concerns so you can stay present for your students.
FREE Yoga Liability Waiver Form
Between choreographing sequences and managing your class schedule, you’ve got a lot on your mat. To help get you started, we created a free yoga waiver template you can modify to fit your practice.
This template includes the necessary elements, including the release of claims, acknowledgment of good health, and consent to critical medical treatment.
Start with this as the foundation of your waiver form, then add any other relevant details and clauses tailored to your business.
Get Your Free Yoga Liability Waiver
Please note that a yoga liability waiver does not guarantee legal protection. Always consult with a legal professional to ensure your waiver covers your unique business needs.
What Does a Yoga Waiver Form Cover?
A yoga waiver typically covers the following:
- Assumption of risk: Your student agrees to accept the risks (such as injury or property damage) involved with attending your classes.
- Release of liability: Your student agrees not to hold you liable for any claims brought on by the outlined risks — they will not sue you if there’s an accident.
- Confirmation of good health: Your student confirms they’re healthy enough to participate in your classes.
- Medical authorization: Your student permits you to seek medical attention on their behalf if needed.
- Consent to participation: Your student consents to the conditions and agrees to participate in the activity.
What Does it Not Cover?
A waiver for yoga classes can reduce your chances of facing a lawsuit, but it’s not foolproof. The biggest limitation you must be aware of is gross negligence.
Your waiver will not cover you or your studio if it’s determined that you have shown reckless disregard for safety or have intentionally harmed a student.
Other things a waiver might not cover include:
- Unenforceable clauses
- Non-yoga-related incidents
- Improper conduct or violations of law
- Injuries or damages suffered by non-participants
Another important thing to note is that your waiver is limited by the language used to write it. In other words, it will not cover you for accidents that are not “written” into it.
Because you won’t be able to detail every possible circumstance in your waiver, you must have a lawyer review it before you start using it. They’ll be in the best position to make sure your waiver protects you and your business as much as possible.
Who Needs to Use a Yoga Class Waiver?
If you teach yoga, you should use a waiver!
Anyone offering yoga classes, retreats, workshops, events, or corporate sessions should use a yoga liability waiver. This includes:
- Yoga instructors
- Yoga studio owners
- Online yoga instructors
- Independent or freelance instructors
- Students teaching/leading as part of their certification requirements
Do I Need Insurance in Addition to a Waiver?
Yes, you need yoga liability insurance to protect you where your waiver may not be able to.
If an accident happens that falls outside of the scope of your waiver’s outlined risks or clauses, you must be prepared with the proper insurance.
Instructor liability insurance covers common yoga claims, such as students getting injured or having their property damaged during your classes. It can also cover damage to your rented studio space, as well as non-physical claims like invasion of privacy or advertising mistakes.
Or, imagine if a student claims they haven’t reached the mind-body wellness and physical results they expected from your classes and decides to take legal action against you. Liability insurance can cover a scenario like this, too!
For as low as $15 a month, you can have peace of mind that you won’t have to pay out of pocket when things don’t flow as planned. Your insurance coverage and liability waiver complement each other — like an inhale and an exhale, keeping everything balanced and on track.
FAQs About Yoga Waivers
Do I Need a Lawyer to Draft My Waiver?
While not legally required, having a lawyer review your waiver ensures it’s enforceable and properly protects your business. You can have a lawyer draft your waiver, or start with a template, modify it to your needs, and then have a lawyer review it.
How Often Should Students Sign a Waiver?
You should have students sign a waiver before their first class and update it annually or whenever there are significant changes to your policies or services.
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.
