Do you need signed waivers for a sports camp?

Short answer

Almost all sports camps require a signed liability waiver from a parent or guardian before a child takes part, and insurers commonly expect one on file. What a waiver can limit varies by country and state, so the wording should be reviewed locally — but collecting and storing signatures reliably is a requirement everywhere.

What a camp waiver usually covers

Wording differs by jurisdiction, but the components are consistent.

• Acknowledgement of the risks inherent in the sport.
• Release or limitation of liability for ordinary negligence, to the extent local law allows.
• Medical authorisation for emergency treatment, plus allergies and medication.
• Photo and video consent, usually as a separate opt-in.
• Code of conduct and rules acceptance.

Who has to sign

For minors, a parent or legal guardian signs. Some jurisdictions limit how far a parent can waive a child's own claims, which is why the waiver's protective value varies while the practical need for it does not.

Have the wording reviewed by a lawyer in the country you operate in. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Collecting waivers online

A waiver signed inside the registration flow is the only reliable way to reach 100% before day one. The signature is captured with a timestamp, stored with the player record and shown as a status badge on the roster and at check-in.

On Campio, waiver documents are held in private storage and served only through time-limited signed links, and staff can message the families that still have an unsigned waiver.

Frequently asked questions