Participation Waiver

Read carefully.

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1. Assumption of Risk
   I understand that participating in a pickleball trip or event with Empowher Pickleball, LLC (“Company”) involves risks, including but not limited to: physical exertion, collision with other participants, slips or falls, equipment failure, weather changes, illness, and travel by shuttle/van/bus. I knowingly accept and assume all such risks, whether known or unknown.
    

2. Release of Liability for Injuries
   I release and hold harmless Empowher Pickleball, LLC, its officers, employees, coaches, contractors, and representatives (“Staff”) from any and all claims for personal injury, property damage, or financial loss arising from my participation in pickleball events, coaching, or instruction to the fullest extent allowed by Illinois law, except to the extent caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

This release includes, but is not limited to:

• Injuries arising from participation in drills, games, or competitive play.
   

• Injuries caused by my own actions or the actions of other participants.
   

• Injuries resulting from my failure to follow instructions, safety rules, or guidance given by Staff.
   

I acknowledge that pickleball, coaching, and related events involve inherent risks, including possible serious injury, permanent disability, or death, and I accept full responsibility for my participation.

3. Travel Documents

I understand that it is solely my responsibility to obtain and carry the required travel documents for my trip, including but not limited to a valid passport, visas, ETIAS authorization, and any other entry, exit, or transit requirements. The Company is not responsible for advising me of such requirements, or for any costs, delays, or losses I may incur due to incomplete, missing, or invalid travel documents.

4. Travel Insurance
   I acknowledge that the Company strongly encourages all participants to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, and baggage loss. I understand that if I choose not to purchase travel insurance, I am solely responsible for all risks and costs that may arise.

5. Personal Property
   I understand that I am solely responsible for my personal belongings. The Company and its Staff are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to my property.

6. Trip Changes & Cancellations
   I understand that trips may be changed or canceled due to events beyond the Company’s control (e.g., severe weather, civil unrest, natural disasters). I agree that the Company is not responsible for any financial loss I may incur due to such cancellations.

7. Medical Care
   If I suffer illness or injury, I authorize the Company and its Staff to arrange emergency medical treatment at my expense.

8. Obligations During Trip
   I agree to follow all rules, safety instructions, and directions given by Staff. I understand that failure to comply may result in my removal from the trip without refund.

9. Legal Terms
    

• This Waiver is governed by Illinois law.
   

• Any claims must be filed in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Illinois.
   

• If I bring a claim in violation of this Waiver, I agree to pay the Company’s reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in defending that claim.
   

• This Waiver is binding on me, my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.

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10.  Photo & Media Release

By registering for and participating in any Empowher Pickleball event, I grant Empowher Pickleball permission to capture and use photos, videos and other media featuring me for promotional and marketing purposes. These materials may be used on the Empowher website, social media or other marketing channels. I understand that no compensation will be provided and that images will be used respectfully to represent the Empowher Pickleball community and its events.

If I prefer not to appear in photos or videos, I understand it is my responsibility to notify Empowher Pickleball in writing prior to or at the start of the event.