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LIABILITY WAIVER, RULES, AND ETIQUETTE AGREEMENT

LIABILITY RELEASE:

Member/Signatory ID (Upload Front of Driver's License):

I, {Name}, hereby acknowledge that by signing this Liability Waiver Agreement, I willingly assume all risks associated with participating in any activities offered by Calvert MMA Academy, LLC, and Lineage BJJ, LLC, collectively referred to as “the Academy.” I understand that my participation in these activities is voluntary, and I am responsible for my own safety and the safety of any minors under my care who also participate in these activities.

I understand that martial arts training, including but not limited to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, wrestling, judo, takedowns, throws, striking drills, strength training, conditioning, and related activities, involves inherent risks of injury. These risks include, but are not limited to:

• throws and takedowns
• falls and collisions with other participants
• joint locks and submission holds
• chokeholds and grappling pressure
• accidental strikes or contact
• sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, muscle tears, and spinal injuries
• concussions or head impacts
• skin infections and communicable diseases
• injuries caused by training partners or failure to release techniques promptly
• injuries that may occur before pain is felt, including delayed tap injuries and injuries from flexible joints reaching their mechanical limit

I fully understand that martial arts training is physically demanding and involves unpredictable physical contact. I voluntarily choose to participate and assume all risks, both known and unknown, associated with my participation or the participation of any minor under my care.

Members acknowledge that martial arts training involves rapid physical exchanges between participants where injuries may occur before instructors have an opportunity to observe, anticipate, or intervene. Participants therefore accept personal responsibility for tapping early, training with control, following all safety rules, and protecting their own safety during training.

I hereby release and discharge the Academy, its officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, subcontractors, and guest instructors from any and all claims, demands, damages, causes of action, and liabilities that may arise from or be related to my participation in the Academy’s activities, including but not limited to any injury, illness, death, or property damage that may occur as a result of my participation.

Furthermore, I agree to indemnify and hold the Academy, its officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, subcontractors, and guest instructors harmless from any and all claims, demands, damages, causes of action, and liabilities that may arise from or be related to my participation in the Academy’s activities, including but not limited to any injury, illness, death, or property damage that may occur as a result of my participation.

Nothing in this waiver is intended to release claims arising from gross negligence, reckless conduct, or intentional misconduct to the extent such claims cannot legally be waived under applicable law.

I understand that the Academy does not provide medical insurance for any injuries that may occur as a result of my participation in its activities, and I am solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining my own medical insurance.

I acknowledge that martial arts training may aggravate known or unknown medical conditions. I certify that I am medically able to participate, or that I have chosen to participate despite any condition after consulting, or choosing not to consult, a physician. If I have any doubts about my physical condition, I will consult with a physician before participating in the Academy’s activities.

I specifically understand and acknowledge that:
• joint locks may cause injury before pain is felt
• chokeholds and strangles may temporarily restrict blood flow, breathing, awareness, or consciousness
• grappling, takedowns, and throws may place stress on the neck and spine
• injuries may occur even when training partners and instructors are acting carefully and following safety rules

I acknowledge that this agreement is binding on my family, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns. I have read and understood this agreement and voluntarily sign it without reservation as my own free act and deed.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE RISK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT:

I acknowledge that participation in martial arts training involves close physical contact and therefore carries a risk of exposure to contagious illnesses and infectious diseases, including but not limited to:

• Coronavirus/COVID-19
• influenza
• staph infections
• MRSA
• ringworm
• impetigo
• herpes / cold sores
• warts
• pink eye
• fungal infections
• other communicable diseases

I understand that the Academy has implemented preventative measures to reduce the spread of such illnesses and infections. However, I acknowledge that there is no guarantee that I will not become infected despite these measures.

I agree to comply with all procedures, health standards, safety rules, and hygiene requirements in place to reduce the spread of contagious disease while attending the Academy.

I attest that:

• I am not experiencing symptoms of illness such as fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, severe congestion, shortness of breath, or other signs of contagious illness.
• I do not knowingly have any active contagious virus, bacterial infection, fungal infection, skin infection, or other condition that may infect others.
• I will not train if I am sick, suspect I am getting sick, or have been advised by a medical professional to refrain from close-contact physical activity.
• I will not train with ringworm, staph, MRSA, impetigo, pink eye, cold sores, warts, unexplained skin rashes, draining wounds, or any other contagious condition.
• I will wash or sanitize my hands before and after class.
• I will arrive with clean gym attire and a clean gym bag for each class.
• I will report any illness, suspected skin infection, rash, bleeding wound, or contagious condition to the Academy staff immediately.
• I understand that instructors or staff may require me to stop training and leave the mat area if they reasonably suspect I have a contagious condition.
• I understand and assume all risks associated with exposure to contagious illness or infectious disease.

I hereby release and agree to hold the Academy harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives, any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act or failure to act of the Academy or that may otherwise arise in connection with any services received from the Academy. This liability waiver and release extends to the Academy, together with all owners, partners, employees, guest instructors, contractors, and subcontractors.

AUTHORIZATION FOR TREATMENT:

I/We hereby authorize the medical personnel selected by the Academy to secure and administer treatment and to maintain and/or release any medical records necessary for treatment purposes, as outlined under HIPAA and other applicable law. I also authorize medical personnel to provide or arrange necessary transportation for the person named above.

I verify that I or my child named above is in sufficient health to participate in strenuous activities. I understand that it is my responsibility to tailor our activities to those within the bounds of our physical condition and limitations. I acknowledge that any medical treatment provided to me or my child while attending activities at the Academy will be paid for by my medical insurance company, if any, and I guarantee payment for any services not covered by insurance.

I understand that the Academy may not have medical professionals on site and that emergency response times are outside the Academy’s control.

I understand that the medical personnel will take reasonable measures to contact me, or the emergency contact provided, if a medical situation arises. However, if they are unable to reach me or the emergency contact, they have my permission to provide or authorize any necessary medical treatment.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the terms of this Authorization for Treatment.

RULES AND ETIQUETTE OF THE ACADEMY:

All members, guests, visitors, and potential members must read, agree to, and adhere to the rules and etiquette of the Academy before participating in any activities. If there are any questions or concerns with any part of our rules and etiquette, it is the member’s responsibility to bring these issues to the attention of the Academy for resolution.

The Academy may update safety rules, banned techniques, class procedures, hygiene requirements, and etiquette policies from time to time. Members agree to follow all rules communicated through:

• instructors or coaches
• written materials
• posted signage
• email, text, or member app notifications
• verbal instruction on the mat

Failure to follow safety rules, etiquette standards, or instructor directions may result in suspension or expulsion.

Good Conduct:

Member safety is of utmost concern. Any member who acts in an unsafe manner or is disrespectful to instructors, staff, other members, or guests may be immediately removed from training, suspended, or expelled from the Academy and may forfeit contractual rights as provided in their membership agreement.

Any member who uses Academy techniques in an intentional criminal manner or for purposes other than lawful self-defense in a violent situation may be immediately expelled from the Academy.

Harassment, intimidation, bullying, threatening behavior, stalking, retaliation, or disruptive conduct toward instructors, staff, members, guests, or the Academy is prohibited.

Members also agree not to engage in knowingly false, defamatory, malicious, or harassing conduct toward the Academy, its staff, members, or associated parties, whether online or offline, public or private, including but not limited to targeted harassment, malicious review activity, or conduct intended to interfere with the Academy’s operations solely because the Academy follows its policies or enforces its agreements.

Guests/Members also agree not to engage in harassment, intimidation, threats, retaliation, or malicious disparagement directed toward the Academy, its staff, members, or associated parties after termination, expulsion, or departure from the Academy.

Cleanliness:

A clean uniform/clothing/equipment must be worn and used for each class.

No street clothes are allowed on the mats during training, including clothing worn throughout the day under your uniform, such as blue jeans, sweatpants, or other outside garments.

Bodies, including hands, feet, and hair, should be clean for each class.

Nails should be trimmed neatly and rounded to prevent accidental cuts and lacerations to training partners.

Long hair must be secured in a manner that does not create a safety hazard, including avoiding sharp clips, bobby pins, or other objects that may injure a training partner.

Hands should be washed or sanitized before and after each class.

Shoes are never permitted on the mats, including wrestling shoes, unless specifically authorized by an instructor for a special circumstance.

Shoes must be worn whenever a member leaves the mat area, including restroom use.

Members agree to follow team uniform policy guidelines.

Members who fail to maintain appropriate hygiene or cleanliness may be required to leave the mat area or stop training.

Physical / Personal Safety:

Submissions:

If you wish to stop at any time while grappling or training with a partner/opponent, verbally say “stop” or “tap,” or tap repetitively with your hand, foot, or other body part on your opponent or on the mat.

You should tap whenever you feel discomfort. Do not wait until you feel actual pain to tap.

While training with a partner/opponent, you are responsible for their safety, within your control, and are required to immediately stop and release any applied technique when your partner/opponent taps, verbally submits, shows distress, or reaches a mechanical stopping point in a joint.

A tap is not the only safety signal.

Joint lock submissions must be applied slowly, progressively, and under control. If a joint reaches its full range of motion or mechanical stopping point, the technique must be released immediately even if the partner has not tapped. Hyper-extension beyond the natural range of motion is prohibited. This is especially important because some individuals are more flexible than others, some do not feel pain immediately, and some may refuse or delay tapping.

Submissions must always be applied slowly enough to allow a training partner time to recognize the technique and submit safely.

If your training partner/opponent refuses to tap to an applied technique at a point when it is clear the technique will result in harm, you must discontinue the technique immediately before injury occurs and report the incident to an instructor.

Once a submission is fully secured and technical control has been achieved, members must maintain control without unnecessarily increasing pressure. Continuing to increase pressure after control has clearly been established is unsafe and unnecessary.

Chokes, strangles, and blood-flow restraints affecting the carotid arteries must always be applied with care and control. If a partner shows signs of dizziness, confusion, fading awareness, inability to tap, or loss of consciousness, the hold must be released immediately and an instructor notified without delay.

Remember, we are not a “fight club.” You are responsible for your training partners/opponent’s safety, within your control. You may not intentionally hurt your training partner/opponent, they may not intentionally hurt you, and you cannot allow them to intentionally hurt themselves. This is especially true for the higher-ranked person when training.

If at any time someone shouts out in pain, that is a verbal submission and the technique must be released immediately.

We fully respect and support your right to choose your training partners. If there is a particular student you are uncomfortable partnering with for drilling or rolling, please trust your instincts and exercise your right to decline the partnership. If needed, bring your concerns to our staff members for a discreet resolution.

Illness / Injury:

If you are sick, stay home.

If you think you may be getting sick or were exposed to someone who is ill, stay home.

If you have a contagious illness or disease, you are not permitted to train at the Academy. This includes, but is not limited to, cold sores, warts, influenza, COVID-19, common cold, tuberculosis, strep, hepatitis, pink eye, ringworm, staph, MRSA, rashes, fungal infections, or other contagious conditions.

If you are injured, including injuries obtained outside of the Academy, immediately report it to an instructor before training or continuing training at the Academy.

Any injury that occurs within the Academy must be reported within 24 hours of the occurrence.

Members must immediately report:

• joint injury
• severe pain
• dizziness
• suspected concussion or head impact
• confusion
• blackout or loss of consciousness

Training may be restricted until the member is medically cleared.

Blood-Borne Pathogens:

If you are bleeding, discontinue training and notify an instructor immediately so the Academy can attend to the injury and clean/sanitize the affected mat area.

If you notice blood on mats or on another student, report it immediately.

No participant may continue training while actively bleeding.

Skin Infection / Rash:

If you have or suspect you may have a skin infection, rash, cold sore, fungal infection, or other contagious skin condition, report it immediately to an instructor and seek medical attention.

You will not be permitted to train with a skin infection or rash until it has been fully resolved or you have been cleared by a medical doctor and/or the Academy.

If an instructor believes a student may have a contagious skin condition, the instructor may require the student to stop training immediately and leave the mat area. This policy exists to protect the health and safety of the Academy community.

Jewelry:

For your safety, the safety of others, and to prevent damage to the mats, you may not wear jewelry of any kind while training. This includes, but is not limited to, watches, rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and similar items. Silicone bands may be permitted unless otherwise directed by an instructor. Pierced jewelry may be permitted only on a case-by-case basis with approval from an instructor.

Nails:

For your safety and the safety of others, your finger and toenails must be trimmed neatly and rounded with no sharp edges to prevent cuts and lacerations to training partners.

Grappling / Technique Drilling:

To ensure safety and prevent injuries, “free rolling” may be restricted until a member has demonstrated sufficient control, awareness, and readiness, as determined by the coaching staff. Positional rolling and drilling may be used before unrestricted rolling is permitted.

The following techniques are prohibited for all ranks during normal in-class grappling unless specifically authorized by an instructor:

• straight cervical neck cranks
• small joint manipulations (fingers and toes)
• fingers or hands in the mouth or ears / over the mouth or nose
• attacking the groin area
• hair pulling / grabbing
• high-velocity slams from the guard
• pinching or crushing the trachea (windpipe)
• face crushing (choking over the face)

If you wish to use any of the following techniques during rolling/sparring, you and your training partner/opponent must verbally agree prior to the roll and an instructor must authorize their use:

• striking or uncontrolled dropping of body weight of any kind
• heel hooks or twisting foot locks
• knee bars
• toe holds
• wrist locks
• over guard guillotine / Peruvian necktie

Coach and instructor direction always overrides partner consent.

Coach Authority:

Instructors and coaches may:

• stop training exchanges at any time
• assign or reassign training partners
• restrict or prohibit techniques
• modify training intensity
• require a student to sit out a round or class
• remove students from training
• require a student to leave the mat area or facility for safety, hygiene, medical, conduct, or etiquette reasons

These decisions are made for safety, instruction, and the protection of the Academy community and must be respected.

Property Damage:

All members, visitors, or their responsible parties are liable for any damage caused to the Academy’s property due to neglect, intentional actions, or failure to follow the Academy’s rules. This includes, but is not limited to, damage to equipment, facilities, or other members’ belongings.

Members/visitors who cause damage will be required to reimburse the Academy for the cost of repair or replacement of the damaged property.

Additionally, members/visitors are responsible for compensating the Academy for any staff time spent returning the property to its original condition, including installation or setup of replacement items.

The Academy reserves the right to assess and determine the total costs associated with the damage and enforce payment or replacement terms as necessary.

NON-SOLICIT COVENANT:

Guests/Members agree never to solicit active or former members of Lineage BJJ®, Calvert MMA Academy®, or any related entity for a competing martial arts business, similar training activity, or business venture that conflicts with the Academy’s interests.

Guests/Members agree not to engage in actions, directly or indirectly, that would harm the Academy, including but not limited to soliciting members, staff, or instructors to leave or join a competing business or activity.

If expelled from the Academy, terminated, or upon choosing to leave, the Guest/Member agrees not to harass, threaten, intimidate, maliciously disparage, or otherwise intentionally harm the reputation, operations, staff, members, or associated parties of the Academy. This includes public or private communications made for the purpose of retaliation because the Academy follows its rules, enforces its agreements, or protects its members and staff.

MINORS:

No student under the age of 16 shall be left unaccompanied by a parent/guardian/adult family member at the Academy without approval from the Academy staff.

In addition, minors under the age of 18 are never allowed in the Academy unaccompanied without a minimum of two adults present.

Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising minors in common areas and for complying with Academy supervision rules.

BATHROOM:

Parents/Guardians/Guests/Visitors have the responsibility to check the bathroom before and after their child uses it. If necessary, parents/guardians must clean up after their child and will be held responsible for any damages that may occur from their child’s bathroom usage.

FOOD AND GUM:

No food or gum is allowed in the Academy without approval from the Academy staff.

PERSONAL PROPERTY:

Member/Parent/Guardian/Guest/Visitor is responsible for taking all personal property home after each class.

The Academy is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal property.

For sanitary reasons, the Academy will not hold unclean uniforms/workout gear within the Academy. If forgotten, it is the member’s responsibility to return to the Academy promptly to retrieve their property.

We do not have a lost and found service.

It is the member’s responsibility to notify the Academy of any lost or left-behind items as soon as possible.

Security cameras may be used throughout the facility for safety and security purposes.

If you believe an item of value was lost or stolen at the Academy, notify us immediately.

RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE:

The Academy has a large community of law enforcement personnel, government employees, and many other members with high-level clearances or professional positions of trust.

To protect the integrity and safety of the Academy community, the Academy reserves the right to deny, suspend, or terminate participation if a person presents a safety risk, legal risk, health risk, or disruption to the training environment.

This includes, but is not limited to, individuals under criminal investigation, indictment, or convicted of a felony.

LEGAL MATTERS / FEES:

Any legal issues arising from this document will be heard and settled within the judicial system of the State of Maryland.

If any part of this document is deemed invalid, unenforceable, or disfavored by a court, the remainder of the document shall remain in full force and effect.

In the event that the Academy prevails in court, the signatory agrees to cover the Academy’s reasonable legal expenses, court costs, and attorney fees, together with an additional $2,000.00 for each court appearance by a representative of the Academy, to the extent permitted by law.

MEDIA RELEASE

I grant permission to Calvert MMA Academy, LLC and Lineage BJJ, LLC (collectively referred to as “the Academy”) to photograph or record me and/or my child during classes, seminars, competitions, events, or other Academy activities.

These photographs, video recordings, or audio recordings may be used by the Academy for educational, promotional, editorial, or marketing purposes, including use on websites, social media platforms, printed materials, or other media formats.

If I do not wish to have images or recordings of myself or my child used for these purposes, I understand that I must submit a written opt-out request to the Academy.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY NOTICE

All curriculum, training methods, instructional techniques, written materials, digital content, videos, logos, trademarks, branding, and other intellectual property associated with Calvert MMA Academy, LLC and Lineage BJJ, LLC are the exclusive property of those entities and are protected under applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws.

Unauthorized copying, recording, reproduction, distribution, publication, commercial use, or teaching of these materials without prior written permission from the Academy is strictly prohibited.

RECORDING AND SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Members and guests may take photographs or short videos within the Academy provided that such recording does not interfere with instruction, disrupt classes, or violate the privacy of other members.

Recording during instructional demonstrations, technique instruction, private lessons, seminars, or curriculum teaching is prohibited unless expressly authorized by an instructor.

Members agree not to record, publish, or distribute video or audio that reveals instructional methods, curriculum content, proprietary training material, or other instructional content without prior written permission from the Academy.

Members also agree not to post or distribute content originating from within the Academy that may misrepresent the Academy, damage its reputation, violate the privacy of other members, or create legal liability for the Academy.

The Academy reserves the right to request the removal of any photos, videos, recordings, or social media posts originating from within the facility that violate this policy or that may negatively impact the Academy, its members, instructors, or business operations.

Violation of this policy may result in removal from the facility, termination of membership, or other disciplinary action at the discretion of the Academy.

SIGNATURE

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read this Liability Waiver, Rules, and Etiquette Agreement in full, have had the opportunity to ask any questions before signing, and fully understand its contents. I voluntarily accept all terms and understand that martial arts training involves inherent risks. I agree to follow all Academy rules, safety policies, etiquette standards, and instructor directions.

© Calvert MMA Academy, LLC & Lineage BJJ, LLC — All Rights Reserved.