STEEL CROWN HISTORICAL FENCING, LLC

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK,

INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, AND PARTICIPANT RULES

READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING — THIS AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

PREAMBLE

 In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in Historical European Martial Arts ("HEMA") activities, classes, events, and/or programs conducted by Steel Crown Historical Fencing, LLC, including any access to premises, equipment, or restricted areas used in connection therewith, I, the undersigned adult participant — or the parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) of the minor participant named below — hereby knowingly and voluntarily enter into this Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement (this "Agreement") for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and personal representatives.

1. DEFINITIONS

"Activity" means all Historical European Martial Arts instruction, drilling, sparring, competition, training camps, seminars, events, and any related activities organized, hosted, or formally sanctioned by Steel Crown Historical Fencing, LLC, including travel to and from such activities. For avoidance of doubt, informal gatherings or activities among participants do not constitute an Activity under this Agreement unless expressly designated as such by Steel Crown Historical Fencing, LLC in writing.

"Released Parties" means Steel Crown Historical Fencing, LLC; its owner, Christopher Mineweaser; and all affiliates, managers, members, officers, directors, instructors, coaches, agents, employees, representatives, contractors, volunteers, heirs, predecessors, successors, and assigns; as well as owners and lessees of premises where any Activity takes place.

2. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISKS

I fully understand and acknowledge that:

1. HEMA activities involve physical contact with weapons and opponents and are VERY DANGEROUS activities that carry an inherent risk of bodily injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability (including paralysis), severe social and economic loss, and death.

2. Such risks may be caused by my own actions or inaction; the actions or inaction of others including, but not limited to, the Released Parties as defined in §1 and other participants, spectators, and officials; the rules and regulations governing the Activity; equipment failure; the condition of premises; terrain; temperature; weather; or other factors.

3. Injuries received may be compounded or increased by negligent rescue operations or procedures of the Released Parties.

4. There may be other risks not presently known to me or the Released Parties, or not reasonably foreseeable at this time.

5. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, I am in adequate physical and mental condition to participate and have no disease, injury, or other condition that would impair my performance or well-being during intense training or competition.

3. ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I HEREBY ACCEPT AND ASSUME all risks associated with the Activity, known and unknown, including but not limited to those described above. The responsibility for assessing all risks associated with the Activity is mine alone. I assume all attendant risks regardless of my ability, or the ability of the Released Parties, to foresee or evaluate those risks at the time of participation. I accept sole personal responsibility for any injury, disability, death, or property damage that may result from my participation, whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise. I further understand that the Released Parties are not responsible for determining my fitness to participate, and that responsibility rests with me alone.

I understand that the Released Parties have made no representations as to the results of participation in any Activity. I further understand that no representations are made as to the professional qualifications, certifications, or standards of any instructor or personnel associated with Steel Crown Historical Fencing, LLC.

I enter into the Activity entirely of my own free will and acknowledge the importance of following all rules of training and competition.

4. RELEASE, WAIVER, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE

I HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE the Released Parties from any and all liability, claims, demands, losses, or damages — including claims arising from personal injury, death, or property damage — arising out of or relating to the Activity, caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

To the extent that statute or case law does not prohibit releases for negligence, this release expressly extends to negligence on the part of the Released Parties, their agents, and employees.

5. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS

I agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the Released Parties against any and all claims, suits, or actions of any kind for liability, damages, compensation, or otherwise brought by me or on my behalf, including attorneys' fees and related costs. If the Released Parties incur any such expenses, I agree to reimburse them.

If, despite this Agreement, any claim is brought by or on behalf of a minor participant, the parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) agree to reimburse the Released Parties for any amounts paid and to hold them harmless from all costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees.

6. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITY DAMAGE

In the event that any damage to equipment or facilities occurs as a result of the willful actions, neglect, or recklessness of myself or any person I bring onto the premises, I agree to be held liable for any and all costs associated with such damage.

7. MEDICAL CARE AND INSURANCE

In the event I require medical care or treatment, I grant permission for a physician, nurse, athletic trainer, or other emergency medical personnel to provide me with necessary medical assistance.

I agree to be financially responsible for any and all costs of medical care or treatment arising from my participation in any Activity, whether such treatment is sought by me, on my behalf, or in an emergency situation. I understand that I should carry my own primary health insurance. Steel Crown Historical Fencing, LLC may carry accident coverage as part of any applicable insurance policy, which is secondary to my own primary health insurance. I understand that without my own primary coverage, any secondary accident coverage may be unavailable to me, and that the submission of any insurance claim is at the sole discretion of the applicable insurer.

I accept sole responsibility for understanding the scope, limits, and conditions of any insurance policies associated with my participation in HEMA activities.

8. SAFETY OBLIGATIONS AND FACILITY/EQUIPMENT INSPECTION

Prior to participating in any Activity, I agree to inspect all facilities, equipment, and the suitability of any assigned training partners. If at any time I believe anything is unsafe or beyond my capability, I will IMMEDIATELY inform an instructor and REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE in that aspect of the Activity.

I understand that while instructors may specify minimum required protective gear for certain activities, I retain the option and responsibility to wear additional protective gear that I consider necessary or desirable. Loaner protective gear, including eye protection, may be available — it is my responsibility to ask.

IN THE MIDST OF ANY ACTIVITY, if any stop command or safety signal is issued by an instructor or official, I will immediately freeze and cease all action. Such commands may be issued in the event of any safety concern, including but not limited to equipment failures, illegal targeting, excessive force, or injury.

9. PARTICIPANT CONDUCT AND SPARRING RULES

I agree to follow all rules, procedures, and instructions of Steel Crown Historical Fencing, LLC at all times. I understand that these rules exist to protect the safety of all participants and instructors. I agree to comply with any posted or communicated Code of Conduct.

I understand that to begin sparring, I must meet any prerequisite requirements established by Steel Crown Historical Fencing, LLC and be properly equipped as directed by an instructor. 

I understand that violations of sparring rules or conduct standards may result in warnings, time-outs, suspension from sparring, or removal from the school, at the discretion of the instructor.

10. MEDIA AND LIKENESS RELEASE

I grant permission, in perpetuity, for Steel Crown Historical Fencing, LLC and its agents or employees to record, photograph, and/or video my likeness and/or that of my minor child/children during classes and events, and to use such media in promotional materials, publications, brochures, newsletters, websites, social media, and other electronic or print media without prior notice to me. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished media and any right to royalties or other compensation arising from such use. I release the Released Parties from any claims arising from the use of such recordings, including from any alteration, distortion, or composite use, whether intentional or otherwise.

11. INFECTIOUS DISEASE ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I understand and acknowledge that participation in the Activity may carry the risk of exposure to communicable and infectious diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19 or other respiratory or contact-transmitted illnesses. The Released Parties cannot guarantee the elimination of such risks, and I voluntarily assume all risk of loss, injury, sickness, or death arising from such exposure. I represent that, to my knowledge, I do not suffer from any medical condition that would make my participation in the Activity unreasonably dangerous to myself or others.

12. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, I knowingly and voluntarily waive any right to a trial by jury with respect to any issue arising out of this Agreement or my participation in the Activity.

13. SEVERABILITY, ARM'S-LENGTH AGREEMENT, AND ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted, to the fullest extent, by the law of the State in which the Activity is conducted. If any portion of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall continue in full legal force and effect. If a court finds any provision invalid but capable of being limited to become enforceable, such provision shall be construed and enforced as so limited.

This Agreement was entered into freely, without duress or coercion, at arm's length between parties of equal bargaining strength. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subject matter and may not be altered, modified, or waived except by a written agreement signed by both parties. This Agreement may be executed and delivered electronically.

This Agreement shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY. I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT. I HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY, WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT, ASSURANCE, OR GUARANTEE BEING MADE TO ME. I INTEND MY SIGNATURE TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.

15. MINOR PARTICIPANT AUTHORIZATION

If the participant is under the age of 18, I hereby certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor participant named below. I give my consent, without reservation, to the foregoing Agreement on behalf of the minor participant and individually bind myself to all terms herein. If, despite this Agreement, the minor participant brings any claim against the Released Parties, I agree to indemnify the Released Parties for any resulting costs, damages, and attorneys' fees, and hold them harmless.