The world of gym ownership is full of tremendous benefits, but it also comes with a host of responsibilities, particularly from a legal perspective. Gym owners face a myriad of legal exposure, and the smallest oversight can lead to severe repercussions. That's why having systems in place that automatically take care of some legal nuances is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Enter Wodify – the all-in-one customer retention platform that has multiple features to help gym owners with legal compliance (check out some of these other great features in this previous blog from Wodify and Gym Lawyers PLLC).
In this article, we are exploring two of Wodify’s features that help gym owners manage their risk of negligence: ensuring waivers are signed by parents or guardians for minor children and prompting newly-turned adults to sign your gym’s adult waiver.
Before discussing the specifics of this feature, it's vital to understand the legal landscape surrounding waivers.
Waivers, in the fitness realm, are legal documents that essentially shield gym owners from certain liabilities. They spell out the potential risks associated with workouts, making the participant aware of these risks before they commence their activities.
When it comes to minors, the legalities become even more intricate. Minors, by law, lack the capacity to enter into contracts. Therefore, any waiver signed by a minor likely won’t hold up in court, rendering it null and void. This poses a significant risk for gym owners, as they might be exposed to legal actions without the protective veil of a waiver, and likely a denial of insurance coverage.
To navigate this legal maze, it's imperative that a parent or guardian signs the waiver on behalf of the minor. This not only ensures that the gym has a valid waiver in place but also confirms that the minor's guardian acknowledges and accepts the risks involved.
Moreover, the importance of a specially crafted waiver for minors cannot be overstressed. Such waivers take into account the unique legal requirements for children and ensure that the language used is specific to them, offering gym owners robust legal protection.
Wodify's Solution: Recognizing the potential pitfalls and the dire consequences of not having a valid waiver for minors, Wodify has ingeniously integrated a feature that automatically prompts gym owners to secure a waiver signature from an adult whenever the system detects a member below 18 years of age.
As minors transition into adulthood, their legal status alters dramatically. Once they hit the age of 18, they attain the legal capacity to enter into contracts. This transition necessitates the signing of a new waiver, this time by the individual, ensuring its continued validity.
Wodify's Solution: To address this, Wodify has another fantastic feature. As soon as a gym member turns 18, the system automatically prompts them to sign a new waiver as an adult. This ensures a seamless transition, safeguarding gym owners from potential legal vulnerabilities.
In today's fast-paced world, gym owners need to juggle numerous responsibilities. With legal exposure being paramount to protecting all of your hard work, having a system like Wodify that automates and streamlines these tasks is a game-changer.
By ensuring that waivers are signed, Wodify offers gym owners peace of mind. It underscores the importance of adhering to legal requirements while allowing gym owners to focus on what they do best – providing a conducive environment for fitness and well-being.
Gym Lawyers PLLC proudly advocates for such proactive measures and highly recommends Wodify for gym owners who prioritize both fitness and legal compliance.