[Ansteorra-announce] [Announcements] new waivers for equestrian

[Baron, Meg]

Unto the good people of the Society, greetings:
	
Over the last decade, the horse industry has heavily lobbied the
legislatures of the various states to provide lawsuit protection to equine
professionals, meaning those who rent or supply horses, tack, and other
equipment, and equine activity sponsors, like the typical equestrian
activities found at SCA events. 
	
The legislatures of 44 states responded to the lobbying efforts by passing
laws that offer some lawsuit protection to equine activity sponsors and
equine professionals. In order to protect the SCA, the Board of Directors
asked for legal research to develop waivers that would sufficiently invoke
the new statutes to provide more protection for the SCA from lawsuits
arising out of injuries or death in equine activities. 
	
Thanks to the incredible work of the Legal Committee, especially Mr. Mike
Watkins, a roster-style waiver has been created for each of the 44 states
requiring specific language. A "generic" waiver has been created for use in
the remaining six states (Alaska, California, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania
and Maryland), and in locations outside the United States. The equestrian
marshal in charge (EMIC) should sign each roster as acknowledgement of rider
authorization and waiver submission.

Note: at this time equestrian waivers are only available for adult
participants. Waivers for minors will be forthcoming as soon as possible. In
the meantime, please continue current procedures for minors engaged in
equestrian activities.
	
Many states require a conspicuous sign with certain size letters and
specific language in areas where equestrian activities are taking place.
These signs can be easily made, and only a few need to be posted at the
required areas. Once the signs are made, with the addition of a weatherproof
covering, these signs can be re-used many times through the years.
	
The law requires that participants in equestrian activities be fully
informed of the inherent risks of equine activities before they can
knowingly and intelligently surrender their right to sue for an injury or
death resulting from an equine activity. These forms and signage language
inform the potential participant of the inherent risks of equine activities
and releases the activity sponsor from liability for harm, placing the risk
upon the participant for accidents and other inherent risks of equine
activity. 

The waivers and related sign information are available on the www.sca.org
website along with all other waivers. All Kingdom Seneschals have these
waivers in hand as well. All equestrian officers, marshals, seneschals,
autocrats, and participants in equestrian activities should be aware of
these legal requirements. Please begin using these waivers for adults
participating in equestrian activities immediately. 

If you have any questions, please direct them to the Society Seneschal or to
me.

In service,

Meg Baron
President, SCA Inc.
Comments are strongly encouraged and can be sent to: 
SCA Inc.
Box 360789
Milpitas,  CA 95036

You may also email comments at sca.org or reply to this message.
_______________________________________________
Announcements mailing list
To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit:
http://www.sca.org/mailman/listinfo/announcements

To change the email address you receive these messages at, visit the URL
listed above, subscribe to with your new email address.  Once this is
completed, return to the URL listed above and unsubscribe your old email
address.