Athletes signing waivers

[Knucklehank1]

Disappointed that UofL is having athletes sign these. I see why they would want these signed but it’s a bad look and probably not somethod g that would hold up in court anyways. Tyra says it’s a “pledge” but the language certainly reads as a liability waiver.

“To the extent permitted by law, and in consideration for being allowed to participate in the Program, I, for myself, my estate, relatives, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns hereby waive, covenant not to sue, hold harmless, discharge, and release the University and its respective governing boards, trustees, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, and agents from any and all liability, claims, causes of action, damages or demands of any kind whatsoever related to COVID-19 that may arise from or in connection with my participation in any activities related to the strength and conditioning in furtherance of my continued participation with my athletic team.”

 

[PushupMan]

I had to sign almost exactly the same waiver in order to be allowed to participate in last week’s Midwest Regional Waterski tournament. The main differences were that the ski club where I skied (Trophy Lake Estates) replaced “University of Louisville...” and the name of the tournament replaced “strength and conditioning”.

What you have to realize is that participating in a strength and conditioning program greatly increases your risk of contracting the virus. Each student athlete could choose to reduce their risk by not participating in the S&C program. They could choose to train on their own at a gym of their own choosing, or even in their own home/apartment. But most recognize the advantage of participating in UofL’s S&C program, so they are willing to take the risk.

My regional ski tournament was in Minnesota, a state where the COVID outbreak is largely under control - so I was willing to sign that waiver. Unfortunately, the nationals (which starts tomorrow), is being held in Louisiana, which has the most cases per capita in the country. Since my fiancée has a couple of co-morbidities, I declined to sign the waiver, and as a result I will not have the chance to compete for a national championship this year.

 

[Morgantown Card]

We had to sign a similar waiver when my son signed up for little league baseball this summer. We somehow managed to get to game 7 of 10 before a coach tested positive and the season & playoffs were cancelled immediately.

 

[Morgantown Card]

There's no way college football gets through the whole season. All of this planning etc for having a season is based on a (collective) fool's hope. I hope I am wrong.

 

[KozmasAgain]

Unfortunately I agree with you Morgantown, I don’t see the football season to go the distance. Unless they have a miracle cure after the November elections.