This article answers FAQs on USTA Coaching Liability Waivers.
Click a question below to jump to the answer.
Does the Liability waiver template cover me when I submit claims?
Do I need to make any changes to the waiver template?
Can I still submit a claim if I don’t have a waiver?
How long do I need to keep copies of the signed waivers?
How long do I need to keep copies of the signed waivers?
Can I use electronic signatures (like DocuSign or Google Forms) to collect these waivers?
Do parents need to sign for minors?
Do I need a new waiver for every single lesson or clinic?
What if a client or parent refuses to sign the waiver?
Does this waiver protect me from being sued entirely?
Does this waiver cover medical medical payments for injured players?
Does the Liability waiver template cover me when I submit claims?
No. The document provided is a sample template offered strictly for informational purposes as a starting point for coaches. It does not constitute legal advice. It has not been approved by the insurance carrier, and USTA Coaching does not guarantee that using this form will satisfy the specific coverage conditions of your insurance policy.
Do I need to make any changes to the waiver template?
Yes. The template is not a one-size-fits-all document and contains several placeholders that you must customize to fit your specific coaching setup. For example, you must fill in specific placeholders for your name/business entity, the facility name and address , the duration of the consent period , and the specific state and county for governing law and jurisdiction. Furthermore, because legal requirements and waiver enforceability vary significantly by state, you must consult with independent legal counsel to adapt the template's contents to comply with your local laws.
Can I still submit a claim if I don’t have a waiver?
No. The commercial general liability insurance secured through the Pro Plus package includes a strict coverage condition requiring coaches to regularly secure signed waiver and release forms from all participants (including minors) prior to providing coaching services. Failure to establish and maintain this signed waiver system means you will fail to meet a core condition of your policy, which will jeopardize your coverage and could result in your claim being denied.
How long do I need to keep copies of the signed waivers?
You should retain all signed waivers indefinitely, or at a minimum, for the duration of your state’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. For minors, this period often doesn't even begin until they turn 18. We highly recommend storing digital backups in a secure cloud folder.
Can I use electronic signatures (like DocuSign or Google Forms) to collect these waivers?
Yes, electronic signatures are generally legally binding under the federal ESIGN Act and state UETA laws. However, you must ensure your digital setup clearly displays the full text of the waiver to the participant before they sign and securely logs their signature, email, and date.
Do parents need to sign for minors?
Yes. Minors cannot legally sign away their rights or enter into contracts. The waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian to be considered valid, and the template includes specific guardian signature lines for this purpose.
Do I need a new waiver for every single lesson or clinic?
No, provided your waiver is drafted correctly. The template includes placeholders to define the duration of the agreement (e.g., "for the entire 2026 season" or "for all sessions held between [Date] and [Date]"). You should update your legal counsel to ensure the "ongoing consent" language is robust enough for your recurring clients.
Does this waiver protect me if I am coaching off-site (e.g., at a public park or a private HOA court)?
The waiver template is designed to protect you as a coach, but you must accurately fill out the "Facility and Location" placeholders in the template to reflect where the coaching actually happens. If you coach at multiple locations, your independent legal counsel can help you adjust the template to cover "any and all facilities utilized by the coach."
What if a client or parent refuses to sign the waiver?
Because your Pro Plus General Liability insurance coverage is strictly contingent upon securing these signed waivers, you should not provide coaching services to anyone who refuses to sign. Allowing an uninsured participant onto the court puts your entire business and personal liability at severe risk.
Does this waiver protect me from being sued entirely?
No waiver can completely prevent someone from filing a lawsuit. However, a properly executed, legally sound waiver serves as a powerful defense tool that can get a frivolous lawsuit dismissed early in court, while ensuring your insurance policy remains valid to cover your legal defense costs.
Does this waiver cover medical medical payments for injured players?
No. A liability waiver is a release of claims for negligence; it is not a medical insurance policy. Players should rely on their own health insurance for injuries, which is why the template explicitly states that the participant assumes all financial responsibility for medical treatment.