The basics of insurance and waivers for a bjj gym.

One of the biggest misconceptions that we hear from jiu jitsu gym owners is that they think that because their students have filled out a waiver to participate at their gym then they are completely protected. That is not necessarily the case. Waivers may not always protect the gym or its instructors from liability in the event of an injury or accident. Waivers also will not protect you from defense costs in fighting claims in court.  Additionally, many landlords and lenders may require proof of insurance before allowing a gym to operate on their property. Simply put, if you are planning to open up a jiu jitsu studio it has to be a top priority to make sure you have a rock solid waiver as well as special insurance policies that pay for any defense costs or judgements related to activities at your business or its employees.

In this article we will provide you with some basic guidelines to follow when creating or reviewing your jiu jitsu schools waiver as well as cover the basics of the type of insurance coverage you will want to evaluate for your gym as well. 

What should the waiver say?

A waiver for a jiu jitsu school should clearly state that the participant is aware of the risks associated with the sport and is voluntarily choosing to participate. The waiver should also release the school, its instructors, and any other associated parties from liability for any injuries or accidents that may occur as a result of participation in the sport.

Here are some key points that a waiver for a jiu jitsu school should cover:

A statement acknowledging that jiu-jitsu is a contact sport and that there is a risk of injury.

A release of liability for the school, its instructors, and any associated parties for any injuries or accidents that may occur as a result of participation in jiu-jitsu.

A statement that the participant is participating voluntarily and is not under duress.

Any medical or health related information that the participant should inform the school before participating.

A statement that the participant understands and agrees to abide by the school's rules and regulations.

It's also recommended to have a legal or insurance professional to review and approve the waiver. It's also important to note that waivers alone may not always be enough to protect the school or its instructors from liability, and insurance is still recommended.

What types of insurance should I have for my bjj gym?

It is generally recommended to have insurance for a jiu jitsu gym, even if students sign waivers. In addition, as a Jiu Jitsu gym owner, ensuring the safety and well-being of your students and staff should be a top priority, especially with combat sports. 

In addition to having the students sign a waiver after reviewing the assumed risks with them, another way to protect your business is by having the right insurance coverage in place. 

With so many different types of insurance available, it can be overwhelming for a gym owner to determine which policies are essential for your gym. In this section, we will discuss the specific types of insurance that all Jiu Jitsu gym owners should consider in order to protect their business, students, and staff.

To start, it is best to consult with an insurance agent or attorney to determine the specific insurance coverage that you should have based on your activities and exposure to possible risk. In addition you will need to speak with the landlord on the property that you are renting from to find out what requirements they have for you before buying your plan. 

Many times you can purchase business owner policy (BOP) for a Jiu Jitsu gym which typically includes coverage for a variety of risk, such as:

Property coverage: This includes coverage for damage to the gym building and equipment due to fire, theft, and other perils.

General liability coverage: This protects the gym against lawsuits and claims arising from accidents that occur on the property.

Business interruption coverage: This provides financial assistance for the gym owner in the event that the gym must close temporarily due to a covered loss, such as a fire.

Accidental Medical Coverage: Medical payment coverage can be added to your jiu-jitsu school’s liability insurance policy to help cover the costs associated with medical expenses for bodily injury caused by an accident, regardless of fault.

Products and completed operations coverage: This provides protection for lawsuits resulting from products sold or services provided by the gym.

Professional liability, or “errors and omissions” (E&O) insurance: protects you and your staff against claims of negligence.

Abuse & Molestation Coverage: Covers defense and possible judgments for misconduct of teachers, or even abuse. 

Umbrella liability coverage: This provides extra liability coverage for the gym, beyond what is provided by the general liability policy.

Equipment Coverage: provides protection for gym equipment such as mats, or merchandise lost from damage. 

It is important to note that the specific coverage included in a package for a Jiu Jitsu gym can vary depending on the size and type of the gym, as well as the specific activities the gym offers. It's always best to work with a licensed insurance agent to determine the coverage that is right for your business.

In conclusion, having waivers and liability insurance for your BJJ gym is an essential step in protecting both you and your students. It helps to ensure that your gym runs smoothly and reduces the risk of any potential legal issues. It’s important to take the necessary steps to safeguard your business and your students, so make sure you have the right coverage in place. With a solid foundation in place, you can focus on what really matters - providing a safe and enjoyable training environment for all of your students.

WIN OR LEARN - LESSONS LEARNED FROM A BJJ LAWSUIT.

Valuable lessons can be learned from the Jack Greener lawsuit, which has shed light on the importance of risk management in the jiu jitsu gym. By following the guidelines in this article and developing a comprehensive risk management plan, gym owners can create a safer and more effective training environment for their students while also reducing liability at their gym. Read more >>