1. Assumption of Risk (Injury & Death). The Participant understands that BJJ and grappling are inherently dangerous combat sports involving vigorous physical contact, takedowns, throws, joint locks, chokeholds, and incidental impacts, falls, and collisions with opponents, mats, and surrounding surfaces. The Participant knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks, known and unknown, of participation, including but not limited to sprains, fractures, dislocations, concussions and other head injuries, cardiac events, spinal or neurological injury, permanent disability, paralysis, loss of consciousness, communicable skin infections, and death. Subject to Section 3, the Participant accepts responsibility for such risks whether caused by the conduct of the Participant, other competitors, referees, coaches, volunteers, the Foundation, or the condition of the premises or equipment. 

2. Release & Waiver of Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Participant hereby releases, waives, and discharges the Foundation and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, sponsors, referees, medical personnel, venue owners, and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action for any loss, damage, injury, or death arising out of or related to participation in or attendance at the Event, including any claim based on the negligence of the Released Parties. This release includes loss of, theft of, or damage to personal property brought to the Event. 

3. Exclusions. Nothing in this Agreement releases, waives, or requires indemnification for any claim arising from the gross negligence, recklessness, or willful or intentional misconduct of a Released Party, or for any claim that cannot lawfully be released. 

4. Indemnification. The Participant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any loss, liability, damage, cost, or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from third-party 

claims caused by the Participant’s own conduct at the Event or the Participant’s breach of this Agreement. This Section does not apply to any loss caused by the negligence of a Released Party. 

5. Media & Marketing / Image Release. The Participant grants the Foundation and those acting with its permission the perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free right to photograph, film, record, and reproduce the Participant’s name, likeness, image, voice, and performance at the Event, and to use, edit, publish, and distribute such material in any media for the Foundation’s promotional, marketing, press, fundraising, and sponsor communications, without compensation. The Participant releases the Released Parties from claims for invasion of privacy or right of publicity arising from uses consistent with this Section. 

6. Emergency Medical Treatment. The Participant authorizes the Foundation and Event medical personnel to arrange and administer first aid and emergency medical treatment. The Participant is responsible for all resulting medical costs and confirms that they carry, or knowingly decline to carry, their own health insurance. 

7. Health & Fitness to Compete. The Participant is not aware of any medical condition that would make participation dangerous. The Participant has not been advised against participation by a physician and competes at their own discretion. A Participant who is or may be pregnant should consult a physician before competing. 

8. Communicable Skin Conditions. The Participant represents that they have no ringworm, staph or MRSA infection, impetigo, herpes gladiatorum, or other communicable skin condition, and will not compete with one. Event officials and medical personnel may inspect any Participant’s skin and remove any Participant with a suspected communicable condition, without refund.

9. Head Injury Removal. If a referee, official, or Event medical personnel suspects a concussion or other head injury, the Participant will be removed from competition and may not return to competition that day. The Participant agrees to report head injury symptoms promptly and should not resume training or competition until cleared by a licensed health care provider. 

10. Code of Conduct. The Participant agrees to compete in a safe, sportsmanlike, and respectful manner; to follow all rules, referee instructions, and Foundation policies; and to refrain from harassment, discrimination, violence outside of sanctioned competition, and use of alcohol or illegal substances. The Foundation may remove any 

Participant who violates this Code without refund. 

11. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to conflict-of-law principles. The Participant agrees that any dispute shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Massachusetts. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect. 

12. Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be signed electronically. An electronic signature has the same force and effect as a handwritten signature. 

PARENT / GUARDIAN CONSENT: REQUIRED IF PARTICIPANT IS UNDER 18

I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor Participant named above. I have read this Agreement and agree to its terms on the minor’s behalf, including the assumption of risk and release of claims. I consent to the minor’s participation and to the Media & Marketing / Image Release in Section 5, and authorize emergency medical treatment under Section 6. I represent that I have legal authority to sign on the minor’s behalf.