The waiver release is a legal agreement between RUSA, the ride organizer, and the rider. It should be treated with the seriousness of a contract. These guidelines are to help you complete a waiver that demonstrates that the rider knowingly agreed to be bound by the terms of the agreement.

1. As a standard custom and practice when you present the waver to the rider ask the rider to read the waiver before signing
2. The waiver should be in a font large enough for easy reading. The bigger the better but at least 10 point font is recommended.
3. The riders should both print and sign their names on the waiver or names can be pre-printed and then signed by the rider.
4. The signatures should be on the same page as the waiver. One waiver with a separate page of signature lines is NOT recommended. Consider using legal size paper as this will allow for several signature lines on the same page as the waiver. Having multiple waiver sheets available will also reduce waiting time and allow each rider to have time to read the waiver.
5. A rider must complete the waiver and deliver the waiver to the ride organizer BEFORE starting the ride.
6. A new waiver should be completed for each separate event.
7. Retain a copy of the waiver for the duration of the statute of limitations for your state.

These guidelines do not address electronic signatures.  RUSA recommends obtaining a handwritten signature for a waiver or a scan of a handwritten waiver, as that is accepted in all jurisdictions.   However, RUSA also recognizes that there are jurisdictions that also accept electronic signatures; therefore, if you would like to accept electronic signatures, you must first ensure that the electronic signature method you use complies with the requirements for all of the jurisdictions in which the event is taking place and that you are able to comply with document retention requirements. [10/2018]