Informed consent & assumption of risk

What you need to know

The plain-English guidance that comes with this document.

• Be honest with yourself about what this does — and doesn't do. This is informed consent and assumption of the inherent risks of exercise. It is not a magic shield. Under UK law (the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015) you cannot exclude your liability for death or personal injury caused by your own negligence — any wording that tries to is simply void. Don't sell yourself (or buy from a template) a "waiver" that pretends otherwise.
• So what's it actually for? Two real things: it records that the client understood the normal risks of exercise and chose to take part anyway (which matters if they later claim you didn't warn them), and it documents consent — including to hands-on spotting. That's genuinely useful evidence. It just can't cover you for getting it wrong.
• The real protection is doing the job well — and being insured. Screening properly, programming within the client's ability, coaching safe technique, and carrying public liability and professional indemnity insurance are what actually protect you. Insurers expect the screening and consent to be in place; this form helps satisfy that, not replace the insurance.
• Consent to touch is a genuine thing — get it, and let them decline. Spotting and hands-on cueing need consent, and the client can say no at any time. Recording it here protects both of you.
• Keep it with the screening and consultation. Together they're your onboarding record. Store securely — it holds personal (and some health) data.
• Applies UK-wide. The limits on excluding negligence liability apply across the UK. If you run a bigger operation or online coaching, get your terms checked by someone who knows consumer and contract law — a good agreement plus honest consent beats a scary-looking waiver that wouldn't hold up.