Would you sign this "registration form"?

I wouldn't.

I have, at times, "altered" such documents in a "legal fashion". (A trick I learned from an old employer.) I will either cross out certain sections that bother me, initialing beside what I crossed out, or I will add a clause that says, "Unless said injury or accident is due to clear negligance or is the result of a willful act to harm by an individual employed or authorized to work on the agency's behalf." Then sign the ammendum. If they accept it that way, fine, if they don't - my children didn't participate.

I do the same thing with school forms. I understand that my son may be injured playing football, and I don't plan to sue the school if, in a normal course of a football game, my son is injured.

However, I ad that little section above to the release forms. If my son is abused by a employee, or the bus driver is drunk, or the coach orders them to do something that is not normally part of the game or would more likely than not result in serious injury - I will sue - not for money, but to make sure the school is less careless with other children's lives in the future.

 

Blackbird thinketh that your child has joined the US Marines by mistake----but then again--the Marines don't make no mistakes!!

It is not necessary that the form be signed---probably won't be worth much in litigation one way or the other.

The church, I presume---is incorporated---meaning that the only entity that is held liable is the entity itself---the church is insured---I just don't see all the big deal!!!

Bro. David

 

Yep, I would with the understanding that in today’s world a kid could brake their leg and the parent might want to sue for everything they could get even going beyond insurance, but I would be real sure my kids were in good hands and knew they had the authority to say no if they felt something wasn’t safe.

Oh, just saw Blackbirds statement and yeah, he’s probably right it most likely couldn’t hold up anyway so what’s the point!

I guess if it makes them feel better.

 

If you want your daughter to participate, I would sign it. Otherwise, keep her at home or go to another church.

Joseph Botwinick

 

I do understand the problems in this present age we live in . we live in a sue happy society and there is good reason for churches to take precautions,but it does seem like a little much to me. I think I'd sit down with the pastor and share my concerns.


If all else fails you could do it the old fashioned way and pray about it !!

 

I think these kind of forms are more useful to discorage frivalant law suits. In a case of neglegance they would not hold up in court.

I am sure you would not sue unless you had very good reason in that case this form will not mean anything anyway. I say let your daughter participate in activities. That is if you trust the people at the church to act responsably. Maybe you could hang around with her for a few weeks or even volunteer to help out.

 

You will have a better idea of how you want to handle this after you talk to the pastor.

 

We have used a similar form with certain sports type activities, but never with an awana type ministry.

 

Our church has similar type release forms for youth activities. The church could probably be held libel whether the form is signed or not.

 

Not a lawyer but, not sure you can sign away liability.

 

semper fi.

 

I confess.....

Many times when faced with such a situation, I have signed "No I don't" in the signature spot. No one ever checks.

 

^ Thats funny .

 

WOW!!

I can't believe that Christians would ever dream about allowing the work of God to be held so open to litigation damage! I am shocked that we are so stuck in our opinions that we would allow a church to go unprotected from litigation that could be damaging to the church. Obviously none of those who have responded are trustees in their church.

When you have activities, things happen and in our society today people will sue simple for the sake of sueing. I believe that anyone who will not sign is looking for a place to score a quick lawsuite with a big payoff. To not allow the church to be in a place of strength in relation to stupid attitudes is simply not congruent with the attitude of mature Christians.

 

Winning a lawsuit is the top favorite form of striking it rich. The bigger the church, the bigger the prize.
Churches have to be aware of their potential liability and plan accordingly.
'Kid-safe'-ing your church is imperitive. A liability statement such as the one in the OP will only be effective if the church has made it a point to protect their kids from problems.

Safe transportation policies and safe drivers, safe hiring and volunteer policies, safe and well maintained buildings etc. should go along with the liability statement. It must be a full package.

I'd sign it BUT I'd check the policies first. You don't trust them, then don't send your child with them!

BTW, other top money earners are:</font>

• Win the lottery</font>

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• Get a disability injury award</font>

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• Inherit it</font>

Earning money is way down on the list.

Rob

 

Signing, "No I don't" is a form of deception.

If you leave your kids with the church AND sign it that way, you have released them from liability by your actions.

In either instance a lawsuit could still be made.
In your case though, the case would be hampered by your deception, showing bad faith on your part.

Rob