Player Waiver, Release of Liability, and Assumption of Risk

1. Acknowledgement of risk

Pickleball is a physical sport played on a hard court. Participation involves inherent risks including, but not limited to: muscle strain, sprains, ligament tears, fractures, falls, eye injuries from the ball or paddle, collisions with other players or court equipment, exhaustion, dehydration, heat-related illness, and rare but serious cardiovascular events. I understand these risks and choose to participate voluntarily.

2. Medical fitness

I confirm that I am medically fit to play pickleball. If I have any medical condition that could be aggravated by physical activity (heart condition, recent surgery, pregnancy, diabetes, asthma, etc.), I have consulted my doctor and have been cleared to participate. I will inform the on-site organiser of any such condition before play.

3. Insurance

I understand that Pickleball BLR does not provide personal medical or accident insurance. I am responsible for my own insurance and any medical expenses arising from injury during a tournament.

4. Equipment

I will use my own paddle and appropriate court footwear. Any equipment I use is at my own risk; Pickleball BLR is not responsible for equipment failure.

5. Release of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Indian law, I release and hold harmless Pickleball BLR, its founders, employees, contractors, scorers, volunteers, and partner venues from any claim, demand, or cause of action arising out of or connected with my participation in a tournament — including injury, illness, loss, or damage to property — except where caused by gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

I understand that Pickleball BLR's role is to host the tournament — set the format, run the bracket, score matches, distribute prizes. It is not a medical provider, not an insurer, and not a guarantor of physical safety outcomes. Any injury I sustain on court — caused by my own movement, another player's movement, the surface, the weather, my equipment, or any other on-court factor — is my own responsibility, except where Pickleball BLR's own gross negligence or wilful misconduct is the direct cause.

5a. Emotional and psychological distress

Competitive sport produces a normal range of emotional responses — frustration after a loss, disappointment with one's own play, irritation at an opponent's tactic, stress before a final. I accept that these reactions are part of playing the sport and that Pickleball BLR is not liable for emotional or psychological distress arising from:

• match results, opponents' behaviour within the rules, umpire calls, scoring decisions, draw outcomes, or any other normal sporting circumstance;
• my pre-existing mental health conditions or psychological vulnerabilities that I have not disclosed; or
• the ordinary stress of competition.

This carve-out does not apply to harm caused by Pickleball BLR's own gross negligence, harassment by its staff, discriminatory conduct, or any other conduct that Indian law does not permit to be waived. If I believe a Pickleball BLR staff member or organiser has acted in such a manner, I will raise the issue in writing to support@pickled.co.in.

6. Image, photo, and video release

I consent to being photographed and recorded during tournaments for use in match broadcast, social media, marketing, and editorial coverage. I have no expectation of payment for this use. If I do not consent, I will inform the on-site organiser before play begins.

7. Code of conduct

• I will treat opponents, partners, scorers, organisers, and venue staff with respect.
• I will follow USAPA rules and any tournament-specific rules published on the tournament page.
• I will not use abusive language, threaten, or physically intimidate any other person.
• I will not consume alcohol or controlled substances during play or in a manner that affects my conduct on court.
• I understand that violation of this code may result in disqualification without refund and possible suspension from future tournaments.

8. Emergency contact

I will keep my emergency contact details in my profile up to date. In the event of an emergency on event day, I authorise Pickleball BLR to contact this person and, if medically necessary, to authorise emergency first aid or transport on my behalf at my cost.

9. Minors

If I am registering on behalf of a player under 18, I confirm I am their parent or legal guardian, that I have read and accepted this waiver on their behalf, and that I will be present at or contactable during the tournament.

10. Governing law

This waiver is governed by the laws of India. Any dispute is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at Bengaluru, Karnataka.

11. Acceptance

I confirm that I have read this waiver in full, that I understand it, and that I am accepting it freely and voluntarily. The acceptance recorded against my user account at registration time serves as my electronic signature.