Event Participation Waiver and Liability Release

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The Dude Club—Event Participation Waiver & Liability Release

Last Updated: March 11, 2026

This Event Participation Waiver and Liability Release ("Agreement") is entered into between the participant identified above ("I," "me," or "my") and The Dude Club, its owners, officers, directors, employees, contractors, volunteers, sponsors, partners, affiliated organizations, successors, and assigns (collectively, "The Dude Club" or "Company").

This Agreement must be accepted prior to registering for or attending any event hosted, organized, or promoted by The Dude Club. By purchasing a ticket, registering for an event, or participating in any Dude Club activity, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to every term below.

IF I DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, I WILL NOT REGISTER FOR OR ATTEND THE EVENT.

1. Voluntary Participation

I acknowledge that my participation in a Dude Club event, meetup, gathering, activity, or experience ("Event") is entirely voluntary. I was not required to attend and am doing so of my own free will. I understand that I may withdraw at any time before or during the Event, subject to applicable refund policies.

I understand that events hosted by The Dude Club may include, but are not limited to:

Social gatherings, dinners, and community meetups
Recreational and outdoor activities
Athletic, physical, or adventure-based activities
Travel to and from event locations
Interactions and activities organized with or by third-party vendors, sponsors, or venue operators
Food and beverage service, including alcohol where permitted by law

2. Assumption of Risk

I knowingly and voluntarily assume ALL risks — known and unknown — associated with attending or participating in a Dude Club Event. These risks include but are not limited to:

Physical injury, illness, or death resulting from physical activity, recreational participation, or accidents
Environmental conditions including weather, terrain, temperature, or outdoor hazards
Equipment use, failure, or malfunction
Travel to, from, and between event locations
Venue conditions, including slippery surfaces, crowd conditions, or structural issues
Actions or conduct of other participants, attendees, or third parties
Food or beverage consumption, including allergic reactions
Exposure to communicable diseases or illness (see Section 6)
Any other unforeseen risks associated with event participation

I acknowledge that some risks may result in serious injury, permanent disability, or death. I voluntarily accept full and complete personal responsibility for my participation and for any harm that may result.

3. Express Release of Liability—Including Negligence

READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS AGREEMENT.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, I HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE The Dude Club, and each of its owners, officers, directors, employees, contractors, volunteers, event sponsors, partner organizations, venue operators, affiliated organizations, successors, and assigns (collectively, "Released Parties") from any and all liability, claims, demands, damages, causes of action, suits, or proceedings of any kind that I or my heirs, executors, administrators, or personal representatives may now or hereafter have against the Released Parties arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in any Dude Club Event.

THIS RELEASE EXPRESSLY INCLUDES CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE DUDE CLUB OR ANY RELEASED PARTY, WHETHER ACTIVE OR PASSIVE.

This release applies to any injury, loss, property damage, emotional distress, financial loss, or death, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise. This release does not apply to claims arising from the gross negligence or intentional willful misconduct of The Dude Club where such limitation is prohibited by applicable law.

I understand that this release covers events that have not yet occurred and risks that I may not currently anticipate.

4. Indemnification & Hold Harmless

I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Dude Club and all Released Parties from and against any and all claims, suits, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses — including reasonable attorneys' fees — that arise from or are related to:

My actions, conduct, or behavior during or in connection with the Event
My violation of event rules, venue rules, or the instructions of event staff
Damage I cause to property, the venue, or other participants
Any legal claims resulting from my participation brought by me or on my behalf
My breach of any representation or warranty made in this Agreement

This indemnification obligation survives the termination of this Agreement and is not limited by any liability cap.

5. Health & Medical Responsibility

I confirm that I am in good physical and mental health and am capable of participating in the Event. I have consulted with a qualified medical professional if I have any doubts about my ability to participate safely.

I understand that The Dude Club does not provide medical services, medical personnel, or insurance coverage for participants. In the event of a medical emergency, I authorize event organizers and/or emergency medical personnel to obtain medical treatment on my behalf, including emergency transportation. I accept full financial responsibility for all medical costs, emergency services, and transportation arising from my participation.

I agree to immediately notify event staff if I experience any health issue, injury, or emergency during the Event.

6. Communicable Disease & Health Disclosure

I acknowledge and agree that participation in any in-person Dude Club Event involves potential exposure to communicable illnesses, including but not limited to influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory or infectious diseases. The Dude Club cannot guarantee a disease-free environment.

By attending, I represent and warrant that:

I do not currently have symptoms of any communicable illness
I have not been directed by a healthcare provider to isolate or quarantine
I will not knowingly attend an Event while ill
I am attending at my own risk with full understanding of communicable disease exposure risk

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, I RELEASE THE DUDE CLUB FROM ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM MY EXPOSURE TO, CONTRACTION OF, OR TRANSMISSION OF ANY COMMUNICABLE DISEASE DURING OR IN CONNECTION WITH A DUDE CLUB EVENT.

7. Personal Property

I understand that The Dude Club is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property during any Event. I attend and bring personal property at my own risk. I will not hold The Dude Club liable for the theft, loss, or damage of any personal item. I am responsible for safeguarding my own belongings at all times.

8. Alcohol & Personal Responsibility

At Events where alcohol is served, I understand and agree that:

I am solely responsible for my own alcohol consumption and its effects
I will drink responsibly and in compliance with all applicable laws
I will not drive while impaired
I will comply with all venue rules and applicable laws regarding alcohol

DRAM SHOP / HOST LIABILITY DISCLAIMER:

The Dude Club is not the alcohol provider at events. Alcohol is served by licensed third-party vendors, venues, or caterers who carry their own required licenses and insurance. The Dude Club is not a licensed alcohol provider and is not liable under any dram shop, social host liability, or similar statute for actions taken by participants as a result of alcohol consumption at an Event. By attending, I release The Dude Club from any claims arising from my or another person's consumption of alcohol at the Event.

9. Photography, Video & Media Release

I understand that The Dude Club may photograph, video record, livestream, or otherwise document Events for marketing, promotional, social media, and community purposes.

By attending an Event, I GRANT THE DUDE CLUB a perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use my image, name, likeness, voice, and appearance in photographs, video, audio recordings, digital media, and promotional materials — across any current or future media format — without compensation.

This license covers content captured at Events I have attended. For future Events, this license may be revoked by notifying The Dude Club in writing at hello@thedudeclub.org prior to registration. If I wish to opt out of being photographed or recorded at a specific Event, it is my responsibility to notify event staff at check-in and I understand that complete exclusion from all media cannot be guaranteed in public group settings.

10. Third-Party Venues & Sponsors

Events may be hosted at third-party venues or produced in partnership with sponsors and vendors. I understand that these third parties operate independently of The Dude Club and maintain their own terms, rules, and policies. The Dude Club is not responsible for the acts, omissions, products, services, or representations of any third-party venue operator or event sponsor. I agree to comply with all venue rules and event guidelines. Any interactions I have with sponsors or vendors are between me and that third party.

11. Event Changes, Cancellation & Refunds

The Dude Club reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify event schedules, change locations, adjust programming, postpone, or cancel events due to operational, safety, weather, or force majeure circumstances. Refund policies applicable to the specific Event will be provided at the time of ticket purchase. In the event of a cancellation beyond The Dude Club's reasonable control, refunds will be governed by our Force Majeure policy as described in our Terms of Use.

12. Code of Conduct & Removal From Event

I agree to behave responsibly, lawfully, and respectfully at all times during the Event. I understand that The Dude Club reserves the right to remove me from an Event immediately and without refund if, in the sole judgment of event staff, my behavior:

Creates a safety risk for myself or others
Violates event rules or the law
Harasses, threatens, or intimidates other participants or staff
Disrupts the event experience in a manner that cannot be corrected
Involves illegal drug use or prohibited substances

Removal from an Event does not create any claim against The Dude Club for damages, refunds, or compensation.

13. Binding Arbitration & Class Action Waiver

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

I agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or my participation in any Dude Club Event — including disputes about the enforceability of this arbitration provision — will be resolved by final, binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules, rather than in court.

CLASS ACTION WAIVER: I WAIVE THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY CLASS ACTION, CLASS ARBITRATION, CONSOLIDATED PROCEEDING, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION AGAINST THE DUDE CLUB. ALL CLAIMS MUST BE BROUGHT INDIVIDUALLY.

JURY TRIAL WAIVER: I WAIVE MY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL ON ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR MY EVENT PARTICIPATION.

Arbitration will be conducted in Cook County, Illinois, or by remote hearing. The arbitrator's decision will be final and binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. Either party may seek emergency injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm. Nothing in this section prevents either party from bringing individual claims in small claims court.

14. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. For any dispute not subject to arbitration, venue is exclusively in the state or federal courts of Cook County, Illinois, and I consent to personal jurisdiction in those courts.

15. Minor Participants

If I am the parent or legal guardian of a minor who will be attending a Dude Club Event, I am executing this Agreement on behalf of both myself and the minor. I represent that I have the legal authority to bind the minor to this Agreement and that I accept all terms on the minor's behalf, including the release of liability, assumption of risk, and arbitration provisions. I agree to supervise the minor throughout the Event and accept full responsibility for their conduct.

16. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found by a court or arbitrator to be unenforceable, invalid, or void under applicable law, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or severed from the Agreement. The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalidity of one provision does not invalidate the entire Agreement.

17. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between me and The Dude Club with respect to my participation in Dude Club Events. It supersedes any prior agreements, representations, or understandings. This Agreement may not be modified or waived orally. Any modification must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of The Dude Club.

18. Duration & Applicability

This Agreement applies to all Dude Club Events I attend from the date of my acceptance forward, unless a specific event requires a new or updated agreement at registration. Once accepted, this Agreement remains in effect for my ongoing participation in Dude Club activities unless revoked in writing with at least 30 days' notice to hello@thedudeclub.org. Revocation does not apply retroactively to Events already attended.

19. Acknowledgement & Signature

By signing the agreement when required for an event, you specifically confirm that:

You have read the entire Event Participation Waiver & Liability Release including every section numbered 1 through 18.
You understand that you are waiving legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence.
You understand that disputes must be resolved by binding arbitration, not in court.
You understand you are signing voluntarily, without coercion, and with full legal capacity to do so.
You understand that you are 18 years of age or older, OR you have a parent/guardian signing on your behalf because you are a minor.
You understsand and have had the opportunity to consult with an attorney before signing if you chose to do so.
You understand the you must provide the following details to validate your waiver and liability release
- Full name (First name and Last name)
- Your signature (if on paper) and/or an agreement via the checkbox if on electronic agreement.
- The date you signed (if on paper) and/or the date you submitted the electronic agreement.
- The event name (if on paper) and/or the event name provided on the electronic agreeement.
- Parent/Guardian full name - if minor (First name and last name, if on paper) and/or Parent/Guardian Full name if provided on the electronic agreement.
- Parent Signature (if minor) on paper and/or checkbox if on the electronic agreement.

20. Online Checkout Acknowledgement

For ticket purchases completed online, the following checkout flow satisfies Illinois electronic signature and waiver requirements:

Display the full waiver text on a scrollable page before the 'Complete Purchase' button
Require the participant to scroll to the bottom before the checkbox activates
Displays the following checkbox language:
- I [FULL NAME], have read and agree to The Dude Club Event Participation Waiver & Liability Release, Including the Release of Liability for Negligence (Section 3), Binding Arbitration and Class Action Waiver (Section 13), and Jury Trial Waiver (Section 13. I understand I am giving up important legal rights.
- View Full Waiver: https://thedudeclub.org/event-waiver-and-liability-release/