JK Relays - Eridge Park (Disclaimer)

[LostOldTimer]

Anybody curious; or know the reason why, for the first time competitors are being asked to sign a disclaimer to run in the JK relays at Eridge Park?...
Quote:
"I accept that I take part in all activities in Eridge Park at my own risk and that the Estate does not accept any liability for any loss, damage or accident howsoever caused".

Does the Estate think that some competitors may suffer some kind of accident? Does the Estate use man-traps of some description?
Any comments...

[Adventure Racer]

I would imagine it is simply something standard the estate requires for use of its land. Not really sure why they bother, as it won't be worth the paper it's written on in the English legal system.

[MIE]

As Adventure Racer says it is Estate policy. No activity takes place without the individual
signing the disclaimer. Even the Eridge 10k, which is held in the Park, has to make
sure that every participant has signed the disclaimer. The SAX regional event 2 years ago had
the same stipulation, from memory you signed at the clear station.
As with all these disclaimers if you can prove that any incident is down the the negligence
of the Estate or the organisers then ....

[Ravinous]

Eridge 10 is 10 miles not 10km. Held in Early September, all off road, undulating, big circular-ish loop of the park. http://www.twharriers.org.uk
I think the area would be great for a Harvester. Anybody agree? Maybe let me know after the JK....

[gowrie]

I did the C3 here in Jan 2006 - all had to sign the disclaimer en route to the start in a small tent - worked well for 'smallish' numbers attending. With MOD and others - clubs enter into licences for event to take place and these absolve the landowners from any responsibility if anything goes wrong - and of course BO Insurance cover kicks in. Not sure why this estate wants individuals to sign their rights away - when organising club could do this on everyones behalf

[Fat and Forty]

I agree with the questionable validity of any disclaimer form, however it is probably not appropriate to be critical of the estates requirements on a public forum with the event only 4 weeks away. I am sure that everybody knows how difficult it can be to obtain permission for events.

[Adventure Racer]

Not being at all critical, F&F - it's the sort of thing I'm very happy to sign, secure in the knowledge that the English legal system does have some benefits

[RJ]

The Estate may just see it an opportunity to get all competitors to focus on the simple fact....... that we all orienteer at our own risk, and we should be aware of what we are doing all the time, taking account of any dangers that we may come across.

You sign exactly the same thing as you register for a fell race. You take precautions.... you plan your race.... you carry safety gear in case something goes wrong. You don't assume the race organisers will be there as soon as you stumble and graze your knee!

[ryeland of doom]

Not as bad as an event some years ago, for which you had to declare a certain political opinion as a condition of entry. Meaningless, of course - but the sheer cheek of the landowner. (a goml of course)