Trampoline Park Waivers & Safety Regulations 2025

Emergency room visits from trampoline park injuries have increased nearly 1,100% over a recent four-year period, and the legal landscape is shifting rapidly. For trampoline park owners, having a proper digital liability waiver is no longer just good practice—it's essential business protection.

The headlines tell the story: rising injury rates, states passing new safety regulations, lawsuits against trampoline parks increasing, and insurance companies demanding better documentation. The family entertainment industry is facing a reckoning.

This guide covers everything trampoline park and family entertainment center owners need to know about protecting their business in 2025:

• The safety crisis by the numbers
• State-by-state regulatory changes
• What makes a waiver legally enforceable
• Essential elements every trampoline park waiver needs
• Why digital waivers outperform paper
• How to build comprehensive risk management

Whether you operate a trampoline park, bounce house rental company, adventure park, or family entertainment center, the information in this guide could save your business.

The Trampoline Park Safety Crisis: 2025 Statistics

The numbers paint a stark picture of the current state of trampoline park safety.

By The Numbers

These aren't home trampoline injuries. These are commercial facility injuries—and the severity tends to be worse.

Why Trampoline Park Injuries Are More Severe

Commercial trampoline parks present unique risk factors:

Higher bounce heights than backyard trampolines generate more force on landings and falls.

Complex maneuvers encouraged by the environment—flips, tricks, and aerial moves that increase injury risk.

Multiple jumpers in close proximity create collision hazards that don't exist in controlled settings.

Foam pits with hidden hazards—what looks soft can have hard surfaces or objects beneath.

Wall trampolines and angled surfaces introduce unpredictable bounce angles and collision risks.

Common Injury Types

The injuries happening at trampoline parks aren't minor:

• Fractures (ankles, wrists, legs, arms)—the most common serious injury
• Spinal cord injuries—some resulting in permanent paralysis
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Dislocations (shoulders, elbows, knees)
• Neck injuries—including cervical spine damage

When a child breaks an arm at your facility, you're going to hear from a lawyer. The question is whether your documentation protects you.

The Regulatory Landscape: What's Changing in 2025

Trampoline parks have operated in a regulatory gray zone for years. That's changing.

The Current Situation

No federal regulations specifically govern trampoline parks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has no direct oversight of commercial trampoline facilities the way they do for certain amusement rides.

This regulatory gap has left states to create their own frameworks—and they're starting to act.

State-by-State Trampoline Park Regulations

The trend is clear: more states will regulate. It's not a question of if, but when.

Industry Safety Standards

While not legally required in most places, industry standards exist:

ASTM F2970-22 is the primary voluntary standard for trampoline courts. Published by ASTM International, it covers:

• Design and manufacture of equipment
• Installation requirements
• Operation and maintenance procedures
• Inspection protocols
• Modification guidelines

The International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP) provides additional voluntary guidelines for member facilities.

Key point: These standards are voluntary—parks aren't legally required to follow them. However, following ASTM F2970 can help demonstrate due diligence and industry best practices if your safety practices are ever questioned in court.

What This Means for Park Owners

The writing is on the wall:

• Regulations are coming whether you're ready or not
• Following ASTM standards now positions you for future compliance
• Proper documentation is your best protection regardless of state law
• Insurance requirements will tighten as regulations spread

Do Trampoline Park Waivers Actually Hold Up in Court?

This is the question every park owner asks. The answer is nuanced.

The short answer: Trampoline park waivers CAN be legally enforceable, but they have significant limitations. Waivers typically protect against ordinary negligence but do NOT protect against gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Additionally, waivers signed on behalf of minors can often be challenged or voided, depending on state law.

When Waivers DO Protect You

Properly drafted waivers can provide protection when:

• Injuries result from inherent risks of the activity (falls while jumping, collisions during normal use)
• Risks were properly disclosed in the waiver language
• Adult participants read, understood, and voluntarily signed
• No negligence on the park's part contributed to the injury
• Equipment was properly maintained and met industry standards
• Staff followed proper procedures

When Waivers DON'T Protect You

Waivers fail to provide protection in these scenarios:

Gross negligence—ignoring known safety hazards that you should have addressed

Defective or poorly maintained equipment—if a mat tears because you skipped inspections, the waiver won't help

Inadequate staff supervision—understaffing or untrained monitors

Failure to follow industry safety standards—ignoring ASTM F2970 guidelines

Injuries to minors—this is the big one, and it varies dramatically by state

Failure to properly disclose specific risks—vague language that doesn't inform participants

Violation of state or local safety codes—if they exist in your jurisdiction

The Minor Problem

Here's the uncomfortable truth for trampoline parks: most of your visitors are children.

In many states—including California, a massive market—parents cannot waive their child's legal rights through a liability waiver. The parent can waive their own right to sue, but the child retains their right to sue when they reach adulthood.

This creates significant liability exposure that no waiver can fully address. It's why comprehensive safety practices matter as much as paperwork.

Key Takeaway

Waivers are one layer of protection, not a complete shield. They work best when combined with:

• Genuine safety practices
• Proper staff training
• Regular equipment maintenance
• Thorough incident documentation
• Adequate insurance coverage

Think of your waiver as part of a defense system, not the entire defense.

Essential Elements Every Trampoline Park Waiver Must Include

A legally defensible trampoline park waiver needs specific elements. Missing any of these weakens your protection.

1. Clear Identification of Parties

What to include:

• Full legal name of participant
• Date of birth (critical for verifying adult vs. minor status)
• Emergency contact information
• Parent/guardian name, relationship, and contact if participant is a minor

Why it matters: You need to prove exactly who signed and when. Incomplete identification creates ambiguity that plaintiffs' attorneys exploit.

2. Comprehensive Risk Disclosure

What to include:

• Specific risks of trampoline activities (falls, collisions, landing injuries, equipment contact)
• Types of injuries that can occur (fractures, sprains, concussions, paralysis, death)
• Explicit statement that the list is not exhaustive
• Acknowledgment that injuries can occur even with safety precautions

Why it matters: Courts look at whether the signer was adequately informed. Generic language like "activities may be dangerous" is far weaker than specific enumeration of risks.

3. Assumption of Risk Statement

What to include:

• Clear language that participant understands and voluntarily accepts inherent risks
• Acknowledgment that participation is voluntary
• Statement that participant chooses to participate despite the risks
• Recognition that injuries can occur even when following all rules

Why it matters: The assumption of risk doctrine is a key legal defense. Your waiver should explicitly establish that the participant knowingly accepted the dangers.

4. Release of Liability Clause

What to include:

• Release of claims for ordinary negligence
• Names all parties being released: the park, owners, operators, employees, agents, contractors, equipment manufacturers
• Covers current and future claims arising from participation
• Specifies the scope (all activities at the facility)

Why it matters: This is the core of your legal protection. Unclear or incomplete release language significantly weakens enforceability.

5. Indemnification Agreement

What to include:

• Agreement that participant will not pursue legal claims
• Agreement to cover the park's legal costs if a lawsuit is filed
• Hold harmless clause protecting the park from third-party claims

Why it matters: Even if you win a lawsuit, defense costs can be substantial. Indemnification clauses help deter frivolous litigation.

6. Medical Authorization and Disclosure

What to include:

• Permission to seek emergency medical treatment if needed
• Disclosure of relevant medical conditions (heart conditions, seizure disorders, pregnancy, recent surgeries)
• Photo/video consent (if you record or photograph participants)

Why it matters: Medical conditions affect risk levels. Knowing about pre-existing conditions helps with safety and creates documentation if those conditions contribute to an injury.

7. Rules Acknowledgment

What to include:

• Statement that participant has read and will follow facility safety rules
• Agreement to obey staff instructions at all times
• Understanding of consequences for rule violations (removal from facility)
• Acknowledgment of specific prohibited behaviors

Why it matters: If an injury occurs because someone violated posted rules, their rule acknowledgment strengthens your defense.

8. Proper Signature and Date Fields

What to include:

• Participant signature (or parent/guardian for minors)
• Printed name alongside signature
• Date of signing
• For digital waivers: email verification, timestamp, IP address capture

Why it matters: The signature proves the agreement was executed. Digital waivers with comprehensive audit trails provide much stronger proof than paper signatures.

Digital Waivers vs. Paper Waivers: The Business Case

The case for digital waivers goes beyond convenience. In a legal dispute, the format of your waiver can determine the outcome.

Side-by-Side Comparison

The Audit Trail Advantage

When a lawsuit is filed, you need to prove:

1. The person actually signed a waiver—not someone else
2. They signed BEFORE the incident—not backdated
3. They saw the specific language—they can't claim ignorance
4. The document hasn't been altered—it's exactly what they agreed to

Digital waivers with proper audit trails capture:

• Exact timestamp (date, hour, minute, second)
• IP address of the signing device
• Email verification confirming identity
• Device and browser information
• Complete record of what was displayed and agreed to
• Document hash proving no alterations

Paper waivers provide:

• A signature that could be forged
• A handwritten date that could be falsified
• No proof of what the signer actually read
• No independent verification of identity

The difference in a courtroom is substantial. Learn more about e-signature legality.

The Lawsuit Scenario

Scenario: A 12-year-old breaks their arm at your trampoline park. Six months later, you receive notice of a lawsuit.

With paper waivers:

• Staff searches through boxes of filed waivers
• The waiver is found—but the signature is barely legible
• The date is smudged—did they sign before or after the injury?
• No way to prove what version of the waiver they saw
• The plaintiff's attorney argues the waiver is invalid

With digital waivers:

• Search the database—waiver found in seconds
• Timestamp shows it was signed two hours before the injury
• IP address matches the family's home network
• Email was verified
• Complete audit trail shows exactly what was displayed and agreed to
• Defense attorney has solid documentation

Which position would you rather be in?

Waiver Best Practices for Trampoline Parks

Having a waiver isn't enough. How you implement it matters.

Pre-Visit Procedures

Send waiver links in advance:

• Include waiver link in booking confirmation emails
• Send via SMS/text for higher completion rates
• Allow online completion before arrival
• Send reminders 24 hours before visit if not completed

Benefits: Reduces check-in time, ensures completion, gives signers time to read carefully (eliminating "I didn't have time to read it" claims).

Check-In Procedures

Verification is critical:

• Verify waiver completion before any participant enters the jumping area
• Have tablets or kiosks for on-site completion if needed
• Verify parent/guardian identity for all minors
• Check date of birth against ID for age-restricted areas

Never let anyone jump without a completed waiver. No exceptions. Train your staff that this is non-negotiable.

Waiver Design Best Practices

Readability matters:

• Use clear, plain language (aim for 8th-grade reading level)
• Proper paragraph breaks and formatting
• Bold or highlight critical risk disclosures
• Avoid walls of dense legal text

Engagement requirements:

• Require scrolling through the entire document before signing
• Use separate signature or initial fields for key sections
• Include acknowledgment checkboxes for critical points
• Don't allow signing without completing required fields

Storage and Retention

Keep waivers for a long time:

• Minimum 7 years for adult waivers
• For minors: until they reach age 18 PLUS the statute of limitations (often 2-3 additional years)
• When in doubt, keep records longer

Ensure accessibility:

• Easy retrieval by participant name and date
• Backup all digital records
• Export capability for legal requests
• Test retrieval procedures regularly

Staff Training

Your staff are your front line:

• Never allow entry without completed waiver—no exceptions for "regulars" or "just a few minutes"
• Know how to verify waiver completion in your system
• Understand what the waiver does and doesn't cover
• Document any safety incidents regardless of waiver status
• Report equipment issues immediately

Beyond Waivers: Comprehensive Risk Management

Waivers alone won't save you from a lawsuit if your safety practices are negligent. Complete protection requires a comprehensive approach.

1. Written Safety Program

Document everything:

• Written safety policies and procedures
• Staff training records (who was trained, when, on what)
• Posted rules throughout the facility
• Safety orientation procedures for first-time visitors
• Emergency response protocols

2. Equipment Maintenance

Maintain and document:

• Regular inspection schedules (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Written documentation of all inspections
• Immediate repair of any issues identified
• Compliance with ASTM F2970 standards
• Manufacturer maintenance guidelines

If you can't prove you maintained your equipment, a plaintiff's attorney will argue you didn't.

3. Adequate Staffing

Staff appropriately:

• Trained monitors on all jumping courts
• Proper staff-to-jumper ratios
• Emergency response training for all staff
• First aid and CPR certification
• Clear communication procedures

4. Adequate Insurance

Protect financially:

• Adequate liability coverage for your risk level
• Umbrella policy for additional protection
• Regular policy reviews with your agent
• Understand exactly what is and isn't covered
• Work with insurers on safety requirements

5. Incident Documentation

When something happens:

• Written report for ANY incident, no matter how minor
• Photos of conditions at the time of incident
• Witness statements if available
• Medical response documentation
• Equipment inspection following incident
• Keep incident reports indefinitely

How to Choose Waiver Software for Your Trampoline Park

Not all digital waiver solutions are equal. For trampoline park use, prioritize these features:

Must-Have Features

Mobile-responsive design

• Guests sign on their own phones
• Works on tablets for kiosk mode at check-in
• No app download required for signers

Legally-compliant e-signatures

• ESIGN Act and UETA compliant
• Full audit trail (timestamp, IP address, email verification)
• Tamper-evident document storage

Minor handling capabilities

• Parent/guardian signature requirement flagging
• Date of birth verification and age calculation
• Multiple children per parent signing

Custom form building

• Add your specific risk disclosures
• Include your branding
• Add custom questions (medical conditions, emergency contacts)
• Create different waiver versions for different activities

Fast check-in

• Search waivers by name instantly
• See completion status at a glance
• Process returning visitors quickly

Record management

• Long-term secure storage
• Easy export for legal requests
• Searchable database
• Backup and redundancy

Notification system

• Confirmation emails to guests
• Alert staff of completions
• Reminders for incomplete waivers

Pricing Considerations

Waiver software pricing varies significantly:

• SmartWaiver starts at $20/month
• Some platforms charge per signature or have volume tiers
• Formfy offers digital waiver functionality starting at $19/month with unlimited users and submissions

Consider total cost of ownership, not just base price. Hidden fees for storage, exports, or additional features can add up.

Sample Waiver Language Elements

Disclaimer: The following are EXAMPLES only. Every state has different laws regarding liability waivers. Consult with an attorney licensed in your state to create waivers appropriate for your specific business and jurisdiction.

Risk Acknowledgment Example

"I understand that trampoline activities involve inherent risks including but not limited to: falls from height, collisions with other participants, contact with equipment or surfaces, overexertion, and equipment malfunction or failure. I acknowledge that these activities can result in serious injury including but not limited to: broken bones, sprains, strains, cuts, bruises, concussions, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, paralysis, or death. I understand that this list of risks and injuries is not exhaustive and that other risks and injuries may occur."

Assumption of Risk Example

"I voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in trampoline activities at [Facility Name], whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, including those risks not specifically identified in this agreement. I understand that injuries may occur even when all safety rules are followed and all equipment is properly maintained."

Release of Liability Example

"I, on behalf of myself (and my minor child if applicable), hereby release, waive, and discharge [Facility Name], its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and equipment manufacturers from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising from my (or my minor child's) participation in activities at this facility. This release includes claims for personal injury, property damage, or death, except for claims arising from gross negligence or intentional misconduct."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are trampoline park waivers legally binding?

Trampoline park waivers can be legally binding for claims of ordinary negligence when properly drafted and signed by adults. However, they typically cannot waive liability for gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. In many states, waivers signed on behalf of minors have limited or no enforceability. The specific rules vary significantly by state, making it essential to work with an attorney familiar with your jurisdiction.

Can you sue a trampoline park if you signed a waiver?

Yes, you can still file a lawsuit even if you signed a waiver. Waivers do not protect trampoline parks from liability for gross negligence (knowingly ignoring safety hazards), defective or poorly maintained equipment, inadequate supervision, or in many states, injuries to minors. Whether the lawsuit succeeds depends on the specific circumstances, the waiver language, and state law. Signing a waiver doesn't prevent someone from filing suit—it just affects the outcome.

What is ASTM F2970?

ASTM F2970-22 is the voluntary industry standard for trampoline courts published by ASTM International. It provides comprehensive guidelines covering the design, manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection, and modification of commercial trampoline facilities. While not legally required in most jurisdictions, following ASTM F2970 demonstrates adherence to industry best practices and can be valuable evidence of due diligence in legal proceedings.

Do all states regulate trampoline parks?

No. Trampoline parks are largely unregulated at the federal level, and only a handful of states have passed specific trampoline park safety regulations. Arizona was the first state to regulate, followed by Utah and Michigan. California has attempted but not yet passed comprehensive regulation. Most states have no specific laws governing trampoline park operations, though general premises liability laws apply.

How long should trampoline parks keep signed waivers?

Best practice is to retain waivers for at least 7 years for adult participants. For waivers signed by or on behalf of minors, retain them until the minor reaches the age of majority (18 in most states) plus the applicable statute of limitations (often 2-3 additional years), which typically means keeping them for 20+ years. Digital storage makes long-term retention practical and cost-effective.

What makes a digital waiver legally valid?

Digital waivers are legally valid under the federal ESIGN Act and state UETA laws when they meet four requirements: clear intent to sign, proper consent to electronic transactions, logical association of the signature with the specific document, and accessible record retention. A comprehensive audit trail including timestamp, IP address, and email verification significantly strengthens legal defensibility. Learn more about e-signature legality.

What if a customer refuses to sign the waiver?

If a customer refuses to sign your liability waiver, you should not allow them to participate in activities. This is a business decision, but allowing participation without signed waivers creates significant liability exposure and undermines your waiver program. Train staff to politely explain that the waiver is required for all participants and offer to answer any questions about the document.

Do waivers protect against injuries to employees?

No. Liability waivers signed by customers do not affect your obligations to employees. Employee injuries are typically covered by workers' compensation laws, which operate independently of customer waivers. You need separate workplace safety programs, training, and insurance for employee protection.

Conclusion

The trampoline park industry faces a critical moment. With injuries up over 1,100%, states beginning to regulate, and lawsuits becoming more common, the facilities that survive and thrive will be those that take both safety and documentation seriously.

A proper digital liability waiver is essential, but it's not a silver bullet. Waivers don't protect against gross negligence, may not protect against injuries to minors (your primary customers), and won't help if you can't prove someone actually signed before their injury.

The formula for protection:

1. Comprehensive digital waivers with full audit trails
2. Genuine safety practices following ASTM F2970 standards
3. Proper staff training with documentation
4. Regular equipment maintenance with records
5. Thorough incident documentation for any event
6. Adequate insurance coverage

The trampoline parks succeeding in 2025 aren't hoping waivers will save them from any lawsuit. They're building comprehensive safety programs where waivers are one component of a complete protection strategy.

The cost of implementing proper systems is minimal compared to the cost of a single undefended lawsuit.

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Ready to protect your trampoline park with professional digital waivers?

Formfy offers everything you need: mobile-friendly liability waivers, legally-compliant e-signatures with full audit trails, parent/guardian signature handling for minors, and organized record management—starting at just $19/month.

Start Free Trial | See Waiver Features | Compare to SmartWaiver

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This article provides general information about liability waivers and trampoline park safety. It is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney licensed in your state for guidance on waivers and liability protection appropriate for your specific business.