Protective Firearms / Defensive Tactics Training Agreement

ESL Protective Firearms / Defensive Tactics Training Agreement

In consideration for being permitted to participate in protective firearms, defensive tactics, force-on-force, live-fire, simulation, or related training activities (collectively, the “Training”), I understand and agree as follows:

1. ASSUMPTION OF RISK.

I understand that the Training may involve firearms, ammunition, simulated weapons, physical contact, defensive tactics, movement under stress, loud noise, projectiles, falls, impact, equipment, outdoor conditions, and other hazards. These activities may cause property damage, serious bodily injury, permanent disability, or death. I knowingly and voluntarily assume the risks inherent in these activities and the ordinary risks associated with participating in the Training.

2. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY.

I will inspect the training area and equipment available to me to the extent reasonably possible, follow all safety rules and instructor directions, immediately report unsafe conditions, and stop participating whenever I believe continued participation is unsafe.

3. RELEASE AND WAIVER.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, I release and waive claims against Executive Support & Logistics, Inc.; its officers, directors, employees, instructors, contractors, agents, affiliates, clients, successors and assigns; and the owners, operators, lessors, sponsors, and personnel of any premises, range, facility, or equipment used for the Training (collectively, the “Releasees”) for injury, death, loss, or property damage arising from my participation in the Training, including claims based on the ordinary negligence of a Releasee. This release does not apply to liability that cannot lawfully be waived.

4. INDEMNIFICATION.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Releasees from third-party claims, losses, liabilities, or costs arising from my negligent, reckless, or intentional acts or my violation of safety rules or instructor directions.

5. FITNESS AND IMPAIRMENT.

I represent that I am able to participate safely or will disclose relevant limitations to the lead instructor before participating. I will not participate while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, cannabis, or medication or a condition that may impair safe performance.

6. EMERGENCY CARE.

If I am injured or become ill and cannot provide instructions, I authorize reasonable emergency first aid and medical response. I understand that I remain responsible for medical costs not otherwise covered.

7. SEVERABILITY.

If any portion of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.

8. SAFETY RULES

• Safety is paramount and will always take priority over training objectives.
• Participants are responsible for their actions and, during live fire, for every round fired and every impact.
• Do not begin, enter, handle equipment, fire, move, or otherwise participate in an exercise unless directed or authorized by an instructor.
• Anyone who appears impaired by alcohol, drugs, cannabis, medication, fatigue, illness, or another condition that may affect safe performance may be removed from training.
• A required liability waiver and this safety acknowledgment must be completed before participation.
• Live firearms, ammunition, edged weapons, batons, or other live weapons are prohibited in designated sterile simulation/classroom areas unless specifically authorized by the lead instructor.
• Participants not actively training must remain in the designated observation or safe area and may not enter the training area without instructor authorization.
• During force-on-force training, wear all required protective equipment. Unless otherwise directed, exposed skin is prohibited and approved face/eye protection, gloves, and groin protection are required.
• During force-on-force training, do not intentionally fire training projectiles at another person from less than 1 meter unless the instructor has specifically established a different safe distance for the approved training system.
• Eye protection, hearing protection, and closed-toe footwear are required on the live-fire range. Additional range-specific PPE requirements apply.
• During live fire, engage only designated targets. Maintain a safe muzzle direction at all times. Do not fire when any person is within the unsafe muzzle arc or whenever there is doubt about target, backstop, or surrounding conditions.
• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never point a firearm at anything you are not prepared to shoot. Keep your finger straight and outside the trigger guard until you have made the decision to fire. Know your target, what is around it, and what is beyond it.
• Treat training weapons and inert weapons with the same handling discipline as live weapons unless an instructor directs otherwise for a controlled exercise.
• All physical-contact exercises will be conducted under instructor control. Apply only the level of force directed and immediately honor any stop or tap-out signal.
• Tap-out procedure: tap the partner, floor, or nearby object repeatedly and clearly state “TAP, TAP, TAP.” Immediately release pressure when a tap-out is given.
• Everyone is a safety officer. Anyone who observes an unsafe condition may call “CEASE FIRE” or “STOP.” All participants must immediately stop, remain in place or follow the instructor’s emergency direction, and await further instruction.
• Range, facility, client, or instructor rules may be more restrictive than these rules. The most restrictive applicable safety requirement controls.