Policies

Participant Agreement, Release & Waiver of Liability

The agreement every participant, or their parent or guardian, accepts before taking part in Flatline activities.

Flatline Robotics · 3450 Williams Rd. STE B, Benbrook, TX 76116 · 682-990-ROBO (7626) · info@flatlinerobotics.com

Checking the waiver box during registration records your agreement to these terms. A paper copy of this agreement is also completed at the first session; the paper form collects the participant’s name and date of birth, parent/guardian contact details for participants under 18, an emergency contact, any allergies or medical conditions staff should know about, the photo/video choice in Section 9, and signatures.

1. Scope of This Agreement

This Agreement covers the Participant’s involvement in any activity offered by Flatline Robotics (“Flatline”), including robotics and 3D printing classes, Robot Rumbles, Build + Battle, Design + Build + Battle, open build time, and related activities, whether held at Flatline’s Benbrook facility or at any other location where Flatline conducts an event. It remains in effect for twelve (12) months from the date signed.

2. Description of Activities and Risks

Flatline activities are hands-on and involve real tools, machines, and combat robots. Risks include, but are not limited to:

  • Combat robotics: high-speed collisions; spinning weapons; robots or debris ejected from the arena; pinch, cut, and crush points; unexpected robot activation.
  • Building and fabrication: soldering irons and hot tools; 3D printer hot ends and heated beds; hot plastic; hand tools and small power tools; sharp edges on cut or broken parts.
  • Electrical: lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries, which can overheat, vent, or catch fire if damaged, shorted, or improperly charged; electrical shorts and minor shocks.
  • General: slips, trips, and falls; injuries arising from the actions of other participants or spectators.

THESE RISKS INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING CUTS, BURNS, EYE INJURY, BROKEN BONES, ELECTRIC SHOCK, PERMANENT DISABILITY, AND DEATH.

3. Voluntary Assumption of Risk

I understand the nature of the activities and the risks described above. I confirm that participation is voluntary and that I (or my child) am participating with full knowledge of these risks. I assume all risks of participation, whether described above or not, whether foreseen or unforeseen.

4. Release and Waiver of Liability

IN EXCHANGE FOR BEING PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE, I, ON BEHALF OF MYSELF, MY HEIRS, AND MY LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES, RELEASE, WAIVE, AND DISCHARGE FLATLINE ROBOTICS, ITS OWNERS, EMPLOYEES, INSTRUCTORS, CONTRACTORS, AND VOLUNTEERS (THE “RELEASED PARTIES”) FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, OR CAUSES OF ACTION FOR PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR DEATH ARISING OUT OF PARTICIPATION IN FLATLINE ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING CLAIMS CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES THEMSELVES. THIS RELEASE DOES NOT APPLY TO GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT.

5. Parent/Guardian Provisions (participants under 18)

I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of the Participant and have authority to sign on their behalf. On my own behalf, I release the Released Parties from any claims I personally hold arising from my child’s participation, including claims for medical expenses and loss of services. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim later brought by or on behalf of the Participant arising out of participation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, except to the extent caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

6. Safety Rules

The Participant agrees to: follow all instructions from Flatline staff; wear safety glasses and any other provided protective equipment when directed; keep hands and objects out of the arena while robots are powered; never power a robot weapon outside the arena or designated test area; handle batteries only as instructed; and stop immediately when told to stop. Flatline may remove any participant who does not follow safety rules, without refund.

7. Medical Authorization

If the Participant is injured and I cannot be reached, I authorize Flatline staff to administer basic first aid and to secure emergency medical treatment, at my expense. I have disclosed on the signed form any allergies or medical conditions relevant to safe participation.

8. Take-Home Robots and Batteries

Some programs include a robot the Participant keeps. I understand that once the robot leaves the event, I am solely responsible for its safe use, supervision, and storage, including charging and storing LiPo batteries in accordance with the battery-safety instructions Flatline provides. Flatline is not responsible for injury or damage arising from use, modification, or charging of the robot after it leaves the event.

9. Photo and Video Release (optional)

On the paper form, the Participant (or parent/guardian) checks one:

  • YES — I grant Flatline permission to photograph/record the Participant and use such media for promotion, without compensation.
  • NO — Do not use the Participant’s image in promotional media.

10. General Terms

If any provision of this Agreement is held unenforceable, the remainder stays in effect. This Agreement is governed by Texas law; venue for any dispute lies in Tarrant County, Texas. This is the entire agreement between the parties regarding its subject matter.

I HAVE READ THIS ENTIRE AGREEMENT, I UNDERSTAND IT IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY INCLUDING FOR NEGLIGENCE, AND I SIGN IT VOLUNTARILY.

The paper form is signed and dated by the Participant (18+) or their parent/guardian, and witnessed by Flatline staff.