[endthematrix]

All contests have inherited risks, it wouldn't be a contest then. Participants generally assume the inherent risks of the game, and sign wavers to prevent liability to the promoter.

Think of the liability concern for TV reality show "Fear Factor?" A sued NBC for $2.5 million, contending that he threw up because of a "Fear Factor" episode in which contestants ate rats mixed in a blender.

[citizenmike]

You know, this thread began as a discussion about "personal responsibilty" on the part of the contestant, but it occurs to me that a "liability waiver" is nothing more than a mechanism to avoid responsibility by the promoter. Well how about this idea - no waivers. Don't hold a contest if you think a jury will find you responsible for damages.