Waivers
Waivers protect both participants and the Club, and checking them is one of the most important things a trip leader does before heading out. This page covers what counts as a valid waiver, how participants sign one, how to check someone's status, and what to do for minors.
The Golden Rule
Every participant on an ACC trip must have an active waiver — one signed within the last 12 months — before they set out. As the trip leader, you are responsible for confirming this, either by looking up their status online or by checking a signed physical copy. No active waiver means no trip, no exceptions.
How Participants Sign a Waiver
If a participant isn't sure how to sign their waiver, point them to the member portal — the process is slightly different depending on whether the trip requires ACC membership.
Trips That Require Membership
- Once they log into the member portal, they'll be prompted to sign the waiver automatically if their existing one has expired.
- If they're already an active member with a current waiver, they can confirm this themselves under "My Membership" in the member portal.
- If none of the above is possible in advance, they can sign a paper waiver at the trailhead.
Trips Open to Non-Members
Participants can create a free account at app.alpineclubofcanada.ca/registration and select "Create free account" — this will prompt them to sign the waiver during setup.
Alternatively, just like members, they can sign a paper waiver at the trailhead.
Always print in colour. Waivers printed in black and white can be harder to verify and are not accepted as valid copies.
How to Check a Waiver
Trip leaders can look up a participant's waiver and membership status directly through the ACC Member Portal. A full step-by-step walkthrough is available here:
How to Access Section Member Data from the ACC Member Portal
If you don't yet have access to this look-up feature, email [email protected] to be set up — it's worth arranging before your first trip, not on the morning of.
How to Sign a Minor's Waiver
Minors need a parent or legal guardian to add them as a dependant and sign on their behalf before they can join a trip. The step-by-step guide below walks through the process:
How to Add a Child and Sign Their Waiver
When in Doubt
If a trip leader is ever unsure whether someone's waiver is valid or properly signed — for any reason — the safe default is to have them sign a paper waiver at the trailhead. It only takes a minute, and it ensures the Club and the participant are both protected.