Verbiage for teacher/parent release form to hold snakes

My fiance is a speech pathologist at a grade school. She has used our ball python collection/breeding season as a topic this semester to get her kids excited so they will work a little harder at their speech challenges. As a reward we wanted to bring in some of our collection so the kids could get their pictures taken etc.
The principal is open to this idea but wants my fiance to write up a release form. I could fumble through creating one but I thought I would ask here first.

Does anyone have (and want to share) any verbiage that has been successfully used in this type of situation? More importantly I am looking for emphasis on "snakes CAN bite but BP's are very gentle snakes" type of wording.

Thanks in advance for any help

Jim

By signing this form I__________, parent or legal guardian of __________, am giving permission to allow ___________ to hold, pet, touch, have photos taken with and otherwise admire the reptiles provided by ___________. I am aware that Ball Pythons are one of the most docile of all reptiles. Should a bite occur (extremely unlikely) I agree that no legal action will be entered into.

Date ___________

Signed by ___________

I don't know if this will help but it should cover the basics.

Have fun.

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Originally Posted by wilomn

By signing this form I__________, parent or legal guardian of __________, am giving permission to allow ___________ to hold, pet, touch, have photos taken with and otherwise admire the reptiles provided by ___________. I am aware that Ball Pythons are one of the most docile of all reptiles. In the unlikelyhood of an accident,I will hold _________(school) it's employees harmless. Date ___________
Signed by ___________

I don't know if this will help but it should cover the basics.

Have fun.

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Just a little revision Wil :)

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Originally Posted by llovelace

Just a little revision Wil :)

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But that doesnt protect the owner of the snakes, just the school. Wes' was for ANY legal action....

I would put a part rendering the snake and its owner free from legal action. Last thing you want is little Tommy to get a handful of teeth and you in court with trying to save your pet from people who think all snakes are bad anyway. man I hate stereotypes when it comes to snakes...

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

But that doesnt protect the owner of the snakes, just the school. Wes' was for ANY legal action....

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But she is an employee of the school. By holding them harmless means no legal action can be taken.

Against her, but about her husband?

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

Against her, but about her husband?

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Yup, which is why I worded it as I did.

For lawyer swallowing camels whole is no problem but they strain at gnats.

Release forms do not preclude an injured party from filing a lawsuit. It could cost thousands of dollars defending against a suit even though you have a release. Plus, there's no guarantee that a judge would not reward damages in spite of a release.

Legally, you cannot sign away your rights, especially without consideration.

Consult a lawyer.

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

Consult a lawyer.

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THAT, right there, is 90% of what's wrong with this country.

Some guy wants to show some kids some snakes and not only does he have to get permission to do so but has to worry that someone who GAVE him permission to touch his snakes KNOWING FULL WELL THAT A BITE WAS POSSIBLE will sue him if a bite does occur because of some damn lawyer.

If you sign, that's it. You're done, it's in writing, no more nonsense, either take your turn or get out of the line.

Friggin lawyers.

It's not the lawyers you should have problems with.

It's the entire legal system.

They didn't write the laws, they just tell people how it is.

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

It's not the lawyers you should have problems with.

It's the entire legal system.

They didn't write the laws, they just tell people how it is.

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You're joking, right?

They write the laws so you need one of them to defend yourself, interpret the law, find ways around the laws they've introduced and all the while you're paying by the hour.

What other profession is it that you pay this way and get screwed for?

I do believe there should be mention that ball pythons are a harmless nonvenomous species.

You'd be surprised how many people think there are pythons and boas that have venom.

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

I do believe there should be mention that ball pythons are a harmless nonvenomous species.

You'd be surprised how many people think there are pythons and boas that have venom.

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It's a good thought but my thinking is, the less you give them to worry about the better.

Keep it short, sweet and simple.

This is exactly why I can't bring my snakes Zipper to our school pet exhibit. We do one every year, the Louisiana School of Agricultural Science. They bring in the little kids from Headstart to see the animals. I submitted for permission to big Zipper, got a big fat NO!

Is there any type of permit out there that could prevent such lawsuits from occurring?

What do the educational groups do to avoid such a case when they go to shows and such with their animals? I assume they don't make everyone sign a release.

Thank you for the wording, thoughts and warnings!

Greatly appreciated

Jim

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Is there any type of permit out there that could prevent such lawsuits from occurring?

What do the educational groups do to avoid such a case when they go to shows and such with their animals? I assume they don't make everyone sign a release.

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We don't do anything. We do have the owners of the animals sign a form stating that they know what the rules are (always keep control of your animal, don't let people pet it on the head etc...) But we have thousands of people coming to our 'hands on' shows that touch and pet our snakes and lizards and turtles (but not the amphibians since it's bad for the amphibians, not because it's bad for the people)

My Mom was a second grade teacher and had a corn snake as a classroom pet for many many years until she retired. The snake was one of the first ones that I hatched when I started captive breeding. She never had to have the kids sign any kind of release form and just about every kid in the school handled that snake at one time or another.

Just have a touch at your own risk type of release form.

I can't believe we have to worry about this stuff.

The thing about schools is they need to be overly protective. They are taking care of our children. It's a damn shame that we have to have all this nonsense involved in sharing nature with them, but they are not in the business of animals, well sort of but not like us, they are in the business of teaching children.

Often the teachers and administrators would be all for live stuff in the class rooms but are not allowed to by board members, old folks with their outdated ideas or more concerned with re-election to the school board than with the actual kids.

If you do this professionally, you can get insurance. Even then though, some places just won't let you in.

I know a guy who has been doing this for over 30 years. He says to keep it short and simple. I'll go with his advice, he seems to know what he's talking about.

And let's not forget that not everyone who wants to bring a snake to class SHOULD be bringing snakes to class. Can you imagine some of the attention-whores who have been here going to your child's class?

That's why many schools are skittish about animals. They've already had the "Expert," the onewho has had their snake 3 days, come in and tell them all about how snakes need to eat live and have huge teeth and even a small one like this "Two foot Bald Python" can kill a grown man. Seen it in person.

Good luck and have fun, it is cool watching those little buggers see their first snake.

You need to include that

"Our goal is to offer a hands on Educational Experience with reptiles. Bringing years of experience in dealing with animals gives us the ability to offer your child a once in a life time chance, we truly look forward to allowing your child the chance to experience first hand the wonder of the animal kingdom with their own hands.

While we understand some's hesitation with letting their child handle the animals, we want to assure you that your child's comfort and safety is our first concern. Children will at no time be left unattended or be allowed to handle the animals without strict oversight from experienced persons. If at anytime a child becomes scared or we feel their actions may cause harm to themselves or the animals we will stop all activities and reserve the right to end the "Educational Experience"

We take all precautions to ensure the health and well being of both you child and the animals we bring. In order to do this any child who wishes to handle or even touch the animals will be asked to use a OTC topical hand sanitizer before and after they come in contact with either the animal or any equipment we bring.

If you would like to allow your child the chance to hold and touch some of natures greatest creations please sign and date. Any child that doesn't have this signed permission slip will be present during the instructional portion of the presentation but not allowed to participate in the hands on portion"

Everyone here is looking at this on one side. Think about how many reptile keeps that are very irresponsible. Those are the reasons why we need to have release documents and such.

Contact a lawyer. Would you rather have hearsay information or the legit deal?

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

You need to include that

"Our goal is to offer a hands on Educational Experience with reptiles. Bringing years of experience in dealing with animals gives us the ability to offer your child a once in a life time chance, we truly look forward to allowing your child the chance to experience first hand the wonder of the animal kingdom with their own hands.

While we understand some's hesitation with letting their child handle the animals, we want to assure you that your child's comfort and safety is our first concern. Children will at no time be left unattended or be allowed to handle the animals without strict oversight from experienced persons. If at anytime a child becomes scared or we feel their actions may cause harm to themselves or the animals we will stop all activities and reserve the right to end the "Educational Experience"

We take all precautions to ensure the health and well being of both you child and the animals we bring. In order to do this any child who wishes to handle or even touch the animals will be asked to use a OTC topical hand sanitizer before and after they come in contact with either the animal or any equipment we bring.

If you would like to allow your child the chance to hold and touch some of natures greatest creations please sign and date. Any child that doesn't have this signed permission slip will be present during the instructional portion of the presentation but not allowed to participate in the hands on portion"

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Hmmmmm, a lot of words, good ones mind you, to say, "sign here or don't touch nuthin."

I'd lose the apostrophe on SOME'S though, doesn't quit flow right.

Well written otherwise and it does the job.

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Hmmmmm, a lot of words, good ones mind you, to say, "sign here or don't touch nuthin."

I'd lose the apostrophe on SOME'S though, doesn't quit flow right.

Well written otherwise and it does the job.

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some editing is needed but it does the job I think

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Originally Posted by Clear

Everyone here is looking at this on one side. Think about how many reptile keeps that are very irresponsible. Those are the reasons why we need to have release documents and such.

Contact a lawyer. Would you rather have hearsay information or the legit deal?

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Only a lawyer can make it legit?

My oh my, what a FINE little citizen you are.

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Only a lawyer can make it legit?

My oh my, what a FINE little citizen you are.

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So how many years did you go to law school?

I think the more pertinent question, going WAY off topic here, is what difference does that make?

Are you implying that only a lawyer can tell you how to go show your snakes to kids at a school?

No, don't answer. I thought I had you on ignore, must have confused you with someone else. But I can rectify that right quick like.

Oh, and for the big words, try here: www.dictionary.com

Honestly, I dont think we have ever spoken before. If you want medical advice, see a doctor, if you want legal advice, see a lawyer. Lawyers are there to help protect you and your rights.

No a lawyer can not tell you how to go show your snakes at school, a lawyer can tell you how to protect your self in case some unfortunate accident happens.

I agree, just keep it very simple. Nothing subjective and nothing interpretive.

I would include the species that you are showing though, and if you see fit contact information so that a guardian can get further information (perhaps?).

If you begin to qualify specifics then you have to qualify everything... at which point any ommission is a concern. By giving the name of the species you have given the parents EVERYTHING they need to do their own research.

Worst case scenario is the kid learns something, but does not touch a snake this year...

Good luck with that, it sounds like a great project and a great incentive for the kids. Animals have long been a great aid for many speech pathologists.

Bruce

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Originally Posted by llovelace

Just a little revision Wil :)

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Its Wes :D

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Originally Posted by sg1trogdor

Its Wes :D

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I answer to several calls, Wil and Wes being but two of them.