ARTICLE
Every rink owner knows accidents happen. But are you prepared for what comes after? The difference between a lawsuit that gets dismissed and one that costs you thousands — or more — often comes down to decisions you made long before anyone got hurt. Things like how your staff responds at the scene. Whether your paper trail is airtight. How your waivers are written. Whether your employees know what not to say. At this year’s RSA Convention in Las Vegas, two sessions are dedicated entirely to protecting your rink from the legal and financial fallout of patron accidents. Attendees will receive a 58-page booklet, number 2 of 3 installments with important articles that will keep you informed. Find the first booklet here in the risk management section of your member portal. The IALDA Legal Seminar brings attorneys from the International Amusement and Leisure Defense Association — lawyers who have spent decades defending roller skating rinks — into the room with you. They’ll walk through real cases and the real mistakes that turned defensible accidents into costly settlements. You’ll learn what a proper accident investigation looks like, why your paper trail matters more than you think, how to train staff on what to do (and say) when something goes wrong, and what the RSA/IALDA Risk Management Guidelines actually require — and why following them can strengthen your legal position. The Waivers Breakout Session takes a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood tools in a rink operator’s toolkit. Digital waivers, handling minors, record-keeping, faster check-in — done right, your waiver process is a key layer of protection. Done wrong, it may not protect you at all. If you’ve ever wondered whether your rink could survive a lawsuit — come find out what you need to have in place before one lands on your doorstep. Register for the 2026 RSA Convention, May 10–14 in Las Vegas at https://www.rollerskating.com/convention.html