Event and Activity Risk Management Policies
Certain types of events on campus present a higher level of risk to PLU and it’s community members. Please see the additional information for each situation below. If you have risk concerns about a situation not listed here, please contact the Risk Services office for consultation specific to your event or activity.
Washington state does not allow non-profits to incentivize participation in events. For example, PLU is not permitted to offer a raffle for all students who participate in a survey.
Washington state does not permit non-profits to administer games of chance.
Raffles are occasionally permitted with limitation. PLU may be required to obtain a license for the activity depending on the expected revenue of the raffle. This should be coordinated ahead of the event in consultation with the PLU Office of Advancement to ensure fundraising regulations are followed. Raffles at events may not be advertised in advance due to the restriction mentioned above regarding incentivizing participation.
All events that include athletic activities involving physical exertion with an increase risk of physical injury are required to have participants sign a waiver. For example, a department or student organization hosting a game of kickball would need to administer a waiver for all participants. Activities with lower risk, like certain lawn games, likely will not require a waiver. Please contact Risk Services for assistance in evaluating and developing a waiver for your activity.
The following attractions are not permitted at PLU events due to increased safety hazards, risk of personal injury, and liability risk.
- Inflatables and inflatable rides like bounce houses and obstacle courses. (This is a new policy beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.)
- Carnival rides
- Dunk tanks and similar attractions
- Slip and Slides and similar water attractions
- Foam Parties or similar events that may significantly increase a slip hazard.
- Mobile rock climbing walls
- Axe throwing
- Archery
Generally, games and attractions that do not pose an increased safety risk and where individuals do not climb or ride on the attraction can be permitted. Some examples include football or basketball target tosses and similar carnival games.