Insurance and obligations

Every sports club will face some risks. You are advised to check on the extent to which you may need to obtain adequate insurance to cover members (including coaches, volunteers, officials, parents, spectators and players) and plus visiting competitors.

Each club faces different risks and may require different levels and types of insurance. For example, there are (arguably) more dangers and risks involved in a sky diving than a walking club.

If you are considering insurance for you club or activities, or want to understand more about the different types of insurance, the insurance top tips guide will help.

Whether or not your club requires insurance, having a health and safety  processes and procedures will help you keep your club a safe for your members, participants and volunteers. Alongside these you should be carrying out regular risk assessments, to reduce the risk of injuries or accidents.

Your National Governing Body may provide insurance as part of its affiliation package, check with yours to see if it does.  Alternatively, it may be useful to contact a specialist insurance broker to provide you with some assistance as to your insurance requirements. 

Legal obligations

Your club has responsibility for the health and safety of people who visit, work, or are affected by your club’s activities including:

• Players and competitors
• Volunteers and staff
• Members and supporters
• Parents or other visitors
• Competition support staff
• Contractors

Your club will owe a duty of care to these (and other) people. Undertaking risk assessments and having a clear health and safety Policy will help you to manage this obligation.

If your club has paid employees you will be required to meet additional Health and Safety standards.

These clubs fall within the main scope of the Health and Safety at Work Act and are required to ensure safe systems of work and a safe working environment for their staff and others using the premises where the work takes place.