General Liability Insurance Coverage for Coaches
United States Fencing Association
2008-2009 General Liability Insurance Plan
New US Fencing Insurance Coverage Enhancement Is In Place
U. S. Fencing Association (USFA) now offers general liability for member coaches at no additional cost. This coverage is extended to all USFA sanctioned and non-sanctioned fencing events and activities. As a member coach, you no longer have to buy this coverage separately. This coverage is provided to you as an added benefit of your membership through USFA.
What does "general liability" insurance cover?
General liability coverage provides protection for allegations of negligence that result in third party bodily injury or property damage. This policy provides defense costs protection for the named insured, and will indemnify and defend the covered person or club if there is a lawsuit for covered activities. For example, if someone gets hurt during a covered activity, and sues to recover for damages, this policy is intended to respond to protect insured parties against alleged negligence that caused these damages.
Who is Insured?
United States Fencing Association, a/k/a USA Fencing, member coaches, USFA participating clubs and their member participants who elect coverage, member officials while acting in their capacity as such during USFA sanctioned activities, USFA Divisions while participating in USFA sanctioned tournaments where 100% of the division's participants are members of USFA.
What are the covered activities?
Covered activities include approved and/or sanctioned events, organized and supervised practices held in conjunction with approved and/or sanctioned events, any member or organization's activities that are either directly or indirectly related to U.S. Fencing's operation.
Explain more about the coverage for clubs who enroll.
Clubs that elect the general liability coverage are afforded protection while hosting or participating in organized, supervised club practices and fencing activities, and for their participation in USFA or FIE sanctioned competitions. Essentially, coverage applies to fencing and related ancillary activities of the club.
Who is the insurance carrier?
Markel Insurance Company is the insurance carrier. Markel is rated XV by A.M. Best and has insured sports and recreation programs for over 40 years.
Are the volunteers covered too?
Yes, all USFA volunteers are added the general liability policy as additional insured status.
If I drive one or more students to a competition with my personal car, am I covered?
No. The USFA general liability policy does not provide this coverage. Liability coverage follows the owner of the vehicle driven. If you are driving your own vehicle, your personal auto coverage will apply. It is always recommended to carry the highest liability limits possible as auto injuries have the potential to be severe and catastrophic. Statutory limits typically are not sufficient. If you are transporting others, it is wise to ask your personal insurance agent about maximizing your auto protection.
If a student is injured in my USFA member club during an individual lesson while wearing proper attire or not, am I covered?
The club activity must be sanctioned by the USFA in order for coverage to apply. Clubs who have elected coverage and individual member coaches are covered. There are no restrictions with regard to proper attire; however, this raises the likelihood of a potential injury and negligence which could increase the chances for an injury that could result in a liability claim.
Is there coverage for spectators or parents should they trip or fall while attending a USFA activity?
Yes - if the club has elected general liability coverage.
Am I covered if I injure a student in a USFA competition site during a warm up?
Yes, clubs who have elected general liability coverage, and member coaches are covered as long as the competition or event is sanctioned by the USFA and/or the club.
Are Coaches Covered under the USFA's insurance plan?
Added as a new benefit in 2005, the USFA continues to offer general liability coverage to member coaches at no additional cost. As an added benefit of membership through the USFA, the limit is $1,000,000 per occurrence and provides protection for coaches.
Regarding coverage for coaches, does the instruction have to be sanctioned by the USFA in order for coverage to apply?
The general liability coverage for USFA member coaches follows them 24 hours a day for all fencing instruction for all USFA affiliated and non-affiliated clubs/activities.
If I am a USFA member coach working with a USFA club who has not elected liability coverage, am I covered under the USFA general liability plan?
Yes. By virtue of your membership, you are protected individually during fencing activities involving instruction, practice, or competition.
During a USFA sanctioned tournament, if I am injured as either a referee, bout committee or as a coach, am I covered?
Yes, as long as you are a member of USFA.
If I am a member USFA coach who owns and teaches at a USFA affiliated club and also teach at a non-USFA affiliated club, am I covered for both?
Yes. This benefit applies to all member coaches as of August 1, 2005 and offer by USFA's new insurance carrier, Markel Insurance.
If I believe an injury that occurs could give rise to a liability claim, who do I contact?
Immediately contact the USFA national office.
What other insurance coverage should my club consider that might be offered to USFA member clubs?
Other coverages that are now available to USFA member clubs are as follows:
-Director's & Officers Liability
-Property/Contents Insurance
-Crime Insurance
Who do I contact for general coverage questions? Please contact Cathy Fonseca, AAI Vice President- Sports, Bollinger Insurance at 800-350-8005, ext. 8179 or e-mail to: cathy@bollingerinsurance.com . Cathy will be glad to assist you.
