How to Choose Athletic Participation Insurance: 5 Easy Tips

Athletic participation insurance protects the athletes who play and the organizations that host them. Sports build strong bodies and strong character. However, even the most experienced athlete can fall, twist, or collide on a routine play. As a result, leagues, camps, and clinics need a clear plan for coverage. At Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance, we have helped athletic programs build that plan for more than 53 years.

This guide walks you through five easy tips for choosing athletic participation insurance that fits your program. First, we will define the coverage. Then, we will outline the core policies and how to put them together.

1. Understand what athletic participation insurance is

Athletic participation insurance is not a single policy. In most cases, it is a portfolio of coverages built around the athletes on your roster. As a result, the right plan depends on your sport, your age groups, and the venues where you play.

Many sports programs assume general liability handles every claim. However, athletes who compete in your league, camp, or competition often sit outside that policy. As a result, you need a separate layer to protect them.

2. Know what athletic participation insurance covers

Specific needs vary by program. In general, we recommend the protections below. Review them with a qualified agent before you sign. A short annual review keeps that list current as your program grows.

• Participant injury coverage, which helps pay medical costs and legal fees after an athlete is hurt
• Participant death and dismemberment coverage, which supports families after a fatal or disabling injury
• Abuse liability coverage, which protects your program from claims of abuse by coaches or staff
• General liability insurance, which addresses third party claims tied to your venues
• Accident medical expense insurance, which fills gaps in family health plans after on field injuries

3. Match athletic participation insurance to your athletes

No two programs look alike. Youth football covers athletes 15 and under at Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance, while other sports run through age 18. As a result, your coverage should reflect the age group, the sport, and the level of contact. For example, a contact sport league needs different limits than a tennis academy.

For research on youth injury rates by sport, see the Aspen Project Play data. That context helps you and your agent set the right limits.

4. Address the lawsuit risk with athletic participation insurance

An athlete injury can trigger a lawsuit against your program. As a result, even careful organizations face legal costs that climb quickly. The right coverage helps pay medical bills, defense fees, and certain settlements. In addition, it gives families a clear path to support during recovery.

For more detail on the coverages we offer leagues, camps, and clinics, see our camps, clinics, and clubs page. In addition, our leagues and associations program serves organizations of every size.

5. Work with a specialist on your athletic participation insurance

The strongest plans come from a real conversation with a specialist. We answer the phone, write plain English quotes, and help when a claim happens. In addition, we have served sports programs across all 50 states for more than 53 years. Visit our about page to learn more.

Get started with Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance

Ready to protect your athletes? Call Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance at 800-247-1734 or visit bene-marc.com/contact for a fast, free quote. We will help you build athletic participation insurance that fits your athletes, your coaches, and your budget.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.