Insuring Your Baseball League, And Avoiding Accidents

Spring is here, and that means it is baseball season. Whether you are a spectator or a player, you know that, at times, America’s pastime could create safety risks. Weighted balls, flying through the air at high speeds, along with a preponderance of heavy metal bats, could easily injure players and spectators. Those are two of many risky incidents that could create problems for team organizers. If you are in charge, what can you do to protect the team from the accidents you least expect?

Insurance is one of the foremost ways to do so. Sports insurance is something that many team organizers don’t think about. But, if you neglect to protect yourself, you could pay the price later.

Don’t neglect insurance. Instead, let coverage be a support system to your team when you need it.

The Risks Affecting Baseball Teams

Think of everyone who works (or even interacts) with your baseball team. They might include:

• Players
• Coaching staff
• Parent, spouses or family volunteers
• Community volunteers, including professional players or student workers
• Team doctors and wellness coaches
• Administrative staff
• Spectators

As a team organizer, you have a degree of responsibility for all these people. You want them to enjoy the game, not worry about their safety and security. However, you don’t have the power to prevent every problem at every moment.

These are just a few of the damaging incidents that might harm anyone on the team:

• Players, coaches or umpires could get hurt during batting practices or games. Accidents might include concussions, broken bones, head or brain injuries, sprains, cuts, heat stroke and more.
• Anyone in the stands could get hurt by flying balls, bats or any other equipment accident.
• Those who volunteer with the organization might have ulterior motives for doing so. They could try to steal from the team. Or, even worse, some could try to victimize players or others involved in the organization.
• During travel, accidents might harm others. Car wrecks, for instance, might harm players, belongings and other drivers.

In any of these cases, someone could get hurt or sustain significant personal or financial harm. Therefore, the team could financially suffer as a result. However, the right insurance coverage could help mitigate some of these losses.

The Coverage From Which You Can Benefit

All baseball teams differ. Some are small youth leagues or amateur player groups. Others are semi-professional. Still, if any team has a corporate structure, then there are commercial risks involved. The team will need an appropriate amount of insurance for their needs.

Sports insurance comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, but it might include:

• General Liability Insurance: In the event someone gets hurt by fault of the team, this coverage can help pay their medical costs. For example, a spectator hit by a foul ball who then sues the team might have assistance under this coverage.
• Accident/Injury Coverage: If someone gets hurt purely by accident, then this coverage might pay their medical bills. For example, if a player falls while running and breaks a bone, this coverage might pay for their injuries.
• Equipment Insurance: Your sports equipment items are important. If they get stolen, vandalized or damaged, coverage can help pay for their replacement.
• Workers Compensation Insurance: If you have staff, they might have a right to workers compensation. The coverage will pay for their medical bills or other costs in the event they get hurt in their line of work.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: If you transport your players or own a team vehicle, then this coverage can insure you. It might include liability, collision, medical payments and comprehensive insurance.
• Directors & Officers Liability Insurance: In the event someone levels a personal allegation of harm against one of your team leaders, this coverage might help them protect themselves.
• Other Property Insurance: If you have a building or office headquarters for the team, this insurance might help repair or replace it and its contents in the event of damage.

Of course, all teams vary. Amateur leagues and semi-professional groups will likely need different insurance policies, for instance. Nevertheless, the fact remains that teams need insurance. Contact your Bene-Marc, Inc. insurance agent today to learn more about the coverage from which you can best