Most Common Dangers Facing Sports Leagues

Sports leagues offer a fun, competitive atmosphere for like-minded sports fans and athletes to enjoy the games they love. Unfortunately, sports leagues face their own range of dangers when it comes to operation.  

Understanding the risks that your sports league faces can help you prevent them and prepare in case an accident does occur. 

Sports Injuries 

Obviously, when sports are involved, you should expect some injuries to occur. Whether your sports league participants play soccer, football or baseball, accidents and injuries are likely to occur. Sprained ankles, broken bones and concussions are common injuries that can occur during sports due to collisions and flying equipment. 

General Liability Injuries 

General liability injuries refer to third party injuries caused by non-professional negligence. This essentially means accidents such as a guest slipping and falling on property owned or used by your sports league. If a parent falls from the bleachers, for example, this is considered a general liability injury. 

Property Damage 

Sports leagues often own or use property in order to operate whether that is renting fields or offering equipment. Many offer riding services as well such as buses to take teams to and from the site. If property owned, borrowed or rented by your organization, you could face expensive repairs or replacements out of pocket in case of a fire, theft, vandalism or a bad weather. 

Overuse Injuries 

Overuse injuries refer to injuries that occur when athletes overextend or overuse certain muscles. This often happens in positions that require repetitive motion, such as baseball pitchers. Overuse can lead to issues with muscles and tendons primarily. It is important that all athletes receive the proper support and training they need, as well as ample rest between events or games. 

Lawsuits 

Lawsuits against a sports league can come from a variety of sources such as participants, parents of participants, vendors, volunteers and other third parties. A single lawsuit could cost your league thousands or even millions of dollars without the proper protection. 

Sexual Harassment 

Unfortunately, sexual harassment is a frequent danger facing youth sports participants. In fact, the majority of young athletes who are sexually harassed receive harassment from a coach or instructor. It is crucial for your sports league to vet volunteers, coaches and instructors carefully. Make sure to create a supportive atmosphere with a zero tolerance policy for harassment. Participants should feel safe raising their concerns or speaking about their experiences to members of the league. 

Who is At Risk? 

Those who face either physical or financial risk involved in a sports league 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 

How to Protect Your Sports League Against Damages 

Knowing the risks of your business Based on the league specifications, several types of commercial insurance might prove beneficial. A few types of sports insurance policies that may be useful include: 

• Property insurance can cover buildings and possessions belonging to the league. For example, if a fire damages the team’s uniforms, this coverage might apply for recovery. 
• General liability coverage insures damage you cause to third parties. A supporter who gets hurt in the team office might qualify for this coverage to pay their medical bills. 
• Employment practices liability coverage (EPLI) covers allegations of mistreatment or discrimination by the league against employees or prospective hires. It might help settle lawsuits, pay restitution or cover other costs. 

• Directors & officers coverage extends professional liability insurance to decision-makers, like governing boards. In case of mistakes or misconduct, this coverage might protect the accused parties. It can also cover claims regarding discrimination, sexual harassment and more. 
• Cyber liability protection insures the team against personal data losses. If a hacker steals the team’s private data, insurance might provide damage control. It might pay regulatory fines, and help others recoup their losses in case their identity comes under threat. 
• Workers’ compensation insurance pays supplementary income to league employees who get hurt on the job. According to local law, many leagues must provide coverage. Keep in mind, coverage might not apply to players themselves. 
• Commercial auto insurance insures league vehicles. Most states require this coverage. Your policy can usually provide liability and physical damage protection. 

Connect with an insurance agent about ways you can protect your sports league from accidents, lawsuits and other risks.