Safety Precautions for Winter Sports

Many schools have recently returned from their holiday vacations. Now that football season has ended, it is time for the winter and spring sporting season to begin. Many schools offer different sports opportunities throughout the year. These might include basketball or volleyball, or certain outdoor activities like soccer.

Regardless of the game, schools assume a degree of responsibility for students’ safety. Most schools need to carry sports insurance. However, the type of protection a school needs might vary. It is important that schools comprehensively examine their risks before getting coverage. Afterwards, they should take steps to see to the safety of all students during winter sports.

Insuring Your PE and Winter Sports Program

Sports insurance is one type of coverage that a school district should not go without. In case of a student injury. This coverage can help protect the school’s liabilities and provide for injured students’ needs in case of a sporting accident.

Usually, K-12 sports insurance policies can cover team sports, practices, field trips and team travels. However, some policies exclude non-sanctioned events or common school activities like PE classes. As each policy is different, policyholders should check with their insurance agent to make sure they have coverage for all of their school’s activities. This might include buying other insurance policies.

Protecting Students During Winter Sports

As the sporting season begins, school leaders must enforce all safety and participation regulations required by local laws.

• Teams should assemble using proper acceptance, tryouts and training practices to determine eligibility.
• The school should keep all documentation that qualifies a student to play sports. This might include participation waivers, emergency contact information and medical information of the student.
• Each coach or official should see to the well-being of the players at all times. Only qualified coaches should work with the team.
• If a student has any physical problems that may worsen during play, he or she should not participate. If a student complains of problems during the course of play, they should likewise not play. Coaches or officials should keep first-aid equipment on hand at all times.
• Schools should only participate in sports carried out under guidelines sanctioned by their state and local school districts.
• Do not play in hazardous conditions, regardless of whether the hazard is indoors or outdoors. Schools should not attempt to play if there is any risk to players, coaches or spectators.

Should an accident occur during sports, document the incident and see to the safety of all involved. Contact the appropriate insurance authorities right away to see if you qualify for coverage under your sports insurance.