Why Booster Clubs Need Sports Insurance
Athletic booster clubs are often among the most common organizations associated with schools. Although booster clubs may operate in accordance with school guidelines, many are still independent nonprofits. This status can create unique liabilities for the organization since a school’s insurance often will not fully extend to the booster club itself. Because of this, the booster club must maintain adequate insurance coverage.
If your booster club is involved in athletics—including organizing sporting events—you will face special considerations when insuring your operations. With the help of Bene-Marc, Inc., you can build an insurance package that will offer you protection against sports-related risks. Let’s take a closer look at why it is vital to have the right coverage.
The Importance of Insurance for Booster Clubs
Booster clubs may be the primary organizers of athletic events at schools. These events include club, varsity or junior varsity sports, and field days or other schoolwide recreational events. All these events pose risks to the participants, and by extension, to both the school and the booster club. Potential hazards may include:
- Damage to or theft of equipment or other club property
- Damage to property rented or loaned to the club
- Participant, volunteer or spectator injuries
- Internal acts of dishonesty, such as theft of club funds
- Acts of sexual misconduct by someone associated with the club
- Mistakes by organizers or volunteers that put participants in harm’s way
Under these and many other circumstances, the impact on the booster club could be significant. In some situations, the club may face substantial property losses. In others, third parties could decide to sue the booster club. In all cases, however, the financial strain on the organization could be significant. However, if you have the right insurance coverage, you may have help available.
What Coverage Do Booster Clubs Need?
Your insurance portfolio should contain various types of coverage, and Bene-Marc, Inc. will be there to help you get the appropriate policies. These may include:
- General liability insurance—A third party (e.g., a participant or spectator) may sue your booster club because they got injured at one of your sporting events. This coverage can help you pay the settlements, legal fees and other costs related to the lawsuit.
- Personal injury liability insurance—An allegation might arise that your booster club committed libel or slander against another party. Personal injury liability insurance can pay legal fees and settlements if someone sues you over the allegation.
- Advertising injury liability insurance—This coverage is similar to personal injury liability insurance but will apply when a third party, such as a competitor, alleges that your advertising or promotional materials caused them unfair harm.
- Rented premises property damage insurance—Some booster clubs may rent a property (e.g., a local park or arena) to host an event. If a participant or volunteer damages this property, you may have to compensate the owner using rented premises coverage.
- Equipment insurance—Booster club property and equipment may get damaged, destroyed or lost due to unforeseen events. This coverage can help you repair or replace these items.
- Sexual abuse and molestation liability insurance—Any claim of sexual misconduct involving the booster club could lead to significant challenges. This coverage will help the booster club respond to the lawsuit.
- Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance—The organizers or leaders of the booster club could be named in lawsuits. D&O coverage will safeguard their personal property and financial assets against losses arising from the suit.
- Crime insurance—Someone associated with the booster club may embezzle funds or commit other acts of financial dishonesty. This coverage will compensate the booster club for these internal losses.
These policies can include coverage limits, deductibles and other terms that will influence when they will pay for a claim and how much coverage they will provide. It is essential to work with your Bene-Marc agent to determine how best to structure your coverage.
Contact Us for Booster Club Insurance Today
With the help of your booster club’s insurance, you’ll ensure that your organization is prepared for potential problems. Contact Bene-Marc, Inc. today, and you’ll be on your way to optimized coverage solutions in no time.
