Amateur sports clubs are now faced with many legal and organisational obstacles when trying to deliver sports for their members, many of which never existed when I played junior football!

Most clubs rely on volunteers, mostly parents of the players, to arrange everything from washing kit, sponsorship, travel, administration, insurance, welfare etc. As I have seen on many occasions the best intentions from volunteers doesn’t sometimes cut it with the legislation in place today, as they lack the necessary skills and knowledge for the various requirements that they are faced with.

It is vital that the club secretary, welfare office and treasurer all receive the help and support of professionals to ensure the club is run in an appropriate manner and both the club and its volunteers are protected against the many risks they are exposed to.

We have seen clubs purchase duplicate insurance covers, not purchase sufficient levels of cover, have incorrect policy documents or have cover with exclusions that renders the policy useless against many  types of claims.

Prevention is better than cure! We offer a free insurance check of your existing policy cover and review these against how your club operates. This is designed to highlight any areas where your insurance cover does not meet your club’s requirements. We can then provide you with more suitable quotations.

In the event of a claim, we provide a full claims service until the claim is resolved. Our Insurance covers provide legal defence cover, to pay for professionals to defend your club or it’s officers in the event of claims being made against you.

At Goldstone, we have experience in helping amateur and professional sports clubs, and providing them with the appropriate levels of cover in the various areas:

• Public Liability Insurance
• Employers Liability Insurance
• Trustees/Officers Liability Insurance
• Personal Accident
• Travel
• Cyber

We also use professional partners to provide assistance with:

• Health & Safety
• Treasurer Support
• Sponsorship

Covering you Volunteers!

Volunteers play a crucial role in various organizations and community initiatives, contributing their time, skills, and effort to make a positive impact. While the spirit of volunteering is rooted in altruism, it’s essential for volunteers to have insurance cover for several reasons:

Volunteers may be exposed to various risks depending on the nature of their activities. From accidents and injuries to unexpected health issues, insurance provides personal protection. This coverage ensures that volunteers receive necessary medical attention or compensation for lost wages if they are injured during their volunteer work.

• Liability Coverage:

Volunteers might inadvertently cause harm or damage while carrying out their duties. Insurance cover protects volunteers against potential liability claims arising from accidents or unintended consequences of their actions. This is particularly important for volunteers working in roles that involve interaction with the public or handling equipment.

• Recognition and Attraction of Volunteers:

Knowing that there is insurance coverage in place can make volunteering more attractive to individuals who might otherwise be hesitant to engage. It demonstrates that the organization values the well-being of its volunteers and takes steps to ensure their safety and security.

• Organizational Protection:

Insurance for volunteers also benefits the organizations they serve. It shields the organization from potential legal and financial ramifications in the event of accidents, injuries, or property damage caused by volunteers during their service. This protection is vital for the sustainability of community programs and initiatives.

• Emergency Assistance:

In case of emergencies, insurance can provide coverage for medical evacuation or emergency repatriation. This is particularly relevant for volunteers engaged in projects or activities in remote or challenging environments where immediate access to medical facilities may be limited.

• Travel Insurance:

Volunteers often travel as part of their service, whether locally or internationally. Having insurance that covers travel-related risks, such as trip cancellations, lost baggage, or medical emergencies while abroad, ensures that volunteers are protected during their journeys.

• Legal Support:

Volunteers may find themselves in situations where legal assistance is required, especially in cases of liability claims or disputes. Insurance coverage often includes legal support, helping volunteers navigate any legal challenges that may arise from their volunteer work.

• Peace of Mind:

Knowing that they are covered by insurance provides volunteers with peace of mind. This assurance allows them to focus on their tasks without constant worry about the potential financial or legal consequences of unforeseen events.

• Requirement for Certain Roles:

In some cases, insurance coverage may be a requirement for certain volunteer roles, especially those involving specialized skills or working with vulnerable populations. This ensures that volunteers meet necessary qualifications and standards for their specific responsibilities.

In conclusion, insurance coverage for volunteers is a critical component of responsible volunteer management. It safeguards both volunteers and the organizations they serve, fostering a supportive environment that encourages individuals to contribute their time and skills to meaningful causes.

At Goldstone we can help with your club’s insurance requirements and for other services we use professional suppliers in other key areas to ensure the cover and support you receive meets your requirements and allows your club to perform to its best level off the pitch, field, court or gym.