The decision was made by a vote of those present at the 2024 AGM of the BAF to end the provision of insurance to all members by the BAF. Reasons stated in favour of this being done by those at the meeting were –
- Many members who were also British Fencing members felt that they were paying twice for insurance.
- The cost of insurance had risen considerably and was likely to continue rising and consequently the cost of BAF membership had risen.
- The cost of the insurance policy was absorbing a substantial portion of BAF income.
- The BAF would have more resources to direct towards it’s core objectives.
- Membership fees could be reduced.
Following this, the BAF wishes to take an active interest in providing help and guidance for members to obtain appropriate insurance cover based on members particular risk profile. Here are a range of considerations covering insurance for coaching.
Insurance cover of sports coaches working in schools
Sports coaches can be covered by a school’s public liability insurance, but it depends on their employment status and whether the school has a duty of care over the coach’s actions. The school is ultimately responsible for pupils when it provides or promotes sports activities, even through third parties. For external or freelance coaches, the school should ensure the coach has their own, appropriate public liability insurance.
When a school’s public liability insurance covers the coach:
- Employed coaches:
If the coach is a direct employee of the school, they are typically covered by the school’s employer and public liability insurance.
- Agency coaches:
If the school contracts an agency to provide coaching, the responsibility for the pupils remains with the school, making the coach’s actions covered by the school’s policy.
- School-affiliated coaches:
Coaches working on behalf of a club that is affiliated with a national governing body (NGB) may be covered by the NGB’s liability policy when working with the school, according to Howden Insurance.
When a coach needs their own insurance:
- Freelance or external coaches:
If the coach is a sole trader or company that the school procures services from, the school must check that the coach holds their own adequate public liability insurance, says Kirklees Business Solutions.
- Independent organizations:
If the school has no direct involvement in the promotion or delivery of an event (e.g., an external letting of facilities), the responsibility may fall on the external provider or coach.
Key Considerations for Schools and Coaches:
- Duty of Care:
Schools have a non-delegable duty of care to pupils, meaning they are always responsible for their safety when providing education or experiences, even through third parties.
- Due Diligence:
Schools must verify that any coaches they use, whether employed or external, have appropriate qualifications, training, DBS checks, and up-to-date insurance.
- Insurance Requirements:
Schools should clearly define the lines of communication and management for coaches, and ensure coaches are aware of the insurance provisions.
Insurance cover for providing individual lessons
Sports coaches delivering private coaching need public liability insurance to protect them if a client or third party is accidentally injured or their property is damaged as a result of their coaching activities. This cover helps with the costs of compensation and legal expenses for claims related to accidents, which can occur unexpectedly even with good planning.
Why public liability insurance is necessary for private coaching:
- Accidental injury:
Accidents can happen during coaching, such as a participant tripping over equipment or getting injured during an exercise. Public liability insurance covers the costs if you are held liable for such an injury.
- Property damage:
Your activities could accidentally damage property belonging to others, like breaking a window with a ball. Public liability insurance can cover the costs of repairs or replacement.
- Legal expenses:
Even if you are not at fault, you may face legal action. This insurance helps with the costs of defending yourself and managing legal disputes.
- Peace of mind:
Having cover in place allows you to coach with confidence, knowing you are protected against unexpected incidents.
Key considerations:
- Work in public spaces:
Much of a coach’s work takes place in public venues like gyms or sports fields, making public liability cover essential.
- Cover extends to participants:
The cover protects you from claims by third parties, which includes the participants you are coaching.
- Scope of cover:
This type of insurance can be combined with other policies, such as business equipment cover, to provide comprehensive protection for your coaching business.
In summary, public liability insurance is crucial for private sports coaches to manage the risks associated with their profession and protect themselves financially from potential claims arising from their coaching.
Most British Academy of Fencing members will of course also be members of British Fencing and on the British Fencing Coach Register. Through this, coaching activities will to an extent be covered. This will cover –
- Coaching in an affiliated club where members are British Fencing members.
- Coaching in a British Fencing registered event.
For details of British Fencing Insurance, go to – https://www.britishfencing.com/policy-zone/insurance-policies-guidelines/
Where this insurance does not provide cover there are a number of providers who specialise in insurance for sports coaches. This is a list of some of the main providers –
https://www.ukcoaching.org/insurance/
UK Coaching is a membership organization that supports and develops coaches across the UK. They aim to improve coaching practices, promote physical and mental well-being through sport, and create a nation of “child-first” coaches. UK Coaching provides resources, training, and guidance to coaches of all levels and sports, and also advocates for coach-centric policies. As part of this mission they offer insurance.
https://www.insure4sport.co.uk
Through it’s website insure4sport enables the possibility to precisely tailor an insurance policy to specific needs and get an immediate quote. insure4sport will cover fencing coaches taking groups of up to 20 in number and frequently has discount offers.
Pulse Insurance offers ‘Fencing Instructor Insurance’ as an option on it’s website and enables a selection of liability between 1m to 10m.
https://landing.kerrylondon.co.uk/industries/sports-and-leisure/sports-coaches
https://www.bbrown.com/uk/ga/sports-coaches
The British Academy of Fencing does not really recommend any particular insurance providers. If any members gets good deals or is well served by any provider, please let us know and we can pass this on.