england hockey insurance zone

England Hockey now arranges via Bluefin Sport, a centrally purchased scheme for their members the insurance documentation now notes the insured title as ‘ All England Hockey Membership Plus; Areas, Sub-Areas (Counties), Clubs, Committees, Members, Volunteers and Helpers’. This is the same format as most National Governing Bodies, as it is not possible to issue every club with a separate insurance schedule. Therefore, we create a master document and the National Governing Body provides a separate document confirming their membership. England Hockey have issued a letter to all clubs confirming that their level of membership, therefore providing evidence of this alongside the summary of cover will ensure that facility owners accept your documentation. 

There are a number of reasons. The first and most important was awareness that a number of hockey clubs did not arrange any insurance at all. From a governance perspective, this represented a potential exposure to England Hockey. For members, inadequate or limited insurance cover being replaced with a comprehensive liability and personal accident package at savings across all category of hockey club represented a significant membership benefit. To support clubs in arranging this with minimal difficulty the most suitable method was felt to be an inclusive membership category, “Membership +”.

The intention is to open affiliation earlier in 2021 to allow clubs to take full advantage of the new insurance arrangements from 1 September 2021.

All club members will automatically be included for insurance purposes from the date they join as a member. Should increases in total club membership result in a club changing size category this will not impact affiliation fees until their next renewal.

Acting collectively as opposed to individually will always tend to be mutually beneficial. A sole supplier arrangement is certainly not always ideal but this proposal gives England Hockey access to the whole insurance market via their selected brokers Bluefin Sport who themselves have access to the whole of the insurance market.

England Hockey require that member clubs arrange suitable liability insurance and personal accident to protect themselves and their members against potential exposures. To support this compulsory insurance requirement they have sourced on behalf of member clubs a comprehensive and competitively priced option. However, provided clubs can prove they hold the required level of cover, prior to affiliation it is not a requirement to purchase via Bluefin Sport.

England Hockey require clubs to have both liability and personal accident insurance. Liability cover to protect against potential litigation and personal accident insurance to protect the interests of individual club members should they sustain injury whilst on club duty (playing, volunteering, social or supporting).  In setting a minimum standard for insurance England Hockey, recognise that in the past the cost of personal accident insurance may have been prohibitive. To support the minimum insurance standard England Hockey have sourced extremely competitive terms on behalf of its members. Based on actual pricing comparisons, for virtually all clubs, the actual cost of wider liability cover and personal accident insurance under the new arrangements will be less than the previous cost of limited liability insurance in isolation. This is possible through clubs using their collective purchasing power, via England Hockey, rather than acting independently.

There is no standard minimum excess applicable to the personal accident cover. Certain specific benefits do however carry an excess of £25.00, being optical, dental and physiotherapy.

The only excess applicable under the liability package relates to claims involving “Third Party Property Damage” where the first £250 is excluded. This is primarily to avoid insurers having to deal with small claims where the handling costs would potentially exceed the amount of the claim.

A range of pricing and cover comparisons have been undertaken. This has compared actual existing costs and cover against the new proposed liability and personal accident package pricing and cover. In all cases, the new arrangements offer significantly wider cover at a considerably lower price. Pricing for insurance costs will be broken down across each club size category and consolidated into the new scale of affiliation fees so that clubs are able to make a direct comparison between their total current cost of affiliation plus insurance against the new affiliation cost including insurance.

The intention of this exercise is certainly to allow all clubs to benefit from a collective purchasing model. The cost of insurance for the new minimum standard of cover set by England Hockey will be included in overall affiliation fees. This can be a cost effective approach towards supporting all members in arranging suitable insurance protection for both their club and their members.

Yes the content cover up to £2,000 would extend to apply in such circumstances.

Yes, the process to select a suitable provider for England Hockey and its members followed a full and comprehensive tender.

Liability and personal accident covers would apply in such circumstances.

Bluefin Sport are happy to arrange specific insurance to cater for this.

The insurance cover will extend to all club members although under the personal accident cover certain limits are amended dependent upon age.

The underlying plan is to take advantage of “economies of scale” through collective purchasing of both liability and group personal accident covers for the benefit of England Hockey members. Whilst we would anticipate stability over a period of the next 3 years insurance pricing is directly linked to claims experience. If claims costs remain low as is the current trend in Hockey then we would look to utilise this when next reviewing the insurance. By comparison if claims cost significantly exceed expectations then pricing is likely to increase over a 3-year period but the level of any increase would certainly be minimised through the process of collective purchasing.

Cover for contents will automatically be included up to £2,000. Clubs can increase this through the purchase of a separate “top-up” directly via Bluefin Sport. 

Based on a comparison across each club size category, small, medium, large and big, current average liability premiums are £169.00, £262.00, £580.00 and £850.00 respectively. Premiums under the new arrangements will represent average savings across each of these four categories of 25%, 41%, 61% and 67% respectively.

Perhaps more importantly the indemnity limit for public liability under the new liability insurance package will be £10,000,000. This compares with a £5,000,000 indemnity limit currently held by the majority of clubs. Based on recent court awards following personal injury claims cover at £5M is not adequate.

You will continue to need two policies. Liability and personal accident covers will be included under the new arrangements through your affiliation package. Clubs who require additional insurance for their clubhouse or other assets a range of suitable policies will be available directly with Bluefin Sport.

Security conditions will be similar to those currently applicable to existing arrangements. Full details of any security requirements will be made available via the website.

Cover will be included for such situations. The liability cover will extend to include the same scope of cover that currently applies for club activities and will automatically provide cover for “taster sessions” to cater for non-members who want to try out hockey before making a decision to join a hockey club.

From the 21/22 England Hockey has made insurance compulsory for all clubs that affiliate to England Hockey and proof of insurance must be provided. If you have selected Membership +, this membership category includes a number of additional benefits such as insurance.

The liability section of the insurance does not have a minimum age.
The personal accident insurance has a minimum age of 2 years. In all cases where juniors are participating you should be following the guidance provided by England Hockey.

England Hockey requires all coaches are insured as an individual or through a club, this Insurance should reflect the activities you undertake as a coach within the guidance of your level of qualification or accreditation.

It is also recommended that no coach except those accredited at UKCC Level 2, EH Sessional Coach or EH Coach or above, should coach independently i.e. unsupervised. A Level 1 coach or coach who has attended a GB Coaching Club workshop or Introduction to Hockey Coaching should continue to provide instruction under the supervision of a Level 2, EH Sessional Coach, EH Coach or above and can organise and supervise game play.

Where the liability section is purchased, the Liability insurance is provided to all club members, coaches, umpires, employees and volunteers whilst undertaking activities sanctioned by the club and within their club environment. Coaches who operate outside their club environment should purchase separate insurance and this is available as part of the England Hockey Coaches membership.

Yes, three taster sessions are permitted, on the third session the participant needs to become a member of the club to ensure they are covered under the insurance policies.

If your membership includes insurance then there is cover for non-members for:-

1. A non-member will be covered under the liability insurance for up to 3 taster sessions after which they must become a member for insurance to apply. Detailed records of non-members should be retained.
2. A non-member will be covered under the personal accident insurance for up to 3 taster sessions after which they must become a member for insurance to apply. Detailed records of non-members should be retained.

The Liability Policy protects the group and its registered members for allegations of negligence should they injure other members or members of the public. If the spectators are injured as a result of your groups or its member’s negligence they have the right to bring a liability claim against you. However, if a spectator injures themselves at an event and there is no negligence attaching to the group or its members there is no automatic payment to the spectator.

£NIL excess against Professional Indemnity claims
£250 excess against Third Party Property Damage and Bodily Injury claims
£250 excess against Directors & Officers claims

If the group is unincorporated, the officer (and its members) could be liable for any and all financial losses incurred by the club. The Directors and Officers insurance is provided to support you for claims in this area for allegations which may come against the officer whilst undertaking their role. If the group is incorporated the directors may still find themselves personally liable and therefore Directors & Officers/ Trustees indemnity Insurance is essential. Please note this is a different type of cover to Professional Liability, which is a form of liability insurance which helps protect professional advice given by your club this is also known as errors and omissions cover.

Yes, the club insurance provided by Bluefin Sport recognises umpiring within the club. Insurance is provided for all club members, coaches, umpires and volunteers whilst undertaking activities sanctioned by the club.

Cover is available as part of the England Hockey Coaches membership for individuals who coach or umpire outside of their club environment.

No, the cover is only in place for those activities detailed above. 

There is no stipulation in the policy wordings for the wearing of protective gear however the insurers will expect you to be following best practice guidance and compulsory requirements provided by England Hockey.

We would refer you to England Hockey for advice and guidance on the use of protective equipment and where it is recommended or compulsory for example Goalkeepers and the use of helmets. 

 

Some leagues will also make certain equipment such as gum-shields and shin pads compulsory.

As part of the Affiliation Plus membership you wil have:

Death or Permanent Total disablement - £75,000 (Under 16 yoa £10,000)

Loss of limbs/eyes, up to - £75,000

Broken bones (arms/legs) - £300

Optical Treatment - £1,000

Dental Treatment - £5,000

Physiotherapy up to - £1,000

Temporary total disablement (per week) - £300 per week

Concussion - £500

Scarring/facial disfigurement - £750

Paraplegia - £75,000

Quadriplegia - £75,000

Coma benefit (per day) - £100

Hospitalisation (per day) - £50

Reimbursement of membership fees - £500

Please refer to the Personal Accident Schedule and policy wording for the full list of benefits and exclusions.

No. Your declaration to England Hockey of annual membership is sufficient.

Although the Liability cover is worldwide, the England Hockey policy does not negate the need for Travel Insurance, sports Travel Insurance can be purchased from Bluefin Sport on 0345 872 5060.

Yes, the Liability policy will defend claims made against you for negligence. Please note any claims relating to deliberate or criminal acts are excluded.

Although the main operation of the club may be from the club address, insurers do recognise that your club teams and club coaches may and will operate at other venues to undertake the clubs sanctioned Hockey activities, e.g. playing at other venues in the league and Club coaching sessions in a school or other club.

If you purchase the property insurance again it is recognised that there are portable items and therefore the club portable equipment is insured anywhere in the UK. 

Employers’ Liability protects the employer in the event of an injury to an employee, for which the employer is liable.

Employers’ Liability could apply to clubs who employ coaches or volunteers to work on their behalf.

Public Liability protects a club/member/volunteer if another member, or a member of the public, sues them for injury or damage caused.

Yes, subject to your agreement for one of your playing members to play for another team in such circumstances insurance will remain operative as if they were playing for their own team.

As a club official you may not appreciate that the constitution of your club almost certainly makes you personally liable for the liability of your club and the actions of your members. The Liability policy automatically provides Directors’ and Officers’ cover in order to protect you if you are sued for a negligent decision. As an example we frequently have claims following internal disciplinary disputes leading to exclusion of a member or coach. This can lead to legal action against the committee members for failing to follow the club constitution, or current human rights legislation.

Whilst it’s not a requirement of EH, however we would recommend insurance to protect you in the event of a claim being brought against you. 

Yes, you will be covered as an official for activities within and outside of your club. 

No, if you are only officiating at your club then you will be covered, providing your club has membership +. If you don’t have membership + you will need to check with your insurers. 

Whilst it’s not a requirement of EH, however we would recommend insurance to protect you in the event of a claim being brought against you. 

Your club members are only insured whist representing your club or whilst participating in your club activities.  If they are also members of another club, then they should ensure that they have insurance whilst engaged in activities at that club.

Yes, as long as all these players are representing your club they will be insured by your club as a member or volunteer.

If your club member is injured whilst undertaking a club activity and you have purchased Personal Accident Insurance, the benefits are payable as a result of an accidental injury subject to the benefit descriptions detailed in the policy.

If the injury is caused by the opposition and they are considered negligent in their action, there is no insurance in place to pursue a claim.  The Liability Portfolio is in place for defence of actions which may come against your Committee or members again whilst they are undertaking their club activity.

For clubs we have included £3,000 equipment coverage which is included as standard within the Affilaition Plus membership.

If your club requires a higher limit of insurance please contact Bluefin Sport on 0345 872 5060 to top up your insurance.

If you have selected the liability insurance the club is insured for liability incurred by volunteers and employees following their negligent acts. Employers’ liability provides protection to your club, as the employer, in the event any of the volunteers or employees becoming injured themselves and suing you for negligence.

More specific insurance can be arranged for these items. Please contact Bluefin Sport on 0345 872 5060.

Under British law you can still be called an ‘employee’ even if you are not paid. Our advice would always be to ensure employers’ liability insurance is in place.

To ensure you have adequate protection Employers Liability Insurance is automatically included when you select the Liability Portfolio cover.

The policy scheme period runs from 1st September to the 31st August each year to fall in line with registration of teams at England Hockey and the Hockey Season.   
Claims from liability could arise at any time in the year and given the claims made nature of the liability wording it is essential that the insurance is in place when a claim is made, as well as when the incident occurred.  An annual policy is therefore recommended.

 

The committee could find themselves personally liable to deal with the liability claim when cover ceases and therefore if the policy lapses appropriate run off insurance should be sourced.

Cover includes all club members, coaches, umpires and volunteers whilst undertaking activities sanctioned by the club. Cover is available as part of the England Hockey Coaches membership for individuals who coach or umpire outside of the club environment.

The Club activities include

• including training for and the playing of hockey, organisation of or attendance at hockey festivals** and tournaments as well as social, fund- raising and administrative activities, subject to appropriate risk assessments
• A club member who causes injury, damage or financial loss to a fellow member
• A club which borrows, rents or leases a premises for sporting or social purposes and is held liable for damage to the facility.
• Additional Sporting activities of Lacrosse or Cricket are included for clubs where this is a secondary activity.

**Hockey festivals - please note members attending and representing their club at hockey festivals are insured however if members are not representing their club at the festival or tournament and are attending in their own personal capacity this is not insured under the club insurance policy. 

If your club is involved in activities which are not included above, please contact us to discuss your individual insurance needs.

Cover is provided for all county and regional association committees, officers, officials, coaches and players, including volunteers. Cover does not extend to sub-section committees or the players representing such sections directly, unless falling under the control of the Executive Committee.

Indemnity is extended to include:

• County or regional association activities, including single system, training for and the playing of hockey, as well as social, fund- raising and administrative activities, subject to appropriate risk assessments
• A player involved in or representing a county representative side, junior academy centre, junior development centre or junior regional performance centre who causes injury, damage or financial loss to a fellow player
• An association which borrows, rents or leases a premises for sporting or social purposes and is held liable for damage to the facility.

If your association is involved in activities which are not included above, please contact us to discuss your individual insurance needs.

The definition within the Liability policy wording for members is your:

• current registered members;
• social members who are engaged in club administrative activities;
• past members whilst acting on your behalf under your supervision;
• prospective members whilst participating in your activities under your supervision.

Public Liability Insurance covers the cost of legal action and compensation for claims made against you or your group or its committee members if a third party is injured or their property suffers damage whilst at your premises.

Personal Accident cover provides a set financial payment in the event of an accidental injury, such as death, permanent disability, physiotherapy, dental expenses, etc.

Whilst playing, practising, coaching and judging in the sport of Hockey, including travelling to and from any such activity.

No. The insurance in place is to cover you and your members whilst undertaking your club activity.  It is important that visiting clubs have their own insurance for their own members.