Insurance COVID-19
Published Fri 03 Apr 2020
INSURANCE & COVID-19
In this uncertain period of restrictions applied to help stop the spread of COVID-19 nationally, Athletics SA has sought and received advise in relation to hosting events, training groups, or organised activity from our insurer, V-Insurance Group. That advise is below:
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Whilst there is not an exclusion on the Public Liability Insurance policy relating to sickness, Athletics Australia, all MA’s and affiliated clubs have a duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent personal injury and property damage and to comply with all statutory obligations, by-laws or regulations which provide for the safety of other persons and property. If for example, government restrictions are declared on sporting events or mass gatherings and you still sanctioned these activities, insurers may deny a claim for breaching this duty of care. The Public Liability / Professional Indemnity insurance does not protect against fines or penalties imposed by law. Please also be reminded the Public Liability insurance provides cover for bodily injury and/or property damage although negligence must be proved in order for compensation to be paid to a third party. Costs associated with defending the matter would however be covered under the policy. In the instance that one member infected another with COVID-19 and the newly infected member wanted to hold Athletics Australia, MA’s and affiliated clubs responsible. We believe it would be very difficult to trace the original source of infection and hold Athletics Australia, MA’s and affiliated clubs responsible. |
We would like all members, affiliated clubs, and coaches to consider the above, and be aware that you may not be covered by the insurance policy included in your membership/affiliation if you choose to ignore recommendations and guidelines set out by the State, Federal Government and local authorities. Some venues have imposed stricter guidelines around the use of their facilities, and we ask that you also adhere to these.
State directions issued by the SA Police under the Emergency Management Act can be found here https://www.sa.gov.au/covid-19/emergency-declaration or via the SA Police website.
We are aware this is a difficult time for all and want to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the Athletics SA staff at admin@athleticssa.com.au
If you require any further information in relation to the Coronavirus it can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health website, SA Health website or for general advice regarding COVID-19, call the Australian Government’s Coronavirus health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Virtual Events
Some Clubs and indeed Athletics SA are exploring the option of conducting virtual events while the current restrictions on mass gatherings are in place. Following discussion with our insurance provider, V-Insurance, it has been confirmed that people who participate in a virtual run who AREN’T a member of an Athletics SA affiliated club, are not covered by our insurance. All Athletics SA club members/ Athletics SA members are covered for all forms of athletics sanctioned activities (competition, training etc) so would be covered if they participated in a virtual run.
If you have any questions regarding event insurance, please contact Jon Henschke via events@athleticssa.com.au