Australians are some of the biggest sports enthusiasts in the world.
Aside from the many world-class sports teams we have in the country, Australia is flooded with non-profit sports clubs and associations. With winter now upon us and the footy, NRL, Rugby Union and netball seasons well underway, it’s a great time to think about sports insurance so that everyone can enjoy their favourite winter sports all the way through until the end of the season.
We wish we could say that it’s all fun and games when it comes to sport, but unfortunately it’s not. All sports involve some level of risk, with some being much more unpredictable than others. Sports clubs and organisations have a duty to ensure a safe environment for all those who take part in a sport, all those who use their facilities and also the general public.
Let’s dive into the importance of sports and amateur sports insurance.
What is Sports Insurance?
Sports insurance is a specialised type of insurance that provides coverage for sportspe
ople and the organisations in which they work. Policies can include insurance protection for players and participants, coaches and trainers, teams and clubs, and associations and federations. All sports insurance policies are different, but they generally provide financial coverage for accidents, injuries, legal fees and damages caused by or during a sporting event.
According to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), there were 36,000 sport hospitalisations in 2011-2012 alone for people aged 15 and over.
Granted, many of those people would’ve been amateur sports players, but sports insurance is very important nonetheless!
What is Amateur Sports Insurance?
Amateur sports insurance is a subset of sports insurance, except it’s designed for people who engage in amateur sports. Amateur sports insurance can also be taken out by parents of children who take part in sports teams, or people who run extra-curricular or leisure/sports clubs.
The term, ‘amateur sport’ refers to any sport whereby participants take part without remuneration, as opposed to professional athletes and competitors who are paid to compete and train. Many amateur sports competitors are seriously talented, but they participate at a lower level than professionals due to work and other commitments.
Here are just some examples of the many types of amateur sport:
- Archery
- Swimming
- Athletics
- Cricket
- Golf
- Tennis
- Gymnastics
- Dance Sports
- Calisthenics
What does Amateur Sports Insurance cover?
Amateur sports insurance policies differ according to who is taking out the policy and the nature of their sporting activities. Some examples of scenarios that can be covered include:
- Medical costs for a player who is injured while participating in a football game
- Cover for someone who is injured while in an approved training period
- Damage to a nearby property as a result of a sports game, e.g. a ball smashing a window
- Cancellation insurance in the event that an insured event is cancelled, postponed or abandoned
Enjoy all of your sporting activities to the max and with peace of mind. Find the best insurance products right here with Gym Insurance HQ. Request a quote online for one of the most affordable rates on sports and amateur sports insurance, or have a friendly chat with one of our experienced consultants on 1300 815 344.