FAQs for clubs

Q1  What activities are clubs covered for?

In addition to recognised gymnastic activity, clubs are covered for all activities typically associated with the running of a club, including administration and social events.

Q2  If I am a committee member - What protection do I get?

You may not realise it, but as a committee member you have a personal liability in respect of the management of your club, particularly if the club is unincorporated. Legal Liability insurance provides Directors’ and Officers’ cover in order to protect you if you are sued for negligent decisions.

Q3  Are non-members on our meets covered by the policy?

There will be occasions when non-members will wish to attend a training session as a guest before they decide whether they wish to join the club. In this context we have agreed with our insurers that they have access to two trial sessions before she/he should become a member of the club. There is automatic cover for the club when individuals participate in club events on a guest or trial basis. The club is indemnified for liability and the individual guest has insurance in his / her own right in respect of these two “taster” sessions.

Cover for the club can be extended to include activities, such as summer and holiday camps, involving non-members as part of the BG Block registration scheme, For details, please contact BG membership on 0845 1297129 x2395.

Q4  Does my club need to register its non-competitive members?

In order to ensure cover under the insurance policy it is essential that a club registers all of its members, both competitive and recreational. Failure to do so may mean that the insurance will be invalidated in the event of a claim.

Q5  Is cover included for birthday parties?

Cover for birthday parties is included provided that there is a level 2 coach supervising (not coaching).

Q6  Are we covered if we hire a bouncy castle?

The BG insurance does not include any cover for hire or use of bouncy castles and you should ensure that cover is arranged with the hire company.

Q7  Is cover included for summer and holiday camps?

The insurance provides cover for clubs that arrange camps for BG members or participants registered to the block registration scheme. Cover is included for gymnastics and low-risk, non-gymnastic activity provided by the club and supervision of other activities if they are provided by a Third Party provider. Please click here for further details.

Q8  How does Legal Liability insurance apply to young people under 18?

All BG clubs are required to follow the BG Safeguarding and Protecting Children policy. This will ensure that the officers and members of that club are covered by the policy in the event of a claim made against them following injury to a child. In the event of such a claim being made, the insurance policy may be invalidated if you have not followed the policy.

Insurance cover is provided for a club if a claim is made against it for civil damages following an allegation of abuse against a child.

Q9  Do we have cover if employees are injured?

The BG policy provides Employers’ Liability cover, to a limit of indemnity of £10m, in the event that an employee is injured and claims compensation against the club.

Q10  Is the club covered for public displays?

Cover is included for the club in respect of public displays performed by club members but members of the public should not be included at all. If they are, the insurance cover is invalidated. See also Q18.

Q11  Is there any assistance if the club has a dispute with an employee?

Clubs have access to a legal advice helpline, providing free legal advice in respect of any legal matter including employment disputes.

The legal advice telephone number is 0117 9342111.

In addition, clubs have up to £50,000 legal expenses insurance to protect them in the event that they are brought into a dispute with an employee. For this cover to apply, it is essential that advice is sought from the legal advice helpline and that this advice is followed. 

Q12  I’m not sure if my coach is an employee or is self-employed. What can I do?

Ideally, you should have a contract with your coach that clearly defines the relationship between you. If you are unsure, the legal advice helpline will be able to help. 

Q13  Is my club covered if we go abroad?

Cover is provided for trips abroad that are sanctioned by BG. To have your trip authorised by BG please call membership services on 0845 1297 129 ext 2395.

Q14  What cover is provided for my club whilst we are abroad?

Cover is provided for the club, gymnasts and coaches if they cause an injury to another person or damage to their property, just the same as in the UK.

Q15  Does the policy provide cover for medical expenses abroad?

No, it is essential that you take out travel insurance for all members of your party travelling abroad. To obtain a quotation for travel insurance that will include cover whilst you are competing, please click here.

Q16 How is Employer’s Liability different to Public Liability?

Employers' Liability protects the employer in the event of an injury to an employee, for which the employer is liable. i.e. when the employee sues the employer. 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.

Q17  Do I need Employers' Liability for volunteers?

Under British Law, you can still be called an “employee” even if you are not paid. Our advice would always to take out Employers' Liability insurance.

Q18 If we do a club session or display outside, are we covered?

Yes, provided that you adequately risk assess the area when the activity will be taking place. You may need to take into account additional hazards, such as uneven terrain, weather conditions and the space between you and any spectators.

Q19  Can we allow members of the public to take part in displays or demonstrations?

No, this will invalidate your insurance cover.