All,
After 12 years of training/racing, I am starting to actually coach a few athletes. Over time, I have frequently given some basic guidance to friends, done LT testing for them (without analyzing the data), etc. At the request of some of my friends, I am now considering moving to formalize a coach/client relationship and initiate detailed training plans, feedback, etc.
As I get started, I was curious if you have any thoughts on the subject of liability.
In today’s society, I am concerned about having any liability in the event that an athlete suffers an accident or issue while training/racing (car, meteor, spoiled milk, whatever). Is there a suggested approach to establishing liability protection? In the past, I have signed waivers when starting up with my coaches, both of whom did their coaching thru an LLC. Thus, I am assuming I should do the same. Comments? Also, is there specialty insurance available for small businesses/practitioners in this space?
Thanks in advance.
Steve
One of the biggest benefits of usat certification is liability insurance. This is relevant if you’re in the U.S.
I suspect that ITCA (a private certifying organization) offers liability insurance as well. You can also call esix direct and ask them.
Last time I looked around for excess liability insurance the companies were not interested in covering open water swim workouts in any way.
I agree with Kevin. One of the biggest benefits to certification is the liability coverage. In addition to this, I carry an umbrella policy as a backup.
Each winter, I make sure to do two things. First, i call my insurance agent and sit down to go over all my policies (home, car, business, etc). This gives me a piece of mind. Second, i take own of my attorney clients to lunch or offer to give them a swim lesson. I ask a million what if questions.
In the end, all my clients sign a general waiver for coaching. If i host a camp, then there is an additional waiver. When i lead most group rides and definitley all swims, i discuss safety protocol.
While courts vary to a great degree, i often ask myself, could it be proven that I was negligent in my duties? I can’t stop a car from coming up behind us. But I can make sure that everyone is wearing a helmet, has the ability to ride, knows the route, has my cell number and I have their emergency contact, etc.