Volunteers sports and Insurance Nationwide budget cuts and corporation “downsizings” have threatened the existence of sports and recreational programs vital to our quality of life. Government agencies, from the federal level down to municipalities, along with corporations private agencies and nonprofit agencies, are increasingly turning to volunteers to support their programs. However, volunteerism creates new liabilities along with benefits. This presentation will explore the role of insurance as a means of such risk management issues. Included are: the various types of insurance available; what each covers; how to negotiate and select a policy contract suited to individual needs’ how to negotiate and select a policy contract suited to individual needs; and financing insurance coverage. Sources include statutory laws along with texts, publications, official documents, and private interviews including a consultant specializing in nonprofit insurance. Insurance protection does not rule out the possibility of litigation based on the inherent risks of sports participation. However, it does provide financial security, and promotes safer programs sponsored by those relying on the services of volunteers.
