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From: Tina <tina_at_bentobuggy.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] Club liability
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 08:56:38 -0700
Hey Wayne,
I tried Jim's stretch, and hurt something in my back. Can I sue?

On a serious note, is there anything that a club officer do to protect
themselves from a suit that's higher than their homeowner's insurance
coverage? Is it possible for a club to incorporate, or otherwise reduce
liability for their officers and volunteers?

Thanks,
Tina


Wayne Smith wrote:
That doesn't protect the club officers or any participant in a
>club paddle from being sued personally, but that's what the liability
>portion of homeowner's insurance is for.

Middle Aged Jim Tibensky wrote:
Three or four times a day while sitting in
a chair point your knees forward and twist your upper body around to look
behind you WHILE PRESSING YOUR LEFT HAND HARD AGAINST THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR
RIGHT KNEE WHILE LOOKING RIGHT AND VICE VERSA TO LOOK LEFT.





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From: Rob Robinson <rob.robinson_at_tx3.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Club liability
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 09:30:38 -0700
Tina wrote:
<On a serious note, is there anything that a club officer do to protect
themselves from a suit that's higher than their homeowner's insurance
coverage? Is it possible for a club to incorporate, or otherwise reduce
liability for their officers and volunteers?>

We have a large club (more than a thousand members) and do a lot more than
just lead trips.  We have members that volunteer to teach beginner classes
each year, sponsor multiple indoor pool and outdoor safety sessions, and
organise public kayaking events.  I expect we would lose many of our
volunteers if we weren't able,  as a club, to provide liability coverage for
these events.  I suggest you look into the Paddle America Club program
provided by ACA, and would be happy to discuss it back-channel. I do not
have any financial interest in the ACA:)

Rob - Insurance Committee Chair, WKC

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From: Joe Pylka <pylka_at_castle.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Club liability
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 13:40:05 -0400
>>>>On a serious note, is there anything that a club officer do to protect


themselves from a suit that's higher than their homeowner's insurance


coverage? Is it possible for a club to incorporate, or otherwise reduce


liability for their officers and volunteers?


Thanks,


Tina








Some of the paddling clubs in NJ have incorporated as 501-C-3 corporations for
that reason.  In NJ there is now a law that stipulates that club or other
organization officers who are volunteers, and it is a non-profit or charitable
group are held harmless when something occurs as club business.  This does
include scouting organizations, recreational groups, etc.  It's a relatively
new law so has never been tested so far as I know.  


    Also, take a close look at the liability clauses in your homeowner's
insurance.  It is required by law to be there, but at least one large
insurance company I know of adamantly refuses to include or support it.  





Joe P.








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From: Wayne Smith <wsmith16_at_snet.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Club liability
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 21:14:43 -0400
> On a serious note, is there anything that a club officer do to protect
> themselves from a suit that's higher than their homeowner's insurance
> coverage? Is it possible for a club to incorporate, or otherwise reduce
> liability for their officers and volunteers?

There is a way. Incorporate the club as a non-profit organization, and buy
a directors and officers liability policy. The insurance is relatively
cheap. The other alternative is to get a personal liability umbrella
policy for yourself, and don't worry about anyone else. Either way, you're
protected.

But if you're going to sue someone, don't sue Jim. Sue the television
networks, they have lots of cash and insurance. Claim that their mind
candy made you sedentary, and that caused normal activity to injure you
;-)

Wayne

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
------

Wayne Smith
wsmith16_at_snet.net

Check out my sea kayaking & homebrewing page:
http://pages.cthome.net/wsmith16/home.html



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