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UK Athletics insurance zone

Introduction

Marsh are the appointed insurance broker to UK Athletics. This web zone sets out:

  • Details of the insurance provided as part of your affiliation.
  • How to report an incident.
  • Some frequently asked questions.
  • Details of additional insurance options you might wish to consider.


About the insurance cover

Insurance cover for athletes

As a member of a club/organisation that is affiliated to UK Athletics or one of the Home Country Athletics Federations, you automatically receive the benefit of Public Liability insurance whilst taking part in club activity.

Athletes who have paid (or deemed to have paid) subscriptions to a club or organisation affiliated to:

  • UK Athletics.
  • England Athletics.
  • Scottish Athletics.
  • Athletics Northern Ireland.
  • Welsh Athletics.

Public liability insurance provides protection against legal liability for bodily injury to third parties and damage to third party property.

  • Public Liability limit £50,000,000 any one occurrence.
  • The policy covers activities anywhere in the world, provided that claims are brought in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
  • An excess of £250 applies to each and every claim for third party property damage.
  • There is no age limit applied to the cover.
  • Cover applies for training and competing including club/region administrative meetings.
  • Cover for running and training as an individual following an instruction/training plan as set by a club or club coach.
  • Cover applies when part of a team representing UK Athletics, England Athletics, Scottish Athletics, Athletics Northern Ireland, or Welsh Athletics.

The insurance is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and cancellation provisions and may also be subject to warranties. Please see the Policy Wording for full details.


Insurance cover for affiliated clubs and organisations

As a club or organisation that is affiliated to UK Athletics or one the Home Country Athletics Federations, you automatically receive the benefit of Public Liability insurance and Directors and Officers Liability Insurance.

Public and products liability insurance:

  • Any club or organisation affiliated to UK Athletics, England Athletics, Scottish Athletics, Athletics Northern Ireland, or Welsh Athletics.
  • All affiliated National and Regional Associations, Federations and bodies and all affiliated Clubs, Organisations and Associations.
  • The policy also indemnifies any official, secretariat, committee, sub-committee, working party, or volunteer of an affiliated club/organisation.

Directors and officers insurance:

  • Any club or organisation affiliated to UK Athletics, England Athletics, Scottish Athletics, Athletics Northern Ireland, or Welsh Athletics during the current Policy Period.
  • Including any Trustee, Club Executive, Governor, Volunteer, Committee member in including but not limited to Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Welfare Officer.

Public liability insurance provides protection against legal liability for bodily injury to third parties and damage to third party property.

  • Public Liability limit £50,000,000 any one occurrence.
  • The policy covers activities anywhere in the world, provided that claims are brought in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
  • An excess of £250 applies to each and every claim for third party property damage.
  • There is no age limit applied to the cover.
  • Cover applies to all club activities including training, competitions, club / region administrative meetings, social and fund raising activities
Public liability cover for competitions and events

Track & Field Competitions

  • All Track and Field competitions/events must have a valid licence in order for insurance cover to apply. 

You can apply for a licence through UK Athletics: https://www.uka.org.uk/competition/track-field/track-field-licensing/

Non- stadium running and walking events

Licences are required in order for insurance cover to apply for non-stadium running and walking competitions if the event:

  • Has 150 or more participants, or
  • Charges for entry, or
  • Has runners taking part who are not in an affiliated club.

For the avoidance of doubt, in respect of non-stadium running and walking events only, licences are not required, if the event:

  • Has less than 150 participants, and
  • Does not takes an entry fee, and
  • Has only club runners from affiliated clubs taking part.

You can apply for a licence for road races and multi-terrain races using the links below:

Please note

Cover for competition and events applies to athletics events within one of the six disciplines defined in UK Athletics Rules for Competition:

  • Track and Field
  • Race Walking
  • Cross Country
  • Road Running
  • Fell, Hill and Mountain Running
  • Trail Running.

Cover is also included for Highland Games/Heavy Throwing events licensed by Scottish Athletics.

Cover does not apply to any event that is not described in UKA Rules for Competition such as Colour Runs and events that incorporate obstacles, unless the event is a Fun Run incorporated within the programme of a licensed event.

Products liability insurance provides protection against legal liability to pay compensation including legal costs for death or bodily injury, or damage to third party property arising from products supplied.

The insurance is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and cancellation provisions and may also be subject to warranties. Please see the Policy Wording for full details.

  • Products Liability limit £50,000,000 any one occurrence and in the aggregate.

Protection against legal liability in respect of injuries to any volunteer or employee of the member club.

  • Employers Liability limit £10,000,000 any one occurrence.
  • Cover applies to all club activities including training, competitions, club / region administrative meetings, social and fundraising activities.

Protection for committee members and club officers against claims arising from their decision or actions whilst managing the organisation.

  • Defence Costs, and any amount which the Insured incurs or is legally obligated to pay resulting from a Claim, including fines and penalties, awards of damages, awards of costs.
  • Investigation Costs - the policy will pay your reasonable fees, costs, expenses and other related charges or those incurred on your behalf in connection with an investigation.
  • Limit of Indemnity £2,000,000 in the aggregate per club, subject to £10,000,000 in the annual aggregate.

Insurance cover for Technical Officials

As a Technical Official* who acts on behalf of a UKA affiliated club, organisation, or meeting promoter, you are automatically provided with Public Liability, Personal Accident and Travel Insurance cover which applies while you are involved in athletics activities. (*The term ‘Technical Official’ is defined as being a person who has satisfied the requirement of UK Athletics as set down in the “Rules for Competition” as updated from time to time.)

  • Public liability - Technical Officials who act on behalf of a club, organisation, or event organiser.
  • Personal accident - Officers, Technical Officials, British Association of Road Race Scrutineers and like persons.
  • Travel insurance - Officers, Technical Officials, British Association of Road Races Scrutineers and like persons.

  • Public Liability limit £50,000,000 any one occurrence.
  • The policy covers activities anywhere in the world, provided that claims are brought in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
  • An excess of £250 applies to each and every claim for third party property damage.
  • There is no age limit applied to the cover.
  • Cover applies for competitions including club/region administrative meetings

The insurance is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and cancellation provisions and may also be subject to warranties. Please see the Policy Wording for full details.

Bodily injury caused by an accident during the operative time that within 24 months solely and independently of any other cause results in the Insured Person’s death or disablement.

Operative time: Whilst present at all athletics and similar events, including licensed road races and meetings in the United Kingdom, including travelling to and from

Benefits (per person)

  • Accidental Death £50,000
  • Loss of limb(s), or loss of sight in one or both eyes £50,000
  • Permanent Total Disablement from usual occupation £50,000
  • Total loss of hearing in both ears and/or total loss of speech £50,000
  • Total loss of hearing in one ear £12,500
  • Permanent Partial Disablement £50,000
  • Temporary Total Disablement £500 per week (Up to 104 weeks)
  • Temporary Partial Disablement £100 per week (Up to 104 weeks)

Excess -Deferment Period 7 days for Temporary Total Disablement and Temporary Partial Disablement
Permanent Total Disablement cover is excluded for persons aged 15 and under, or aged 75 and over.
The insurance is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and cancellation provisions and may also be subject to warranties. Please see the Policy Wording for full details.

Travel Insurance whilst present at and travelling to and from major athletics meetings and training camps anywhere in the world including the United Kingdom

Benefits per person

  • Medical Expenses Unlimited 
  • Personal Belongings/Baggage (including sports equipment) £10,000 
  • Electronic Business Equipment £5,000 
  • Money £5,000 
  • Loss of passport £1,500 
  • Cancellation, Curtailment, Rearrangement and Replacement Expenses £10,000 
  • Travel Delay: After 4 hours – £75 per hour thereafter up to £750 maximum any one journey 
  • Personal Liability any one event £10,000,000 
  • Kidnap, Ransom and Extortion £250,000 
  • Personal Security Assistance £25,000

Excess:

Personal Belongings: Where the value of any one article, pair or set exceeds £3,000, the policyholder shall be liable for 25% of such excess amount. 
Money: Where the amount of cash exceeds £3,000, the policyholder shall be liable for 20% of such excess amount.


Insurance cover for licensed coaches and run leaders

As a licensed coach or run leader of UKA or one the Home Country Athletics Federations, you automatically receive the benefit of Public Liability insurance which applies whilst you are involved in athletics training or activities.

  • All Coaches or Run Leaders that hold a current UKA or Home Country Athletics Federation licence in the discipline being coached.

Public liability insurance provides protection against legal liability for bodily injury to third parties and damage to third party property.

  • Public Liability limit £50,000,000 any one occurrence.
  • The policy covers activities anywhere in the world, provided that claims are brought in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
  • An excess of £250 applies to each and every claim for third party property damage.
  • There is no age limit applied to the cover.
  • Cover applies to all athletics activities including training, competitions, club / region administrative meetings, social and fund raising activities.
  • Cover also applies when undertaking coaching for other non-affiliated bodies.
  • Cover is also provided for unqualified people whilst acting under the direct control of a qualified licensed Coach or Run Leader.
  • Whether a coach is paid or unpaid is not relevant, the cover applies providing the Coach or Leader is acting within the terms of a current licence.
  • Cover for legal liability in respect of Injury sustained by any athlete which results from negligent advice or instructions given by a coach resulting from the issue of handbooks and coaching manuals by the Insured or resulting from the provision of tuition or coaching within the terms of their licence.

The insurance is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and cancellation provisions and may also be subject to warranties. Please see the Policy Wording for full details.


Insurance for event organisers and promoters

As an organisation that has affiliated to UK Athletics or one of the Home Country Athletics Federations for the express purpose of organising athletic events you are automatically provided with Public Liability insurance cover.

All event organisers affiliated to:

  • UK Athletics
  • England Athletics
  • Scottish Athletics
  • Athletics Northern Ireland
  • Welsh Athletics

For the express purpose of organising athletic events that hold a current event license or permit for their event.

Public liability insurance provides protection against legal liability for bodily injury to third parties and damage to third party property.

  • Public Liability limit £50,000,000 any one occurrence.
  • The policy covers activities anywhere in the world, provided that claims are brought in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
  • There is no age limit applied to the cover.
  • £750 excess each and every claim for third party property damage.

Public liability cover for competitions and events

Track & Field Competitions

  • All Track and Field competitions/events must have a valid licence in order for insurance cover to apply. 

You can apply for a licence through UK Athletics: https://www.uka.org.uk/competition/track-field/track-field-licensing/

Non- stadium running and walking events

Licences are required in order for insurance cover to apply for non-stadium running and walking competitions if the event:

  • Has 150 or more participants, or
  • Charges for entry, or
  • Has runners taking part who are not in an affiliated club.

For the avoidance of doubt, in respect of non-stadium running and walking events only, licences are not required, if the event:

  • Has less than 150 participants, and
  • Does not takes an entry fee, and
  • Has only club runners from affiliated clubs taking part.

You can apply for a licence for road races and multi-terrain races using the links below:

Please note

Cover for competition and events applies to athletics events within one of the six disciplines defined in UK Athletics Rules for Competition:

  • Track and Field
  • Race Walking
  • Cross Country
  • Road Running
  • Fell, Hill and Mountain Running
  • Trail Running.

Cover is also included for Highland Games/Heavy Throwing events licensed by Scottish Athletics.

Cover does not apply to any event that is not described in UKA Rules for Competition such as Colour Runs and events that incorporate obstacles, unless the event is a Fun Run incorporated within the programme of a licensed event.

Products liability insurance provides protection against legal liability to pay compensation including legal costs for death or bodily injury, or damage to third party property arising from products supplied.

  • Products Liability limit £50,000,000 any one occurrence and in the aggregate.

The insurance is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and cancellation provisions and may also be subject to warranties. Please see the Policy Wording for full details.


Insurance cover for Schools Associations

As a UK Athletics affiliated Schools Association you are automatically provided with Public Liability cover for Schools Association promotions and events down to and including county level (or equivalent level competition in Celtic nations).

  • UKA affiliated Home Country Schools Associations (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) for Schools Association promotions and events down to and including, County level Events (or equivalent level competition in Celtic nations)

Below County level are not included in this policy.

Public liability insurance provides protection against legal liability for bodily injury to third parties and damage to third party property.

  • Public Liability limit £50,000,000 any one occurrence.
  • The policy covers activities anywhere in the world, provided that claims are brought in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
  • An excess of £250 applies to each and every claim for third party property damage.
  • There is no age limit applied to the cover.

Reporting an incident or making a claim

We set out below the procedures for reporting an incident or making a claim based upon policy type.

  1. Public Liability
  2. Directors and Officers Liability (Applies to affiliated clubs/organisations only)
  3. Personal accident (Applies to Technical Officials only)
  4. Travel (Applies to Technical Officials only)

All accidents/incidents that result in injury or ill health should be reported to UK Athletics 

All accidents/incidents that result in injury or ill health should be reported to UK Athletics via the on-line incident reporting portal using the following link: https://www.uka.org.uk/governance/health-safety/online-accident-incident-report-form/

If internet coverage is not available, then please collect the following information:

  • Date & time of accident/incident.
  • Details of the injured person.
  • Name of event and promoter.
  • Description of accident/incident with diagrams and/or photographs if possible.
  • Nature of injuries.
  • Details of any first aid given and named of first aid representatives.
  • Names of other persons present.
  • Details of reporting person.

All information collected should be sent to the Health & Safety Manager at UKA at the address below:

Ashley Charlwood Safety@britishathletics.org.uk

UK Athletics Limited, Athletics House, Alexander Stadium, Walsall Road, Birmingham B42 2BE. www.uka.org.uk

  • Report all incidents of third party injury or property damage as soon as possible regardless of whether a claim is likely.
  • Do not negotiate, deny or admit any claim. Never admit liability or make an offer of payment to third parties.
  • Forward any third party correspondence or solicitor’s letters or legal documents immediately upon receipt.

All incidents/claims should be reported to:

Eileen Gallagher, Marsh Ltd 

Tel: 0131 311 4221 

Email: eileen.gallagher@marsh.com  

When making a claim it is your duty to disclose all material circumstances to Insurers. Failure to disclose all material circumstances could prejudice your claim.

Applies to affiliated Clubs/Organisations only.

  • Claims or notification of circumstances must be reported promptly.
  • Do not negotiate, deny or admit any claim. 
  • Never admit liability or make an offer of payment to third parties.
  • Forward any third party correspondence or solicitor’s letters or legal documents immediately upon receipt. 

All incidents/claims should be reported to: 

Contact: Lisa Alderton, Marsh Ltd

Tel: 01603 690921 extn 5921 

Email: lisa.alderton@marsh.com

When making a claim it is your duty to disclose all material facts to Insurers. Failure to disclose all material facts could prejudice your claim.

Applies to Technical Officials Only

All incidents/claims should be reported to: 

Eileen Gallagher, Marsh Ltd 

Tel: 0131 311 4221 

Email: eileen.gallagher@marsh.com  

When making a claim it is your duty to disclose all material circumstances to Insurers. Failure to disclose all material circumstances could prejudice your claim.

Applies to Technical Officials Only

Zurich Travel Assistance must be informed immediately or as soon as reasonably possible of any emergency that may potentially give rise to a claim. 

The Insured Person must not make or attempt to make arrangements without the involvement and/or agreement of Zurich Travel Assistance. 

For assistance in an emergency dial the International Dialling Code followed by: Tel. +44 (0)1489 868 888 

  • All incidents of theft or disappearance of property must be reported to the local police. Make a note of the circumstances at the time, and list all items that are missing, this will help you when you fill in the claim form. 
  • All incidents/claims should also be reported to: Contact: Eileen Gallagher, Marsh Ltd Tel: 0131 311 4221 Email: eileen.gallagher@marsh.com
  • When making a claim it is your duty to disclose all material circumstances to Insurers. Failure to disclose all material circumstances could prejudice your claim
Medical Assistance

For useful pre-travel advice, visit www.zurich.co.uk/zurichtravelassistance

While you’re away, you have a 24 hour helpline for:

  • Emergency Response – if you run into serious difficulties or a life-threatening situation, a team of security specialists are available to assist you.
  • Emergency Medical Help – includes arranging medical care and repatriation if you need it
  • Emergency Cash Advance – to replace cash lost or stolen during your journey
  • Emergency Message Communication – to pass messages to family and business colleagues in an emergency
  • Legal Referral – gives you access to an Embassy or Consulate if you need legal assistance
  • Travel Support – including assistance with lost or stolen documents, baggage or tickets Tel. +44 (0)1489 868 888
Security Assistance

Zurich Travel Assistance helps you to stay safe while travelling and provides emergency assistance 24 hours a day. Before you travel please visit the Travel Oracle App, available to download from the App Store or Google Play.

The App provides the following information:

  • Country Alerts – Global Incident monitoring and notification service
  • Country Profiles – Comprehensive country specific travel information
  • Pre-Trip Advice – Complete Travellers toolkit of safety information and advice, including Travel Angel, with App based training modules
  • Profile & Documents – A safe and secure personal document store
  • When downloading the App, please use ZUR1531523 (case sensitive) as the policy number

Please also visit www.zurich.co.uk/zurichtravelassistance


Frequently Asked Questions

The limit of indemnity provided is £50,000,000 any one occurrence.

There are no minimum or maximum age limits on the Public Liability insurance.

Cover for clubs and organisations is provided automatically as a benefit of affiliation and event licensing. For coaches and run leaders cover is provided as a benefit once qualified and any membership fee to the appropriate NGB has been received.

There is an evidence of cover letter available on this website. This should be shown in conjunction with evidence of affiliation or Coach licence.

The policy covers activities anywhere in the world, provided that claims are brought in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.

Cover is provided for legal liability arising from Injury caused as a result of first aid administered.  This applies to first aid given by qualified first aiders, those with first aid awareness training or unqualified people.  Cover does not apply to medical professionals who are expected to hold their own liability policy.

Training - buggies are able to be used at training sessions, but they must be buggies designed and manufactured for the use and terrain (and not a standard pushchair), and must be fitted with a 5-point safety harness. All runs should be on suitable surfaces which can accommodate a buggy safely (e.g. rough terrain/trail paths would not be suitable for this purpose).  Your risk assessments should take this into account, and an inspection of any buggies used should be carried out to ensure that they are fit for purpose.  Also, the length of the training run should be a suitable for a child to be strapped in a buggy. 

Races/Events - It is at the discretion of the individual Race Directors based on their Event Risk Assessment whether or not buggies are allowed in a particular race/event. In races/events that they are allowed they should always start at the back and should be treated similar to pushed wheelchairs. Race/event organisers should follow UKA guidelines on the use of buggies.

Training: Dogs and other animals must not accompany any runner during a club or coach / leader led session that takes place on roads where interaction with traffic and pedestrians create inherent risks. Each runner may be accompanied by one dog in club or coach / leader led sessions that are predominantly off-road, subject to appropriate risk assessment. A risk assessment should include the risk to the dog, the runner, other members of the running group, members of the public, and other animals and wildlife in the training area.

Races/Events: The guidance issued by UKA is that “Runners must not be accompanied by a personally owned or controlled dog”.  

Canicross: Canicross is not recognised by UK Athletics and is not permitted within any licensed competition. 

There is no Personal Accident benefit provided for injuries. 

The policy does not provide cover for any event that is not an athletics event within one of the six disciplines defined in UK Athletics Rules for Competition. The disciplines are: 

  • Track and Field
  • Race Walking
  • Cross Country
  • Road Running
  • Fell, Hill and Mountain Running
  • Trail Running. 

For the avoidance of doubt the UKA Public Liability insurance policy will only apply to those competitions that are organised under UK Athletics Rules by an organisation affiliated to UKA and holding a licence for the event, and the six disciplines exclude any event that is not described in UKA Rules for Competition such as Colour Runs and events that incorporate obstacles, unless the event is a Fun Run incorporated within the programme of a licensed event. 

Trialists are deemed to be temporary members of the club during this period, and therefore covered by the policy.

Yes, the club is insured to host taster sessions for potential new members.

The Public Liability policy provides cover for the legal liability of the Club to third parties arising out of the use of any premises in their custody or control.  

Social and fundraising events is covered are covered by the policy.

As a Guide Runner you automatically receive the benefit of Public Liability insurance which applies whilst you are involved in athletics training or activities within the terms of your licence.  Cover applies to all athletics activities, training and competitions including when outside of an organised club session. Please note requirements for licensing guide runners differ in each of the home countries. Contact your relevant home country for further information.

There is no cover for damage to your own or hired in property.  If you would like to obtain a quote for property Insurance please click here.

UKA Insurance does not provide you with Travel Insurance. Travel insurance covers items such as overseas emergency medical treatment, repatriation costs, cancelled flights etc. and this should be purchased separately. You can obtain a quotation here.

The policy provides cover for legal liability to volunteers.

The policy covers activities anywhere in the world, provided that claims are brought in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
The policy is only intended for coaches who are UK residents, but does include cover for things such as overseas training camps.  If you are resident outside Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands you should ensure that you have your own appropriate alternative cover.

The guidance for Coaches, Coaching Assistants or Run Leaders to athletes is a ratio of 1:10 provided that the Coach/Leader is above 18 years of age.
When working with under 18s there is further advice around adult to child supervision ratios. The UKA guidance on appropriate supervision levels for children and young people can be found here Guidance-on-appropriate-supervision-ratios-FINAL-Sep-2022.V3.01-1.pdf (uka.org.uk)

It is acknowledged that at times unforeseen circumstances mean that planned supervision ratios can’t be adhered to. In these situations, coaches should make reasonable adjustment to the session activities as per the guidance in section one of the following document Guidance-on-appropriate-supervision-ratios-FINAL-Sep-2022.V3.01-1.pdf (uka.org.uk)

 

Please refer to the document below for information as to what your qualification allows you to coach
https://www.uka.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Qualifications-Defined-February-2022.pdf

A qualified Coach or Leader in Running Fitness should be provided wherever possible. However, it is recognised that there may be unforeseen circumstances where this is not always possible.  

In those circumstances it is in order for an Assistant Coach or an adult to lead the run acting under the instruction of a qualified Coach, as long as all athletes are aged 18 or over. The session must take place within an authorised club activity with first aid provision, and must be managed by a qualified Coach who holds a current UKA licence.  
Although the Coach / Leader may not be physically able to accompany a group on a training run, the session should be planned and managed by a qualified Coach and good practice guidelines followed, including the provision of first aid.

It should be noted that all club sessions should follow the safeguarding and supervision requirements as laid out here. Therefore without a suitable adult present (Coach) it might not be possible to offer the planned session to under 18s.


Enquiries and additional insurance

Get in touch - UKA Insurance policy enquiries

Please do not hesitate to contact our specialist sports insurance team and we will be happy to help. Our office hours are Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm (we are closed on bank holidays).

Additional insurance enquiries

Marsh is a specialist global provider of insurance and risk management solutions to the world of sport. Our approach has helped to make us one of the leading providers to the sports industry. 

We have highlighted below some additional products that you may find of particular interest.


If you would like to find out more about the additional insurance products we can provide, please contact our Marsh Sport team on 0345 872 5060 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or email marshsport@marsh.com 

(For UKA policy enquiries please call us on 01732 877652)