Starting a Running Group - insurance?
Discussion
I've been running for a number of years, and through no planning whatsoever I have managed to start a sort of unofficial running group.
Basically, I started doing trail runs because I liked them. A few friends then started coming along on a Sunday morning, and then friends of friends etc to the extent that I can now have anywhere from 2 to 15 people with me on the run.
I set the routes, and we all run together, stopping to regroup at every gate/junction/road crossing/top of hill so no one gets left behind. It's not competitive, but a social outing in the countryside. Communication is vai a Facebook group, where i post up the weeks route and people ask for or offer lifts etc.
Is there anything I should be doing in an official capacity? I'm a bit worried that if someone slips and injures themselves i could be open to being seen as an organised event and sued by Claims4U or similar. I've tried looking for liability insurance, but Sports Insurers only offer "Participant" insurance, where i am insured if I get injured, or "Coach" insurance which does provide liability insurance but requires me to have coaching qualifications from a recognised authority. Normal public liability insurance seems to be only available to businesses, not individuals.
Do i have to pay for coaching qualifications i don't want? Or am i worrying unnecessarily?
Basically, I started doing trail runs because I liked them. A few friends then started coming along on a Sunday morning, and then friends of friends etc to the extent that I can now have anywhere from 2 to 15 people with me on the run.
I set the routes, and we all run together, stopping to regroup at every gate/junction/road crossing/top of hill so no one gets left behind. It's not competitive, but a social outing in the countryside. Communication is vai a Facebook group, where i post up the weeks route and people ask for or offer lifts etc.
Is there anything I should be doing in an official capacity? I'm a bit worried that if someone slips and injures themselves i could be open to being seen as an organised event and sued by Claims4U or similar. I've tried looking for liability insurance, but Sports Insurers only offer "Participant" insurance, where i am insured if I get injured, or "Coach" insurance which does provide liability insurance but requires me to have coaching qualifications from a recognised authority. Normal public liability insurance seems to be only available to businesses, not individuals.
Do i have to pay for coaching qualifications i don't want? Or am i worrying unnecessarily?
UKA affiliation. Your club will then need to follow the rules laid out by them for an affiliated group, and that will include things like coaches being trained to an appropriate level for the activity (track and off-track differ here), safeguarding and first aid training (online) as well as requirements for the running of the club.
I would avoid for your case. It's an informal run with some mates and you are not coaching.
If you do want to go that direction, it would probably pay to join an existing local(ish) club as that will be massively easier. You will then need to be LiRF/CiRF/++ certified to lead the group with insurance. The club will benefit from more members, and you will be able to access coaching resources. You'll also get other UKA affiliation benefits like cheaper race entries.
I would avoid for your case. It's an informal run with some mates and you are not coaching.
If you do want to go that direction, it would probably pay to join an existing local(ish) club as that will be massively easier. You will then need to be LiRF/CiRF/++ certified to lead the group with insurance. The club will benefit from more members, and you will be able to access coaching resources. You'll also get other UKA affiliation benefits like cheaper race entries.
towser44 said:
You'll also need to factor in the weather, dark nights etc. The running club I go to occasionally are very careful if it is a little bit frosty/icy and usually cancel, plus it's head torches in the Winter months etc. All far too formal due to the insurance aspect.
Not too much of a worry. Runs are always done during daylight hours, and off-road frost and ice isn't as lethal as it can be on the road. I wouldn't go out if the weather is obviously risky (hurricane wind or something).boyse7en said:
towser44 said:
You'll also need to factor in the weather, dark nights etc. The running club I go to occasionally are very careful if it is a little bit frosty/icy and usually cancel, plus it's head torches in the Winter months etc. All far too formal due to the insurance aspect.
Not too much of a worry. Runs are always done during daylight hours, and off-road frost and ice isn't as lethal as it can be on the road. I wouldn't go out if the weather is obviously risky (hurricane wind or something).Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff