Australian Windsurfing

National Scheme
Public Liability Insurance

Read the following for clarification of the 2010/11 Policy:

Policy Wording - Schedule - Certificate of Currency

Since 01JUL2009, the policy nolonger covers members 24/7. Members are only covered during events run by their State Windsurfing Association or registered sub body (such as windsurfing clubs) - Registered Clubs List. For cover outside these events, your home insurance may cover you for TPL and/or equipment damage.

Any sensible sporting association covers itself with public liability insurance. This is needed to protect the various committee members and administrative personnel from third party claims resulting from negligence. The scope of our current insurance package includes all members of its affiliated bodies around Australia in the one scheme. Sailors, social members, committee members and volunteers are all given protection against third party claims. The real benefit of the scheme is that with everyone at an event covered there is no risk that gaps can suddenly appear in the cover if a claim is made.

The policy is strictly third party/public liability and does not cover competitors or officials for injuries they cause to themselves or their own property. It does, however, cover them when they injure someone else or damage someone else's property.

Groups around Australia have been quick to recognise this as an ideal way to offer their members something in return for their membership fees, as well as a way of attracting new members. 

Procedural Notes
FOR USE BY CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS AND EVENT ORGANISERS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE INSURANCE SCHEME.

The Insurance Policy has been designed to provide financial members of windsurfing Clubs or Associations affiliated with the Australian Windsurfing Association Inc. protection from legal liability claims for injury to a third party or damage to a third party's property as a result of a member's negligence. Members are covered for participation in club or association activities (which can include training or practice).

However, the effectiveness of this Policy, particularly with regards to organised events, is seriously jeopardised when people who are not members of a body affiliated with AWA are allowed to participate. Should this happen, then by simply excluding these people from participation does not provide an acceptable solution especially when the people concerned are visiting international sailors or represent potential new members.

However, there is a simple answer to the problem. Participants who are not members will be afforded protection by the policy as long as they are granted 'honorary membership'. It is essential that this fact is recorded on the  membership register and the appropriate premium levy paid in due course. It is also essential that membership registers are maintained in such a fashion as to leave no doubt whatsoever as to a member's membership status in the event of a claim being made. Whether electing to collect the levy from those involved or pay it directly is a matter for the organisers to decide. It is also a matter organisers to decide whether 'honorary membership' applies only for the duration of the event involved. Obviously it is important not to create a situation whereby members come to regard 'honorary membership' as being a better financial proposition than ordinary membership. This would be discouraged and indeed membership benefits could be enhanced, if the non-members were charged the insurance levy for each and every time they participated in an event. Should this be the case, only one levy per non-member would be expected to be paid to the Insurance Company each year.

It is of the utmost importance and must be clearly understood by officials and those responsible for conducting regattas and other activities that by following these simple procedures the Insurance Scheme will provide the protection intended - by doing otherwise, this may not be the case.

For event eligibility check that you are listed in the 11/12 AWA Member List. If your name is missing, check/complain to your State Association or AWA Rep. Like the sail number register, we will try to keep the list current. 10/11 List

Registered Clubs

To be registered, a sub-body of a State Association must have completed and supplied (annually) a copy of the following documents to their State Association and the Australian Windsurfing Association:  (1) AWA Insurance Agreement, and (2) Club Events Calendar. Sample Risk Management Document.

2011/12
- Bayside Sailboard Club (Qld)
- Brisbane Windsurfing Club (Qld)
- Dobroyd Aquatic Club (NSW)
- Geraldton Windsurfing Club (WA)
- Marmong Point Sailing Club (NSW)
- NSW Wavesailing Assoc (NSW)
- Safety Bay Windsurfing Club (WA)
- St George Sailing Club - Sailboard Division (NSW)
- Stormriders Windsurfing Club (NSW)
-

2010/11 (expired)
- Bayside Sailboard Club (QLD)
- Safety Bay Windsurfing Club (WA)
- Windwanderers (QLD)

INSURANCE Links

Sportscover
World Wide Sports Insurance

The details on this page apply to the current policy which expires on 30JUN2011.

This is a $10mill. Public Liability Insurance policy.
The Australian Windsurfing Association (AWA), State Associations and their members have been listed as insured parties.

A club/group that is affiliated with a State Association is not automatically covered by the policy. Contact your State Rep to confirm insurance status for your club/group.

Any one who needs an up-date on the ‘ins and outs’ of the Insurance Scheme should contact Ian Fox