What Is Employers’ Liability Insurance for Sports Clubs?

Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK for most sports clubs that employ staff or use volunteers. It protects the club if an employee, coach, instructor, groundskeeper or volunteer suffers injury or illness as a result of their work and makes a claim against the club.

Many sports clubs mistakenly assume employers’ liability only applies to full-time paid staff. In reality, the definition of “employee” is broad and often includes part-time workers, casual staff, freelance coaches, sessional instructors, apprentices and unpaid volunteers.

Insure24 arranges specialist employers’ liability insurance for sports clubs of all sizes, ensuring compliance with UK law while protecting the club’s finances, committee members and long-term future.

What Does Employers’ Liability Insurance Cover?

Employers’ liability insurance covers the legal costs and compensation payments if an employee or volunteer claims they were injured or became ill due to their work for the club.

• Injury during coaching, training or match supervision
• Slips, trips and falls in clubhouses or training facilities
• Manual handling injuries (e.g. moving goals, equipment or pitch maintenance)
• Long-term injuries caused by repetitive activity
• Illness caused by unsafe working conditions
• Legal defence costs and compensation awards

Without employers’ liability cover, clubs and committee members may be personally liable for significant legal costs and damages.

Common Employers’ Liability Claims in Sports Clubs

Employers’ liability claims in sports clubs often arise from everyday activities rather than extreme incidents. Common examples include:

• A volunteer coach injuring their back while moving goalposts
• A groundskeeper slipping on wet surfaces while maintaining pitches
• An instructor sustaining a long-term injury during demonstrations
• Clubhouse staff injured due to faulty equipment
• Volunteers hurt while setting up events or tournaments

Even minor injuries can escalate into costly claims if time off work or long-term effects are involved.

How Much Does Employers’ Liability Insurance Cost for Sports Clubs?

The cost of employers’ liability insurance for sports clubs depends on factors such as:

• Number of employees and volunteers
• Type of sport and level of physical risk
• Use of facilities and equipment
• Claims history
• Whether cover is standalone or part of a combined policy

Many clubs include employers’ liability within a wider sports club insurance package, which is often more cost-effective than purchasing cover separately.