 MEMBER ORGANIZATION QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
In 2004 when we became a member organization, we purchased the general liability coverage. What has changed for 2009?
Insurance is now a member organization benefit. Having USRowing provide coverage as a benefit for all members, member organizations, and registered regattas is a cost-effective means of handling the needs of USRowing and its members in a consistent manner.
Why would we need USRowing’s insurance coverage if our member organization already has insurance elsewhere?
The coverage that USRowing provides is one of the benefits of membership and protects USRowing and all member organizations while they are participating in covered activities. Many of these organizations may not otherwise have insurance, or be able to afford enough of it, to protect themselves. It also protects your registered members while they are participating in registered regattas and other covered activities.
However, just because it is provided as a part of your membership does not mean that you have to use it as your only means of coverage. If you would prefer to keep other coverage in place for your organization, you may certainly do so. Sharing the risk of the sport with other carriers, or any other means of reducing claims against the policy, is a great way for your organization to keep the coverage affordable to USRowing and, therefore, available to all members.
Our member organization also operates a canoe facility would its operations be covered under USRowing’s insurance benefits?
The insurance benefits only apply to approved, rowing-related activities. Those activities would be covered, but your canoeing related activities would not. Contact Leonard Insurance Group, Inc. about coverage for your non-rowing activities. You can also contact amateur canoeing’s national governing body at www.canoekayak.org
What if we are not an approved member organization? How do we receive insurance benefits?
If you do not have USRowing’s approval, you cannot receive benefits through USRowing’s insurance program. You would need to purchase insurance for your organization directly.
What about other coverage that is not provided for my organization through USRowing?
Information for directors and officers insurance, fleet, and rowing equipment insurance is included in this brochure and through the risk management web site (coming soon - www.usrowing.org). Other coverage, such as property and owned automobile, can be accessed through Leonard Insurance Group, Inc.’s programs for USRowing organizations.
Is the sale of alcohol by our organization covered?
No, coverage for this risk would need to be purchased by your club separately.
Are “player vs. player” claims covered?
Coverage does not exclude player vs. player claims, as is customarily found on other policies.
If a TRIA certified act of terrorism occurs and our member organization is alleged to be liable, does this insurance apply?
Yes, subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Will my member organization be covered if I race in an international event?
The general liability policy will provide coverage, subject to policy terms and conditions, if your activities in the event are approved by USRowing, and the liability claim is brought against you in a court of law in the United States of America (including its territories and possessions), Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Why do we have to maintain release of liability forms from our club members?
The USRowing Release of Liability form is the same form that all organizations that were insured through USRowing required from their members in the past. It is also the same form that organizations collect from their members simply to protect the organization’s legal entity. It is also the same form that is used for participation in registered regattas. They must be kept current for each calendar year. Members who are full-privilege individual members of USRowing have the benefit of being able to file their waivers electronically with USRowing. You do not need to collect or hold a paper waiver for these members. (See also Full-Privilege Individual Member Section)
 USROWING REGISTERED REGATTA QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
In 2004, I registered my regatta primarily to purchase USRowing liability insurance. In 2009, I will receive liability and excess medical insurance as a benefit. What has changed?
Our insurance professionals have worked diligently in the marketplace to secure the best possible insurance program for the rowing community. We have been able to realize cost-savings through greater marketplace competition this year.
Why do we need USRowing’s insurance coverage benefit if our registered regatta already has insurance elsewhere? Is it optional?
The coverage that USRowing provides to a registered regatta is not optional because it protects USRowing, all registered regatta participants and their member organizations.
Having USRowing provide insurance coverage for all registered regattas is a cost-effective means of handling the needs of USRowing and its members in a consistent manner. Participants and referees can compete and officiate in registered regattas and have no concerns as to whether appropriate insurance is provided.
If you prefer to keep additional coverage in place for your registered regatta, you may certainly do so. Sharing the risk of the sport with other carriers is a great way for your organization to keep your coverage affordable and therefore, available to all registered regattas.
If your 2008 registered regatta will be keeping additional coverage in place, please be certain to bring this to USRowing’s attention during the registration process.
What if we would like to purchase additional coverage for our registered regatta or our registered regatta committee?
Contact Leonard Insurance Group, Inc., at 1-800-SCULLER or 1-800-728-5537. Also, you can refer to the directors and officers, crime insurance and rowing equipment coverage sections in this brochure.
If we are running a non-registered regatta, can we purchase the USRowing coverage?
The coverage is only for USRowing registered regattas. It is not available to non-registered regattas as USRowing cannot sanction or “vouch for” the safety at those events.
Why did USRowing opt for $1,000,000 primary and $1,000,000 excess coverage per incident for registered regattas? Isn’t $1,000,000 sufficient?
Many registered regattas must carry $2,000,000 per occurrence coverage due to the requirements of their host regions or other constraints. For example, some cities or municipalities require a $2,000,000 per occurrence limit. Some regattas may have other affiliations through which to access this additional coverage at no cost. However, for the majority of regattas, the cost of obtaining the additional $1,000,000 is quite high compared to the cost to USRowing to provide it as a registered regatta benefit.
Is the sale of alcohol at our registered regatta covered?
No, the “host liquor liability” coverage, as included, does NOT provide for the risk of the sale of alcohol to others. You would need to purchase coverage for this risk. As an alternative to this , we would encourage you to consider the use of appropriate vendors for this service who should bear this risk.
Are “player vs. player” claims covered?
USRowing’s coverage does not exclude player vs. player claims, as is customarily found on other policies.
If a TRIA certified act of terrorism occurs and the registered regatta committee is alleged to be liable, does this insurance apply?
Yes, subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
Does the insurance provide coverage for our registered regatta committee?
Yes, if the committee qualifies as a registered regatta committee or member organization in good standing with USRowing, the policy provides liability coverage for their activities related to the organization and operation of the registered regatta. These include planning meetings, banquets, event set-up, regatta operations, event tear- down and award banquets. A directors and officers policy may be purchased separately if you need or want that type of coverage.
What about registered regatta competitors? Are they covered during registered regatta events?
Yes, if the regatta meets the requirements for registered regatta designation by USRowing and all release of liability forms have been collected or verified, then all registered rowers, coxswains, coaches, referees, club members and full-privilege individual members receive liability and excess accident medical benefits (subject to terms and exclusions) for covered event activities.
Volunteers (while acting on your behalf) and other individuals approved as participants also receive liability coverage (subject to terms and exclusions) for approved activities.
What about transportation of athletes?
Transportation of registered club members and full-privilege individual member athletes to and from registered regattas is only covered under the excess accident medical coverage.
Can our additional insureds be added? At what cost?
Yes. While most of your registered regatta “additional insured” needs are already met under blanket endorsements, additional insureds can be added upon underwriting approval. There is no charge or fee for this.
FULL-PRIVILEGE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Does my USRowing membership include insurance as a benefit?
Yes, your USRowing annual membership dues provide you with $2,000,000 per occurrence of liability insurance and $25,000 of accident excess medical coverage.
Don’t I have coverage for this type of incident under my Homeowners/ Tenant Insurance policy?
A Homeowners/Tenants Insurance policy may or may not provide coverage for this. You receive this insurance protection along with all of the other benefits of USRowing membership.
What if I am sued by another rower?
Because there is no “player vs. player exclusion” in this policy, this insurance would apply.
What if I am injured while participating in a scheduled, supervised club activity or registered regatta? Will my medical bills be covered?
As a member of USRowing, you also receive a $25,000 excess accident medical benefit and $10,000 of accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
Why do I need this coverage? I have health insurance through my employer.
Your health insurance may or may not cover all of the expenses associated with your rowing injury. In the absence of other insurance, your USRowing excess accident medical coverage will respond as primary insurance and pay your medical bills, up to the policy limit and subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. If your health insurance does respond to your medical needs, but you have out-of-pocket expenses or deductibles that are not covered, you can submit those expenses for consideration under the USRowing plan.
If I am between jobs and without insurance and I am injured while rowing, do I have coverage?
Yes, the accident policy will respond as primary in the absence of other insurance, provided the accident occurred during an approved, scheduled club activity or a USRowing registered regatta and meets all of the definitions for coverage under the policy.
If I am a member of a college or university rowing club, do I need this insurance?
Yes, for many of the reasons listed above, you should join USRowing to take advantage of the insurance afforded by membership. You may or may not be covered by the college or university or your parents’ Homeowners/Renters Insurance policy for allegations of negligence against you. Further, you may or may not be covered by the college or university or your parents’ health insurance for medical bills resulting from a rowing accident.
What is the release of liability?
The “release of liability” is an acknowledgment by participants that rowing is an activity that involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, that they understand the nature of rowing, and that they are physically fit to participate. This being the case, the participants agree that, in the event of an injury, they will not sue the club, the event organizers or USRowing. They further agree that if they, or anyone on their behalf, does sue, they will indemnify the same parties. In other words, they agree to pay back all money which all of the above had to pay defending and paying their claim. By law, minors cannot waive their right to sue. When they become adults, they can sue for damages they incurred as a minor. Therefore, there is a separate release for use with minors. This release is signed by the parent (or legal guardian), who agrees to indemnify all the above if the minor should sue upon reaching maturity.
Who should sign a release of liability form?
When an individual now joins USRowing as a full-privilege member, they also are required to sign an annual release form, but only once! This release will apply to all USRowing club and regatta activities that an individual participates in during the year and will eliminate the current requirement of signing a separate release at each event. As a precaution, when conducting a club activity or regatta, you should verify that the individual has signed a valid release.
If I am a coach or referee can I be covered by this program?
Yes, your USRowing membership provides the same liability and excess accident medical protection afforded to other USRowing members. You no longer have to purchase this coverage separately. Please indicate your title when registering.
I am an International member of USRowing. Am I covered by the insurance program?
Yes, but ONLY when you are participating in a scheduled, supervised club activity or USRowing registered regatta taking place in the United States. Liability claims brought against you outside of the United States (and other areas considered a part of the coverage territory) will not be covered. Excess accident medical coverage is available to you when you are participating in a scheduled, supervised club activity or USRowing registered regatta AND treatment for your injuries is received while in the United States.
I own a boat. How can I receive a discount to insure it?
Contact USRowing’s Agents, Roehrs & Company at 610-363-7999 via email wendypierce@roehrs.com
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