We hear this question asked alot from clubs new and old. Unfortunately it stems from a wide-reaching lack of understanding among many other associations in respect of what Student Public Liability insurance and what it does.
Are Events Covered?
Per the group cover policy wording, student cover is effective whilst students are taking place in “BMABA authorised activities only”. This can be quite liberally applied, as BMABA (we) do not forbid or prohibit you and your students taking part in any other type of events with any other associations; you’re free to do as you please. That said, the insurer would likely intend to mean that it must be activities we are specifically authorising with some sphere of influence or control.
The Problem With Students Competing?
The issue of event cover or a ‘fighters licence’ for students is that no association’s group cover policy will cover this as standard, no matter what they might say. Student public liability insurance provides cover for third party injury or damage to property, so there’s absolutely no recourse for a student becoming seriously injured themselves whilst taking part in an event. Furthermore, as the rules and procedures of the event will be down to the organiser or association behind the event, it’s fair to say that the insurer may deem it not to be BMABA authorised, or to BMABA’s high standard of professionalism.
Whether an event organiser wants to advertise this or not, it is the event organiser liable for an incident occurring in the ring or cage. The requirement that students have a licence and insurance is often seen by some organisers as a comfort to avoid liability in the event of a serious injury or fatality. It would not protect them in the slightest!
In Summary
Whilst there’s nothing hard and fast to say that BMABA’s group cover student public liability insurance would be non-effective in a third party event there are alot of situation in which it may well be. For this reason, we urge caution and prudence. You should assume your BMABA student insurance will not cover them for participation in third party events and this will be the same for any other association’s student cover, regardless of their terminology used. We do hear the term ‘fighters insurance’ used alot and this is a very separate type of cover which can often cost upward of £1,000 event for full contact participants!
If in doubt, please do check and we’ll be happy to help.