We've worked hard with our insurers over the years to expand the range and scope of cover, to provide instructors and clubs with as much possible 'on-risk' activities. This includes proximity services, such as providing goods and services to parents or students.

All of the below mentioned cover is served via the policies built-in Products Liability Insurance.

The generic definition of Products Cover is "a type of insurance coverage that protects businesses from financial losses related to claims of injury or damage caused by the products they manufacture, distribute, or sell. This insurance covers legal costs and any compensation that may be awarded to claimants in the event that a product is found to be defective, harmful, or unsafe, leading to bodily injury, property damage, or other types of loss."

Please do bear in mind this is a generic definition, but this should help inform you on the purpose of the built-in products liability cover.

We understand that a great way for clubs to enterprise is by running birthday parties, summer camps and other related activities that help engage young people in martial arts, and support parents with childcare.

Accordingly, as of 07/08/2024 we have arranged with our insurer specific conditions that permit "Snacks, Light Refreshments including tea or coffee, Packed Lunches and other non-catered food provisions".

This will not cover the provision of cooked meals or birthday party teas, for example. Anything that may be reasonably considered as 'catered' will require specific, separate insurance for that activity.

Before serving food, the insured should check;

It is strongly advised that all clubs planning to serve any sort of food products undertakes a Food Hygiene course and gains certification for this. Such courses can be done online and are largely inexpensive.

In all cases, BMABA would expect you to fully risk assess the provision or serving of any food products with a strict and particular focus on ensuring dietary requirements and allergies are treated with the utmost severity.

There is free allergy training available from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) here. In all cases, your local council's trading standards team, or food hygiene team, depending on your jurisdiction, will be able to provide support and guidance on matters relating to things like what your kitchen needs to be doing, and look like, if you're serving food and drink etc.

The products liability insurance also covers "Associated Sports Equipment & Accessories sold or supplied". This would include, for example, selling martial arts handwraps or uniforms, punch bags, gloves or other such related items provided it is directly relevant to the styles and disciplines being taught or delivered.

Whilst there is not an exhaustive list, we would recommend using supplies obtained from dedicated martial arts suppliers wherever possible however third party marketplaces, such as Amazon, can still be used provided products are professionally made and fit for use. Extra care and attention should be paid to the provision of any PPE, including gumshields, headguards and any other dipped foam products.

When trying to understand if something is likely onside or offside, consider what a 'reasonable person' would expect to be covered by an insurer under the realms of 'Martial Arts Instructor' or 'Martial Arts Club'. Serving a three piece meal or selling a custom built martial arts dojo isn't going to be in the everyday expectation and will always require dedicated pre-approval from the insurer. If it falls within what the reasonable person may deem to be routine or 'normal' - such as serving a small packed lunch to children during an all-day summer camp or selling on equipment from a major martial arts retailer, that's unlikely to be such an issue.

If in doubt, please speak with our team who will be happy to query this further with the insurer for you.