Several years ago, a new NSCAA membership service was introduced that is now being used by many NSCAA members - Coaches' Choice, a comprehensive insurance program for camps and clinics. Since many coaches are organizing camps and clinics, we will focus on the importance of proper risk management planning and why the NSCAA program represents a good solution to your camp insurance needs.

The two primary exposures in operating a camp/clinic are: 1) general liability and proper risks; and 2) accidents (or sickness) to participants.

General liability insurance normally is required by the facility owner, such as a municipality, school district or college. Usually this requirement is the reason camp operators buy insurance; however, it should be viewed as "good business." It makes financial sense to recognize and identify the risks of doing business, then, protect yourself, the camp entity, the staff and volunteers against potential lawsuits for a minimal cost (that can be passed on to the participant in the camp fee).

While accident medical and sickness insurance for participants generally is not required by a facility owner, it usually is required by the liability carrier in order to include liability coverage for accidents involving participants. Therefore, both coverages go hand-in-hand, working together to treat the risk of doing business.

The most important part of risk management planning, however, is to recognize the value of identifying the risk of doing business and determining how best to minimize the chances of financial loss. Coaches should do the financially responsible thing by making sure you, your staff and your assets are protected adequately. They also must make sure the camp participants will be cared for adequately in the event they are injured under the camp's supervision.

If you have a specific question about your camp/clinic insurance needs, please Summit America Insurance Services, L.C. at 7400 College Boulevard, Suite 100, Overland Park, KS 66210 or call 800-955-1991, ext. 114.

NSCAA Coaches' Choice highlights:

• $2,000,000 General aggregate limit. 
• $1,000,000 Per occurrence limit.
• $1,000,000 Personal injury and advertising injury limit. 
• $1,000,000 Products-completed opeations aggregate.
• $1,000,000 Legal liability to participants.
• $1,000,000 Professional liability.
• $300,000 Damage to premises rented to you.
• $5,000 Premises medical coverage.

Excess Basic Medical:

• $25,000 Maximum medical benefits. 
• Dental included.
• $1,000 Medical expense reimbursement (illness)* 
• $100 Deductible
• 104 Week benefit period.

*Expenses payable under this coverage are actually incurred for illness which a participant first experiences or is exposed to during a covered program provided that the party is exposed to the illness or first experiences the illness in the coverage territory and must be reported to us within 2 years from the first experience or exposure.

• Daily rates: $1.66 per participant
• Weekly rates: $4.99 per participant
• Overnight rates: $6.65 per participant

For additional information, call toll free at 800-955-1991, ext. 114 

Editor's note: Summit America Insurance Services provides comprehensive insurance coverage for the NSCAA and its members. For further information, contact Janice Briggs at 1-800-955-1991, ext. 114.