Liability Insurance Guidance for Clubs and Members
Important Notice
This page provides a summary of the liability insurance arranged by Scottish Curling for affiliated clubs and registered members.
It is intended as a general guide only. It does not contain the full terms, conditions, exclusions or definitions of the insurance policy. The official insurance policy wording always takes precedence.
Introduction
Scottish Curling arranges liability insurance for affiliated clubs and registered members. The insurance is placed through Partners&, the appointed insurance broker for Scottish Curling.
This guidance explains:
- What the insurance covers
- Who is covered
- The limits of cover
- Important exclusions
- What to do if an incident occurs
What is Liability Insurance?
Liability insurance protects individuals and clubs if someone claims that their actions (or failure to act) caused injury to a person or damage to property.
If a claim is made and the insured person or club is found legally responsible, the insurance may cover legal defence costs and any compensation awarded, up to the policy limits.
This is liability insurance, not personal accident insurance. It does not provide compensation simply because a member is injured while taking part in curling.
What Insurance Cover is Included?
The insurance arranged by Scottish Curling includes the following types of cover.
Public and Products Liability
Covers claims where a third party suffers injury or property damage as a result of Scottish Curling activities.
Examples could include:
- A spectator being injured at an event
- Damage to property caused during a club activity
Cross Liability (Member-to-Member Cover)
Provides protection if one member makes a claim against another member during recognised curling activities.
Professional Indemnity
Covers claims arising from negligent advice, instruction, coaching or training provided as part of recognised Scottish Curling activities.
This includes situations where someone claims they were injured as a result of coaching or instruction.
As with Public Liability cover, Professional Indemnity insurance is provided in connection with recognised Scottish Curling activities and should not be relied upon for private or commercial coaching undertaken independently.
Directors and Officers Liability
Protects club committee members and officials if a claim is made against them personally for decisions or actions taken while carrying out their role for the club.
This protection applies whether the club is incorporated or unincorporated.
Abuse Liability
Provides protection for the club committee if a claim is made alleging abuse in connection with club activities.
This cover does not apply to any person who committed, condoned or ignored abuse.
Scottish Curling safeguarding policies must always be followed.
Employers’ Liability
Covers claims from employees who are injured or become ill as a result of work carried out for the club.
This includes legal defence costs and compensation awarded.
Under UK law, organisations that employ staff are normally required to have Employers’ Liability insurance.
The Scottish Curling policy provides cover of £10,000,000, which exceeds the legal minimum requirement.
Volunteers may sometimes be treated as employees in law depending on the nature of their role and relationship with the club.
Who Is Covered?
The insurance covers:
- Scottish Curling registered members of affiliated clubs
- Scottish Curling registered coaches
- Volunteers assisting with recognised club activities
Cover applies when individuals are participating in recognised Scottish Curling activities, such as:
- Curling games and training sessions
- Competitions and tournaments
- Exhibitions
- Club meetings
- Approved social functions connected with club activities
Cover is determined by the activity being undertaken and not simply by an individual’s status as a registered Scottish Curling member or coach.
If you are unsure whether a particular activity is covered, please contact Scottish Curling before taking part or delivering the activity.
Private and Commercial Activities
The liability insurance arranged by Scottish Curling is provided for recognised Scottish Curling activities and should not be relied upon for private or commercial activities undertaken independently by individual members or coaches.
This includes paid private coaching or other coaching activities undertaken independently for personal or commercial benefit.
Coaches undertaking these activities should arrange their own appropriate Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.
Where a coach is delivering a corporate or other coaching session organised by an ice rink or another organisation, they should confirm with the organiser that appropriate insurance is in place for the activity.
Try Curling Sessions
Non-members are covered when participating in Try Curling sessions, subject to the following conditions:
- A maximum of four trial sessions per person
- Sessions must be delivered by a registered Scottish Curling coach
- The club must keep a register including the participant’s:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Signature
This register may be required if an incident occurs.
Volunteers and Helpers
Volunteers who assist registered Scottish Curling coaches are covered under the policy when helping with recognised club activities.
This includes individuals who have completed the Scottish Curling Assistant qualification.
Activities Outside the UK
The liability policy provides cover for recognised curling activities anywhere in the world.
However, this insurance is not travel insurance.
When travelling abroad, participants should arrange their own travel insurance to cover:
- Medical expenses
- Travel cancellation
- Personal belongings
- Personal accident cover
Insurance Limits
The maximum amount the policy will pay for a single claim is shown below.
Public and Products Liability
£5,000,000
Professional Indemnity
£5,000,000
Directors and Officers Liability
£5,000,000
Employers’ Liability
£10,000,000
Abuse Liability
£2,500,000
What Is Not Covered?
The policy includes some important exclusions.
Examples include:
- Damage to property owned by the club or members
- Criminal or deliberate acts
- Medical malpractice (except basic first aid)
- Claims relating to data loss, cyber incidents or data breaches
- Personal travel risks such as illness abroad or lost belongings
Is There an Age Limit?
There is no age limit under the liability policy.
What Should We Do If an Incident Happens?
If an incident occurs that could lead to a claim:
- Record the details immediately, including:
- Date and time
- Location
- What happened
- Names of those involved
- Details of any witnesses
- Follow Scottish Curling incident reporting procedures.
- Do not admit liability or agree to pay compensation.
- Contact Partners& or Scottish Curling (office@scottishcurling.org) as soon as possible.
Insurance companies must handle claims formally, and admitting liability may affect the insurance cover.
Important Information
This is a liability policy. This means insurers will assess whether legal responsibility exists before any compensation is paid.
Payments made privately to another party may not be reimbursed by insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a registered Scottish Curling coach. Can I rely on Scottish Curling’s insurance for private coaching lessons?
No. The insurance arranged by Scottish Curling is provided for recognised Scottish Curling activities and should not be relied upon for private or commercial coaching undertaken independently.
If you provide paid private coaching or other coaching for personal or commercial benefit, you should arrange your own appropriate Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.
I have been asked to coach at a corporate curling session organised by an ice rink. Am I covered?
You should confirm with the ice rink or other organiser that appropriate insurance is in place for the session before delivering the activity.
Am I covered when coaching at my club?
Registered Scottish Curling coaches are covered when coaching as part of recognised Scottish Curling and affiliated club activities, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
Does the insurance cover me if I am injured while curling?
This is liability insurance rather than personal accident insurance. It does not automatically provide compensation because you have been injured. Liability insurance responds where there is a claim alleging that an insured person or organisation is legally responsible for injury or damage.
Am I covered when curling outside the UK?
The liability policy provides cover for recognised curling activities anywhere in the world. However, it is not travel insurance, so you should arrange appropriate travel insurance separately.
What should I do if I’m unsure whether an activity is covered?
Contact Scottish Curling before taking part in or delivering the activity so that the insurance position can be clarified.
Further Information
If you have questions about the insurance cover provided, contact Scottish Curling at office@scottishcurling.org.
Updated September 2026
