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.
If you require full details of the insurance cover, please contact Scottish Curling.
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 document 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 organisations 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 organisation is found legally responsible, the insurance may cover legal defence costs and any compensation awarded, up to the policy limits.
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 curling activities.
This includes situations where someone claims they were injured as a result of coaching or instruction.
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, including:
- Curling games and training sessions
- Competitions and tournaments
- Exhibitions and demonstrations
- Club meetings
- Approved social functions connected with club activities
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
Full exclusions are detailed in the policy wording.
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:
1. Record the details immediately, including:
- Date and time
- Location
- What happened
- Names of those involved
- Details of any witnesses
2. Follow Scottish Curling incident reporting procedures.
3. Do not admit liability or agree to pay compensation.
4. Contact Partners& or Scottish Curling 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.
Further Information
If you have questions about the insurance cover provided contact Scottish Curling.
Updated: March 2026
