Frederick U17 Rugby

To: epittelkau@gmail.com; prucolleges@yahoogroups.com; potomacrugby@yahoogroups.com; pruhs@yahoogroups.com; pruyl@yahoogroups.com

The previous interpretation of the CIPP coverage immediately following my response is not correct.

If a non-CIPPED player somehow slips into a match, the coverage is not NULL for everyone or the “entire event”. Obviously, the non-CIPPED player has no coverage but the clubs, players, coaches and volunteers etc. who are properly CIPPED would be covered. That means that if the non-CIPPED player injures someone or causes property damage, he could be sued personally and CIPP coverage would neither defend nor indemnify him. All properly CIPPED parties are required to sign a Waiver and Release which prevents them from suing other CIPPED members.

The CIPP policy does require that member clubs maintain a system to regularly secure signed Waiver and Release forms from participants. It does not require that the system be perfect or failproof but it does require that it be “adequate”. However intentional error may render your club’s coverage void.(Knowingly letting a non-CIPPED person play)

Maintaining the “system” (including the records) is critical to prevent your coverage from becoming void in the event there is an incident.

The policy states the following:

” Unintentional error on your part in securing Waiver and Release or Minor Waiver and Release forms will not void your coverage in the event of an “occurrence” to a participant. However, your failure to maintain an adequate system to regularly secure Waiver and Release or Minor Waiver and Release forms will void your coverage in the event of an “occurrence ” to a participant. ”

“When you notify us of an “occurrence” involving a participant, you will also provide us with a valid Waiver and Release form that has been signed and dated by the participant prior to the time of the “occurrence. If the participant is a minor, you will provide us with a valid Minor Waiver and Release form that has been signed by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the minor participant. ”

So it is VERY important that everyone charged with administering a club’s “system” obtain the signed Waiver and Release forms from each person on your roster. These must be maintained and stored where you can retrieve them if needed. Further, the forms should be kept on file for at least the longest statute of limitation period in the states in which you compete in. The following are the statutes of limitations for bodily injury in our PRU: VA: 2 years (5 years for property damage); DC 3 years; MD 3 years; PA 2 years.

Sincerely,

Bill Evans
PRU Vice President