League Affiliation Insurance Requirement Process

Requirement Recap:
For all Affiliated leagues/clubs, USA Football requires that they have both a $1 Million General Liability policy and a $25,000 Accident & Health policy. The league/club must also name USA Football as an Additional Insured and provide a certificate as proof for our files. USA Football also strongly recommends (not requires) that a league/club purchase a Director's & Officers policy as well.

The USA Football national office will keep a physical file on every Affiliated league/club at the national office for items such as insurance documentation. All Affiliated leagues/clubs must provide the appropriate insurance information prior to the start of their season - the same deadline as their registrations and coach certifications under the League Affiliation program.

The USA Football national office will keep a physical file on every Affiliated league/club at the national office for items such as insurance documentation. All Affiliated leagues/clubs must provide the appropriate insurance information prior to the start of their season - the same deadline as their registrations and coach certifications under the League Affiliation program.

What is covered and why we require insurance:
Under the League Affiliation membership program, USA Football must take steps to protect both the league and USA Football from insurance exposure. Because of the now closer relationship between youth leagues and USA Football, USA Football must make sure that acceptable levels of insurance are in place. USA Football is requiring basic, standard and widely used sports insurance policies. This is a step that must be taken to protect everyone involved. Also, as the NGB of youth football, it is USA Football's responsibility as an agent of change to ensure that youth football organizations adhere to best practices. Having the proper insurance coverage to protect the leagues and their members is a critical best practice in securing the viability of youth football leagues.

General Liability:
What it covers:
Bodily Injury and Property Damage to 3rd party interests (Spectators, various associations not part of USA Football or the individual league).
Why you need it:
General Liability coverage will pay claims to injured individuals or entities, including but not limited to, slips and falls, injuries while attending a practice or game, or claims arising out of the league acting negligently (an example would be a city suing the league claiming they destroyed a city field). One claim can bankrupt a league. The goal of this cost effective insurance is to provide a safety blanket, while maintaining the viability of the league. Included in this policy can be an optional equipment coverage, which would pay for damage or theft of equipment.

Accident & Health:
What it covers:
Injury to participants of the leagues, including cheerleaders. Policy will pay medical expenses due to an injury while the participant or cheerleader is traveling, practicing or playing.
Why you need it:
Football is a physical sport. Injury can happen at practice and during game time. Having this policy in place affords security that the league will not have to pay out of pocket for medical expenses and injuries.

Recommended Policy:
Directors and Officers Liability:
What it covers:
The individuals on the board of directors for each league, in relation to their actions as an officer of the league
Why you need it:
A claim could arise alleging an error, omission, misleading statement or breach of duty. This policy will defend the board members and pay any claims, thus providing protection of the individual members' personal assets while they are performing voluntary duties for the league.