Insurance

Our insurance cover also includes legal expenses cover from Markel.
It is a legal advice service that gives clubs access to solicitors to discuss matters such as employment and contract disputes and support during investigation and disciplinary hearings. This policy does not provide cover to support coaches with the Scottish Gymnastics conduct in sport process.
It also provides cover for costs and expenses incurred to defend their legal rights in relation to:

• Employment defence and Employment compensation awards
• Property and landlord and tenant disputes
• Crisis communication following an event which causes the club severe negative publicity and damages the club’s business reputation
• Criminal pre-proceedings and prosecution defence, with the exception of abuse.
• Tax protection
• Regulatory compliance

If the claim is accepted the insurer will appoint their preferred law firm to deal with the matter, no cover is provided for costs incurred if the coach appoints their own solicitor.
There is no cover provided in respect of legal defence costs if the investigations or prosecution relates to an act of or an alleged act of abuse or sexual misconduct, including offences relating to obscene material.
To find out more and see what legal support is available, clubs should contact the Markel legal advice/ claims line, available 24/7 year round on 0330 013 9983
You can also get advice on tax and health and safety matters in the UK.
This is also the number to call for the free stress counselling and crisis management support. This is available 24/7 year round.

Claims
You must tell Markel as soon as possible when you become aware of any cause, event or circumstance which does or may involve you and which has given, or may give rise to a claim, dispute, legal proceedings or tax investigation.
Markel will only cover claims where you have obtained their consent in writing before incurring any costs. Markel will give their consent for you to incur costs/compensation provided that you can satisfy them throughout your claim that:
• It is reasonable and proportionate (in relation to your claim) to incur costs/compensation
• There are reasonable prospects of success

You may not realise it, but as a committee member you have a personal liability in respect of the management of your club, particularly if the club is unincorporated. Legal Liability insurance is available for Directors and Officers and provides cover to protect you if you are sued for negligent decisions. This is included in your club membership fee. 

Clubs must ensure they have adequate insurance cover in place for their equipment.

If you are taking your gymnasts away on a trip either within the UK or abroad, as well as completing the travel permits, you also need to have adequate travel insurance in place. Your Scottish Gymnastics membership insurance covers you and your gymnasts at the event, but it does not provide any cover for medical expenses, loss of luggage or travel delays.