Media reporting about the risks involved in sports are increasing – whether it is about the money at stake in running professional sports clubs or entertainment venues; the scale and sophistication of tournaments or outdoor events that pose OH&S risks to participants, referees, volunteers or visitors; protection required from cancellation or interruption; or the seriousness of potential injuries such as career ending paralysis or long term concussive brain damage to professional or amateur players.

In Australia, the repercussions for insurers of high impact sports such as Rugby Union, NRL and AFL are prime examples, with a few claims having the potential to set precedents on the duties of sports administrators in Australia to participants in sport.

Our SLE specialists are experienced handling claims brought against regulators, operators and organisers of sports and events in Australia, as well as theme and amusement park operators, hotels and entertainment promoters. They are also leading the discussion in this area and regularly present on topical issues such as sports concussion and dangerous recreational activities and technology developments including breath testing to detect brain injury in athletes.

Recent work

Acting on behalf of the insurers of horse trainers to defend claims involving personal injuries to jockeys and training riders, and property damage claims arising from injuries to horses.

Advising the governing body of a national sport and its Lloyd’s based insurers on various claims brought by players concerning career ending injuries as well as investigations by the Australian Sport Anti-Doping Agency on alleged systemic use of banned performance enhancing drugs.

Providing strategic advice to the commission governing a national sport in relation to potential claims from retired players concerning acquired brain injuries/CTE, including assisting them to identify relevant insurance policies and potential ramifications.

Handling claims brought against regulators, operators and organisers of sports and events in Australia and New Zealand, including sporting clubs, gymnasiums, recreational services providers, amusement ride operators, venue operators, entertainment promoters, and voluntary and “not-for-profit” organisations.