Insurance

AFA Insurance

Feb. 5, 2024

The following notice was sent via email to membera on February 4, 2024. A copy of the notice is available here :
Public Liability Insurance Update 14 March.pdf

NOTICE TO MEMBERS
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

At its March meeting, the Committee was presented with an offer of Public Liability Insurance which would cover both the AFA and all affiliated clubs.

The Committee identified and discussed several key points regarding the proposed cover. Including that:

the policy would allow affiliated clubs to return to training and Flyball-related activities (eg fundraising);
the Committee acknowledged that some clubs had obtained their own policies but believe the policy would ensure no ‘gaps’ in cover between policies covering the AFA and separate policies covering individual Clubs;
the policy would provide certainty to those clubs relying on the various ANKC state bodies (eg Dogs NSW, Dogs QLD, Dogs VIC etc) policies as we understand those are in the process of being re-negotiated;
the policy would eliminate the burden of obtaining cover for any potential new clubs wishing to affiliate with the AFA.

The cover is now in place and a copy of the Certificate of Currency is available on the Governance page at https://flyball.org.au/rules/

The new policy also re-instates member-to-member cover which was removed from our old policy.

The new policy does not presently note any interested parties. If you require an interested party to be noted on the policy, please email [email protected].

The AFA’s Club Group Disability Policy which covers injury to members whilst engaged in Flyball activities is unchanged and is current until 1 December, 2024

The Committee sincerely appreciates everyone's patience and understanding over the past two months whilst we have finalised the new policy.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact [email protected]

Kind regards,

Ben Royes
Secretary

The following notice was sent via email to membera on February 4, 2024. A copy of the notice is available here : Public Liability Insurance Update 04-Feb.pdf

February 4, 2024

NOTICE TO MEMBERS

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

Up until early this year, the AFA held a Public Liability policy which covered not only the AFA, but also our affiliated clubs. At the time of renewal, the AFA was advised the policy would not be renewed, and despite our best efforts, we were also unable to obtain similar cover elsewhere.

Based on information received to date, insurers have expressed concerns with regard to the relationship between the AFA and our affiliated clubs. Indications have suggested that changes to our Constitution may be required to obtain cover that includes affiliated clubs. The Committee has recognised that the process will likely take much longer to achieve the desired cover.

Given the impact to both affiliates and AFA members, the AFA committee sought alternative options that would allow Flyball to resume in any manner.

On Wednesday 31st January, the AFA committee held a special meeting and approved an interim Public Liability policy to allow Flyball competitions to continue whilst we continue to work on a more permanent solution. It is important to note is that this policy covers the AFA only and does not provide cover for our affiliated clubs like the previous cover did.

The Committee is acutely aware of the impact to those clubs who don’t have or cannot secure their own cover. The Committee acknowledges that, whilst the interim cover is not ideal, this was the only avenue available to the Association to enable any Flyball events to happen in the short term.

The Committee has given updates to Race Meeting organisers for events scheduled for February and March. We will continue to liaise with organisers and make best efforts to ensure comps can continue to run. We encourage any clubs that have a race meet sanctioned to reach out if they have any questions or concerns and we will do our best to assist.

Can Clubs continue to train and host events?

Clubs are able to continue to train and host AFA-sanctioned events providing they are covered by a separate Public Liability policy, either directly or via an umbrella entity (e.g. Dog Obedience Club, ANKC etc).

Clubs who relied on the AFA’s cover for training, events or fundraising activities will NOT have Public Liability Insurance for these activities.

Can Clubs compete in events?

Clubs with or without their own cover are still able to participate in all AFA-sanctioned events (e.g. Race Meetings, Demonstrations, Training Days).

Do Clubs need to purchase their own Public Liability cover?

No. As stated above, to participate in AFA events, clubs do not need their own Public Liability cover.

If Clubs require Public Liability cover for training or other activities and are not covered by an umbrella entity, they may purchase their own cover if they wish.

The Committee is actively working with our insurance brokers toward our desired cover, however, we believe this process will require more time.

If you would like further information or are uncertain how this affects your Club or training group, please contact the AFA committee via [email protected]

Regards,

Secretary
Australian Flyball Association

ENDS

January 12, 2024

NOTICE TO MEMBERS

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

Unfortunately, the AFA has been unable to secure Public Liability cover for 2024.

Why has this happened?

There are a few contributing factors which have resulted in the insurers taking the position to decline covering the sport of Flyball. None of these factors relate directly to the AFA or any claims but are reflective of insurers’ position on the ‘dog sports’ industry in general.

What does this mean for clubs?

Clubs who rely on the AFA’s Public Liability policy for any activity (eg training, competitions, meetings, fundraising) will not have Public Liability coverage.

Clubs who operate under the umbrella of another organisation who holds a Public Liability policy (eg as part of a dog obedience club) may continue to be covered by that policy. However, indications are that these policies may not be renewed or cover Flyball activities in the future. The AFA recommends clubs confirm their coverage under these policies.

Where to from here?

The AFA is continuing to work with our insurance brokers, insurers and the Insurance Council of Australia towards a solution and a better understanding of the sport of Flyball within the insurance industry.

The AFA Committee will provide any updates as soon as they become available.

Note : This notice relates only to the AFA’s Public Liability policy. The AFA’s Club Group Disability Policy which covers injury to members whilst engaged in Flyball activities is not affected and is current until 1 December, 2024.

The Committee appreciates your patience as we work through these issues. Please reach out with any questions or concerns to [email protected]

ENDS

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