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Sports And Recreation

​​​​Event organizers may be held liable for bodily injuries resulting from a sporting event. Know the difference between occupiers’ liability and vicarious liability. ​​​

​Due to the nature of risks involved with physical activities, sports and recreation programs can be a source of many liabilities. If your organization is hosting a special event that includes physical activities, be aware that bodily injuries to participants and spectators are common when people take part in sports and recreational activities. 

Sports and Recreation Liability

​Legal Liability

Common sources of legal action involving sports and recreation include:

  • Occupiers’ liability. Occupiers are people who own the premises, have possession of it or have responsibility and control over it. They must keep the premises reasonably safe to prevent injury. For example, if a person is injured while using faulty equipment, the occupier may be held responsible.
  • Vicarious liability. An organization may be liable for the negligent actions of its employees and/or volunteers. Therefore, if the organization assigns a supervisor to look after people using sports or recreational equipment and the supervisor’s negligence results in someone getting hurt, the organization may be held responsible. 

​Learn about risk management activities you can undertake to prevent or mitigate the possibility of personal injury. Contact your insurance representative for more information regarding your coverage options when hosting sports and recreation events.

 

Source: Compiled with Canadian Risk Intervention Inc.​