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YMCA Insurance Policy Information

YMCA Insurance. The YMCA has been helping people to improve their health and minds for over a 100 years now - and this massive non-profit organization is currently active in 120 different countries.

Young Men's Christian Associations offer a wide range of facilities for individual and team physical fitness activities, including cardiovascular equipment, dance and exercise classes, gyms, playgrounds, rock climbing walls, swimming pools, tennis courts, and weight rooms.

Other services offered may include daycare, educational classes, hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds. The center may provide locker rooms for members or guests. Counseling services and board and room facilities may be available.

Special events, such as birthday parties or youth "lock-ins", may be offered to the general public. Many YMCAs offer activities for youth, including both day and overnight camps. YMCAs are nonprofit organizations, with both paid employees and volunteers. Funding is through membership fees, fee-for-use, and donations.

Founded as the Young Men's Christian Association, "the Y", as it's often affectionately called, is most well-known for its accommodation (such as youth hostels) and its gyms. The YMCA's activities stretch far beyond these, however, as it also organizes camping trips and educational programs.

Each of the YMCA's local organizations is semi-autonomous - and will have to carefully evaluate what types of risks they face as they strive to serve their members and wider communities.

Should a YMCA organization be impacted by a significant peril, the right insurance can easily make the difference between continued success and financial ruin. What kinds of YMCA insurance might local Y branches require, though? To find out more, keep reading.

YMCA insurance protects your local branch from lawsuits with rates as low as $107/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked YMCA insurance questions:

• What Is YMCA Insurance Insurance?
• How Much Does YMCA Insurance Cost?
• Why Do YMCA Chapters Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance YMCA Chapters Need?
• What Does YMCA Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do YMCA Chapters Need Insurance?

Like any other business or non-profit, YMCA venues are vulnerable to a range of hazards that could end with serious property damage, temporary closure of the venue, and even lengthy and costly lawsuits. While only certain types of insurance are legally mandated, others serve simply to help you manage the financial aftermath of a disaster.

Natural disasters, which can be as varied as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, or hurricanes, are a prime example of unforeseen events that are likely to cause significant property damage. Even accidents - like fires - can lead to hefty bills, along with criminal acts such as theft and vandalism. Furthermore, it is always possible that important equipment the YMCA relies on in its activities suddenly breaks down, requiring replacement.

Liability risks are another major threat. Employees, members, donors, or anyone else visiting the premises being injured and then suing the YMCA is one example. This can happen in a multitude of different ways, from injury due to malfunctioning gym equipment to slipping on a wet floor. YMCA organizations may also inadvertently cause damage to third party property, such as vehicles, buildings, or even valuable personal items.

With the right YMCA insurance plan on your side, you can rest assured that such mishaps do not have to inflict terrible financial damage. A good insurance plan covers a large portion of the costs associated with most types of perils, and sometimes even the full expense.

YMCA Organization's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is high due to the large numbers of visitors on premises and their participation in physical activity. Visitors may slip, trip, or fall, be injured while participating in athletic activities or while using athletic equipment or drown in swimming pools. Public and life safety code compliance is very important. Flooring should be well maintained with nonskid surfaces.

Adequate lighting, marked exits, and egress are mandatory. Steps must have handrails, be well-lit, marked, and well maintained. Parking areas should be maintained free of snow and ice. All exercise equipment should be tested and maintained regularly with documentation.

Training information must be clearly marked for all users. Age restrictions should be posted and enforced. Swimming pools should be fenced, with a self-closing gate and depths clearly marked. Drains should be protected to prevent entrapment. Pool rules should be prominently displayed. A lifeguard should be on duty when the pool is open. Lifesaving equipment should be accessible at all times.

Playground equipment must be properly maintained and documented. Workers should be trained in emergency response, particularly in how to respond to heart attacks and drowning. There must be adequate security at the facility, including inside the building, corridors, and any owned parking area.

Criminal background checks should be conducted for any employee supervising children or youth. Camps and overnights must be fully staffed and supervised. The center may present an attractive nuisance hazard after hours. There must be adequate security to prevent unauthorized entry. Some camps may use volunteers rather than employees in many positions.

These volunteers should be subject to the same background checks as employees and receive similar training. Volunteer injuries are often not covered under workers compensation, so accident and health policies may be appropriate. Personal injury exposures include allegations of assault or battery, discrimination, and invasion of privacy.

Abuse and molestation exposure is very high due to activities including children and other at-risk individuals. No coverage is available for the abuser. While there is some coverage available in the standard market for the institution where the abuse takes place, it may be very restricted.

More complete coverage should be purchased through specialized markets. The institution must take all possible care to protect children and at-risk individuals from predatory adults and older children through criminal background checks, training, monitoring and supervision, and reporting all allegations of abuse to the proper authorities.

Directors and officers exposure is moderate. Policies and procedures should be published and consistently followed, especially as they relate to membership, membership revocation, the election of officers, and removal of officers.

Workers compensation exposure is moderate. Slips, trips, falls, and back injuries from lifting are common. Fitness trainers may be injured while participating in athletic activities or while using the equipment. Lifeguards may slip on wet surfaces, be injured by flailing swimmers, or drown.

If there is a concession stand, workers can experience cuts or burns. Custodians can develop respiratory ailments or contact dermatitis from working with chemicals to maintain the pool and floors.

Exposure to communicable disease can be high. All employees should have up-to-date immunizations to prevent the spread of communicable disease. Campground and overnight activities may be conducted on uneven terrains, increasing the potential for slips, trips or falls, contact with insects or animals, or interventions with campers.

Property exposure is moderate. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, air conditioning and heating, systems, and cooking equipment. Electrical wiring must be well maintained and up to code for its current use. All exercise machines must be checked for wear and tear and maintained to prevent fires.

If there is cooking, the kitchen must be set up with appropriate controls. Smoking should not be permitted on premises. Fire extinguishers must be conveniently placed throughout the facility. Housekeeping must be excellent with regular trash pickup.

Adult supervision is required for all activities for children and youth. Liquids used to maintain floors and chemicals used for the pool are flammable and should be stored safely away from combustibles.

The facility may be a target for vandalism and theft when not in use. If occupancy is seasonal, daily visits must be made to check on its condition. Business income may be high after a loss due to the unavailability of backup facilities.

Crime exposure comes from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities. Coverage should be expanded to include faithful performance and volunteers and committee members. Background checks should be conducted on all employees and volunteers handling money.

There should be a division of duties between persons handling money and reconciling bank statements. Two employees or volunteers should verify cash collections as registrations for camps or classes and admissions to fund-raising events may result in a large buildup of cash.

Money should be regularly collected and moved away from the collection area, preferably to a safe. Regular deposits must be made. No money should be kept on the premises overnight.

Inland marine exposure includes accounts receivable for dues and other fee services, computers for grant documentation and individual training programs, and valuable papers and records for charters, contracts, deeds, and membership records. All papers, records, and electronic data should be duplicated and a copy stored off site for easy restoration in the event of a loss.

Bailees coverage should be considered for guests' clothing and items left in locker rooms or under the direct control of employees. Contractors' equipment may be used to maintain the premises. Property may be taken off premises and used for situations such as swim teams, gym teams, and off-site fundraisers.

Commercial auto exposure may be limited to hired and non-owned for employees and volunteers running errands. If transportation is provided for sports teams or children attending camps, the exposure increases. All drivers must have the appropriate license for the vehicle being driven and acceptable MVRs.

There must be clear standards regarding who can drive the vehicles and under what circumstances. If children are being transported, an additional adult for supervision is helpful. Vehicles must be maintained with records kept in a central location.

What Does YMCA Insurance Cover & Pay For?

YMCAs, like any other organization, can be subject to various types of lawsuits. Insurance can help protect them by providing financial coverage for legal defense and settlement costs. Some of the common reasons YMCAs might be sued, and how insurance can help in each case, include:

Slip and fall accidents: If a member or guest slips and falls at a YMCA facility and suffers injuries, they may sue for damages. General liability insurance can help cover the legal expenses and any settlements or judgments arising from the incident.

Employment practices liability: YMCAs can be sued for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or other employment-related issues. Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) can help cover the costs of defending against these claims and any potential settlements.

Professional liability: If a YMCA staff member, such as a personal trainer or swimming instructor, is accused of negligence or providing inadequate services that lead to injury, the organization may face a lawsuit. Professional liability insurance can help cover legal defense costs, settlements, or judgments related to these claims.

Sexual abuse or molestation: In cases where YMCA staff or volunteers are accused of sexual abuse or molestation, the organization may be held liable. Sexual misconduct liability insurance can help cover the costs of legal defense, settlements, or judgments resulting from such allegations.

Property damage: If YMCA property is damaged due to vandalism, theft, or natural disasters, the organization may need to cover repair or replacement costs. Property insurance can help provide financial coverage for these expenses.

Auto accidents: If a YMCA-owned vehicle is involved in an accident, the organization may be sued for damages or injuries. Commercial auto insurance can help cover the costs of legal defense, settlements, and judgments arising from such incidents.

Cyber liability: If the YMCA experiences a data breach or other cyber-related incident, they may be held responsible for any damages caused, such as identity theft. Cyber liability insurance can help cover the costs of legal defense, settlements, or judgments related to these incidents.

In each case, the specific coverage limits and policy terms will vary, so it's essential for YMCAs to carefully review their insurance policies to ensure they have adequate protection.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 7997 Membership Sports And Recreation Clubs
• NAICS CODE: 713940 Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9015 Building or Property Management - All Other Employees, 9063 Health or Exercise Institute & Clerical

Description for 7997: Membership Sports And Recreation Clubs

Division I: Services | Major Group 79: Amusement And Recreation Services | Industry Group 799: Miscellaneous Amusement And Recreation

7997 Membership Sports And Recreation Clubs: Sports and recreation clubs which are restricted to use by members and their guests. Country, golf, tennis, yacht, and amateur sports and recreation clubs are included in this industry. Physical fitness facilities are classified in Industry 7991.

• Aviation clubs, membership
• Baseball clubs except professional and semiprofessional
• Bathing beaches, membership
• Beach clubs, membership
• Boating clubs, membership
• Bowling leagues or teams, except professional and semiprofessional
• Bridge clubs, membership
• Club, membership: sports and recreation, except physical fitness
• Country clubs, membership
• Flying fields maintained by aviation club
• Football club, except professional and semiprofessional
• Golf clubs, membership
• Gun clubs, membership
• Handball clubs, membership
• Hockey clubs, except professional and semiprofessional
• Hunt clubs, membership
• Racquetball clubs, membership
• Recreation and sports club, membership: except physical fitness
• Riding clubs, membership
• Shooting clubs, membership
• Soccer clubs, except professional and semiprofessional
• Sports and recreation clubs, membership: except physical fitness
• Swimming clubs, membership
• Tennis clubs, membership
• Yacht clubs, membership

YMCA Insurance - The Bottom Line

To learn more about the specific types of YMCA insurance policies you'll need to protect your branch, employees and the people you serve - including how much coverage you should carry and associated premium costs - consult with a reputable agent that is experienced in commercial insurance.

Additional Resources For Non-Profit Insurance

Find useful articles on business insurance for non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, charities and associations.

• Animal Shelter & Pet Rescue
• Charity
• Church
• Classic & Collector Car Clubs
• Fraternal Organization
• Goodwill Insustries
• Labor Union
• Libraries
• Nonprofit
• Parent Teacher Organization
• Public Administration
• Red Cross Chapters
• Salvation Army
• Social Work Services
• Veterans Groups
• Volunteers of America
• YMCA
• Youth Groups
• YWCA
• Specialty Community Service Organizations
• Specialty Nonprofit Agencies

The non-profit industry is an essential sector of society that plays a crucial role in addressing social issues, providing vital services, and promoting community development. Non-profits rely on donations, grants, and volunteer work to fund their operations, and any financial loss or liability can significantly impact their ability to serve their mission.

Insurance can protect non-profits from unexpected financial losses, accidents, and legal liabilities that can arise from their operations. For example, a non-profit organization may need insurance to cover damages to their property, injuries to volunteers or employees, or legal costs associated with lawsuits.

Non-profits also face unique risks such as loss of donations, damage to reputation, and loss of funding. Business insurance can help mitigate these risks by providing coverage for financial losses, reputational damage, and other non-tangible losses.

In addition, non-profits often work with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. Insurance can protect non-profits from liabilities arising from the care and services they provide to these populations.

Overall, commercial insurance is an essential component of risk management for non-profit organizations. It helps protect the organization's financial stability, reputation, and ability to fulfill its mission and serve its community.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Building, Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Employee Benefits, Professional, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Flood, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Fine Arts, Musical Instruments, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.