By Melanie Lynn, MS, ATC/L, NASM-PES, OPE-C
As athletic trainers, the summer months can mean down time with no in-season sports or a way to earn extra money through summer camps. Summer camps can be great for the extra funds, but does it outweigh the liability you may be taking on to cover these events? Depending on the setting you are in or the type of summer camp, it may be up to you to acquire your own liability insurance for camp coverage. Even if your employer is covering your liability, it might be wise to find out how much it covers and what it covers for summer camps.
Questions to think about:
● Is there a documentation system in place?
● Does the camp have its own insurance to cover events?
● Are the campers required to have insurance to participate?
● Are the campers required to have a physical to participate?
● What is your role at the camp- looking over the physicals, just first aid?
● Will you be required to bring your own equipment, is there an AED onsite, a splint bag, and emergency action plan?
● Is the camp asking the athletic trainer to hold on to medications for campers?
● If the camp is outdoors, who makes decisions on the weather?
● What physician are you under during a camp?
Though there are more questions than answers at the moment, each opportunity will present itself with both legal and ethical dilemmas. Proliability by Mercer is just one example of a company that provides liability insurance for athletic trainers. The main point to take away is to make sure you are covered with liability insurance and staying within the ethical bounds of the practice act. Summer camps can be a great opportunity to earn extra and have a little change of pace from the grind of in season sports..