INTRODUCTION

The British TaekwonDo Council as a recognised Governing Body for the martial art of TaekwonDo acting on behalf of its total membership is in a stronger position to negotiate an effective economic insurance package. A Governing Body membership scheme providing this cover can cost substantially less than an Association / Club making its own independent arrangements. To this end it is important that instructors who run Clubs be in membership of an Association that is in membership of a recognised Governing Body , both for themselves and their students.

The British TaekwonDo Council already have Public Liability and Personal Accident cover for all its members, with Professional Indemnity cover available for coaches and instructors to protect them whilst working independent of the British TaekwonDo Council structure. Professional Indemnity is compulsory for all instructors registered with the British TaekwonDo Council.

It is the duty of the British TaekwonDo Council as a recognised Governing Body to strive to maintain that they get the best possible cover at the best price for its members.

It must be emphasised however that whilst insurance is very important risk management must be given priority in guidance to Associations and Clubs. By acting at all times with reasonable care and minimising or eliminating unnecessary risks in facilities, equipment, treatment or training the instructor can reduce the possibility of injury thus resulting in a claim.

As a Governing Body we advise all Associations, Clubs and Members of any changes in legislation (Health & Safety at Work etc) or incidents/ decisions which may have an impact on their activities and practices. they will expect guidance on all incidents, reported or otherwise, which could affect safety in their activities.

Any incident no matter how trivial or small which could lead to a claim should be recorded preferably in an Accident Book, this should be kept by all instructors as an aid memoir. In the result of a claim being made the instructor should furnish the claimant with the relevant claim form with immediate effect.

Finally no matter how good the insurance package is the onus is on the instructor to teach in a safe and controlled way.