Protect Your Gymnastics Operations with Leading Industry Program
Gymnastics, tumbling, and cheerleading require strength, agility, and precision—but with these exciting sports come inherent risks of injury and potential lawsuits. Our specialized insurance program provides essential protection for gymnastics schools, clubs, and instructors. This comprehensive coverage includes General Liability, Accident protection, and Contents/Equipment to shield your organization from financial losses caused by injuries, legal actions, and other losses.
- This program is the “gold standard” of protection
- Savings up to 38% from industry-leading program
- General Liability limits from $1M to $5M
- Sex abuse & molestation coverage available for an additional charge.
- Non-Owned and Hired Auto Liability automatically included.
- Accident limits $150,000 subject to $250 deductible.
- Virtual training included if instructions followed.
- Eligible operations include gymnastics whether competitive, artistic, group , pre-school, mobile, rhythmic; “mommy & me”; cheerleading; sports acrobatics (USAG sanctioned); tumbling; tumble buses; and trampolines (instructional/training only).
- Ineligible operations include circus skills training and trampoline parks.
- Additional coverage can be added for hosted meets/competitions with outside participants, open gym or special events, birthday/social parties, yoga/exercise classes, camps & clinics, swimming programs, theatrical, martial arts, meetings, indoor obstacle course, ninja, extreme tumbling, parkour, free running, inflatable devices, etc.
- Equipment and Contents coverage can be included
Who Needs Gymnastics Insurance?
Anyone offering instruction in gymnastics, tumbling, cheerleading, or dance needs proper insurance to protect against accidents and lawsuits. Coverage is vital for:
- Gymnastics Schools and Clubs: Liability coverage for accidents occurring during practices, meets, or events.
- Cheerleading and Dance Programs: Protect participants and staff from injury claims during demanding cheer and dance routines.
- Tumbling Classes: Tumbling involves risky acrobatics, making both instructors and facility owners vulnerable to lawsuits.
- Instructors and Coaches: Individual liability insurance to cover legal claims resulting from injuries during lessons or coaching sessions.
Benefits of Gymnastics Insurance
- Accident Protection: Accident insurance covers medical expenses for participants and staff injured during practices, events, or competitions.
- General Liability: Protects your organization from claims of bodily injury or property damage.
- Equipment and Contents Coverage: Protects valuable equipment from damage or theft.
With insurance, you can focus on running your programs with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected against potential risks.
Gymnastics in the US
Gymnastics has become one of the most popular sports in the U.S., attracting millions of athletes at both recreational and competitive levels. Programs include artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, and tumbling. As gymnastics facilities expand their offerings, many now feature:
- Climbing walls, cargo nets, climbing ropes, slack lines, trapeze, and zip lines for added challenge and physical training.
- Obstacle courses, Ninja, extreme tumbling, Parkour, and free-running to engage a broader range of participants.
- Inflatable amusement devices for safe, enjoyable activities during special events.
- Ancillary programs such as swimming, yoga, dance, theatrical arts, and martial arts, catering to diverse athletic interests.
- Birthday parties, camps, clinics, and events for non-members providing additional revenue streams.
As gymnastics participation continues to rise, with over 4.8 million youth athletes involved annually, facilities must stay vigilant about safety. USA Gymnastics plays a key role in setting safety standards and growing the sport responsibly across the country.
Catastrophic Injuries in Youth Gymnastics
Youth gymnastics, while immensely popular and rewarding, carries significant risk for severe and life-altering injuries. These injuries can occur during routine practices, competitions, or while training on various apparatuses like the uneven bars, balance beam, or vault. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research (NCCSIR), gymnastics ranks among the highest-risk youth sports for catastrophic injuries, particularly spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Statistics on Catastrophic Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The NCCSIR reports that spinal cord injuries are among the most common catastrophic injuries in youth gymnastics. Such injuries often result from falls or improper landings when gymnasts are performing flips or using high-risk apparatuses like the uneven bars
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have documented that head injuries, including TBIs, are frequent in gymnastics. TBIs can occur when athletes land improperly or fall from elevated apparatuses without adequate spotting or safety equipment in place
- Fractures and Paralysis: According to a study published in Pediatrics, fractures are the most common injury in youth gymnastics, but the severity escalates when involving the neck or spine, potentially leading to paralysis. These injuries are particularly concerning in gymnasts aged 6-17, who are in critical developmental stages
- Concussions: USA Gymnastics has acknowledged that concussions are an increasing concern, especially in young gymnasts. It is estimated that gymnasts suffer from concussions at a rate comparable to that of contact sports like soccer. Proper safety measures, such as mandatory concussion protocols and the use of protective gear, are now recommended to mitigate these risks.
Risk Management for Gymnastics Programs
To minimize the risks associated with running a gymnastics program, clubs and schools should implement the following risk management strategies:
- Follow USA Gymnastics Safety Guidelines: Adhere to the rules set forth by USA Gymnastics to maintain a safe environment for participants.
- Maintain Safe Instructor-to-Participant Ratios: Keep a ratio of no more than 10 students per coach to ensure proper supervision.
- Ensure Instructor Certifications: All instructors should hold USAG certifications, verifying their training in both safety and instructional techniques.
- Regular Equipment Inspections: Inspect all gymnastics equipment routinely to prevent accidents caused by faulty or worn-out gear.
- Liability Waivers: Require participants to sign liability waivers to protect your organization from lawsuits. Waiver/Release Agreement
Following these safety practices, combined with robust insurance coverage, helps gymnastics facilities significantly reduce the risk of accidents and lawsuits.
Trust SADLER Insurance for Your Gymnastics School’s Coverage Needs
Running gymnastics, tumbling, or cheerleading programs involves inherent risks, but SADLER Sports & Recreation Insurance can help protect your organization with comprehensive coverage. Get a quote by completing our PDF application, or contact us or call 1-800-622-7370 for more information.
