Why would I need a proof of liability letter?
This letter outlines the coverage the member has and gives the policy number and effective date of the policy.
What does the RSPA policy provide?
Legal liability insurance for an accident that takes place on the court and arises from the tennis professional's playing, practicing, teaching, or officiating in tennis, pickleball, and platform tennis. The policy protects the professional from any claim filed against them by the injured student under the above mentioned circumstances.
Can I add a non-member assistant to my policy?
Certified Professionals may add a Non-Member Teaching Assistant to their liability policy by remitting a $135 payment to the RSPA World Headquarters. The nonmember assistant must be 18 years or older and the certified member holding the policy must be on the premises while that assistant is teaching, otherwise the non-member coverage is void. The non-member insurance fee is nonrefundable is neither prorated nor transferable. When adding non-member assistants, the effective date for their coverage is the date the letter and proper payment to the RSPA World Headquarters are received by the RSPA Insurance Department. Reapplication must be made by the RSPA sponsor for the nonmember's insurance policy in a timely fashion each year, since no notices or invoices will be sent as a reminder.
What should I do if an accident occurs on court?
If it becomes necessary to report an accident, a member should call the World Headquarters immediately with all details of the accident and ask for Linda Virgovicova, Insurance Department.
How do I obtain proof of coverage?
If an applicant or certified member requests proof of coverage in addition to this letter of explanation, a certificate of insurance may be requested. The cost for this is $40 for each certificate requested by a certified member or an applicant. All fees must be received by RSPA prior to mailing the certificate or policy.
Am I covered for pickleball or platform tennis?
Yes. The RSPA liability policy includes liability insurance, while on-court, for bodily injury to others, and for damage to property not in the tennis professional's care, custody, or control. It does not cover injury to the tennis professional, or damage to his/her property. The accident must have taken place on-court and arisen from the tennis professional's playing, practicing, teaching, or officiating in pickleball or platform tennis.
What coverage is not provided?
The RSPA does not provide coverage for clubs, camps, clinics, or academies, etc. If these facilities or programs wish to be insured, they must contact their local insurance agent. The RSPA liability insurance program covers each RSPA member who teaches at clubs and other facilities or in various camps, clinics, academies, and other such businesses, but does not cover the club, facility, camp, clinic, or academy as a business entity. If a lawsuit is initiated because of an accident at any of these facilities, the RSPA liability insurance will protect the professional as an individual, but the owners, directors, or other principles of those facilities must have their own insurance to cover any liability that may occur due to their own negligence or act.
THE LIABILITY POLICY DOES NOT COVER AN APPLICANT OR MEMBER'S LIABILITY AGAINST ACCIDENTS THAT OCCUR WHILE TRANSPORTING STUDENTS TO AND FROM OFFICIAL TENNIS EVENTS, SUCH AS TOURNAMENTS OR INTERCLUB MATCHES.
The applicant or member will need to ascertain that his/her personal insurance is adequate and appropriate for the use of that vehicle.
Can a facility be covered under my policy as a member?
"ADDITIONAL INSURED" coverage may be purchased for a club, camp, etc., and can be added to an applicant's or member's policy. This does not mean that the club, camp, etc., is covered against any liability that might arise due to its own negligence or act. It simply means that the club, camp, etc., would be covered for any vicarious liability arising from an accident caused by any applicant or certified member or insured non-RSPA member (as stipulated in paragraphs II and III). If the club is held negligent, it could be sued separately and would not be covered by the RSPA member's insurance and consequently still would need its own liability insurance coverage.
The cost to add an "ADDITIONAL INSURED" to the liability policy is $110 per facility (a Certificate of Insurance is included) for Certified Professionals. Certified Tennis Instructors may add an additional insured for $210 per facility. The additional insured fee is neither prorated nor transferable and will cover the additional insured through the term of the policy year (from Dec. 31 to Dec. 31 of the next year). Payment must be received at the World Headquarters with the request for additional coverage.
Paperwork for proof of additional insured coverage will take up to 48 business hours to be delivered via email in the form of a PDF; however, binder coverage will be in effect from the day that proper payment is received by the RSPA Insurance Department.
Facility coverage is NON-REFUNDABLE.
What is territory of coverage?
The territory of coverage is anywhere within the United States, its territories, or Canada. There is no coverage at this time for applicants or members who play or teach in other territories, or who do not legally reside or work in the territory of coverage.
What is Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance?
Certified Professionals may purchase “SAM” insurance for $60 and Certified Tennis Instructors may purchase it for $160. This fee is neither prorated nor transferable and will cover the additional insured through the term of the policy year (from Dec. 31 to Dec. 31 of the next year). Payment must be received at the World Headquarters with the request for additional coverage. To obtain SAM insurance, members must complete Sexual Awareness Training and clear a background check through one of the RSPA approved providers. Upon completion of the materials, members will remit payment for the coverage and will receive a certificate of insurance as proof of their Sexual Abuse and Molestation insurance coverage.
SAM insurance coverage is NON-REFUNDABLE.
What disqualifies my liability insurance?
Liability Insurance provided by the RSPA is only active while a member is in good standing. If a member is suspended, dropped, that member’s liability insurance will become inactive until the issue is rectified.