Ceili Dance Insurance?

Subject: Ceili Dance Insurance?
From: GUEST,Petr
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 08:16 PM

We have been running Irish Ceili Dances for close to 20years. We all do it for fun, musicians, callers and volunteers. (The band gets paid a portion, as does the sound man, sound rental and hall, and theres some money from the bar) Its never been much of a money maker, usually at the end of the year were lucky if we break even.

However lately, the Hall where we hold the dances makes us sign a waiver, namely that the Hall would not be responsible in case of an injury that occured during the dance. (aside from anything the Hall may be obviously responsible for such as slipping on the stairs)

No one in the society wants to be personally liable, and unfortunately even directors of the board may be held liable. So it looks like we need to get insurance for each event which is something like $150 (canadian) ..
its quite possible we may end up cancelling the dances altogether,
as it is very little return, for a lot of effort and now there is the added risk..

just wondering how other dance groups deal with this type of thing.

Subject: RE: Ceili Dance Insurance?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 09:46 PM

I cant help as such with the situation in Canada , but in UK being a
member of the Musicians Union (or Equity) , as part of the benefit of membership , Public Liability Insurance is provided . This would be
adequate for any mischance which could be laid at the feet of the entertainers for the event .

Subject: RE: Ceili Dance Insurance?
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 10:04 PM

Check with the Country Dance and Song Society. They coordinate a couple kinds of insurance policies for dance organizations. I don't know if they would apply in Canada (CDSS has Canadian members), but if it doesn't, they may still have info for you.

Also, CallerLab offers liability insurance to caller members, same qualifications on the US/Canada question. (You don't have to be a square dance caller, per se, I don't believe.)

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Ceili Dance Insurance?
From: open mike
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 01:39 AM

i think the Folk Alliance may have some provision for coverage for members, too.

Subject: RE: Ceili Dance Insurance?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 05:52 AM

English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) insures its members too. Free with membership for medium sized events, or they can arrange more cover.Based in the UK but has overseas members.

Subject: RE: Ceili Dance Insurance?
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 05:27 PM

thanks kindly folks,
after asking the other dance groups around here, it turns out some are covered by the hall, and others have looked into it,
and have decided its simply not worth the extra cost to get insurance
for a fairly rare eventuality. One would have to prove negligence and it is not so easy to do.. Canada is not as litigous as the US but according to the Can. Square Dance society which has insurance, over 30years or so there have been two claims, one involved afridge that was turned off and some food spoilt, and the other case was someone falling from a float in a parade..
which still leaves us with someone having to sign the hall waiver.
cheers
Petr

Subject: RE: Ceili Dance Insurance?
From: Kaleea
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 07:09 PM

It is sad that one cannot have a gathering without insurance. It was not that many generations ago that dances were held in streets or barns--imagine the smell--no insurance required.

Subject: RE: Ceili Dance Insurance?
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 08 Dec 05 - 07:31 PM

I hear you Kaleea,
looks like the main issue really is the alcohol though.
Since we serve beer, and have a liquor license - probably the largest
worry is if someone drinks and drive. OUr bartenders do have a serving it up license- which means they should know when to cut people off etc.
(weve never had people drinking too much, in fact they hardly drink at all and the amount we make on the bar is not much)

the worst scenario being that someone leaving the dance and get into an accident - impaired or not, if someone ends up hurt, likely there will be an insurance claim with ICBC who will in turn sue everone else possibly involved.

so one possibility to reduce the risk is change halls, and get one that has its own bar, and thus has coverage. Or drop the liquor. Or simply pay the extra $170-200 (Canadian) or so for the event coverage. When the average dance barely breaks even at $850 or 10 per person it means increasing the price, for something that doesnt really enhance the value of the dance.