PTO LIABILITY Coverage Risk Management Guidelines  

School district support organizations are vital to the school districts in Sonoma County. These organizations provide an important source of revenue and support. In addition, schools call upon these organizations to accomplish necessary tasks and provide services RESIG’s member districts can no longer afford.  

In recognition of the benefits provided by these volunteer organizations; RESIG has developed a means to provide coverage under our existing liability program. Although these groups are vital to our schools today, many operate without the supervision and control of the school districts.  

In order to accommodate this independence and still assume the group’s liability, the following risk management standards and conditions have been established for coverage to be effective:  

1. The organization must have written Bylaws specifying their purpose as a district/pupil support organization.
2. The organization must be recognized by the district’s school board as an authorized school district support organization.
3. The organization must be recognized by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation.
4. Each organization must submit an annual Application for Coverage to RESIG. The application shall state the purpose of the organization; list the organization’s routine activities, and the estimated membership. The application will be reviewed by RESIG to make sure all criteria have been met.
5. RESIG shall have the authority to accept or reject any application or request submitted for coverage. In addition, higher premium options may be assessed.

COVERAGE

The organization shall be provided general liability coverage on a calendar year basis for those activities that are performed for the sole benefit of the school district(s). RESIG agrees to defend and indemnify the covered organization for occurrences resulting in bodily injury and property damage that occur during the coverage period of this program.

EXCLUSIONS / LIMITATIONS

1. Coverage does not apply to economic injury, mental distress or anguish, bodily injury, sickness, disease or death of any employee, volunteer, member or officer of the organization arising out of the course and scope of their employment or volunteer duties with the organization.
2. The program will not provide coverage for real or personal property belonging to the organization, nor will RESIG provide crime coverage for losses of money, scrip, securities, stamps, tickets, etc.
3. Coverage does not apply to any organization for liability arising out of the ownership, maintenance, operation, use, loading or unloading of any automobile, motorcycle, or any other vehicle licensed to travel on public highways.
4. Coverage does not apply to any organization for Workers’ Compensation or liability assumed under any contract, agreement or employment.
5. Coverage shall not apply to:
   1. Motor vehicle or watercraft activities;
   2. Fireworks (sales, displays, etc.);
   3. Roller skating, in-line skating or skateboard events;
   4. Bicycle events involving acrobatics, stunts or “motocross”;
   5. Group sponsored athletic events such as football, basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, volleyball, water sports, boxing, wrestling, physical contact sports, donkey basketball/baseball, etc.
   6. Ski trips/activities;
   7. Beach and water activities to places such as oceans, bays, lakes, rivers, streams and private pools;
   8. Rock climbing, rappelling or ropes courses;
   9. Trampolines or any type of rebounding device;
   10. Rock concerts;
   11. Activities with the sale or auction of alcoholic beverages or the sale of tickets for alcoholic beverages; and
   12. PTO operated day care.
6. Coverage is further limited to all the terms and conditions of the district’s coverage agreement, with RESIG within the self-insured retention layer of $250,000, and conditions of the policies provided to RESIG by BASIC to $1,000,000.
7. Coverage does not apply to any organization for liability arising out of the rendering of, or failure to render any professional service.

HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES

1. High Risk Transfer:

   These activities require appropriate certificates of insurance and hold harmless agreements transferring risks to other entities (vendors).

   1. Carnivals with mechanical rides;
   2. Animal rides; and
   3. Fireworks.
2. Host liquor events:

   Liability coverage is provided for claims arising out of the consumption of alcohol served and consumed at a PTO sponsored event, provided that such service is limited (such as the service of a single glass of wine at a spaghetti dinner where the cost of the wine was included in the cost of the meal).

   Liability coverage is not provided for claims arising out of the consumption of alcohol purchased (via cash, ticket or open bar) and consumed at a PTO event. Coverage for service of Alcoholic Beverages is not provided to events wherein the volunteer organization is required to obtain a liquor license.

3. Athletic Events

   Group sponsored athletic events such as football, basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, volleyball, water sports, boxing, wrestling, physical contact sports, donkey basketball/baseball, etc. These activities require the appropriate certificates of insurance and hold harmless agreements transferring risks to other entities.

PREMIUMS FOR COVERAGE OPTIONS    

General Liability Coverage – Calendar Year $350*

      *Higher premium options may be assessed.