Many cities and towns rely on volunteers to fill a number of roles in parks and recreation — everything from coaches to referees, umpires and aides. Although not employees, these volunteers are generally considered agents of the municipality, and their actions can create liability for the city.
There are many ways that cities can help minimize potential exposure.
Screening
Require background checks and review driver’s license histories for volunteers. For positions that have contact with children, like coaches or playground leaders, or for volunteers who handle money, consider conducting criminal history checks.
Training and supervision
Municipalities sponsoring sports and recreational activities should provide qualified instructors and adequate supervision. The training for volunteers and employees needs to be identical. Volunteers should receive a specific job description from which they are not to deviate from this during their time volunteering.
Waivers
For some activities, the city should require participants to sign waivers of liability acknowledging the risks of the volunteer position and agreeing to not hold the city liable for any injuries. When establishing volunteer waiver forms, cities need to consult with their attorneys.
Accident coverage
Only volunteers who receive compensation and those with an "authorized status" as defined by state law — for example, volunteer firefighters, reserve or auxiliary police officers and rescue workers — are covered under the workers' compensation law. If injured, a volunteer not covered by workers’ compensation could file a claim against the municipality's liability insurance provider. To limit its liability, a municipality can purchase an accident medical insurance policy that covers those volunteers who are not covered by workers’ compensation.
For more information on reducing parks and recreation injuries and losses, contact Municipal Association of SC Risk Management Services loss control staff at losscontrol@masc.sc.