Sports Injuries

A recent court ruling which leaves sports clubs liable for deliberate injuries caused by their players could see many going out of business.

The judgment means professional and semi-professional sport could be seriously affected as clubs consider raising premiums to cover added insurance costs.

The shake-up comes after a case involving a semi-professional rugby player at Halifax RFC, Andrew Gravil, who was punched in the face by Redruth RFC forward Richard Carroll during a match.

Judges ruled because the punch was "part of the game" it was a "failure to perform his duty....in the course of his employment" and therefore leaves the club responsible.

Mark Hovell, managing partner for sports legal specialists George Davies solicitors, told the Telegraph that many smaller clubs could be put out of business as they often choose not to offer insurance.

He said it shows that what happens on a pitch does not necessarily stay there, and fears that with less money around due to the current economic gloom, insurance will be the first thing to go.

Roger Watson, Redruth RFC secretary, said the decision is sure to result in more cases being seen in court.

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