Looking at what other clubs are doing may not be a good criteria.
Just because someone else does something does not make it right, good
or something you should do too. Indeed other clubs that use waivers
may be looking at SAC and asking "why do we need waivers when SAC has
had no problems and does not use them?"
I feel it is a fallacy to assume a waiver offers any protection, club
or individual.
I feel this a great injustice to the board and general members. If
the club or a member is truly negligent and someone sues, the club or
member(s) will not be protected by a waiver. It is possible, as
pointed out by someone else, that in a situation like that any award
maybe increased because of the waiver as it may be seen as trying to
hide something and avoid responsibility and thus allow an unsafe
condition to exist.
My feeling is waivers will not offer any protection and will cause
many problems. I also feel the board has not adequately evaluated the
problems involved with waivers.
The best way to protect the club is by making sure events are safe. A
written safety policy and proof of adhering to the policy would be
the best defense incase of litigation. The next level is
incorporation. For a long time I thought the club was incorporated
and was shocked when I found it was not. Lastly, having accident
insurance to cover costs of any injury should be the final step for a
responsible club.
Jeff
My thoughts.
Respectfully,
Bob Christ
-- Jeff Hopkins HPO SOFT Hopkins Phoenix Observatory http://www.hposoft.com/Astro/astro.html
Hopkins Phoenix Observatory
7812 West Clayton Drive
Phoenix, Arizona 85033-2439 U.S.A.
www.hposoft.com