Player Insurance

South-Western Division Rugby Football Mutual Benefit Fund

The fund, founded by the late Tom Lean of Plymouth in 1920, is administered by official representatives of Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire and Somerset, to provide financial assistance to players, officials and referees, or, in the case of death where there is hardship, to relatives of the same.

The assistance given over the years has been considerable, but owing to the development of the game on a more physical basis the number of injuries is not only increasing, but becoming more serious, and the question of insurance is a matter which should be looked into. There are still a number of clubs in the South West who have apparently overlooked the important factor of making sure their players are adequately covered against any injury and the attention of every club is therefore drawn to the advantages to be obtained from taking up Membership of the South Western Mutual Benefit Fund.

1. The insurance taken up with the Fund for loss of earnings Benefit will now cover up to £50 PER DAY. (All claims are based on a 6-day week.)
2. This year the RFU will pay for the Compulsory and Public/Employers Liability direct. The fund has therefore reduced the Premiums to show this.
3. Maximum period of Benefit is 156 days, although this can be increased in special circumstances at the Committee’s discretion.
4. You will see the Fund was founded in 1920 under the aegis of the South West Constituent Bodies for rugby people.

Full details are available from Andy Pidwell,
Hon. Secretary/Treasurer, SWMBF (E: andy@swmbf.co.uk)

Warning

An upsurge in the number of casual games such as Pub XVs has been reported. Club officials would be well advised to inform their players that they are unlikely to be covered for any form of insurance when playing in games not on a club’s normal fixture list.

Important Notices

Death from Heart Failure or Collapse does not come within the cover afforded by the Rules of the Fund.

Death by Natural Causes cover can be obtained from the RFU.

If claims are not notified in accordance with the rules, and the correct information given, then a claim may be rejected.

Notes for the Guidance of Clubs re Practice Matches

Your attention is drawn to the following:

Rule 8, Clause C

Claims for compensation shall be paid only for accidents to players occurring on the field of play during the progress of a bona fide match or practice game.

Note:

Either bona fide matches and practice games must appear on the Club fixture list or official notification must have been sent to the Honorary Secretary of the Fund. Ordinary club ‘kick-abouts’ or practice sessions which do not comply with these conditions are NOT covered.

Claims Procedure

1. Immediately a player is injured in the field of play, his Club Secretary must be informed. The Honorary Secretary of the Fund should receive the Claim Form with all relevant documents requested within TWENTY-ONE DAYS of the injury or the claim will be REJECTED.
2. Nett Weekly Wage is the actual amount received by the player after all statutory deductions such as NHS, Tax, etc., have been deducted and it is essential copies or proof of wages are sent.
3. As soon as the player has been declared fit to resume his occupation, the final medical certificate should be sent to the Honorary Secretary of the Fund, when benefit due will be paid, providing everything is in order.
4. It is primarily the responsibility of the player and his Captain to ensure the Official dealing with insurance is notified without undue delay of any injury to a player.

www.swmbf.co.uk
Visit our website for information, forms and costs for current and prospective clubs.

This is YOUR FUND for YOUR BENEFIT and can only succeed with YOUR cooperation.