Accident Insurance for Student Athletes Accident insurance provides great protection for your family against the

unexpected catastrophes possible in everyday life, but what about people who put themselves in potential physical danger every day? A lot of basic accident insurance policies will refuse compensation if the policyholder suffers injury in a way that the insurance company deems "intentional"; athletics can often fall into this category. Athletes, especially student athletes, are put at a great risk every time they take the field, track, or arena, and to protect them against the inherent risks of physical activity, families need to choose a policy that allows them to focus more on improving their abilities than worrying constantly about potential injury and the resultant financial strain that comes with it. Many major and minor insurance companies have accident insurance tailored specifically towards athletes. For example, Mutual of Omaha has a policy to cover student athletes including members of the band and cheerleading squads. There are also insurance companies like 1st Agency that specialize in covering students at the interscholastic and intercollegiate levels. These policies can provide the necessary protection to families who have children participating in sports at all levels. High school football is a great and widely popular tradition in America, but behind the less populated sports of boxing and mixed martial arts, it is one of the most dangerous. According to Ramirez et al. 2006, there are roughly 26 injuries for every 100 players in high school American football. In the study, Ramirez says that these rates of injury can differ depending on playing surface, weather conditions, and position, but overall, the prospect of 1 out of every 4 high school football players sustaining an injury at some point can be a cause for concern among the parents of these athletes. Other non-contact sports can also be dangerous. According to Watson and Paul (1987), in high school track and field 1 out of every 6 males and 1 out of every 8 females suffered an injury at one point of the season. In this study the injuries could include certain ailments such as muscle strains that do not require medical attention, but there is always a distinct possibility that the injury could require more an ice pack and some time off. Even though high school athletics should be encouraged in students, there are many risks despite the many benefits, and families should prepare for these risks. When shopping for athletic accident insurance for your child, always consult the school's policies regarding injury first. Certain states will cover various injuries, while many others will not, but it is always ideal to have your own personal coverage should the injury exceed the limitations held by the school's policies. Sources: Ramirez, M. Schaffer KB, Shen H, Kashani S, Kraus JF. Injuries to high school football athletes in
California. American Journal of Sports Medicine, July 2006; 34(7):1147-58. Watson, Michael D. and D, Paul P. "Incidence of injuries in high school track and field athletes and its relation to performance ability." American Journal of Sports Medicine, June 1987; 15: 251-254.