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On the Ice => Sitting on the Boards Rink Side => Topic started by: dlbritton on June 06, 2016, 05:11:34 PM

Title: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on June 06, 2016, 05:11:34 PM
Does anyone have experience with filing a claim under the Basic Skills/ US Figure Skating sports accident insurance program?

Does anyone know if this would cover an accident while practicing in a public session but not in a class/private lesson?
If it makes any difference I was using an LTS practice session punch card the rink provides.

I didn't really think much about an insurance claim because I knew the rink had no liability, but then I was reading over my basic skills
information and saw mention of the sports accident coverage.

I spoke to someone at US Figure Skating and she was not sure if this would be covered, that it would be up to the insurance company.
When I was telling her what happened her comment was "ah, the dreaded mohawk".
Title: Re: "ah, the dreaded mohawk" and US Figure Skating sports accident insurance
Post by: AgnesNitt on June 06, 2016, 07:22:33 PM
You know, back in 2009 I broke my ankle skating (I was in ISI and it had basic skills insurance at the time). I know you have to have an incident report (The rink asked "Did you hit your head?" over and over and gave me a report--it was a really well run rink). However, I never went to the trouble to apply. I think it only covers costs not covered by your own insurance.
I encourage you to apply.
If it turns out to be impossible to get anything out of the company,  you'll be doing all of us a favor by providing a report.

This is called 'excess accident insurance'. I have a friend in the insurance business, I'll ask her what she knows about it.
Title: Re: "ah, the dreaded mohawk" and US Figure Skating sports accident insurance
Post by: dlbritton on June 06, 2016, 10:41:11 PM
The policy has a $2500 deductible and is secondary if you have other insurance, but every bit will help.
$500 deductible for Elite skaters.
Title: Re: "ah, the dreaded mohawk" and US Figure Skating sports accident insurance
Post by: tstop4me on June 07, 2016, 05:47:40 AM
When I was telling her what happened her comment was "ah, the dreaded mohawk".

Does this mean that it's common for skaters to suffer serious injury when doing a mohawk? Or am I parsing the code wrong?
Title: Re: "ah, the dreaded mohawk" and US Figure Skating sports accident insurance
Post by: dlbritton on June 07, 2016, 06:44:21 AM
That is how I took it. I have seen somewhat similar comments elsewhere.

I know my skating director cringed when I would do them, apparently I step down too close for her comfort, possibly leading to a 'click of death". I don't think that is what happened when I fell as I was actually standing still and just going through the motions.
Title: Re: "ah, the dreaded mohawk" and US Figure Skating sports accident insurance
Post by: lutefisk on June 07, 2016, 09:42:00 AM
Four years ago I busted my right radius attempting a 7-step Mohawk combo (an ISI thing) in my weak direction.  Last year I busted my right humerus and smacked my head hard enough to require a crainitomy.  Can't remember what the hell I was attempting.  Nothing heroic.  Probably tripped over my picks, but that small part of my memory was erased and hasn't come back so I'll never know.  Since no lawyers chased my ambulance, it didn't occur to me to sue anybody.  Just a simple minded country hick.  Anyway, our son is getting married this weekend.  Wife told me to stay the hell off the ice 'til after the wedding.  She doesn't want to see any photos of me sporting another cast.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on June 07, 2016, 11:47:52 AM
Changed the title because I want to focus on the sports accident aspect. The mohawk comment was secondary.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: FigureSpins on June 07, 2016, 02:03:09 PM
I know three adults who were injured while skating.  They all said the sports accident policy was useless because it has a high deductible that only applies to the costs not covered by personal medical insurance.  I was surprised to hear that; I assumed it would at least cover the co-payments.

I wonder if skaters could buy a personal accident insurance policy that would provide better coverage?
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: rd350 on June 07, 2016, 06:31:18 PM
Wow @lutefisk!  I guess a cast, or other medical dressing could really mess up the wedding photos.  Smart wife I think though.

@figurespins I think personal accident insurance would either carry a high deductible as well, or it would cost more than it may be worth.

I also thought the ISI insurance would cover co-pays, etc.  That's a big deductible, but then it's like $50 for 5 years so that kind of makes sense.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on June 07, 2016, 07:22:31 PM
US Figure Skating probably throws in the accident policy because the potential payouts are probably pretty low. My primary insurance has a $4000 out of pocket max so at most the USFS policy would pay $1500. They probably count on other policies having some type of max as well.

Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on June 08, 2016, 03:45:49 PM
Just submitted my Accident Report and 42 pages of EOBs (lots of boiler plate included) to USFSA for processing. 13 doctor visits so far.

I will keep the group posted on how the claim is resolved. I look at this as mana from heaven if I recover anything.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: icedancer on June 08, 2016, 08:04:26 PM
So something really happened to you?  I must have missed it in one of the other threads - were you seriously injured in the mohawk incident?
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on June 08, 2016, 09:07:35 PM
So something really happened to you?  I must have missed it in one of the other threads - were you seriously injured in the mohawk incident?

Yes, (in injured reserve thread): broken left fibula and torn ligaments/cartilage in left ankle resulting in ORIF surgery to stitch it all back together. Was in cast for 8 weeks, been on crutches/ air cast for 3 weeks, hope to transition from crutches next week. Expect to be in air cast til mid July.  Full recovery expected by November/December.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: icedancer on June 08, 2016, 09:21:51 PM
OH MY GOD!!!

That is horrible - I don't actually look at that thread because I just don't want to know I guess - I have a number of ongoing things at my age (62) but try not to dwell - maybe I will be in touch with that forum... have always learned a lot from this particular group.

Anyway, I hope you are better quickly and will return to the ice when you are ready!
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: Query on June 10, 2016, 04:07:21 AM
http://www.usfsa.org/content/Insurance%20Program.pdf says

"Bodily Injury or Property Damage: The policy DOES NOT respond to any event or
activity, workout or organized practice except when scheduled under the direct physical
supervision of a coach or staff member approved by the Named Insured."

I don't know if that is up to date, or if it applies to your case.

http://www.usfsa.org/content/ClubMattersSummer2015.pdf says

"There should never be unsupervised activities on the ice. A coach/instructor or
responsible adult must supervise all skating activities."

I bet the USFSA says they are not responsible for injuries occurring without direct instructor supervision...

I'm not a lawyer. You may need one.

It would cost A LOT to cover the costs of injury treatment, lost income, and lost time. There is no way they can cover the costs of most injuries, for the prices USFSA charges. In some ways, it isn't good for sports and those who participate in them to have other people be held responsible for your injuries unless they caused them - most sports facilities and clubs would have to close down. OTOH, it may reasonably be asked why USFSA insists skaters in BS classes get sports accident insurance. There should be some benefit, to someone other than the USFSA.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: AgnesNitt on June 10, 2016, 09:42:24 AM
Quote
http://www.usfsa.org/content/Insurance%20Program.pdf says

"Bodily Injury or Property Damage: The policy DOES NOT respond to any event or
activity, workout or organized practice except when scheduled under the direct physical
supervision of a coach or staff member approved by the Named Insured."

Well, I think that's interesting. I read through it, and I think it's so well written that the company never has to pay out anything.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on June 10, 2016, 10:39:13 AM
http://www.usfsa.org/content/Insurance%20Program.pdf says

"Bodily Injury or Property Damage: The policy DOES NOT respond to any event or
activity, workout or organized practice except when scheduled under the direct physical
supervision of a coach or staff member approved by the Named Insured."

I don't know if that is up to date, or if it applies to your case.


That is under the Commercial General Liability Coverage section and (I believe) would apply to the rinks liability for an injury.

Under the Sports Accident Coverage section it states:

Class II – While participating in figure skating lessons, practices and competition sponsored, sanctioned and supervised by the policyholder including travel to, during or after such activities as a member of a group in transportation furnished or arranged by the policyholder.

It could center around "supervised". The rink always has someone in charge, but not necessarily on the ice or outside the rink but observing skaters. The practice session is obviously sponsored and sanctioned by the rink.


http://www.usfsa.org/content/ClubMattersSummer2015.pdf says

"There should never be unsupervised activities on the ice. A coach/instructor or
responsible adult must supervise all skating activities."

I bet the USFSA says they are not responsible for injuries occurring without direct instructor supervision...

I'm not a lawyer. You may need one.

That is under a Risk Management article and is appears to be addressing rink liability.

It would cost A LOT to cover the costs of injury treatment, lost income, and lost time. There is no way they can cover the costs of most injuries, for the prices USFSA charges. In some ways, it isn't good for sports and those who participate in them to have other people be held responsible for your injuries unless they caused them - most sports facilities and clubs would have to close down. OTOH, it may reasonably be asked why USFSA insists skaters in BS classes get sports accident insurance. There should be some benefit, to someone other than the USFSA.

With a $2500 deductible and being secondary they probably don't expect to pay out very often, and probably don't in reality either. I believe the Sports Accident insurance is included as a PR move. USFSA is not insisting BS skaters get insurance but rather provides it as a benefit.

If my claim is denied I probably won't pursue it beyond one appeal, certainly not worth getting a lawyer. I expect to recover $1500 maximum, which while not a trivial amount , is also not something I originally expected or counted on so any amount will be gratefully welcomed.

I didn't pursue anything earlier because I certainly knew the rink wasn't responsible for my fall and injury but once I saw they have the Accident insurance I decided it is worth pursuing.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: TreSk8sAZ on June 10, 2016, 01:34:12 PM

Under the Sports Accident Coverage section it states:

Class II – While participating in figure skating lessons, practices and competition sponsored, sanctioned and supervised by the policyholder including travel to, during or after such activities as a member of a group in transportation furnished or arranged by the policyholder.

It could center around "supervised". The rink always has someone in charge, but not necessarily on the ice or outside the rink but observing skaters. The practice session is obviously sponsored and sanctioned by the rink.


Sanction is a term of art in the US Figure Skating rules. I believe this is actually referring to practice ice and competitions that have applied for and received a US Figure Skating sanction. Sanctions are required for such activities as exhibitions, competitions (which includes practice ice), and any time any non-club members are invited to ice time. The sanction is obtained by the Skating Club so it would likely not be referring to something that is just held by the rink, rather something that is sponsored and supervised by the entity that requested the sanction for the activity.

For example, no sanction is needed for a freestyle or public session at my rink because they are run by the rink and there is no performance aspect. But the exhibitions held by the rink as part of the summer training camp require a performance sanction because the public is invited to watch the skaters do their programs by themselves on the ice.

It's worth a try, but I wouldn't be surprised if the claim is denied.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: Query on June 11, 2016, 08:08:06 PM
USFSA might pay because fighting the case might cost more than paying. But the very fact that you have made it public here might mean they can't afford to pay, because too many people would follow your example and apply. Injuries in all sports are too common - they would have to charge a lot more for insurance than they do.

It's true that the USFSA doesn't explicitly require BS skaters to get insurance directly. But they require BS membership for lessons and competitions - and perhaps soon for tests - and BS membership includes insurance. They also require BS instructors and BS programs to have insurance. But many rinks, like mine, use general liability insurers, rather than the USFSA, or get insurance through PSA (I think).

Regardless of insurance claims, I hope you recover well, and that you aren't scared away from skating and other sports. Good luck on healing!
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on June 21, 2016, 05:27:16 PM
Just sent off my EOBs to the insurance underwriter along with a form describing accident and other insurance coverage.
The form has pretty generic sports injury related questions. Nothing about being in a lesson or competition.

Pertinent questions on the form were:
     Activity participating in at time of injury:
     Name/location of accident (include city and state):
     Describe injury (including part of body injured):
     Describe how accident occurred:

Keeping my fingers crossed that I get something. Rereading the Description of Coverage it does cover Physical Therapy (up to $1000), which I start tomorrow.

As an aside, at chair yoga today, the question following my reply that I fell figure skating was: Oh, were out with your grandchildren?  followed by an incredulous look when I explained that I have been taking lessons for 3 years. The grandchildren question seems to come up fairly often.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on June 21, 2016, 10:15:50 PM

Interesting information about ISI accident insurance:

Who is protected : All currently registered ISI Skater Members.

Covered activities: While participating in ice skating activities. Coverage excludes all commutation/travel to and from.

Coverage: Accident Insurance

Maximum Amounts: $25,000 Accident Medical Expense Benefit, (Excess basis)
$ 1,000 Deductible amount per accident
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: AgnesNitt on July 06, 2016, 07:51:12 PM
dlbritton

Did you ever hear from the insurance company?
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on July 21, 2016, 01:37:55 PM
dlbritton

Did you ever hear from the insurance company?

I have submitted all of my EOBs and itemized statements to the insurance company and am waiting now. At first I sent EOBs and the hospital/surgeon bills but they needed the claim format (with "procedure" codes and descriptions) sent by providers so I have sent those. No overly detailed questions so far about the accident from insurance company. USFS claim form was more detailed. USFS probably filters some claims and forward rest to insurance company. Hopefully insurer does cover all skating related accidents at a USFS rink for USFS members. Again, since the policy has a $2500 deductible I doubt they get very many claims.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on August 02, 2016, 02:33:06 PM
Just got a call from the insurance adjuster. Most of the charges (in excess of the deductible) I submitted will be covered and I will be getting a check for around $1000 soon.  :stars:
Once the physical therapist provides more documentation my co-pays for PT should be covered as well. Mind you, I am still $2500 out of pocket but at least it is something.

I'll update this once I really have a check in hand, but it looks like the insurance does actually pay off.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: AgnesNitt on August 02, 2016, 05:51:12 PM
Just got a call from the insurance adjuster. Most of the charges (in excess of the deductible) I submitted will be covered and I will be getting a check for around $1000 soon.  :stars:
Once the physical therapist provides more documentation my co-pays for PT should be covered as well. Mind you, I am still $2500 out of pocket but at least it is something.

I'll update this once I really have a check in hand, but it looks like the insurance does actually pay off.

1/3 of something is better than nothing of somethng
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: Bill_S on August 02, 2016, 06:59:24 PM
That's money that you wouldn't have otherwise! Glad to hear that it all worked out for you.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: rd350 on August 02, 2016, 07:31:51 PM
Great news!!  When my health insurance was erroneously cancelled Friday I proceeded to the rink before it was reinstated thinking, well I have "that insurance"....
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on August 03, 2016, 08:16:02 AM
Great news!!  When my health insurance was erroneously cancelled Friday I proceeded to the rink before it was reinstated thinking, well I have "that insurance"....

Just remember the $2500 deductible.

I just hit my primary insurance $4000 out of pocket max so the most the sports insurance will have to pay is $1500.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: Query on August 03, 2016, 08:30:00 PM
Great!

Now that you've openly published this, it will be interesting to see if USFSA has to change its policy.

I don't know how many people this could affect. I've seen a few people with severe injuries at ice rinks. But between the high deductible, and the part of the policy that says it is "excess", maybe there are just so few people that qualify that it isn't significant?

Do you think most skaters in the U.S. have general health insurance that would cover injuries anyway?
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on August 03, 2016, 08:49:03 PM
Great!

Now that you've openly published this, it will be interesting to see if USFSA has to change its policy.

I don't know how many people this could affect. I've seen a few people with severe injuries at ice rinks. But between the high deductible, and the part of the policy that says it is "excess", maybe there are just so few people that qualify that it isn't significant?

Do you think most skaters in the U.S. have general health insurance that would cover injuries anyway?

The sports accident policy is listed on the Basic Skills/Learn to Skate "brochure" as a benefit so they aren't trying to hide it. However it took a bit of searching to actually find out what it is and how to apply so while it wasn't hidden it wasn't easy to apply for.

I doubt my discussing it on this forum is going to change how USFSA handles it. It is partially a pr move in the first place I think. The high deductible and being secondary certainly limits what the insurance company can expect to pay out.

I presume most general health insurance policies in the US would cover this type of injury, albeit maybe with a high deductible of their own. In my case, their exposure is around $1500 since I have met my $4000 out of pocket max with my primary insurance. Many ACA (Obamacare) policies do have deductibles in the $5000 and up range so the sports insurance would be on the hook for any portion above $2500 until the other insurance kicked in. Not to overgeneralize things, but I assume most people figure skating (or having kids skating) do have health insurance since it is "mandatory" under Obamacare.

Overall, it is a "feel good" benefit that probably doesn't have to pay off in many instances and is limited when it does have to pay off.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: rd350 on August 04, 2016, 03:08:01 PM
Even with the deductible, $2,500 for not the worst should something like surgery be involved.  Believe it or not, I haven't completely straightened out this mess with my "actual" health insurance yet.  Theoretically, I have it but they "cancelled" my credit card payment from Monday - though no one can explain why!

It's nice to have the additional ice insurance anyway.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: AgnesNitt on August 04, 2016, 10:00:27 PM
I didn't see the insurance in anything in the LTS USA program materials.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: Query on August 04, 2016, 10:15:50 PM
I didn't see the insurance in anything in the LTS USA program materials.

Maybe that will mean most people don't realize it is there, to use.

But it is referenced at

  https://www.learntoskateusa.com/signuphomepage

under "Member Benefits":
 
  "Receive secondary sport accident insurance"

There is a lot of info about the new LTS program at http://www.learntoskateusa.com

However, if you then search for "sport accident insurance" at

  http://usfsa.org

or

  http://usfigureskating.org

you (as of this moment) won't find anything. So in some respects maybe it is getting harder to find info about it.

But realistically, they are at the beginning of this revision. Some things can be fixed.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on August 04, 2016, 10:18:06 PM
I was typing my response when Query replied as well:


From   https://www.learntoskateusa.com/signuphomepage/

Member benefits

With your annual fee of $12* you will:

I had to call US Figure Skating to find out where it is on the main USFS web site.
It is at http://www.usfsa.org ; Clubs tab ; Then Risk Management ; Look about 1/2 way down the page.
PDF is at http://www.usfsa.org/content/Insurance%20Program.pdf
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: Query on August 04, 2016, 10:39:03 PM
Yes, but looking at that policy, I honestly don't see how injuries occurring while practicing on a rink-run session could possibly be covered. Look at page 3, under Covered Activities". Note also, that the named insured is "USFSA", not you the skater, which I find confusing.

I think you got lucky, and the insurance adjuster gave you money under a very liberal interpretation of the policy - assuming this is the way it was written when you were insured.

Incidentally, Oh, sucrose! Since the rink hasn't renewed my membership yet, I can't log in to the USFSA member page.

However, as of last year, the back of my membership card did mention insurance:

Benefits of Membership
(Some benefits do not apply to all members)
• A subscription to SKATING magazine (1st family member)
• Right to test at U.S. Figure Skating sponsored sessions
• Right to compete at U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned events
• Athletes receive certificates of accomplishment
• Right to participate in U.S. Figure Skating programs and camps
• Right to represent your club at regional, sectional and national events (pending qualification)
• Opportunity to become a member of the U.S., World or Olympic Figure Skating Team
Insurance programs / for information call
  1.800.332.9256 x100


Does the current membership card no longer mention insurance?
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on August 04, 2016, 11:01:26 PM
Yes, but looking at that policy, I honestly don't see how injuries occurring while practicing on a rink-run session could possibly be covered. Look at page 3, under Covered Activities". Note also, that the named insured is "USFSA", not you the skater, which I find confusing.

I think you got lucky, and the insurance adjuster gave you money under a very liberal interpretation of the policy - assuming this is the way it was written when you were insured.


Insurance programs / for information call
  1.800.332.9256 x100


Does the current membership card no longer mention insurance?

The wording is very vague and open to interpretation.

Incidentally I looked at the ISI site and their Sport Accident Policay states (paraphrased) it covers accidents incurred while an ISI member is ice skating (period). Nothing about practices, competitions, etc. Plus the ISI policy has a $1000 deductible.

I have not received any new materials including a new card since I renewed. Since I was not in Basic Skills I paid the renewal myself to make sure there would be no question of coverage after the original "rink" sponsored membership expired.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: icedancer on August 05, 2016, 01:04:01 PM

Does the current membership card no longer mention insurance?

I just got my new card in the mail yesterday and yes, that line with phone number is still on it. 

Who knows what it really means?  Maybe someone should call and find out!

drbritton I think it is great that you are getting something out of this.  I really wonder how many claims made through this LTS insurance program actually pay out at all?
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: Query on August 05, 2016, 08:57:36 PM
I looked at the ISI site and their Sport Accident Policay states (paraphrased) it covers accidents incurred while an ISI member is ice skating (period). Nothing about practices, competitions, etc. Plus the ISI policy has a $1000 deductible.

You may disagree with me, but here is my take on this:

The USFSA was formed for the explicit stated charter purpose of helping U.S. elite athletes win International ISU competitions. For the most part, a few thousand dollars here and there aren't an overwhelming issue for the elite athletes, most of whom probably also carry very good health insurance of their own. They don't really need this insurance.

The USFSA also supports associated clubs and associated professionals.

This page

  http://www.usfigureskating.org/clubs?id=84048

make it clear that USFSA insurance is really meant to protect coaches, clubs, and club officers, from liability suits, not individual recreational skaters.

In the sue-happy USA, you can sue a skating club, skating coach, or skating facility, for injuries received while skating. Are legal system being what it is, you might even win. They might well give you more than this insurance policy itself covers - e.g., for "pain and suffering", "loss of work", etc.

I.E., the insurance Company was not trying to help the o.p., who is not their nominal customer. They hope that by giving the o.p. some money, they will prevent the o.p. from suing coaches, clubs, facilities, and their officers. For those people and organizations, defending themselves against such a suit could cost much more than this small payout. Losing the suit could cost even more.

I realize that USFSA's decisions, over the past few years, to advertise and push LTS classes, make it seem that they are interested in supporting recreational skaters. But that isn't their charter purpose. Perhaps it is a meant as way of raising more money to support their elite athletes - and to support USFSA member coaches.

Many sports organization and sorts teacher certification programs offer liability insurance for professionals and organizations - e.g., the American Canoe Association offers insurance to canoe and kayak instructors that they certify. And many sports clubs buy insurance to protect themselves, their officers and their event leaders. No one really expects them to help individual participants, except incidentally.

It doesn't mean the USFSA is doing something wrong by offering a non-comprehensive policy. They just don't happen to provide all things to all people. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association doesn't have to provide consumer health information to the consuming public. That's not their job. Likewise for the USFSA.

ISI was formed to serve a less exclusive group, which includes elite and non-elite skaters, their coaches, and the facilities that support them. So while ISI offers insurance for professionals and facilities, they also include insurance in all individual skater memberships

  http://www.skateisi.com/site/Sub.Cfm?Content=membership_individual_eamc_coverage_summary

which is meant to help help recreational skaters too. It was potentially even more useful before the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (Obamacare) made health insurance more commonplace - although many people opt for extremely high-deductible health insurance, so it still applies.

All I'm saying is that the USFSA isn't doing anything wrong, compared to the ISI. One just has to understand who they are there to serve. It might be nice if they offered better insurance to recreational skaters, but it isn't central to their purpose. I don't find it troubling that their insurance isn't as good as some might want it to be. I'm surprised the insurance came through as well as it did for the o.p.
Title: Re: US Figure Skating sports accident insurance and "ah, the dreaded mohawk"
Post by: dlbritton on March 28, 2017, 11:07:54 PM
Tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of my fall.

As far as I can tell, everything has healed up nicely. I have been back on the ice since mid November 2016 and just started another session of LTS tonight. I even did a few mohawks in both directions to prove to myself that I am healed and comfortable on the ice.

I still have a slight reduction in my range of motion compared to my right ankle, but my skates stop me before I reach that point.
However my LTS coach wants much more knee and ankle bend for my power pulls so I may find that point after all.

Several of the parents that were around last year during the time I was in a cast have asked how I am feeling and expressed both admiration and disbelief that I am back on the ice.

As an aside, the Sports Accident insurance paid a little more than $1400 which was the amount of my out of pocket above the $2500 deductible. I signed up for ISI as well just to get a $1000 deductible policy for effectively $10/year.