Fed equipment checks

[shagpal]

I heard bollinger is terrible to deal with.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Actually, I'd worry more about the insurance company.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by shagpal

I heard bollinger is terrible to deal with.

I have never had a problem with Bollinger, whether obtaining insurance or submitting a claim for one of the umpires in my organization. They have always been easy to talk to and eager to help.

Not saying others haven't had issues, it is not uncommon especially since many never read their policy and thing the insurance companies are supposed to act like Glinda and just solve problems with the flick of a wand.

But that wasn't the insurance to which I was referring.

[shagpal]

naso?

I heard nightmare stories for teams over on heybucket, so the claims were for teams and not umpires.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I have never had a problem with Bollinger, whether obtaining insurance or submitting a claim for one of the umpires in my organization. They have always been easy to talk to and eager to help.

Not saying others haven't had issues, it is not uncommon especially since many never read their policy and thing the insurance companies are supposed to act like Glinda and just solve problems with the flick of a wand.

But that wasn't the insurance to which I was referring.

[AtlUmpSteve]

I believe the point is that when a player is injured, the parents' first thought, aside from anger, is to submit an insurance claim. When they then think of a windfall, or blame, or are contacted by an ambulance chaser, the first thoughts aren't necessarily to blame the umpires. Very often, law suits or threats of lawsuits start with other parties; and THEIR insurers immediately respond with a "share the blame" response.

In most states, as I understand it, the more parties held even partially accountable limits the liability of the other parties. So, even if the field owner should be primarily liable, their insurer wants anyone/everyone else that may have pockets (or their own insurance) added. In simple terms, if the cost is to be $100,000, they want to add people that may thrown $10,000 at it to make it go away. Add enough other people with even unlikely liability but with insurance, they can lessen their exposure.

I, also, have had good results from Bollinger, to the extent of their coverage, when working to get coverage for others (I have never needed to file myself, thankfully. They will decline coverage if the umpire (or player) files after the deadline; and they do only cover what they cover. If you understand what they cover, and file timely, they get it done.

[SWFLguy]

We check hats and bats every game here. I've worked four games so far and found one bat with no ASA assignation and one catcher's helmet/mask that had several nuts and bolts missing. We still ask head coaches if players are properly equipped and require a verbal response. Better safe than sorry.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by shagpal

naso?

I heard nightmare stories for teams over on heybucket, so the claims were for teams and not umpires.

You've "heard stories"? Yeah, there is a viable source.

And actually, I was referring to the insurance company attempting to recoup any cost.

This is why signed waivers do not completely protect people from lawsuits. Even though they would still be protected by Bollinger as long as the original event was ASA sanctioned, some umpires will not continue working a game if it ends prematurely.

[shagpal]

heybucket is a forum, so the sources are anonymous. but, why would anyone lie?

I would like to know, since I decided to go with additional bollinger thru ASA for ncaa. I let naso expire and I have not yet renewed.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You've "heard stories"? Yeah, there is a viable source.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by shagpal

heybucket is a forum, so the sources are anonymous. but, why would anyone lie?

Why would you cite unverified hearsay? Maybe they just want to bad mouth ASA. After all, you are referencing a PGF-centric location. Or maybe it isn't as much a lie as it is ignorance. As Steve noted, you know what is covered, you act as directed, no problem. As I noted, many people believe insurance companies exist to operate as the individual sees fit, and the contract really doesn't need to apply to them. Which is another epidemic in this country, discussion for another day.

IOW, people who are attempting to deflect blame or examples of their failure to act accordingly.

I would like to know, since I decided to go with additional bollinger thru ASA for ncaa. I let naso expire and I have not yet renewed.

I assume you are referring to the ASA Sports Official policy. How much did the local association bump that number for you? Just curious, many consider this a money maker as opposed to a service for the umpire.

[okla21fan]

I have personally filed two claims with Bollinger under my ASA umpire insurance (one relatively small, the other over $20k when it was all said an done)

In either case, I had little trouble with Bollinger. Yes, getting 'itemized' bill were a pain, but once I told the hospital what type of form I needed in the bills, it was a breeze.

I'll stand behind ASA's insurance as one of the best and convenient. Like any insurance claim, one needs to follow the instructions in the claim forms.

[shagpal]

I am just reflecting the hearsay. I have no experience to reference, so I can only work off of others.

I went w/ the additional bollinger already to cover HS and NCAA, so I did take it as rumors. the extra bollinger was a $25 bump up from reg ASA dues. I may still renew naso since the coverage is higher.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Why would you cite unverified hearsay? Maybe they just want to bad mouth ASA. After all, you are referencing a PGF-centric location. Or maybe it isn't as much a lie as it is ignorance. As Steve noted, you know what is covered, you act as directed, no problem. As I noted, many people believe insurance companies exist to operate as the individual sees fit, and the contract really doesn't need to apply to them. Which is another epidemic in this country, discussion for another day.

IOW, people who are attempting to deflect blame or examples of their failure to act accordingly.



I assume you are referring to the ASA Sports Official policy. How much did the local association bump that number for you? Just curious, many consider this a money maker as opposed to a service for the umpire.