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ACRO E-mail Archive Thread: [Acro] CD Protection [International Aerobatic Club] [Communications] [Aerobatics Images] Disclaimer: These aerobatics pages are developed by individual IAC members and do not represent official IAC policy or opinion. |
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Thread: [Acro] CD Protection
Message: [Acro] CD Protection
Follow-Up To: ACRO Email list (for List Members only)
From: "Ron Spencer" <splitimagewing at earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 09 Mar 2002 20:40:13 UTC
To All, I understand Jim's concerns about being the signatory. Rob D. is right in his limits of reasonable expectations...however, as we all know, (only too well) that in this litigious society the IAC could have the most highly perfected spin training program, standards and evaluation process, and detailed certification...yet...after a mishap, (especially a fatal one), the lawsuits may still fly. I agree that the CD, and even other members acting in responsible duties, (Starter, for example, if a mishap was attributed to the fact that the competitor did not have his seatbelt fastened correctly), run the risk of being named as defendants. Such is the nature of our jurisprudence. Sooo...what do we do? The safest course of action is...no action! The thing to do is to remain at home, doors locked and never engage in anything that creates potential legal exposure. Obviously, this allows the "system" to hold us hostage. Perhaps the real problem here is not the spin training issue, but more of the legal liability issue. I recall when I was the Vice Chair of the pilot's union, we had "Directors Insurance", (or something similarly named), which added a considerable measure of protection for the individual leaders in the event of personal lawsuits arising from our union duties. While it still did not prevent us from being sued individually, it provided a legal defense fund. Along these lines, (understanding that the costs would eventually have to be borne by the competitors), it may be feasible to expand contest insurance coverage, (even using a different "add-on" company), to include IAC Contest Officials Insurance...which would help mitigate yours, (Jim) and other Contest Directors concerns. Another solution, may be to supplant the statement of a CD's personal responsibility, with a holdharmless clause that all competitors would have to acknowledge and sign. Weak, (I admit) but another option never-the-less. IAC is our passion, and beloved sport. No one should have to bear the price or burden of another's inexperience, incompetence or mistake. If CD's out there are concerned with the level of protection they are afforded for the pleasure of running a contest, then this should be a priority to resolve. If contests are not being held because potential CD's will not step forward out of legal concern then we all lose... However, limiting or omitting categories does not really seem to the culprit here, as the liability appears to be present no matter if the competitor is new or highly experienced. Let's resolve to resolve this concern, as far as we can, to the benefit of all IACers. I want to have aerobatic fun...and I know each of you do to. To this end, this may very well be one of the most beneficial exchanges ever posted on the exploder. Regards, -RS- Attachement 1: part2.htmlAttachement 2: RonXSpencer.vcf